3 Smartest Things In Buffalo- February 20, 2013

Gas prices are up? Not smart. Then again, with all that wintery wind yesterday, who the heck wants to step outside the house anyway?

We’re so done with you, winter.

Think spring, folks.

Smart Thing 1: The Pierce-Arrow Film Center

From Buffalo Rising:

“Imagine an 18,000 square foot sound stage, utilized as a concert space, an arts venue, and a place for production companies to create movie sets. If this vision is to move forward, it would create one of the largest, most unique film-art centers, complete with sound stages, in the region. Now, add a separate room that serves to function for screenings (with green screen) and as a multimedia classroom. Attached to that, a post-production room, equipped with all of the latest technology. In yet another room, attached to the sound stage, an art gallery showcasing the works of local and visiting artists. The space would also function as a film collaborative for local digital media artists, along with helping to bring big budget filmmaking to the city down the line.”

That’s a pretty large quote. I’d have condensed it, but I didn’t want to trim out any of the great ideas up there. We’ll leave that up to the politicians.

“We have so many of the components in place – we have the building, a developer who believes in the potential, young people in the industry who want to see this happen, arts organizations that have expressed interest in collaboration… the ball is rolling. At this time we’ve been trying to get political support and we’ve been doing the roadshow. It’s a multifaceted project that could benefit from both  public and private partners, (said Garrett Vorreuter, who is currently collaborating on the project with building owner Joseph Hecht).” 

If the plans succeed, Buffalo will have a huge arts “convention center” – of sorts (and haven’t we all wanted a new convention center for years here)? It would draw and feature local and out of town artists, enhance the local educational experience through a powerful, real world context, and push the film scene to grow.

Obviously, there’s a ton of potential to be tapped into here.

Smart Thing 2: Free Comedy for First Responders

If anyone deserves a night out and a good laugh, it’s our first responders. From Buffalo.com:

“Helium Comedy Club (30 Mississippi St., Buffalo) will host Godfrey on (UPDATE: Thursday show has been cancelled) Friday, Feb. 22 or Saturday, Feb. 23 and has announced that all first responders are eligible for free tickets to the well-known funny man’s performances. To get the free passes, simply call the Helium box office at (716) 853-1211 and make the reservation. You will need to have valid first responder identification when you pick up your ticket. Still, the process is a lot easier than pulling someone from a burning building or staring down a jittery addict in a dark alley.”

For anyone interested in Godfrey’s comedic stylings, head on over to his YouTube channel. Frankly, we could all use a good laugh.

Smart Thing 3: The KegWorks Bottle Cap Wall

It’s great when a local biz generates some local buzz with a cool idea. The KegWorks bottle cap wall is finally done – and it’s fantastic.

Click here to watch video directly on YouTube.

The project was a collaboration between the company and its fans, its customers, and even some of its favorite brewers.

60,000 bottle caps in all. That’s a lot of beers/collaboration.

Truly, a labor of love.

Maybe there’s a good reason a bottle cap wall goes over so well in this town.

Cheers, Buffalo.

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• Note: “3 Smartest Things” is being produced to go along with the “5 Dumbest Things” series here on TB. “Why three,” you ask? Well – far be it from me to break our time honored tradition of berating each other on the progress of our fair Queen City. Tell you what, when the new Peace Bridge goes up, we’ll go up to five. And of course, feel free to follow me on Twitter to discuss all things trending in Buffalo, and check out my blog “Buffalo Sabres Nation” when you’re bored at work. Your boss will appreciate your increased productivity afterwards.