Letter from our Chairman, Dwane Hall
Hello Members of the SAM Foundation,
This is the first time I’m addressing the membership as your Chairman of this amazing musical journey. Right now, I’m on American Airlines coming back from the Ameripolitan Awards in Austin Texas representing Americana roots music from Buffalo. I would like to take a moment to thank some people who have made this all happen. First, and of course, my wife Denise and my sons Jay, Jeff, and James and also my adopted fourth son Greg Smith, our chef. These people are the wheels that make our tavern go-round. The next and most important person is fellow Board member and band booker, Ken Biringer. His look into the future years ago has helped make us a national standout for Americana music. OK, enough about the tavern.
If it wasn’t for a meeting I had with Ken Biringer and my friend Jeffrey Goldfarb, none of this would have ever happened. It was Mr. Goldfarb who recognized that Sportsmen’s was a Buffalo brand. It was his efforts that gave the Foundation its start. Next is our Board members themselves; how lucky I have been to hang with such a cool group of music lovers whose passion for music has led us down the road to achieve all the wonderful programs we have put in place so far. Bob McLennan as the new president and his get ‘er done attitude has helped move things along at a pace to get things done much quicker than most would have. Angela Hastings and Bernie Walsh have brought much needed organization to the board. Don Nelson who heads up education is serving above and beyond the call of duty. Dick Donovan has taken on the challenge of website design. We also have the best in Tony Smolen, as Treasurer, whose overall knowledge keeps us in line. Pete Stevens is another driving force serving on the Board. There are many standout members who volunteer and reach out always wanting to help at the next event.
All of this said, it’s you as a member that is key in keeping the momentum moving forward. You motivate and move us in the right direction. When I hear a story of someone wearing a Foundation shirt in some other state and they receive recognition, that’s a huge feather in our cap. We vow as an organization to stay true to our mission statement and achieve the goals we set forth down the road. Speaking of goals, streaming our own TV show is one of the missions. It’s taken more time than we wanted and we will prevail with spectacular results, just give us a little more time.
Any of you who may be corporate sponsors, please continue to support the cause. Our music and arts scene in Buffalo is second to none and becoming better all the time. Being in Austin this week reaffirms my personal commitment to continue to make Buffalo the next great music city. We just have to say it and repeat it. It’s all here. We are referred to as the Austin of the north in Austin. To everyone who has supported us, thank you. I’m very easy to reach, feel free to call or stop by. I’m always looking to make our town a better place.
Sincerely yours,
Dwane Hall
Membership News
What a party it was! Our Membership Appreciation/Drive at Flying Bison on February 13th was a success. We welcome our new members who signed up that evening and give thanks to the many who renewed. We thank Bill Smith for contributing his maestro skills in coordinating a barrage of our favorite musicians that performed including: Jerry Hall, Tim Pitcher, Alan Whitney, Dee Adams, Beave Sorensen, Jason Otto, Mark Panfil.
Our dedicated volunteers need a shout out: Susan Jaworski – Volunteer Coordinator, Mark Panfil, Bruce Supernault, Anna Laba, Dale Metzger, Patricia Watson, Jackie Brooks, Theresa Habberfield, Doris Jones, Rose McLennan, Bill Hutchison, Margie Hutchison, Mary Bell, Gerry McCarville. We can’t do these events without members willing to help out. – THANK YOU!
Thanks to Flying Bison’s Tim Herzog and his team for contributing their time and discounts. Many of you were there for the first time; we hope you frequent this friendly, fun beer joint. Thanks to Chow Chocolat for their delicious delights.
NEW MUSIC TO CHECK OUT
(courtesy Americana Music Association)
Albums
- Sallie Ford – Soul Sick
- Lowland Hum – Thin
- Old Crow Medicine Show – Best of
- The Sadies – Northern Passages
- Dan Baird – Solow
- Great American Taxi – Dr. Feelgood’s Traveling Medicine Show
Top Ten Airplay
- Nikki Lane – Highway Queen
- Band of Heathens – Duende
- Tift Merritt – Switch of the World
- Delbert McClinton & Self-made Men – Prick of the Litter
- Infamous Stringdusters – Laws of Gravity
- Son Volt – Notes of Blue
- Chuck Prophet – Bobby Fuller Died for Your Sins
- Jamestown Revival – The Education of a Wandering Man
- Aaron Lee Tasjan – Silver Tears
- Blackie and the Rodeo Kings – King and Kings
Angela Hastings
Director of Membership
BUFFALO BOB SEZ
Million Dollar Quartet
One of the most recent partners to join us in our efforts in the WNY arts and music scene is MusicalFare Theatre, A Theatre of Note at 4380 Main Street in Amherst. For all of their shows, they’re offering a $5 discount for SAM Foundation members. However, we have worked together with Randy Kramer at MusicalFare Theatre to plan a very special night for the Sportsmen’s Americana Music Foundation.
On Saturday night, May 20th at 7:30, the production of Million Dollar Quartet will be Sportsmen’s Night at the theater. The regular price at the theater is $45 per ticket but we have a block of tickets for SAMF members at the low cost of $30. Get your tickets now so you won’t be disappointed.
This Tony Award winning musical is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Showcasing hit songs including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, Great Balls of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Hound Dog and many more!
Making this even more special is that Andrew Reimers of the Rear View Ramblers, well-known to Sportsmen’s Tavern and Americana Music fans, is playing the role of Johnny Cash. After the performance of Million Dollar Quartet, there may even be a little extra music in the lounge at the theatre.
This is a very impressive and intimate theatre and will be a great time for all SAM Foundation members to be together at a very exciting Americana show. Get your tickets at the Sportsmen’s Tavern or by contacting me directly at rjmcl14@gmail.com.
FREE TICKET OPPORTUNITIES
We have nine different shows, due to the generosity of our musical partners, that you’ll have a chance to win a pair of free tickets to attend.
Donated by Clark Crook and 189 Public House on Main Street in East Aurora, Amy LaVere on Sunday March 26th.
Amy LaVere
Buffalo Ironworks and Josh Holtzman are offering tickets for The Town Pants with The Probables opening the show on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday March 17th and Dan Baird and HomeMade Sin on Thursday, March 23rd. Crystal Garden (with Boyd Tinsley from the Dave Matthews Band) will be on Friday, March 31st and Magic Beans is on Tuesday, April 4th.
Town Pants
Dan Baird
Crystal Garden
Dwane Hall of the Sportsmen’s Tavern has offered up three shows; David Lindley on Wednesday, March 15th, Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express on Wednesday, March 22nd and The THE BAND Band on Sunday, March 26th.
David Lindley
Chuck Prophet
The The Band Band
And last but certainly not least, the great Buddy Guy will appear at UB Center for the Arts on Friday, April 21st. Dave Wedekindt and UB have offered a pair of tickets for one of our members.
Dwane Hall, Buddy Guy, Tom Hambridge
Occasionally, an opportunity comes up between newsletters and you may receive an email from us or there may be time for only a Facebook post. If you haven’t already, please like and follow the Sportsmen’s Americana Music Foundation Facebook page.
If you’re interested in winning any of these tickets, see your member newsletter for details on how to enter.
Not a member yet? Join today!
Bob McLennan, President
SAM Foundation
Education
The second workshop series of the Rock’n Roll Workshop at the International Preparatory School was kicked off February 6th. Under the tutelage of Alan Whitney and Tim Pitcher The students will be meeting every Monday from 3:30 to 5:00 through mid April. Participating students will be performing at the annual student Talent show.
Americana Music Appreciation Program: Katie Clark starts up another 10 week session of her very popular program at the Valley Community Center at 93 Leddy St. In addition to introducing the students 3rd -5th graders to traditional and contemporary folk and Americana classics, Katie, who’s currently starring in the must see Ring of Fire at Shea’s 710 Theater, will undoubtedly be introducing the kids to the many musical instruments used by Americana, folk and bluegrass artists.
Guitar Social: Starting in April the foundation will be Kicking off a 10 week beginner guitar instructional program. Meeting once a week the program is intended to introduce adults to basic guitar knowledge and skills including open chords, basic strumming patterns and will be able to play several tunes by the end of the program. Sign up sheet will be available at the merch counter starting with foundation night, Tuesday March 7th.
Don Nelson
VP SAM Foundation
What is so special about the 1st Tuesday of the month?
Well if you are a senior citizen you get a 20% discount at Walgreens. Be careful, it is only on full priced items and you have to input the phone number that is on record with Walgreen’s.
It is also the day that I set aside to make my monthly car payment. But I am sure that you could care less about that.
But what I really enjoy is that the 1st Tuesday of the month is SAMF Membership night at the Sportsmen’s Tavern. Members get in for free when presenting their membership card.
Now you say, “Big deal. It’s only $5!” but, in Walgreen’s discount dollar terms, you would need to spend $25 to get that $5 back.
So, you are actually saving $25 by skipping Walgreen’s and just coming to the Sportsmen’s on the 1st Tuesday. And the saved $5 makes the first drink free! Take that Walgreen’s!
On the 1st Tuesday the SAMF merchandise booth will be open, you can renew your membership, SAMF Board members are available, SAMF educational initiatives are presented, as well upcoming membership events.
It’s a good night to come down and listen to the Twang Gang with musical guests from the audience. And, best of all, you don’t have to remember your phone number to save $5. You should remember to bring your membership card but, if forgotten, SAMF Board members are there to help.
Dick Donovan
SAM Foundation
Member News
If you are an Active member and do not have a SAMF membership card, please email me at samusicfoundation@gmail.com. If you are unsure if you’re an Active member, please don’t hesitate to ask.
NOTE: To receive discounts, you must show your membership card. To enter to win tickets, you must be an Active member. And as always, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address above.
Discounts For Members
The discounts we’ve arranged at this time are:
- Sportsmen’s Tavern – The first Tuesday of every month, starting on April 5th, all members who show their card at the door will get free admission to The Twang Gang.
- Buffalo Ironworks – 10% off all food items
- Record Theatre – 10% off all regular priced items
- Allentown Music – 10% off all regular items
- Smolen/Bonghi CPA – 10% off all tax preparation and accounting services
- Korona Jewelry – 2 discounts
- Watch batteries installed for $5 instead of $7.
- 25% off the regular price of anything in stock.
- Ellicott Small Animal Hospital 30% off regular exam
- Flying Bison Brewery – 10% off
- Buffalo History Museum – buy one regular admission and get one free.
- American Reperatory Theater – $10 tickets (1/2 price)
- Red Thread Theater – $15 ticket (regularly $25)
- MusicalFare Theater – $5 off General Admission online. Enter SPORTSMEN in coupon code. Limit 4
- Byrd House Restaurant – 10% off food
