Buffalo Toronto Public Media Blog
Explore the latest stories, innovations, and community voices shaping public media. From behind-the-scenes looks at groundbreaking productions to in-depth features on local culture and initiatives, the BTPM Blog keeps you connected to the heart of public storytelling. Dive into inspiring narratives that amplify the power of media to inform and engage.
BTPM Blog
Reading Rainbow Returns and So Does the Magic of Reading
The beloved Reading Rainbow returns, inspiring a new generation to discover the joy of books, imagination, and lifelong learning through the power of story.
Kathryn's Must-Sees for October on BTPM PBS
Kathryn’s Must-Sees is your guide for the most compelling and thought-provoking programs on BTPM PBS. Curated monthly by Kathryn Larsen, our Vice President of Content Distribution with over 40 years of programming experience, these standout programs entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.
Top 5 Things To Do in Buffalo this Fall
The fall season is right on our heels in Buffalo, but it's the perfect season to enjoy what the city has to offer. For some suggestions on what to do this fall, here's our list of top 5 things you can do to embrace the new season.
Helping Kids Adjust After the First Days of School
Back-to-school in Buffalo and WNY brings excitement and anxiety. Discover expert tips and resources from Buffalo Toronto Public Media to help kids ease into routines and thrive this school year.
Kathryn's Must-Sees for September on BTPM PBS
Kathryn’s Must-Sees is your guide for the most compelling and thought-provoking programs on BTPM PBS. Curated monthly by Kathryn Larsen, our Vice President of Content Distribution with over 40 years of programming experience, these standout programs entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.
Shaping the Future: A Q&A on BTPM’s Young Adult Advisory Committee
Discover how young voices are shaping public media through BTPM’s Young Adult Advisory Committee in this Q&A with BTPM Learning & Engagement Specialist Samantha Kittinger.
Kathryn's Must-Sees for August on BTPM PBS
Kathryn’s Must-Sees is your guide for the most compelling and thought-provoking programs on BTPM PBS. Curated monthly by Kathryn Larsen, our Vice President of Content Distribution with over 40 years of programming experience, these standout programs entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.
Defunded, not defeated: What's next for Buffalo Toronto Public Media
The House and Senate voted in favor of the recessions proposal, which eliminates federal funding for public media. In simpler terms, we are defunded. Though we are not defeated.
Top 5 Things To Do in Buffalo in July
Here's a list of festivals, tours, and farmers markets happening in Buffalo in July to help you get through the Dog Days of Summer.
Shakespeare Under the Stars: 50 Years of Theater in Delaware Park
Discover how BTPM PBS’ Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits shines a spotlight on Western New York’s most iconic landmarks through the power of Shakespearean performance.
Kathryn's Must-Sees for July on BTPM PBS
Kathryn’s Must-Sees is your guide for the most compelling and thought-provoking programs on BTPM PBS. Curated monthly by Kathryn Larsen, our Vice President of Content Distribution with over 40 years of programming experience, these standout programs entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.
Kleinhans Music Hall as a Cultural Stage for Buffalo’s Milestones
From symphonies to graduation ceremonies, Kleinhans Music Hall echoes the stories of Buffalo’s people, past and present.
The BTPM Classical Blog is presented by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
BTPM Classical Blog
Music, Emotions, & Memories
BTPM Classical Host Marty Wimmer reflects on his three favorite symphonies that connect to him emotionally in this Classical blog.
The Organ Trail
BTPM Classical held a walking tour featuring some of the city's most beautiful and historic pipe organs. Marty Wimmer, BTPM Classical Host, recounts the tour in this blog.
Why Classical?
BTPM Classical Host Ed. Simone answers the question of "why classical?" in this blog. Hear why classical music is so gravitating to Simone!
The Music of Amy Beach
If you are reading the BTPM Classical Blog, chances are that you have an interest in classical music and may even like to share that interest with others. Today, we're talking about Amy Beach!
Who is Your Favorite Composer?
BTPM Classical Host Marty Wimmer goes through his favorite classical composers in this blog. Today, it's Debussy. But it could change next week, or tomorrow!
EN BATEAU: A BTPM Classical Blog
BTPM Classical Host Marty Wimmer explores how boats have inspired many songs in the history of music. And that inspiration even goes so far back in the history of classical music.
Presto! The Tempo of Summer
Our perceptions of time and tempo are affected by many things. In this blog, BTPM Classical Host Genevieve Randall wants us to slow down the time this summer.
Piano Teachers Teach Music & More
BTPM Classical Host Marty Wimmer reflects on piano teachers who have made him the piano player that he is today.
Long Playing
Ed. Simone still listens to vinyl records. He delves into his passion in this BTPM Classical Blog.
Taking Time To Relax
Marty Wimmer of BTPM Classical reflects on what a vacation should feel like, with some help from classical composers.
Music and Memories: A Singer’s Perspective
Kerrykate Abel, Buffalo’s First Lady of Cabaret, details her personal soundtrack in this BTPM Classical blog.
Who Brought Classical Music Into Your Life Part II
I wrote a blog post in 2023 titled, Who Brought Classical Music into Your Life? I mentioned Don Dolloff, a legendary classical music radio announcer on WCNY-FM in Syracuse, NY, where I grew up. Last month, I received a message that Mr. Dolloff called me at BTPM.
BTPM The Bridge Blog
Upcoming Local Shows for 10/17-10/23
Check out local shows coming up in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Uncle Ben's Remedy, Gathering Ground, and Mike Legere Band.
The Scene Playlist for 10/12
Check out this week's playlist from The Scene with Chelsea O and learn more about the artists and their music, including Bone Machine, Crows Will Cry, and The Mountain.
Upcoming Local Shows for 10/10 - 10/16
Check out the local shows coming up in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Letter to Elise, The James Clark Institute, and Ann Philippone.
The Scene Playlist for Oct. 5
Check out this week's playlist from The Scene with Chelsea O and learn more about these artists and their music, including The Pink Leather Jackets, PONY, and Meat Raffle.
Upcoming Local Shows for 10/3 - 10/9
Check out local upcoming shows happening in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Ace of Wands, Sally Schaefer & Tyler Bagwell, and Pretty Good State University.
The Scene Playlist for Sept. 28
Check out this week's playlist from The Scene with Chelsea O and learn more about these artists and their music, including The Wilderness, PONY, and Silver Proof.
Upcoming Local Shows for 9/26 - 10/2
Check out local shows happening in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Old First Ward Music & Arts Festival and Folkfaces Fest!
The Scene Playlist for Sept. 21
Check out this week's playlist from The Scene with Chelsea O and learn more about these artists and their music, including tuesday nite, PA/ST, The Indiana Drones, and more!
Upcoming Local Shows for 9/19 - 9/25
Check out the local shows happening in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Velvet Bethany, Spud, and David Cloyd!
The Scene Playlist for Sept. 14
Check out this week’s playlist from The Scene with Chelsea O and learn more about these artists and their music, including Black Budget, The Vaniers, and Sons of Luther.
Heritage Moments
Heritage Moments: The Buffalonian Who Wrote the Mexican National Anthem
There isn’t a soccer fan on earth who is unfamiliar with the Mexican national anthem, and how stirring it sounds when tens of thousands of Mexico fans sing ¡Mexicanos, al grito de guerra! at stadiums around the world. But how many know that this rousing tune was written by a Buffalonian?
Heritage Moments: A Distinctly Canadian Art Movement, Born in Buffalo
For over a century, the Group of 7 has had an almost mystical hold on the Canadian imagination.
Heritage Moments: ‘My Name Is Allegany County!’ How Rural Western New Yorkers Stopped a Nuclear Dump
Allegany County is as rural, Republican, and conservative as any in New York State. Yet in the winter and spring of 1989 and ’90, its people banded together to successfully resist the placement of a nuclear dump within the county’s borders.
Heritage Moments: John Lewis’s Boyhood Trip to Buffalo, and How It Changed America
When John Lewis, the last of the great figures of the Civil Rights era, died at age 80 in 2020, Americans reflected with near-universal admiration on a life well lived. And, thanks to Lewis himself, they knew of the pivotal role that Buffalo played in molding this national icon.
Heritage Moments: A Black poet's 'song of fiercest passion'
James Monroe Whitfield was a remarkable figure in a remarkable time: a free Black man who owned his own home and his own business in pre-Civil War America; a renowned Romantic poet; and a leading voice in the abolitionist movement.
Heritage Moments: From a death march to liberation, to a quiet street in Kenmore, love prevails
Gerda Weissmann Klein lived a life of unimaginable sadness, loss, and misery, yet paradoxically, one of soaring hope, happiness, and achievement.
Heritage Moments: From New York to Paris in 1908, via Buffalo and Mongolia
Imagine driving across the continent on unpaved roads, railroad ties and trackless wastes… in an open car with no heat, no windshield, no nothing.
Heritage Moments: Chauncey Olcott, WNYs 'Wild Irish Rose'
Chauncey Olcott, a son of Buffalo and Lockport, did not set foot in the Emerald Isle until he was 40 years old.
Heritage Moments: How 'racial covenants' segregated WNY neighborhoods
Today, if you own a home across the Western New York suburbs and even in certain neighborhoods in Buffalo itself, you may still find “racial covenants” in your deed.
Heritage Moments: That’s why we call it Buffalo. Maybe.
We know why most cities have their names, but not Buffalo. New York City is named after York, England; Los Angeles is the city of Our Lady, Queen of the…
Heritage Moments: Annie Edson Taylor, Falls daredevil and a widow’s hard choices
In the days before death benefits, pensions and social security, an aging widow had to fend for herself, even one who was a trained, experienced…
Heritage Moments: Mary Jemison of the Seneca Nation, the ‘White Woman of the Genesee’
In 1823 along the Genesee River there lived an old woman who was quite famous in the region. She was Seneca, yet her features were European and her…