Fourth Season of UB on the Green to Open on Aug. 25

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo will launch its fourth season of UB on the Green, a free outdoor performance series held on the front lawn of Hayes Hall on the UB South Campus, with a performance by The Rockas with special guest Caitlin Albe Koch.

UB on the Green's free music and dance performances will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and Sept. 8. In addition to providing all-ages entertainment, the series is designed to educate, as well as entertain, with interactive demonstrations and other hands-on activities that are fun for the whole family.

"UB on the Green is an opportunity to bring the community and university together for more than just good entertainment," says Vincent D. Clark, director of the UB Office of Community Relations. "This event provides opportunities for residents to organize and keep our neighborhoods strong by joining a block club or neighborhood watch, attending a safety training or participating in other neighborhood associations."

This year's series was moved to later in the summer to allow more community members, students and staff to attend, he adds.

Designed to showcase the university's resources, as well, activities that will be held as part of UB on the Green include participation by UB Anderson Art Gallery and UB Athletics, in addition to other local community organizations.

Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets. Light refreshments will be available for sale. UB on the Green is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

The series will kick off on Aug. 25 with The Rockas with special guest Caitlin Albe Koch. Their sound is Caribbean based, full of chunky horns, spicy Riddims and melodic and soulful vocals.

The Sept. 1 program will open with N'Dias, a West African-inspired local dance and drumming group, followed by One World Tribe, an Afro-beat, funk, reggae, Latin and world beat orchestra whose show will feature musicians, dancers and extras.

The series will end on Sept. 8 with a full-band performance of melodic pop songs by Scott Celani, followed by Black Widow, one of Western New York's top rock bands, playing the latest and best of rock, party, dance, country, alternative and classic music.

"This event provides both students and community members an opportunity to meet one another and connect as they enjoy outdoor entertainment on the South Campus," says Andrea Costantino, director of Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs. Student Affairs is a co-partner of UB on the Green.

For more information about UB on the Green, contact the UB Office of Community Relations at 716-829-3099 or visit http://www.buffalo.edu/community/ub_on_the_green.html.

The University at Buffalo continues to strengthen and sustain its impact as a public institution serving diverse communities locally and abroad by building stronger community partnerships that enrich and enhance UB's teaching and research mission. Through programming and these partnerships, the Office of Community Relations works to cultivate a culture of community awareness and engagement in its students, faculty and staff, and to be a good neighbor to the communities adjacent to and beyond UB's campuses.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system, and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 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.