THE LAST BUFFALO BUNK: THE TOP FIVE MOST ENTERTAINING THINGS AT UB
by Todd Natti
I’ll start by saying this: it’s impossible not to see entertaining things here at the University at Buffalo. Think what you will about Buffalo or the university or whatever else you can find wrong with this area of the state, but the point is, unless you are some weird shut-in, you have seen something worth noting here at UB. Hell, I have only been here four years and there have been tons of things to notice, especially entertainment-wise. So, what better way to close out this year of Generation, and my tenure here at UB than by recounting the top five most entertaining things I have come across in Buffalo.
5. The Great Film Offerings - Okay, an odd place to start, because, hey, you can see movies everywhere today. But, think about this, dear reader, how many places do you know, other than major metropolitan cities, where you have an abundance of both major and art-house cinemas? Yes, there are the Regal Cinemas and the AMC’s with their major films, but most of all, there are the Dipson theatres, with their independent films that you aren’t able to see anywhere else, except on home video. This isn’t really seeing something entertaining, as it is something that presents entertaining things. I could go on for hours about the films I have seen here in Buffalo, but without the theatres, I never would have been able to.
4. Having Bruce Campbell Introduce the Original Evil Dead - This was one of the first events that I attended at UB. Bruce Campbell, a.k.a. Ash from the Evil Dead trilogy, came to Buffalo to sign his book, If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor, and to introduce a screening of Evil Dead in the Student Union theatre. Campbell, to say the least, is an insanely funny man, and even told me to “stay groovy” before the screening. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Todd, but that was one time, I won’t ever see Bruce Campbell do that!” Well, never say never. UB is always bringing in people to speak for small events, so the opportunity is always possible. Maybe you will end up meeting Campbell before the end of your tenure at UB.
3. The Distinguished Speakers - Campbell is a perfect lead-in to this. Regardless of what many people here may think, UB is a hub for speakers to come and give students advice. I have seen some amazing people tell about the world, and they are all captivating. Bill Clinton spoke here when I was a freshman, and for free no less. Another Bill, Bill Cosby, gave a serious talk last year that was still funnier than Jimmy Fallon could ever hope to be. Donald Trump… well, I missed him. Hell, this week there is Salman Rushdie! Point is, all these people are entertaining because they know their shit and are willing to share it. Entertaining while teaching! If only all college was like that.
2. The Exhibit X Fiction Series - I know I have been harping about this series for two years, but it’s with good reason. The writers at the series are all known for their contemporary and experimental literature. And if that’s not your bag, just go to be entertained by the writers themselves. Each of them so far have been great individuals. A few even posed for pictures with me, and one gave me relationship advice. One could even say it’s another instance of entertaining while teaching.
1. The Student Body at UB - I know, you’re baffled, but hear me out. Today, look at the people around you. Really look at them. Look at what they are doing, how they are acting. Look at that guy bobbing his head to the music in his I-Pod, or the girl with the sorority tank top giving a new definition to the phrase “student body.” Don’t forget those kids who think they are different, but are really just boring. Hell, all these types of people are amusing as all get out. It’s like a living movie. The couple arguing, the couple kissing, the loner smoking against the wall, the stressed out Generation staff members happy that this issue is out, the students hopped up on too much coffee after studying battling the wind as they walk to finals. Nothing is more entertaining than watching all these people live out their lives here at UB. Take notice. Sit and people-watch, and you’ll see why this is my number one. People here may suck or rule or whatever other adjective fits in between, but they will always be entertaining, and it will always be something to remember. At least until something better comes along. Indeed.
TOP 5 MOMENTS OF LAST WEEK’S T51 SENIOR THESIS ARAT SHOW
by Evan Smith
Last weekend, UB’s fine arts majors held a showing of their senior thesis work at one of Buffalo’s monuments as a failed city, the beautiful, yet abandoned, Buffalo Central Train Terminal. The terminal’s massive size and architectural beauty made it the perfect setting for this sprawling and diverse exhibition, and the event drew a large crowd of students, friends, families and art lovers of all kinds. The following is a list of just five reasons why this year’s show was so memorable.
5) Albert Chao’s Briefcase & Tea Experiment -Senior art major Albert Chao (who adorned the ledges of the terminal with thousands of miniature silver robots) orchestrated a synchronized performance art piece. Forty participants carried black suitcases as they walked amongst the perplexed crowd browsing the art. Then at exactly 4:23 p.m., in some kind of reverse Boston Tea Party, the performers sat on the ground, opened their briefcases, and produced a small cup and a thermos of tea, which they then proceeded to drink.
4) Casey Gruber’s Vagina Playhouse - constructed, in the middle of the train station, a large wooden structure meant to represent “the vagina.” One entered through a rubber slit into a cavern filled with looped audio and computer images. Beneath the plexi-glass floor, disposed undergarments were strewn about amidst freakishly long strands of pubic hair. Towards the end of the show, this interactive piece attracted the attention of a large group of children who ran in and out of the uterus playing tag. Oh if only they could stay that innocent forever!
3) Doug Borsuk Unveils Incredible Books – Illustration major Douglas Borsuk put a series of handmade books on display that were chock-full of his unique sketches and drawings. One book told about the lesser known side of being an art school slacker while in another Borsuk created a fantasy narrative with his sketches and the short stories of an extraordinary writer he enlisted to add life to his tales. The stories were beautifully crafted and thoroughly engaging pieces of art.
2) Wine and Cheese – Boo yah! There was enough cheese, vegetables and lunch meat to feed a small third world country at the exhibition, and it was free to boot! Plus they make this alcoholic drink out of grapes, called wine, and they had that at the exhibition too. And I’m not talking ‘bout no $6.99 gallon jugs of Carlo Rossi, this stuff was straight from Italy, vintage 2001, all the way back to when Tech Vests were still cool.
1) The Art!!! – Of course the interesting cornucopia of art unveiled by UB’s seniors was the main attraction of the T51 exhibit. Dozens of artistic mediums were represented by this promising group of art majors spanning from video to painting to performance pieces. Chantal Calato designed the wardrobe for a UB production of “The Good Woman of Setzuan,” Alyssa Crick showed a series of paintings exploring the nature of some lesser known animal behaviors, Evan Bussiere presented a series of screen prints dedicated to slain hip-hop icons, and Generation’s own Libby Donnoe displayed an interesting postcard experiment for her photography piece.
A great job was done by everyone involved with the coordination of the T51 senior art thesis show. Be sure to support your local artists in the various events they organize each semester.
