Night Lights opens tomorrow; live music on Fridays

cactus at Buffalo Erie County Botanical Gardens
Cactus. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko.

Live music is a new addition to the popular Night Lights event at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, which starts tomorrow.

Also new this year, Buffalo artist Zach Boehler will install sculptures inside the Botanical Gardens to enhance the visitors’ experience.

As visitors walk through the Botanical Gardens during Night Lights, they encounter creative lighting displays and soundscapes that inspire imaginations and delight the senses. Last year’s event was a huge success, and 2012 will bring new  different lighting arrangements.

The event will be held Wednesdays through Saturday, Feb. 1-4, 8-11 and 15-18. Times are 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The musicians will play at 8 p.m.  on Fridays.  Scheduled bands are:

Lazlo Hollyfeld on Feb. 3 – This all-instrumental group will play their original compositions created from a blend of electronic, percussion and guitars. Lazlo Hollyfeld has toured the country and have been local favorites for over a decade.

John & Mary on Feb. 10 – Hailing from the lineage of the alternative rockers 10,000 Maniacs, John & Mary will bring their original folk rock tunes. The duo has released four albums during their 20-year career. Mary Ramsey is the lead singer in 10,000 Maniacs. John Lombardo was a former founding member of the band.

waterfall at Buffalo Erie Botanical Gardens
Waterfall. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko.

GAHU Drum Ensemble on Feb. 17 – Calling the Chautauqua region their home, the GAHU Drum Ensemble will perform traditional rhythmic percussion and vocals. Led by TR McKotch and Rhonda Harp, the ensemble plays and teaches throughout the Southern Tier. Who knows, maybe they will bring a few extra drums and you can join in the action.

The lighting designers are SitlerHQ, LLC and Volt Vision, Inc. who own and operate the successful eco-tourism attraction NIGHT LIGHTS at The Heron in Chautauqua County. NIGHT LIGHTS at The Heron is a one-mile walk in the woods at night through a lighted trail and is considered to be one of North America’s most unique tourism attractions.

Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for Botanical Gardens members, seniors & students; $5 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 3. Guest passes and coupons are not valid during Night Lights. Tickets can be purchased online at www.buffalogardens.com or at the door.

The event is sponsored by Buffalo Spree, Star 102.5, Local Edge, Dundee Ale & Lager and Seagram’s Escapes.

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