Inside Seneca Winter 2017 by Seneca Updates

CUT LOOSE HERE AND WHO KNOWS WHERE YOU’LL END UP Buffalo’s only destination for downtown gaming is about to become even more

complete with more slots and table games. We’re also adding a second floor with the all-new WD Bar & Grille, which will feature a large patio deck with spectacular city views. And don’t miss two other additions: B-Lo Bar and the Exit 6 retail store. It’s all part of a high-octane stop during your night out in the Queen City.

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sensational this spring. Get ready for an expanded Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino,

ENTERTAINMENT SO CLOSE, YOU’LL THINK YOU’RE ON STAGE Imagine your favorite entertainer performing in your living room. That’s what it’s like at the Bear’s Den Showroom. With only 440 seats and

with the world’s greatest musicians and comedians. You won’t find another venue like this in all of Western New York.

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impeccable acoustics, it’s the perfect setting for getting up-close-and-personal

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What’s new? A whole lot Check out some of the many improvements at Buffalo Creek.

A Falls wonder

Niagara Falls is magnificent in the winter, too.

Inside

When the snow flies … It’s time for snow snake, a revered Seneca tradition. Onoville (pictured) has witnessed countless competitions of this exciting and historical event.

A winning combination Koi has serves up traditional and creative Asian fare.

The puck drops here On the ice and off, what you’ll see at at Buffalo Sabres game

Credits INSIDE SENECA MAGAZINE is published four times a year by Advance Media New York for Seneca Resorts & Casinos. Responsible care is taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is up-to-date and as accurate as possible as of the time of publication.

PUBLISHER | Advance Media New York 220 S. Warren St., Syracuse, NY 13202

To advertise please contact Bethany Case at 315-251-1809 or bcase@ advancemediany.com.

Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electonic/digital, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permisssion.

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Players glide their wooden snow snakes down a channel in the snow. Photos courtesy of Seneca Media and Communications Center

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SNOW SNAKE

Competitions took place here at State Line Run in Onoville, N.Y.

A Seneca tradition WHEN SNOW HITS WESTERN NEW YORK, IT’S TIME FOR SOME FUN

BY MAURICE JOHN JR.

he game of snow snake is the most revered winter sport for the Seneca and other Iroquois Nations, known

among themselves as Haudenosaunee or “people who build long houses.” With a history that pre-dates European contact, snow snake has long been a traditional pastime for the Seneca during the bitter cold winters of what is now Western New York.

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The name “gawasa,” or “snow snake,” is derived from the visual resemblance of the game’s play to an icy serpent’s motion along the snow. Though the game varies by region, it generally consists of players who compete in teams, called “corners,” to glide their wooden “snow snakes” down a trough or channel that has been made in the snow. A game typically consists of multiple “corners” in which there is a thrower (corners can have multiple throwers) and a shiner. The thrower is responsible for each throw and the shiner is responsible for the caring of snow snakes and any applications to the wood. After a full round in which a player from each “corner” throws their snow snake, the team with the longest throw is then awarded one point. The game continues until a team reaches a predetermined score. For the Seneca, that number is 4. The snow snakes themselves vary in length but are always made of a North American hardwood, usually maple, oak or hickory. For added weight, increased balance and aerodynamic sensibility, snow snakes are outfitted with a lead tip, which can vary in size and shape depending on a thrower’s preference. The Seneca play with two variations of the snow snake: a “mudcat,” which is a 3-foot long stick, and a standard “snow snake,” which can be anywhere from 6 to 10 feet in length. The tracks for the games also vary in length and height, ranging from about 75 yards to in excess of 1.5 miles in length, and from 1 to 4 feet in height. The channels in which the snow

snakes traverse are created using a particularly ingenious method: Once the ground is fully frozen, track builders begin to form the accumulating snow into a track so that it forms a solid base from which to build. Once a desired height is achieved, a wooden log is then dragged down the track to form the “halfpipe-like” formation of the track. Depending on the track’s maintenance and weather conditions, each track becomes a unique venue and each game presents new obstacles and requires various skills to compete. As with most games, snow snake can be played for a variety of prizes, but it is most often played with good intentions and small wagers among friends and with family. A snow snake game can also be a grand event with players traveling great distances to battle rival “corners.” “I can remember playing at State Line Run near the Pennsylvania/New York border in Onoville, New York,” says current Seneca Nation Treasurer Maurice John Sr. “There were teams from Syracuse, Canada, a couple from Newtown (an area of the Seneca’s Cattaraugus Territory) and one that was comprised of all non-natives.” John has been playing snow snake for “as long as I can remember.” Like many, his introduction to the game began by helping his father, Coleman John, prepare for games. “It’s like a science, you know?” explains Kory Dowdy, a 30-year veteran of the game. “You have to experiment with different mixes,” says Dowdy when referring to the process of applying various combinations of waxes,

shellac and other slippery concoctions, called “swagum,” used to make the snow snakes glide better. “It all depends on the condition of the snow. … I used to keep records of what worked best with what snow. … The biggest thing is to win.” Allen Burch, who along with Dowdy is very active in the snow snake community, explains “I’ve seen as many as 20 ‘corners’ in a game … every Saturday, we start with a ‘mudcat’ game at 11 a.m. After that, we play third-class throwers (‘corners’ can have multiple throwers: first, second and third class) … then on Sunday we play the big game.” “It’s mostly for bragging rights, you know?” “With Onoville, we play for pride!” laughs Burch. John later recounts his favorite snow snake memory. “I was in Canada once with my dad, who was a shiner for that game. I used to watch him and I used to experiment making my own ‘swagum.’ While the teams would retrieve their sticks, I would practice throwing. … One of my throws that day went almost as far as the winners’ did. My dad saw this and he took me aside. … ‘Can I have your ‘swagum?’’ he said. I looked up at him and said, ‘Sure, if I can have a hamburger.’” John’s corner won the game. “It was the first and last time I found that perfect recipe.” said John. When asked what the future of snow snake may hold, Burch says it’s getting stronger. “There are more teams now than ever,” agrees John, who becomes especially animated thinking about the upcoming season. “When I hear people say ‘The snow’s gonna be flying,’ I say ‘Bring it! We can go to the game!’”

THE KIND OF DINING TASTE BUDS WERE INVENTED FOR describe both the wondrous Niagara Falls and fine dining at nearby Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. When you’re craving a refined culinary experience on the American side of Falls, nothing beats the newly reinvented Western Door Steakhouse, authentic Italian meals at la Cascata, or Asian delicacies at Koi. So bring your appetite. We’re saving a table.

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Take in the majesty, and let your senses feel the rush. These words can

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COVER STORY

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Experience Pulse Arena

THE FUTURE OF GAMING HAS ARRIVED AT SENECA NIAGARA

BY NANCY J. PARISI

revolutionary gaming experience has arrived at Seneca Niagara. It’s a combination of high-tech gaming consoles, pulsating musical beats and electronic versions of

table games with social media interactivity. This zone within the casino aims at a younger demographic and it’s already a huge sensation.

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Experience Pulse Arena

THE FUTURE OF GAMING HAS ARRIVED AT SENECA NIAGARA

BY NANCY J. PARISI

revolutionary gaming experience has arrived at Seneca Niagara. It’s a combination of high-tech gaming consoles, pulsating musical beats and electronic versions of

table games with social media interactivity. This zone within the casino aims at a younger demographic and it’s already a huge sensation.

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The innovative lighting at Pulse starts out mellow and works up to its most vivid settings.

Jose Garcia, Pulse Arena manager, spoke of how this is “an experience, not just a destination.” The staff here, he explained, have a shared goal: “To make you feel better walking out than when you walked in.” Garcia, of his new position at the casino, said it’s “exciting to be the first in North America. It’s one thing that attracted me to this position. This is the forefront of gaming. It sets a precedent.” Pulse Arena officially launched mid-November. Working with luxury gaming brand Interblock, headquartered in Las Vegas, Seneca Niagara has modified part of its casino floor into this casino/club hybrid, set apart by a gigantic scrim modulating with colorful lighting that changes depending on the time of day or night. Pulse lighting

starts out mellow and works up, hour by hour, to its most vivid settings. Interblock launched its Pulse Arena concept earlier this year, and the company refers to Pulse as layers of “gaming and social atmospheres, designed not only to attract the next generation of players but existing players seeking innovation.” Pulse Arena ambassadors, holding iPads and working the room, assist guests with gaming questions (the consoles “have a learning curve”) and act as maître d’s, showing gamers how to use the social media function on their consoles and ensuring that special events/ occasions get big notice. Ambassadors post messages on the 43-foot wide screen within Pulse Arena that everyone within the area sees instantly. The hashtag #SenecaPulse also keeps every-

one connected via social media. Moderators post pictures and posts by players usually within an average of 10 minutes. This feature has been a way for people to share their special occasions as well as their winning celebrations. The large-format screens tie everyone’s Pulse experience together. It’s where to watch for everyone’s wins, messages, game results and more. The personal consoles are where players keep tabs of five simultaneous games in progress: Blackjack, Craps, Sic Bo, Baccarat and Roulette. It’s also where one may map out other players to send them an instant greeting, players will also note that a prominent USB port is for keeping smartphones charged. Garcia described Sic Bo (Chinese for “dice pair”) as “a dice game that’s a cross between Roulette

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Ambassadors post messages on a 43-foot screen within the arena, and players can see it instantly.

and Yahtzee. There are three dice and you place bets on how they will land. Sic Bo is very popular with our Asian players, but it’s becoming more popular as our ambassadors teach people about it when showing the consoles’ functionalities.” Regular Seneca Niagara Casino guests will recognize this area as being where live music happens since the grand opening. Bands still play on the stage above the gaming action, and the ample dance floor below the stage remains as well. Live music featuring national dance music artists from the ’80s and ’90s happens on “Throwback Thursdays,” and regional talent hits the stage on weekend nights. DJs get down to spinning business via a series dubbed “Turntable Takeover,”

and some extra-special nights feature band/DJ combos for a full night of entertainment. All music, it should be noted, is complimentary. Stir, the bar within Pulse Arena, is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. It features an array of specialty cocktails like the Seneca Sweetheart “Stir-Tini,” a melon-flavored rum, watermelon Pucker liqueur and pomegranate juice, as well as the new signature cocktail “The Pulse,” which features ginger beer, tropical Red Bull, and Belvedere vodka. Seven game consoles are mounted in one section of the bar, and banquette seating is available around the perimeter of the room. One of Pulse Arena’s most popular evening attractions is the Party Pit, where screams of excitement may

be heard throughout the night. The Party Pit is comprised of four blackjack tables and, though off to the side of Pulse Arena, it’s visible via camera in the area. Stakes are lower in Pulse Arena, a way of introducing players to table games. Garcia said that once people get more comfortable in the oft-raucous Party Pit, they could easily move onto other table games in the casino as more confident gamers. With the vibe in the clubby Pulse Arena, however, and the draw of the social media aspect of the consoles, it seems more likely that players will choose to stay in the midst of this new gaming adventure. This is indeed the future of gaming, and the future is now at Seneca Niagara.

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SENECA BUFFALO CREEK CASINO

The next chapter

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www.ironislandmuseum.com

*SELF GUIDED TOURS $2.00 per person

*GUIDED GHOST TOURS $5.00 per person (Reservations Recommended)

*PRE-PAID TOURS can be scheduled for groups by appt.

FOR MUSEUM HOURS, GUIDED TOURS AND OVERNIGHT INVESTIGATIONS Call us or go to our webisite at www.ironislandmuseum.com THE IRON ISLAND MUSEUM 998 Lovejoy Street â&#x20AC;¢ Buffalo, New York 14206

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BUFFALO CREEK CASINO

Downtown Buffalo’s casino grows again with a $40 million expansion

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New slots Many of the new slot machines at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino feature popular television series and other pop culture references. GAME OF THRONES: The slot machine based on the HBO drama includes in-game references to The Wall, the Battle of Blackwater Bay and the Mother of Dragons. SONS OF ANARCHY: Features music from the FX series, images of iconic character Jax Teller, series’ matriarch Gemma Teller Morrow and the SAMCRO Reaper and plenty of footage of motorcycles. THE WALKING DEAD: Look for games featuring fan favorites Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon and hordes of walkers. Spin the Center for Disease Control wheel for multiple jackpots.

BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

eneca Buffalo Creek Casino is spending $40 million on exciting improvements for players. The two-story expansion will open this spring with more than 300 new slot machines, additional table games and

a new high-limit area, adding approximately 28,500 square feet of gaming, dining and entertainment space. SEE BUFFALO, 17

PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES: The slot machine version of the addictive app features narrator Crazy Dave, a Zen Garden bonus and Cherry Bomb Free Spins. ELLEN: Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres contributes custom voiceovers to the slot machine, with games like Wheel of Riches, 12 Days of Giveaways, and Know or Go.

FUN IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND The fastest way to stay connected to Seneca Resorts & Casinos – from anywhere – is to download our free mobile apps on your smartphone or tablet. There’s one for each property, as well as our iPlaySeneca SENECASINOS.COM

play-for-fun app. Be the first to know the latest news from Niagara, Allegany, and Buffalo Creek – and then continue your gaming fun with iPlaySeneca. There are more than 50 premium slots and nine video poker titles – including many that are on our gaming floors!

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79%

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BUFFALO CREEK CASINO

Video wall brings Seneca Nation story to life BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

Two state-of-the-art video walls will bring the story of the Seneca Nation to life at Buffalo Creek Casino this spring. The multimedia panels will stretch 16- to 18-feet tall in the two-story lobby of the newly expanded resort, flanking a majestic staircase that will take visitors to the new WD Bar & Grille. The high-definition screens will incorporate motion sensors, allowing visitors to interact with the screens as they approach them from the main floor and staircase. “The sense of interactivity will be further enhanced by a speaker system that envelopes the patrons as they watch the scenes before them unfold,” said Robert Chamberlain, the Seneca Gaming Corporation’s senior vice president of design and construction. The video project is one of the cultural cornerstones of the $40 million expansion project, which will open to the public this spring. Casino officials worked with a creative team from Indirap Productions, a Chicago-based video production firm, to develop content to represent the Seneca Nation and its importance and influence in Western New York and beyond. The footage will be shot on a soundstage and will feature enrolled members of the Seneca Nation, who submitted photos in casting calls to participate. “They have really brought this whole project to life,” said Melissa Free, the Seneca Gaming Corporation’s senior vice president of marketing. Visitors will be invited to the casino lobby several times a day to experi-

ence the Thanksgiving address, which is recited by members of the Seneca Nation to begin celebrations and gatherings. Dating to the 1790s, the sacred “words that come before all else” give thanks for natural elements that allow the Seneca Nation to survive and prosper, from the Earth to the sky to the Creator. The onscreen address will be performed in the native Seneca language by one of the Nation’s Faithkeepers. “We put our minds together as one and give thanks to our Creator for each of his gifts which contribute to our happiness as long as we walk this earth,” the address reads. “Now our minds are one.” Another segment will feature the Seneca Nation Creation Story of Skywoman, who fell to the earth when the celestial tree was uprooted. She was saved by a pair of geese, who caught her as she fell and placed her on a turtle’s back. Animals brought dirt so Skywoman could walk on the turtle’s back, which grew into the great Turtle Island – now known as North America. “We try to make sure we represent the Seneca Nation in everything we do,” said Free, pointing to artwork and design choices across the Seneca Nation’s casino properties.

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BUFFALO, FROM 15

General Manager Joanne Israel said the expansion was designed to accommodate a growing demand from players. “There are a lot of great things happening,” she said. “We’ve seen high utilization at the property for the past three years after the original expansion, and this is the next chapter.” The new slot machines will include player favorites like Lightning Link and Wheel of Fortune as well as new licensed games like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy and Plants vs. Zombies. Highlimit slot machines, which start at $1 a bet, will expand from 85 to 150 games. “The players are excited for something new,” said Slot Operations Manager Brad Murphy, who designed the slot layout to include QuickHit™ games as well as the latest licensed offerings, totaling 1,200 machines. The expansion will bring 12 new table games to the floor, in addition to blackjack, craps, roulette and several types of poker. “Our table games are usually jam-packed and standing-room only, especially on nights with sporting events nearby,” Israel said. “There is definitely a need for more tables.” Tucked away from the main floor, a revamped high-limit area will offer a more private and secluded experience for players, with four blackjack tables and 120 slot machines. “We’ve never had a true high-roller area,” said Israel. “This will elevate the experience to the next level.” In response to patron requests, the expansion also includes an expanded footprint for the nonsmoking area, with floor-to-ceiling glass barriers, high-tech ventilation and 120 dedicated slot machines directly off the lobby. B-Lo Bar, a new walkup bar, will serve high-end drinks adjacent to the gaming floor, offering patrons an alternative to Stixx Sports Bar. After the initial expansion launches this spring, additional renovation plans will update the existing gaming area and add a performance space to Stixx. A new retail store is also in the works, offering Buffalo sports apparel.

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NIAGARA FALLS

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Winter Wonder NIAGARA FALLS IS SPECTACULAR EVEN WHEN THE WEATHER ISNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WARM PHOTOS BY JOED VIERA

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NIAGARA FALLS IN WINTER 2

1. A view of the American Falls from the observation tower at Niagara Falls State Park. 2. The cold mist from the falls envelopes a girl taking in the view. 3. A coin-operated tourist telescope stands frozen by the American Falls.

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1 3

1. Trees close to the American Falls are covered in an icy mist at Niagara Falls State Park. 2. Visitors admire an icy American Falls. 3. Visitors walk along a path at the park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. 4. The Canadian skyline hovers over the Niagara River.

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DINING

Noodles, & oodles more KOI AT SENECA NIAGARA AIMS TO WOW CUSTOMERS WITH TRADITIONAL AND CREATIVE ASIAN FARE

BY NANCY J. PARISI

amed for the vibrant, ever-popular Asian fish symbolizing prosperity and abundance, Koi restaurant and noodle bar

within Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino serves traditional and creative Asian fare. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the top on-site fine dining destinations, a favorite with casino guests. Koi, as well as The Western Door Steakhouse and la Cascata Italian restaurant, satisfy fine dining appetites.

THERE’S NOT MUCH THAT COFFEE & SWEETS CAN’T MAKE BETTER and Bake Shop plus Cold Stone Creamery, combined in one location. Try one sip of Tim Hortons coffee, and you’ll discover why it’s Canada’s long-cherished brew. But that’s not all – Tim Hortons also has delicious donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and more. At Cold Stone, you can choose from multiple flavors of daily prepared ice creams, and mix in all kinds of toppings. Whether you choose one place or both, you’re guaranteed to indulge with a smile on your face.

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This is the jackpot of treats at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino: Tim Hortons Cafe

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With 144 comfy seats, Koi has a menu featuring Chinese Cantonese entrees. Some Vietnamese and Thai dishes also appear. All Koi dishes showcase fresh ingredients (seafood is flown in three times per week), complex flavors and delectable seafood, poultry and meats. The lush dining room, in tones of reds and greens and accents of natural materials, has a bustling noodle/ sushi bar curving along one wall. The room accommodates date nights, solo sushi lovers as well as large dining parties. Koi’s bar-top is an impressive green soapstone. A vibrant and fiery mosaic dragon in the floor welcomes guests to the bar area. Dennis Khanh, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, spoke about Koi’s offerings and its room chef, Quyen “Peter” Au. Khanh, who has been in the service industry most of his life, has served in his current role for a year. “Our chef has a Vietnamese name but he is more Chinese. He does speak both languages, and you will notice that there are both Vietnamese and Thai influences on the food at Koi. We have expanded our hours because we have a large number of Asian gamblers who dine here.” Khanh explained the “noodle menu” at Koi – written in English but with Chinese subtitles and descriptions. “One of our specialties, besides noodle dishes, is rice porridge. It’s called congee, and it’s when you take rice and cook the heck out of it until it breaks up like oatmeal.

Then it’s served with beef or seafood. When I was a kid, I had to eat a lot of that. We also have thousand-year-old egg on the menu. It’s a way of making eggs with salt. It’s an acquired taste.” Then he got onto the slippery subject of noodles. “At Koi we have four types of noodles: Wonton egg noodles, chow fun rice noodles, Japanese udon noodles, and then Thai rice noodles. I like to say that Thai noodles are like Chinese linguine, the shape of them – or maybe pappardelle, big flat noodles that catch lots of sauce and juices. Udon are made with rice but are shaped differently. Everyone can come here, pick their favorite noodle and have it with roast duck, Chinese beef stew, or have them with barbecued pork or seafood. And we also have traditional wonton, little dumplings, on the menu for lunch and dinner.” Khanh talked signature dishes. Both incorporate generous portions of fresh seafood: Koi Seafood in Clay Pot and Koi Seafood Combo feature an array of flavors in distinctive sauces. The first dish is jumbo shrimp, squid, lobster tails and scallops mixed with mushrooms and bok choy. Seafood Combo is lobster, scallops and shrimp in a crab sauce. Duck and chicken also have starring roles in both Peking and Cantonese duck preparations. When asked the ranking of popularity among the fine dining restaurants at Seneca Niagara, Khanh said that “Koi is the second-most popular, with Western Door being the most popular

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with guests. Number three is la Cascata. And then, of course, we have our casual dining options here.” When asked what sets Koi apart from any other Asian offerings in the Niagara Falls region, he said that because of the proximity of other fine dining venues within the complex, any guest with a craving for steak – or Italian cuisine – can be easily accommodated. Staff can, and will, run for offerings (wines, entrees) from any of the other restaurants. Koi and la Cascata have a flow between them, an open wall between them at front and back of rooms. “The great thing about all of our restaurants is that on a Saturday night a party of four can walk into Koi and if one person doesn’t want Chinese food, we can serve food from Western Door, or La Cascata. Same thing at Western Door: if you’re in the mood for sushi, you can ask for anything. As long as we have the ingredients, we will make it for you.” The chef prepares custom, off-menu dishes for guests upon request. “Chef Peter comes out and asks ‘What would you like to eat?’ Many times people want to order a whole fish, to serve everyone at the table family-style. For example, we have Bronzino on the menu at la Cascata. Chef Peter can turn that into a Chinese dish for you. Also, we make sure to not upset the nonAsian guest. Our menu is very foodie-friendly; we have exotic items created by our chef and can please everyone.” The beverage program at Koi emphasizes a broad range of sakes, rice wines, white domestic and international wines and specialty drinks. “We have Mai Tai and Scorpion bowls – cocktails that are associated with Asian cuisine,” Khanh said. “We concentrate more on Rieslings, chardonnays and gewürztraminers. We do have red wines on our list, but they are not as prominent. If you see a wine that you like on Western Door’s list, we will run that bottle down for you. Western Door has a selection of 350 bottles.” Is accommodating any guest’s wishes the hallmark of Koi? “Yes, and how do we make you feel welcome? How do we wow you?”

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GAMING

Floored by changes SENECA ALLEGANY RESORT & CASINO CONTINUES TO UPGRADE GAMING EXPERIENCE

BY MARISA ENZINNA

uests making a return visit to Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino may notice a few changes around the gaming floor.

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The resort unveiled a new design featuring new, larger chairs and added 75 new slot machines. According to Gus Tsivikis, the general manager at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, the resort hosts more than 3 million visitors annually from across the U.S. and Canada, and “we want to make sure they’re comfortable, not just in the hotel and spa, but on the gaming floor as well.” Because of the desire to add optimal comfort to the gaming experience, the casino replaced its slot machine chairs. The larger chairs – which sit on 32-inch bases as opposed to the standard 28-inch bases used at most other casino resorts in the U.S. – feature built-in foot rests. The chairs also can rotate and be adjusted forward, backward and up and down, providing guests with personal comfort while they play. “Four inches may not sound like a lot, but when you spread that across nearly 2,000 machines, it makes a big difference,” said Tsivikis, who has more than 30 years of experience in the casino industry. “We already had an excellent gaming floor, but now it’s even better. It looks brand new.” Audrey Oswell, chief operating officer at Seneca Gaming Corp., agreed. “We have always been a guest-focused company,” Oswell said. “Providing our guests a better experience is an investment that will pay off every time. The reaction we are seeing from our guests is all the proof that I need. They’re incredibly happy.”

“We already had an excellent gaming floor, but now it’s even better. It looks brand new.” GUS TSIVIKIS, GENERAL MANAGER AT SENECA ALLEGANY RESORT & CASINO

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Tsivikis echoed that sentiment, saying, “The feedback has been extremely positive. Guests love the additional space and comfort at the slot machines.” He believes guests are playing longer since they’re more comfortable, adding that guests “enjoy the foot rests and the ability to adjust the chair position.” Casino-goers Steven and Maureen McKeel make the 1½-hour drive from their Erie County home in Tonawanda to the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino at least once a month. Steven, 64, said they’ve enjoyed the renovations and added that the new chairs are great, especially for older guests with bad backs. And the move toward more guest comfort extends beyond the slot machines. In time for the holiday season, Seneca Allegany also has reconfigured the casino floor to make more space between table games. Guests will notice new wider, more comfortable chairs at each table, which also have been resurfaced and recovered with black cloths. Dealers also received new uniforms. Overall, the Seneca Allegany’s gaming floor features about 1,800 video and reel slots. Among the new games added in 2016 were fan favorites: Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Michael Jackson King of Pop, Plants vs. Zombies and more.

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“We already had an excellent gaming floor, but now it’s even better. It looks brand new.” GUS TSIVIKIS, GENERAL MANAGER AT SENECA ALLEGANY RESORT & CASINO

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SENECA RESORTS & CASINOS

1 Martin D. of Alhambra, Calif., won $698,518 on Wheel of Fortune.

Wall of Winners SOME RECENT JACKPOTS AT SENECA RESORTS & CASINOS

Jean V. of Euclid, Ohio, won $50,000 on Five Star. Judy and Dennis S. of Cheektowaga won $516,851.60 on Titanic.

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Kenny D. of Cheektowaga won $46,292 on Quick Hit.

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Robert B. of Olean won $30,000 on Big Times Pay.

Donna W. of Buffalo won $18,939 on Wild Red Jackpot.

SENECA RESORTS & CASINOS’ WALL OF WINNERS

Tina M. of Buffalo won $15,025 on Quick Hit.

10 Deborah C. of Willoughby, Ohio, won $9,519 playing Mustang Money.

Margaret F. of Big Flats won $13,511 on Devils and Diamonds.

11 Lynn F. of West Seneca and Jennifer S. of Alden won $9,176 on Dragon Wheel.

Priscilla M. of Amherst won $10,000 on Quick Hits.

12 Janet A. of North Tonawanda won $5,018 on Famous Blazing 7’s.

13 Elwood M. of Lockport won $5,000 on Big Times Pay.

ADD A LITTLE FABULOUS TO YOUR VISIT At Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, the fun isn’t limited to just the gaming floor. Step into a wonderland of shopping, and feel like a winner at any of our 10 retail outlets. For a refined taste, get your sparkle on at Swarovski, try on designer shades from Bollé or Serengeti at our sunglass kiosk, or score high-end clothing and accessories at Sky Boutique. This is just the beginning – so go explore, and live it up.

SENECANIAGARACASINO.COM

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310 F O U R T H S T R E E T • N I A G A R A FA L L S , N Y U S A 14 303 • 1-877-8-S E N E C A

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ENTERTAINMENT

They came to dance! LINDSAY ARNOLD AND “DANCING WITH THE STARS” PERFORM AT SENECA NIAGARA EVENTS CENTER

“D BY GEOFF HERBERT

ancing with the Stars” is about more than just dancing. Just ask

Lindsay Arnold. The 22-year-old “DWTS” pro first rose to fame as a contestant on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and now she has been a top five finalist on ABC’s ballroom spectacle for three seasons in a row. The semi-annual quest for a Mirrorball Trophy is both easier and harder -- she’s not the one being grilled by judges, but she is responsible for her celebrity partners’ performances.

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The Dancing with the Stars live tour gives these professional dancers the chance to showcase their abilities without the stress of being eliminated.

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“It’s very different,” Arnold said of her experience on “SYTYCD.” “It’s much more nerve-racking in the sense that every single week I was being critiqued. It was a little more personal because it was being directed at me. It’s different on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ because they’re not critiquing my dancing – they’ll have comments about choreography sometimes, but they’re critiquing my student, my celebrity. It can actually be more nerve-racking in that sense because you want to do everything you can to help your celebrity and they’re relying on you. “It’s a different kind of pressure, but every single week it’s my goal for my celebrity to be comfortable and confident on stage. It’s hard because… on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ you have to worry about yourself and your celebrity.” Arnold, who’ll perform with the “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” tour at the Seneca Niagara Events Center with other pros, has previously been paired with professional boxer Victor Ortiz, Boyz II Men singer Wanya Morris and NFL star Calvin Johnson. The work that goes in behind the scenes can be grueling, especially with pressure from millions watching at home and the risk of injury. But on the most recent season (23) of “DWTS,” Arnold and Johnson nabbed a perfect score during the challenging quick step. “The quick step is one of the hardest dances, especially when you have someone like Calvin who is extremely tall with very big feet and it can look clunky, but with his length and height he actually played it to his advantage,” Arnold explained. “It’s different with every single star. There’s a new technique that you have to learn every single week depending on what dance they have you doing,” she continued. “It’s not just learning stuff – there are so many aspects of the performance you need to have in order to get that perfect score, but when everything comes together it’s an awesome night.” On the live tour, Arnold looks forward to a chance to shine even brighter. “The tour’s a really, really exciting thing for us as pros. When we’re dancing on the show with our celebrities, our main focus is them. We’re choreographing to their strengths so sometimes that means we’re not showcasing all of our abilities so when we get to go on tour, we’re able to really show our fans what we as pros are made of. Also, on the tour there’s no eliminations, no stress,” she said. “It’s a really great chance for us to spend time together doing what we love.” Off stage, however, Arnold admits she’s made her share of missteps. The Utah native told Us Weekly that she has been pulled over for speeding six times but – knock on wood – has never gotten a ticket. “It’s very true,” Arnold said. “Two of them (happened when) the police officer knew my mom and when they see my license, they’re like, ‘is your mom Mindy?’ and they’re like ‘OK, I guess I’ll let you off on this one.’ It was lucky – it happened in my hometown, a very small community, so I’ve been very lucky but I guess I shouldn’t celebrate that too much (laughs).” Arnold also revealed she sometimes struggles with dancing when there aren’t TV cameras watching.

“DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE! – WE CAME TO DANCE” comes to the Seneca Niagara Events Center at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y., on Friday, Jan. 6. Lindsay Arnold will showcase all-new choreography in group performances and duets with Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Keo Motsepe, Emma Slater and more “DWTS” pros. Tickets start at $40 through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.dwtstour. com.

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“Dancing with the Stars: Live!” comes to the Seneca Niagara Events Center at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Jan. 6.

“I’m a dancer, but when it comes to, like, dancing in the club or dancing with my friends, I do not have moves. I think it’s because all my life, I’ve done choreography, so I don’t have a lot of game with that,” Arnold said. Undeterred, she still has her go-to songs by Beyonce (“Love on Top”) and Kesha. “I like to belt that ‘Tik Tok’ song and sing it really loudly,” she confessed. “I’ve always enjoyed singing, and I am always singing in my car.” Julianne Hough, another “DWTS” standout, recently combined her love of singing and dancing with an acclaimed performance in “Grease: Live!” on Fox. Arnold says she’s open to doing a musical as well. “As a dancer, you’re acting all the time. I consider acting something I would love to do. A musical would be a great place to dance, act and sing. Right now my main focus is ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ but I’m only 22 and I really want to see what else I can do,” Arnold said. “I’ve always been interested in trying something new. I’m always inspired by celebrities who come on the show and step out of their comfort zone and do really well.” But a musical might not be that far out of her comfort zone, as she sees “Dancing with the Stars” as being just as much about acting as it is dancing, technical steps and performance. The ability to successfully convey emotion while dancing is part of why every season sees rumors about stars sparking up romantic relationships with their partners, she said.

“The tour’s a really, really exciting thing for us as pros. When we’re dancing on the show with our celebrities, our main focus is them.” LINDSAY ARNOLD, “DANCING WITH THE STARS”

“It totally makes sense to me that people will see connections with partners because that’s what we want. If we have a sexy dance, we want people to believe that the feelings are real,” Arnold said. “Sometimes it’s just rumors, and sometimes it is real because when you’re dancing, there’s chemistry, there’s sexual tension when you’re performing – it doesn’t mean it’s real, but that’s what we have to portray, that’s what we do.” “Honestly, there have been so many rumors that are true and so many that are so far off, that I think that’s what makes the show exciting. People at home are being taken on this journey and it’s a very, very real journey and sometimes people see it more real than it actually is.” But sometimes the journey is real for the contestants, too. “We’ve seen some couples like (‘Shark Tank’ star) Robert Herjavec and Kym (Johnson) – they just recently got married – they were partners on the show and now they’re happily married. The show is not just about teaching people how to dance, but changing their lives. It definitely changed Robert and Kym’s life.” Arnold has not been part of that rumor mill, though, as she married her high school sweetheart Samuel Cusick in 2015. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t fantasize about who her next celebrity partner could be. “I’ve always, always been in love with Channing Tatum. And he actually has a dance background so I think that he’d be an amazing partner and super fun to work with,” she said. “I might have too high hopes for that one, but I’ll never stop dreaming, ha ha.”

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ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

CHRIS YOUNG Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Seneca Niagara Events Center Tickets start at $45

What to see this winter

WINTER 2017

PETER CETERA

KENNY ‘BABYFACE’ EDMONDS

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DAN HILL

January

February

March

JULIAN MCCULLOUGH AND ROBERT KELLY Thursday, Jan. 5, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $20

MATT RICHARDS AND LEONARD OUZTS Thursday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $20

NOAH GARDENSWARTZ AND DUSTIN YBARRA Thursday, March 2, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $20

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE! WE CAME TO DANCE Friday, Jan. 6, 8 p.m. Seneca Niagara Events Center Tickets start at $40

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: AUSSIE ADVENTURE 2017 TOUR Friday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m. Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $40

PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON Friday, March 10, 7 and 10:30 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $30

PETER CETERA Saturday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m. Seneca Allegany Events Center Tickets start at $25 EMERSON DRIVE Saturday Jan. 7, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $35 SHINING STAR: EARTH, WIND & FIRE TRIBUTE Friday, Jan. 13, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $25 54•40 UNPLUGGED: SONGS & STORIES Saturday Jan. 21, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $45 KRIS KRISTOFFERSON Saturday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m. Seneca Allegany Events Center Tickets start at $25 JOSH THOMPSON Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $25

STEPHEN BISHOP Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $35 AN EVENING WITH KENNY “BABYFACE“ EDMONDS Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Seneca Niagara Events Center Tickets start at $45 BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS FEATURING BO BICE Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Seneca Allegany Events Center Tickets start at $15 JIMMY BEAUMONT AND THE SKY LINERS Friday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $45 KING OF THE CAGE MMA Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Seneca Niagara Events Center Tickets start at $35

SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY AND THE ASBURY JUKES Friday, March 17, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $50 BRIAN REGAN Saturday, March 18, 8 p.m. Seneca Niagara Events Center Tickets start at $25 DAN HILL Saturday, March 25, 8 p.m. The Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $35

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

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ENTERTAINMENT

Where’s the show? A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST PLACES FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN WESTERN NEW YORK

BY NANCY J. PARISI

here is a wealth of music venues throughout Western New York, ranging in size from gigantic sports arenas to mid-sized neighborhood bars.

Other facets of the region’s vibrant live music scene are the seasonal festivals and outdoor series stages jammed with bands all summer long into early autumn.

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THE BEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DEN SHOWROOM AT SENECA NIAGARA RESORT & CASINO

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SENECA NIAGARA EVENTS CENTER

local venues

ere is a short list of the best venues in the region to enjoy

all year round — a baker’s dozen of places featuring musical acts of all genres, with something to please every set of ears. Whether you’re a local or are passing through, use this list as a go-to for experiencing live music throughout these glorious, musical parts.

PAUSA ART HOUSE

SENECA NIAGARA EVENTS CENTER Located within Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, this large-scale venue has a year-round calendar teeming with concerts and other events covering every possible genre: rock, country, family entertainment, dance, comedy and holiday shows. The venue, located on the casino’s second level, is a short distance from several topnotch restaurants. The box office is located on the ground level, steps away from complimentary parking.

PAUSA ART HOUSE PAUSA, an intimate music venue in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood, is located just around the corner from Allen Street on Wadsworth, strategically located between Kleinhans Music Hall and Nietzsche’s. The ultra-tidy venue features a small bar in its front room with local artwork gracing the walls, and an acoustically-superior back room with seating for smaller audiences. This is the place to listen to local and national jazz and blues acts. Tapas are served.

WWW.SENECANIAGARA

THE BEAR’S DEN SHOWROOM The Bear’s Den, also located within Seneca Niagara Casino, is a unique concert venue where every seat is a fantastic one. The 440-seat venue features seats no more than 40 feet from the stage. The lineup of talent is a mix of national acts ranging from R&B to rock. Christian Printup, senior executive director of entertainment and events for Seneca Gaming Corporation, says “Bear’s Den is the premier concert experience in the Northeast. It’s like the entertainers are in your living room!”

CASINO.COM/

WWW.SENECANIAGARA

19 WADSWORTH ST.

ENTERTAINMENT/

CASINO.COM/ENTERTAIN

BUFFALO NY

EVENTS-CENTER

MENT/BEARS-DEN

(716) 697-9075

310 4TH ST.

NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14303

(800) 745-3000

WWW.PAUSAARTHOUSE. COM

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THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

TOWN BALLROOM Located in downtown Buffalo in the city’s Theater District on Main Street, the 1940s-era Town Ballroom is a restored, mid-sized venue with a jampacked schedule of national touring acts. The venue has a total of three bars (two in the back) and side lounges off the front room. The concert room is two-tiered and, with a slight rake to the floor, it has great sightlines throughout.

KEYBANK CENTER The official home of Buffalo’s NHL team, the Sabres, KeyBank Center (recently known as First Niagara Center) is the place for large concerts in the city. Positioned just off highways, byways and the elevated portion of the Metro Rail in downtown, KeyBank Center is very accessible and draws fans from Western New York as well as southern Ontario.

681 S. MAIN ST.

THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Center for the Arts, shortened to just CFA by locals, is located on the campus of University at Buffalo in the suburb of Amherst. This stateof-the-art venue with solid acoustics and comfortable seating features three rooms for performances: The Mainstage, The Drama Theater and The Screening Room. This popular venue features rock, jazz, dance, UB Department of Theater & Dance performances and speakers.

BUFFALO, NY 14203

WWW.UBCFA.ORG

(716) 855-4100

(716) 852-3900

103 CENTER FOR THE

WWW.NIETZSCHES.COM

ASBURY HALL Asbury Hall, also known as Babeville, is located in a restored historic church in Buffalo’s West Side on Delaware Avenue. Famed folk artist Ani DiFranco owns the place and her record label, Righteous Babe Records, is located on the premises. The venue features regular concerts of national acts. It’s also the site of several local events held throughout the year. Asbury Hall features another smaller venue, Ninth Ward, in its basement — a rocky cavern with surprisingly wonderful acoustics.

ARTS

248 ALLEN ST.

WWW.

BUFFALO, NY 14260

BUFFALO, NY 14201

BABEVILLEBUFFALO.COM

WWW.TOWNBALLROOM. COM

(716) 645-6259

WWW.KEYBANKCENTER. COM ONE SEYMOUR H KNOX III PLAZA BUFFALO, NY 14203

NIETZSCHE’S Open daily from noon until 2 a.m., Nietzsche’s is a long-running music club located in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood. This legendary place, opened in the early 1980s, features two stages: one near the front door in the ultra-decorated barroom (see the autographs of famed musicians all over the ceiling) and the other, compact and rickety, in the rear room. Cover charges are reasonable, the drinks are fairly priced, and the regulars are Buffa-friendly.

341 DELAWARE AVE. BUFFALO, NY 14202 (716) 852-3835

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KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL

KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL This acousticallyperfect and elegant concert hall was designed by father and son team Eliel and Eero Saarinen and opened in 1940. It’s the home of Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and is the place to hear its season of concerts as well as several touring acts throughout the year. Kleinhans, and its Mary Seaton Room, are beloved venues in Buffalo, and the grounds feature a reflecting pool and mid-sized parking lot. In addition to concerts, Kleinhans (as it’s called by the locals) is the site of literary and other community events.

SPORTSMEN’S TAVERN Located on Amherst Street in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood, Sportsmen’s is a very busy venue with national and local talent hitting its ample stage. With stage-side viewing and a converted second-floor viewing area in the rafters (with a handy second bar), Sportsmen’s is a popular place to hear rock, blues, Cajun and Americana. Seasonally, there is an upper-level patio for more band-watching options.

KLEINHANSBUFFALO.ORG

THE WAITING ROOM

THE WAITING ROOM This lively joint is the place to see live music that is more of the independent, raucous variety. It’s also where to see rising local rock stars and experience live band karaoke every Thursday and Friday night upstairs in The Studio. Hip hop karaoke happens once a month. The Waiting Room is located directly across from Asbury Hall/Babeville on Delaware Avenue near West Tupper. This is a great venue that serves music fans of all ages.

BUFFALO, NY 14207

BUFFALO IRON WORKS Equal parts bar, restaurant (as of this writing the kitchen is undergoing renovation) and live music venue, Buffalo Iron Works is nestled on Illinois Street across from KeyBank Center in Buffalo’s Cobblestone District. Iron Works hosts a number of national touring acts as well as local and national tribute bands. With spaces to watch music in front of the stage, on an elevated area, near the long bar, or up in the VIP section, all sightlines are good. Iron Works is a popular midsized venue walking distance from downtown.

(716) 874-7734

WWW.BUFFALOIRON

BUFFALO, NY 14202

3 SYMPHONY CIRCLE

WORKS.COM

(716) 853-5483

BUFFALO, NY 14201

49 ILLINOIS ST.

(716) 885-5000

BUFFALO, NY

WWW. SPORTSMENSTAVERN. COM 326 AMHERST ST.

(716) 200-1893

WWW. WAITINGROOMBUFFALO. COM 334 DELAWARE AVE.

THE RAPIDS THEATRE Rapids Theatre is a former movie theater located in the downtown of Niagara Falls very close to the Canadian border and approximately 20 minutes away from downtown Buffalo. The calendar of events here is one that includes national alternative acts, local bands and seasonal community happenings. Rapids Theatre is also rented for private events. WWW.RAPIDSTHEATRE. COM 1711 MAIN ST. NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14305 (716) 205-8925

WE DIDN’T INVENT THE WILD TIME. WE JUST GAVE IT A HOME. North America’s first Pulse Arena is at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. It’s the future of gaming – your favorite table games

and a whole lot of partying. At Pulse Arena, you can play up to five games simultaneously with lower limits: Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Sic-Bo, and Baccarat. Watch amazing graphics and jackpot celebrations on the 40-foot HD screen while you groove to tunes from a live DJ. Or play nearby at the new blackjack party pit. This is fun and gaming taken to a whole new level.

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SENECANIAGARACASINO.COM

combined with the latest touch-screen technology, social interaction,

Your trip to the mountains at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino will feel like a getaway, but getting here is just the start. To truly escape, indulge yourself at one of our two fine dining restaurants: authentic Italian cuisine at Patria, or the finest chops and more at the Western Door Steakhouse. No matter which you choose, you’ll marvel at exquisitely prepared food, served by a friendly team that caters to your every whim.

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777 S E N E C A A L L E G A N Y B O U L E VA R D • S A L A M A N C A , N Y U S A 14779 • 1-877-8-S E N E C A

SENECAALLEGANYCASINO.COM

PURE HAPPINESS. AS FOUND AT THE END OF A FORK.

Eventful BUFFALO IS

For a complete calendar, go to VisitBuffaloNiagara.com/events

BROADWAY IN BUFFALO

Protean Picasso

Get a seat for the best show in town as Shea’s Performing Arts Center hosts two Broadway hits! Experience the 2014 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, A Gentlemans Guide to Love & Murder and sing along with the classic songs of The Sound of Music. sheas.org

In addition to an already spectacular collection, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery presents Picasso: The Artist and His Models. On display until Feb. 19, this show explores the evolving, multi-faceted career of this legendary artist and his contemporaries.

A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER » Feb. 16-22, 2017 BRENDA BIEGER

THE SOUND OF MUSIC » Mar. 28-Apr. 2, 2017

An amazing display of light and design blended with nature’s beauty, Lumagination (Jan. 25-28, Feb. 1-4, 7-11, 14-21) is a truly unique way to see one of Buffalo’s greatest natural treasures, the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. buffalogardens.com

Celebrating a half-century of growth in Buffalo, The First Exhibition: 50 Years with Charles Burchfield reflects on the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s beginnings by reuniting the masterworks of its namesake artist from public and private collections. On display now through Feb. 26. burchfieldpenney.org

Smooth Sounds Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Colored Musicians Club’s local union, Jazz In The Sanctuary (Feb. 11) commemorates the rich history and world-renowned jazz artists that made Buffalo a musical mecca. coloredmusiciansclub.org

NANCY J. PARISI

JOE DIEBOLD

Talk of the Town Rock out, jam on and shake your groove thing! With a raucous lineup, including G. Love & Special Sauce (Jan. 22) and Umphrey’s McGee (Jan. 29), Town Ballroom is poised to blow the roof off.

Chill Out!

townballroom.com

KC KRATT

Cabin fever? Never heard of it. Embrace Buffalo’s winter wonderland with Chillabration at Canalside. Spanning four days (Jan. 15-18) with 50+ special events and attractions on and off the ice, this is the coolest party for the whole family. canalsidebuffalo.com

Irish Heritage, On Parade Don your best green and orange and get ready for two days of hearty Irish song and celebration. Check out the lively “Old Neighborhood” parade in South Buffalo on March 11 and the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Delaware Avenue on March 19. the valleycenter.com/ buffalostpatricksdayparade.com

ERIC FRICK

albrightknox.org

50 Years & Counting

Buffalo’s event calendar really heats up during the winter. From art and music to theater and parades, there’s no reason to hibernate when the mercury dips.

Welcome to

WINTER!

JOE CASCIO

Falling temperatures and lake effect snow mean it’s time to ice bike, skate, toboggan, ski and feast on hearty seasonal fare. The region’s rebirth has left locals and visitors alike with more ways to enjoy our signature season than ever before. Embrace the cold and snow like a true Buffalonian and discover one of America’s great winter cities! For more information, go to VisitBuffaloNiagara.com.

IN THE CITY

The new Ice at Canalside, one of the country’s largest outdoor skating rinks, has transformed the Buffalo winter experience. The waterfront rink is built on a replica of the Erie Canal and features ice bikes not found in any other North American city. Learn to curl at RiverWorks, a new entertainment complex on the banks of the Buffalo River, skate at downtown’s free Rotary Rink, or rent snowshoes at the bucolic Tifft Nature Preserve. canalsidebuffalo.com • buffaloriverworks.com waterbikesofbuffalo.com/ice-bikes • tifft.org

JOHN PAGET

JIM BUSH

TOM BURNS

Frosty Falls

Nearby Niagara Falls has garnered headlines around the world for its frozen beauty. While the falls never completely freezes, the ice that forms from the mist on surrounding rocks and trees offers unparalleled winter scenes.

In the Country

Plummet down the old fashioned toboggan chutes of Chestnut Ridge County Park onto one of the region’s largest sledding hills, then NANCY J. PARISI warm up with hot cocoa by roaring fireplace. Slalom, schuss and shred powder on nearby Kissing Bridge’s dozens of downhill trails. Ice fish on the frozen shores of Lake Erie, or rent cross country skis in the forests of the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. kbski.com • erie.gov/parks/chestnut.asp • reinsteinwoods.org

JIM BUSH

KC KRATT

NANCY J. PARISI

NICE AND TOASTY Need to warm up after a day on our rinks, hills and trails? The Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens provides the perfect respite under its glass conservatory. Saunter through hundreds of floral wonders in its Panama Cloud Forest and Florida Everglades exhibits, then continue the tropical adventure at the Buffalo Zoo’s Rainforest Falls, which replicates a South American ecosystem. After the rainforest, head back outside and bond with the polar bears at the zoo’s new Arctic Edge exhibit. buﬀalogardens.com • buﬀalozoo.org FERNANDO FLORES

For more information on where to eat, play and shop in Buffalo, go to VisitBuffaloNiagara.com

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WINTER 2017

THE CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS

ADDRESS: ONE MUSEUM WAY, CORNING, N.Y. 14830 HOURS: SEPT. 6-MAY 25, 9 A.M.-5 P.M.; EXTENDED HOURS MAY 26-SEPT. 4,

Pictured: “Endeavor,” Lino Tagliapietra, 2004.

ADMISSION: ADULTS, $19.50; 17 AND UNDER, FREE; COLLEGE STUDENTS, 55-PLUS, AAA, MILITARY, $16.60; LOCAL RESIDENTS, $9.

Art. Science. History. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GREENLAR

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EXPLORING THE CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS 2

1. View of the building containing the 35 Centuries of Glass galleries at The Corning Museum of Glass. 2. “When Lightning Blooms” (“Aesthetic Engineering series”), Ginny Ruffner, 2006. 3. “Carroña (Carrion),” Javier Perez, 2011. 4. “Blood Sugar,” Tony Cragg, 1992, 2011. 5. “Lynx After a Sketchbook Page” by Albrecht Durer, Marta Klonowska, 2009. 6. “Untitled (White),” Josiah McElheny, 2000. 15th Rakow Commission.

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1. “Ionic Structure of Glass,” Dominic Labino, 1979. 2. “Café,” Dan Dailey, 1979. 3. “Eight Heads of Harvey Littleton,” Erwin Eisch, 1976. 4. View of the Ben W. Heineman Sr. Family Gallery of Contemporary Glass. 5. “Red/Amber Sliced Descending Form,” Harvey K. Littleton, 1984. 6. “Matron,” Dan Dailey, 1988. 7. “Eve,” Lino Tagliapietra, 1998. 8. Right to left, “Chartreuse Pair,” Dante Marioni, 1997; “Whopper Vase,” Dante Marioni and Benjamin Moore, 1988; “Red/Amber Sliced Descending Form,” Harvey K. Littleton, 1984.

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1. A wineglass being created at the bench of one of the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot glass demonstration stages. 2. View of the Innovations gallery. 3. Looking through the water lens in the Innovations gallery. 4. The Owens Bottle Machine display in the Innovations gallery. 5. The Genie in the Bottle display and whisper gallery in the Innovations gallery. 6. Telescope in front of the 200-inch disk, Corning Glass Works, 1934.

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1. “ Boat,” Compagnie des Verreries et Cristalleries de Baccarat, 1900. 2. “Heliotrope Classico Moderno Amphora,” Laura Donefer and Jeff Mack, 2012. 3. View of the World’s Fairs display case in the 35 Centuries of Glass galleries. 4. Left to right, “The Behaim Beaker,” probably 1495; “The Rothschild Bowl,” Venice, Italy, about 1500-1510. 5. View of the Glass in the Islamic World case in the 35 Centuries of Glass galleries.

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SNOCROSS

Highoctane thrills

SNOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP BECOMES A NEW TRADITION AT ALLEGANY

BY MARISA ENZINNA

hose looking for some high-paced action can check out

the annual Snocross National event when it returns for a fifth year with two full days of races on Feb. 3 and 4.

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Sportsman’s Show If snowmobile racing isn’t quite your speed – or you enjoy slower-paced outdoor fun, too – stop by the annual Sportsman’s Show later in the month. The show (Feb. 18 and 19) will feature about 100 vendors featuring hunting, fishing and sporting goods inside the resort’s Seneca Allegany Events Center. Visitors can peruse vendor booths from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Seneca Allegany expects that 5,000 to 8,000 people will attend the show throughout the weekend. Attendees can enter a variety of giveaways for chances to win trips, buffet vouchers and more. Show admission costs $8 per person.

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“This is one of the most challenging and unique tracks on the series. It’s big, wide, and gives the fans the extreme racing they desire,” Carl Schubitzke, the International Series of Champions president, said of this year’s U.S. Air Force Snocross National Powered by RAM. According to ISOC, Snocross is the most fanfriendly and exciting form of snowmobile racing. The event combines a winter environment with the big-air jumps and action typical of motocross. Last year’s event drew 16,500 spectators to the Seneca Allegany resort to watch amateur and professional snowmobiling athletes. And depending on Mother Nature, resort management thinks this year’s crowd could be even bigger. BEYOND THE RACES On Saturday, the excitement extends beyond the track. Visitors can get their favorite racer’s autograph during a pro autograph session, and fans wanting an up-close experience can buy a $10 pass to tour the pits. Kids can even get in on the action during the free 120 Demo Ride aboard small snowmobiles. There also will be several vendor booths and food available for purchase. “The highlight of the event is the location. The track is literally right next to a five-star resort. It is a one-stop show for complete entertainment from lobster to gambling to a massage,” added Joe Harewicz, ISOC executive producer. TICKETS AND ACCOMMODATIONS Advance-sale tickets for the February event cost $25 for Friday or Saturday only and $30 for the weekend. Ticket prices go up $10 the day of the event. A family four-pack of weekend tickets is available online at http://snocross.com/. Those wanting to spend the weekend could stay in one of Seneca Allegany’s 413 guest rooms and enjoy a meal in one of the resort’s restaurants. According to Miranda Hopp, vice president of marketing for ISOC, “Seneca Allegany always welcomes us with record crowds, a unique track and excellent on-site accommodations.”

The Snocross National event, with Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in the background.

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BUFFALO SABRES

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A day with the Buffalo Sabres Photos by Matthew Digati

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WHAT HAPPENS ON THE RINK, IN THE STANDS AND ALL AROUND KEYBANK CENTER? 4

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1. Entrance to the KeyBank Center from Alumni Plaza. 2. Alumni Plaza has a statue of the French Connection, one of the first and best lines in Sabres history. 3. The Canalside entrance to the KeyBank Center. 4. The central entrance to the KeyBank Center. 5. The view of the Harbor Center (left) and the Key Bank Center (right) from Canalside. 6. KeyBank Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main lobby. 7. A view of the pregame lines to enter the arena.

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1. Fans watch the game from restaurant seats in the 200 level. 2. This suite-level view comes with cushioned seats, a mini fridge and a private bathroom. 3. Sabres fans pose just outside a 300 level entrance. 4. Sabretooth, the Sabres mascot, uses his air cannon to shoot T-shirts into the crowd.

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1. Sam Reinhart, 21-year-old forward and future star. 2. Sabres veteren Matt Moulson takes a water break during pregame warmups. 3. Two young Sabres with bright futures, Hudson Fasching (21) and Jake McCabe (23), during their pregame skate around. 4. Forward Zemgus Girgensons takes an offensive zone face-off.

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TICKETS: INDIVIDUAL TICKETS, MINI-PACKS, FAMILY-PACKS AND MORE CAN PURCHASED BE AT WWW.NHL.COM/ SABRES.

ARENA: KEYBANK CENTER HAS A SEATING CAPACITY OF 19,070. THE ADDRESS IS ONE SEYMOUR H. KNOX III PLAZA, BUFFALO. PARKING: PARKING IS AVAILABLE ON PERRY, WASHINGTON AND SWAN STREET. THE COST OF PARKING RANGES FROM $10 TO $20.

1. The Buffalo Sabres locker room. 2. Jack Eichelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s locker. 3. A closer look at the Sabres individual lockers. 4. Filled with names of past Sabres players, this is on the wall of the walkway between the locker room and the ice. Fans are allowed to view the players walking out onto the ice here between periods with the purchase of a special ticket.

TIME TO HIT LIFE’S LITTLE RESET BUTTON Whether it’s a massage, a mani-pedi, or a new ‘do, prepare to be pampered and to look like a million bucks. The luxurious Spa & Salon in Niagara and Allegany offers an escape and a place to unwind. SENECACASINOS.COM

You’ll thank yourself for days on end by treating yourself to relaxation and rejuvenation. Ask about complimentary day-long use of our pool, sauna, and locker room when you book an extended treatment. If you haven’t visited before, you’ll soon learn why The Spa & Salon is quite possibly the region’s best-kept secret.

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