"UB on the Green" to Offer Four Free Community Concerts

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The vast lawn in front of Hayes Hall on the University at Buffalo's South (Main Street) Campus will be a destination for summertime entertainment with UB launching a series of free music-and-dance concerts for the community called UB on the Green.

The family-friendly performances will be held from 6-8 on four Tuesday evenings -- July 17, 24 and 31 and Aug. 7. Production assistance will be provided by UB's Center for the Arts.

In addition to providing all-ages entertainment, the series will provide the opportunity for the community to become more familiar with the university. It also is designed to educate audiences -- performers will run dance and music workshops, and there will be other hands-on activities.

Participants are encouraged to pack a picnic supper to enjoy before the performances. Food vendors also will be on hand. UB on the Green is an alcohol-free family event.

"The South Campus is a great community asset and we aim to make it more accessible -- so we are rolling out the welcome mat and opening our arms in a way we haven't done in the past," says Vincent Clark, UB director of community relations.

The series will kick off on July 17 with a performance by two Cajun bands -- Mumbo Gumbo from 6-6:45 p.m., with Lee Ron Zydeco offering its upbeat, spicy blend of Zydeco, Cajun, Caribbean, Blues, Tex-Mex and New Orleans funk from 7:15-8 p.m.

The Rochester-based, world-famous Garth Fagan Dance will headline the July 24 program with a performance from 7:15-8 p.m. The Tony-Award-winning Fagan is best known for choreographing the Broadway production of "The Lion King." Le Ballet Touba 'n' Dame Fall will perform from 6-6:45 p.m.

The July 31 program will feature the Latin Jazz Project from 6-6:45 p.m. and the Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble from 7:15-8 p.m.

The program on Aug. 7 will feature Babik, a gypsy jazz ensemble recently named "one of the hottest bands in Buffalo" by The Buffalo News, from 6-6:45 p.m. and a performance by the new dance company, Lehrerdance, from 7:15-8 p.m. Lehrerdance is under the direction of Jon Lehrer, who attended UB and formerly was associate director of the renowned Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago.

For more information about UB on the Green, contact the Office of Community Relations at 829-3099 or visit http://www.buffalo.edu/yourub.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York. UB's more than 27,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.