WNY Soundstage

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Sarah T. Schwab, president of Cardinal Flix, and director and co-writer of the film Life After You.    Life After You is a narrative feature film centered around a suburban family’s struggle with the death of their 19 year-old son, following an overdose of heroin that was laced with fentanyl. The film, which e...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Tim Carroll, artistic director of The Shaw Festival Theatre, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in Ontario, Canada.   Tim Carroll began his career with the English Shakespeare Company before becoming Associate Director of the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. From 1999 to 2005, he was Associate Director of Shakespeare’s Globe. His Tony-...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Ida Sjolin and Quentin Lourenco-Aubry, cast members of Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero.    Disney on Ice is a touring spectacular that combines figure skating, storytelling, athleticism, and Disney characters for an unforgettable night of family entertainment.  In Find Your Hero, audiences will discover what it truly...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jennifer Barbee, Associate Director and Director of Development at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. employs and supports a professional major symphony orchestra of artistic excellence that is integral to Buffalo-Niagara’s vitality through the presentation of live symphonic music...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Glynis Leyshon about The Shaw Festival Theatre’s production of Brigadoon.   Glynis Leyshon is one of Canada’s most respected opera and theatre directors. Her directing career spans opera, musical theater, and plays. She was the former artistic director at the Vancouver Playhouse from 1997–2009 and was the past artistic director at...

On this episode, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Scott Propeack, executive director of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, about the Art in Craft Media 2023 exhibition on view through March 10, 2024. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the exhibition and appreciation of visual arts. The Burchfield Penney Art Center houses an extensive collection of artw...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with TaNisha Fordham about Ujima Company’s production of her play 12 Mo’ Angry Men. TaNisha Fordham, a Buffalo, NY native, is a dynamic creative force. She is a multi-hyphenate artist: playwright, actor, director, and author. Currently she is a Directing Fellow with the Broadway Theater Coalition. Her credits include: Associate Directo...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Valerie June about An Evening of Music with Valerie June, Rachael Davis, Thao & Yasmin Williams at Babeville Buffalo, Asbury Hall on November 13, 2023 at 8 PM.  An Evening of Music with Valerie June, Rachael Davis, Thao & Yasmin Williams is a collective of multi-instrumentalists influenced by a kaleidoscope of musical...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Drew Fornarola, artistic director of Starring Buffalo, about their upcoming production of Sister Act.  Starring Buffalo was founded in December 2017 to connect, entertain, teach, and thrill, and above all, to provide top-quality musical theater. Drew Fornarola was inspired by NYC’s City Center Encores! Series, which offers sh...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Dr. Mario Hicks, author of the new book The Strategic Nonprofit, and owner of Odyssey Strategic Consulting  Dr. Hicks has dedicated his life to working with non-profit organizations.  Currently at Daemen College, he oversees the university’s advancement program, which includes annual giving, alumni relations, leadership...

On this episode, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Julian Montague, artist and graphic designer, and Tullis Johnson, curator and manager of exhibitions and collections at the Burchfield Penney, and Tiffany Gaines, curatorial and digital content associate at the Burchfield Penney. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the exhibition and appreciation of vis...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Joan Osborne, legendary singer and songwriter, who will be at The Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda on September 26, at 8 PM.   Joan Osborne is a musician’s musician. Known for her hit song ‘One of Us,’ Osborne’s decades long career defies categorization.  She has been on the Lilith Fair, toured with The Dead, The Chick...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Marc Summers, tv host, producer, and entertainer, about his interactive solo show, The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers at The Alleyway Theatre, September 9-30, 2023.  Marc Summers might be best known for his work as the host of Double Dare on Nickelodeon, but his career extends well beyond that beloved kids show.  His li...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kelly Copps, the artistic director of Second Generation Theater, the artistic director of Ujima Company, Sarah Norat Phillips, and Robert Brunschmid, Vice President of Operations, at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.    Second Generation Theater Company, Ujima Company, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center are producing a...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jessica Kirson, comedian, appearing at Helium Comedy Club on July 20, 21, 22. Jessica is a real comedic craftsperson, who has put in the time and hours to be effortlessly funny.  She has made appearances on Comedy Central, Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, and many other television shows.  Her count...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Drew Fornarola, artistic director of Starring Buffalo, and Michele Ragusa, actress and star of Hello, Dolly.   Starring Buffalo was founded in December 2017 to connect, entertain, teach, and thrill, and above all, to provide top-quality musical theater. Drew Fornarola was inspired by NYC’s City Center Encores! Series, wh...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Carrie Stiver, Executive Director of Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village.   The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (BNHV) season opens on Saturday, May 13, 2023 and promises to offer exciting new experiences including interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Set on 35 acres of lush greenery, the BNH...

On this episode, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with LeRoi Johnson, artist and lawyer, Kaitlyn Lowe, teaching artist from Squeaky Wheel Film and Media Arts Center, Robin Jordan, coordinator of the Just Buffalo Literary Center, Kevin Kline, digital arts and curriculum designer, for Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, and Jay Hawkins, aka Cashis Green, a teaching artist for Buffalo Public Schools O...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Chris J Handley, executive artistic director of The Alleyway Theatre. The first guest to return to the podcast, Chris highlights the last year of Alleyway, and details the newest edition of Buffalo Quickies, a short play festival in its 32nd iteration.   Alleyway Theatre is a professional theatre company and collaborativ...

On this special episode, host Daniel Lendzian speaks to actor and comedian Paul Reiser about his upcoming show at Rockwell Hall on the campus of Buffalo State on Friday, March 17 at 8pm.   Paul was incredibly generous in his interview.  He was funny, affable, and really delved into some conversation around craft, comedy, and performance.  This episode includes: 

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Darren Cotton, Executive Director of The Tool Library and founder and principal Designer of Dügüd Design.  The Tool Library is an all-volunteer nonprofit tool-lending library located at 5 W Northrup Pl, off of Main Street in Buffalo’s University Heights neighborhood.  This nonprofit organization lends tools out to commun...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Daniel Hart, executive director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra about an artistic organization during the Holiday Season.    The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. employs and supports a professional major symphony orchestra of artistic excellence that is integral to Buffalo-Niagara’s vitality throug...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Dave Ruch, performer and teaching artist, and guitarist with Organ Fairchild, Buffalo’s Groove Funk Jam Band.  Dave has maintained a career in the arts for 30 years. He has done this by constantly evolving and working in unexpected places, like the school system. Teaching Artists are practicing professional artists that are h...

On this special Halloween episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kevin Donovan, founder and director of terror of Everhaunt Haunted House. Everhaunt actor, Moe Hosken, joins the podcast late in the episode.  This episode continues the theme of agritainment that was featured in the last episode of the podcast.  Agritainment, the portmanteau that combines the words for...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Melinda (Mindy) Vizcarra, co-owner of Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards, and Kurt Guba, the vineyard manager at Freedom Run Winery.  Both discuss agritainment in Western New York.  Agritainment is a portmanteau that combines the words agriculture and entertainment.  The autumn, especially in Western New York, is t...