Music is Art returns to its North Buffalo roots

After spending the last several years at RiverWorks, the Music is Art Festival is coming back home to Elmwood Avenue. 

A call has been put out to all musicians, artists, dancers, singers, aerialists and other performers of all varieties to join in on the fun during this year’s 24th (mostly) annual event, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 21 from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. In recent years, the event has run deep into the night over at RiverWorks; relocating back to this part of the city likely meant the event’s organizers had to shut down the party at a more reasonable hour. 

The festival, which typically draws hundreds of performers from across Western New York, will “unfold once again against the picturesque backdrop of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and on the Buffalo State University campus, making a return to the stunning and artistic settings that have long inspired creativity and community within Buffalo,” the organization says. 

“We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today,” says founder Robby Takac. “AKG and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians and creatives.” 

If you’ve never attended Music is Art, mark your calendars and prepare to have a fantastic time. From the local dance studios and singing programs showcasing their youthful talent in the Kids Village (along with all manner of arts and craft offerings for budding artists) to dozens of stages of music in just about every genre imaginable, the festival is a full day dedicated to showcasing that this region is far more than just good food and omnipresent sports teams. 

If you’re a local artist of any persuasion and you’d like to get involved, registrations are open for submissions to be included. Categories include: 

  • Musicians
  • DJs
  • Dance
  • Displaying artists
  • Battle

Applications are also being accepted for schools and educational programs in the Kids Village, food trucks, vendors and nonprofits who would like to get the word out about their offerings. Want to be part of the action but don’t fit into any of those categories? Volunteer applications will be accepted soon! 

It’s the single most creative, eclectic, welcoming and accepting day of the year, always different but always a great time. More information on this year’s festival, and highlights from the previous two decades’ worth of events, can be found at www.musicisart.org

Concert Calendar for Niagara Region and Western New York

A list of all the major and notable concerts coming to the area. At least, so far anyway.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

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