The BBC band: BBC News

Concert to raise funds for renovation of O'Hara's 'jewel'

For the past eight years, Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda has been conducting extensive renovation projects. The latest installment is the revitalization of the school's performing arts center. On Friday, February 10, the school will hold a benefit concert to raise money for the renovations.

"It is the jewel of the campus," said Bill Tepas, Cardinal O'Hara's alumni coordinator.

The performing arts center was originally built in 1966 and designed similar to Klienhans Music Hall in Buffalo, which is known for its excellent acoustics.

"Somebody had a very good plan to add what they called a theatre back then," Tepas said. "It's incredible."

The school hopes to use money from the concert to cover the estimated $70,000 to $80,000 needed to make the planned renovations. The performaing arts center, which has 900 seats, needs new carpeting, a new soundboard, a new electrical board and new wooden floor, in addition to other repairs.

"The auditorium in its present state is a beautiful place, but if you investigate further it is in need of repair," said Tepas.

The February concert will feature The BBC band, a local group "dedicated to capturing the original sound of the Beatles and 60's music." Tickets are $20 and a cash bar and food will be available to concertgoers.

The school began making changes in 2003, starting with the gym. Since then, they have renovated the admissions office and alumni courtyard, added a weight room, Mac lab, SMART boards, Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, and replaced the light fixtures, in addition to several other projects.

"Over the past eight years, Cardinal O'Hara has made a concerted effort to upgrade the entire school," Tepas said.

The auditorium has always been on the agenda, explained Renee Orr, director of advancement for the school.

The renovation coincides with two major changes for the schools arts program. The school recently reinstalled both the choral and band programs.

"Both programs have come a long way," Orr said. "They compete at the highest level with other schools."

In addition, the arts are now mandatory for all Cardinal O'Hara students. During their freshman year, students have the choice of taking band, chorus or art, The school also offers dance.

The school currently uses the performing arts center for graduation, their Christmas program, Greccio, and the school play. The school also makes the center available to other organizations, including the Catholic Men's Fellowship and the Charter School for Applied Technologies. To purchase tickets for the concert, contact the advancement office at 716-695-2600 ext. 312 or visit.cardinalohara.com.

The BBC family is excited to welcome our newest member, Joe Mombrea. 

Joe is a self-taught musician who began playing the guitar at age eight. With more than 20 years of experience as a singer, guitarist, and flautist, he has risen to the level of a well known talent in WNY. More detailed information on Joe can be found on our bio page.

If there's is one thing that we can learn from life, it's that change is inevitable. As Russ Thomas moves on, The BBC family would like to thank him for his friendship, time and dedication. We had a good run making some great music and sharing very special and life changing times.

NED WOOD

Prestonesque, your fingers danced
across the ivory and ebony,
your now bony fingers, danced.

The ivory is the purity of life's page,
played simply and powerfully,
a tribute to your aptitude.

The ebony is the blackness;
the cursed cancer consuming you.
A tribute to your strength.

A musician and mentor,
like all of us, life's renter.
In decline, but inclined to play

every sweet note left in your magic hands,
harmonic, symphonic; an iconic sound.
One of the best around Buffalo town.

Awe strikes with each passage played.
Awe strikes with the courage shown,
never over-blown, gratefully, home-grown.

Ned, glad to have known you.
And yet, we hardly knew ye!

March 29, 2011

Ned Wood lost his life to cancer this morning at the age of 57.

Since being diagnosed with terminal cholangiocarcinoma last summer, Ned fought a valiant fight and showed those close to him and all of those treating him, what he was all about. He accepted the news, put on his armor and never gave up his battle, never complained and even said he was glad that this had happened to him because it was making him a better person.

With a sense of urgency, Ned squeezed every ounce of every day in working on and in his studio. He passionately recorded, painted, reached out to friends, travelled and radiated his spiritualism and positive attitude, all while undergoing chemo and its side effects.

He will truly be missed by all that have come to know him.

We love you, Ned!

 

“A NIGHT FOR NED”

Many of us that grew up in this area may know Ned Wood from the band, Weekend (a member of Buffalo's Music Hall of Fame) and others may know him through The BBC Band or BeatleMagic. Through the years, Ned has established himself as a keyboard wizard and has played with a number of quality bands and countless musicians.

Recently, Ned (57) was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Often, as in Ned’s case, this cancer spreads before it is diagnosed and is incurable.   As friends and musicians, let’s “come together” and surround him with love and positive support as he faces this difficult challenge.

There are limited tickets available (as of 10:00 AM, Sunday) and are $30 at the door.
- Frog Hair, 7800 Transit Road (near Sheridan Dr.), Williamsville, NY 14221 (839-3764) 

The BBC Receive's Three Music Award Nominations

The BBC band is in the running for three 2009 Buffalo Music Awards. The nominations include best tribute band, best vocal group and our own John Connelly for best pop/rock bassist. As a band and as individuals, we are honored to be nominated and proud of John for his individual nomination. To vote, please visit the accompaning link. We would greatly appreciate your support.

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Hosts The BBC Band "Time Of The Season" Concert

The BBC Band from Buffalo lights up the stage at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. Photos by Joe Strand

Westhampton Beach - Allen Willinsky, a resident of Manhattan and Quogue, presented The BBC Band "Time of the Season Concert" at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 17. This group of talented and charismatic musicians and vocalists encouraged attendees to let loose - and they did - singing along and dancing in the aisles - a great night for a great band and guests.

Band member Gary Astridge.

A longtime friend of some of the band members, Willinsky heard The BBC, dedicated to capturing the original sound of The Beatles, the British Invasion and other 1960s music, and decided to represent them and organized the WHBPAC concert.

Meet The BBC
Consisting of five members, all from Buffalo, NY the group includes Gary Astridge (drums); John Connelly (bass); Frank Grizanti (lead guitar); Russ Thomas (guitar); and Ned Wood (keyboard). Speaking with the band before their performance, each indicated their favorite Beatle: Thomas-Lennon, Connelly-McCartney, Wood-McCartney, Grizanti-Harrison, and the diplomatic Astridge who simply stated "I love all of them." All band members participate in vocals and play mulitple instruments. Also, Grizanti and Wood have both been inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

Given their enthusiam for the evening's performance, none of the members actually indicated how they occupy their time when not performing or rehearsing, but by the number of family and friends in the audience it was apparent that they should just keep playing forever. However, according to their website below is a little information about the lads:

Band member John Connelly.

Astridge is the band's percussive backbone and founding member of The BBC. His musical journey started after seeing The Beatles first U.S. performance in 1964. He has worked with Tom Calandra (Stan & the Ravens), and writes and records. In addition to The BBC, he has performed with Big Wheelie, The Be Bops, and BeatleMagic. He is also a collector of vintage drum kits like the ones used by Ringo Starr during his career with The Beatles.

Connelly founded the band Switch in the 1970s, and joined The BBC in 2003. He is the owner of a promotional company in Lancaster, NY.

Grizanti is the newest member of The BBC, having joined in 2007. He is also a recipient of the 2004 NCMMA Lifetime Achievement award for Guitar. From Niagara Falls, where he has been a popular guitarist having played with Oz, Slam, Zola, NRG, and the USA Band, he joined Weekend, and is also a member of The Falls Street Rockers and Anatara. A full-time musician he can be heard on recording projects for Ken Kaufman and John Valby.
Thomas joined The BBC in 2002. He is also the founding member of BeatleMagic, a band performing sets of Beatles music in full costume. Thomas works for DuPont in Research and Development.

Band member Frank Grizanti.

Wood is an original member of the local 1970s recording artists Weekend, and a songwriter. He has performed in some of Western New York's most popular bands, including Shiner and 33 West, and continues to perform with not only The BBC, but also with Weekend, BeatleMagic and Telepathic Driver.

The Really Big Show
This is without a doubt one of the best 'cover bands' currently playing and touring. The combination of the masterful musicianship, vocal range, and perhaps the maturity of the band members who all actually grew up in the 1960s, listening to The Beatles and other favorites from that important decade in music, combined for a show that was as professional as it was fun.

According to Connelly, "We have all known each other for years, and we started out just playing together on Monday nights after pizza and beer." Other band members chimed in, and as stated by Thomas "In particular, The Beatles probably had the greatest musical influence on all of us, and we enjoy playing their songs that span their entire career." Grizanti further commented "Their music and lyrics are emotional and aside from the fame of their careers it is really about the music and what that meant to all of us."

Band member Russ Thomas.

This common bond shared by each member of the band is evident in the obvious meticulous renditions both musically and vocally they present on stage to the absolute delight of their audience. A particular treat was the guitar solos of Grizanti - this is one very talented musician - whose solo licks on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" brought a few tears to the eyes of the audience - his skill is that good and that beautiful - Mr. Harrison would be proud.

Additionally, the vocal range of both Connelly and Thomas makes for some sweet listening, however, all members of this band multi-task and bring tremendous musicial ability to the stage. These band members are tight with each other and their followers. Willinsky, after introducing the band at the beginning of the evening, also announced his engagement, which created a great deal of excitement for friends and family members in the audience. Congratulations to all.

As it is important to this band, who has studied The Beatles recordings, thus allowing them to provide the most accurate musical presentation possible, it was equally exciting, as with all truly good musicians, to hear each band member put a signature spin on their respective instrument that only enhanced and never once altered or diminished the tunes they played.

Band member Ned Wood.

The charming repartee maintained by both Thomas and Connelly on stage really invited the audience in for an evening of perhaps forgotten but then happily remembered and well-loved songs that had many turning to each other and saying "I always loved that song" and "This is one of my favorites" bringing forth some raw emotions of both delight and maybe sadness for many who did live and come of age during the turbulent 1960s. The band creates an infectious energy, and is comfortable with a warm and sociable stage presence.

The BBC offers a wide range of not only Beatles tunes but other 'British Invasion' bands, displaying a tremendous command of each tune played on Saturday. Yet when they began to play "Twist And Shout" the aisles were packed with some who had not swung their hips that fast to this great tune in many years, and who could not have been happier. It was interesting to note the ages of those in attendance - young, old and in between - everyone was more than thrilled to strut their moves and exercise their vocal abilities. It was encouraging that sitting in front of myself were two young men no older than 20 who knew the lyrics to each and every song and sang along - indeed The BBC let everyone sing along - loud and strong.

On a miserably cold, rainy and windy Saturday night The BBC made everyone feel "Here Comes The Sun" was a possibility, and for a few hours reminded all just how timeless these tunes really are.

The BBC Band with the newly engaged Allen Willinsky in their dressing room before rockin' the stage at WPHBPAC.

The BBC Band is a blast and let's hope the East End welcomes this group back very, very soon, and thanks for the dedication fellas - never 'in my life' was I so pleased.

For more information contact Allen Willinsky at 212-338-9200, or go to www.thebbcband.com.

For more photos, visit the following link:

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Hosts The BBC Band

The BBC on WLKK

John, Gary, Frank, Russ & Ned will be appearing live on WLKK radio (aka The Lake) this Friday (February 28) at 3:00 PM. Tune your radio to 107.7 FM or visit www.1077thelake.com to listen to live streaming audio.

Nomination

The BBC has been nominated by the 2008 Buffalo Music Awards committee has one of the areas best tribute bands. The BBC performs a Beatles tribute and British Invasion experience.

Many supporters of The BBC have been asking us to include some songs of other bands of the 60’s British Invasion. That being said, we’ve decided to spice things up by including a selection of these songs. If you have any requests, now would be the time to drop us an email. To our loyal supporters, please know that our main focus continues to be our tribute to The Beatles. Stay tuned for additional information.

Class of 2007/ Inductees into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame

Since 1983, the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame has sought to honor the people who help make our musical scene so rich. Scheduled to be inducted this year, along with the pianist Leonard Pennario, are:

Elizabeth Swados: The Buffalo- born playwright is most famous for her musical “Runaways,” which earned her five Tony Award nominations at the age of 26.

Tommy Z: A vocalist and guitarist of power and warmth, Tommy Z leads the Tommy Z Band and has played with countless blues greats, local and national. He regrets that he won’t be able to make the induction ceremony, he’ll be entertaining the troops in Afghanistan.

Frank Grizanti: Weekend, the band in which Grizanti plays guitar, was welcomed into the Hall of Fame in 2000. This year, Grizanti will be honored as an individual. Most recently, he is a member of the Beatles-themed BBC Band.

Jim Ehinger: When you go the Lafayette Tap Room to watch the Sabres game and enjoy the accompaniment of a live Hammond B3, that’s Ehinger at the organ. Born in Buffalo, Ehinger made a name for himself in Los Angeles, where he was the house keyboard player at the China Club.

Jim Wozniak: Another Hammond B3 master, Wozniak is often heard accompanying Buffalo blues belter Donna Rose in the Bittersweet Rose band. He’s a formidable stage presence, a tremendous technician and a legend on the Buffalo blues scene.

Robert Kinkel: The Williamsville keyboard player plays with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, anationallytouri ngtrio that has found a unique niche: Christmas rock/metal musicals, accompanied by spectacular, high-tech light shows. This year, the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is also honoring the late blues musical stylist Andy Kuhlberg and paying tribute to U-Crest Music,

the longtime music store in Depew

BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME 2007 INDUCTION CEREMONY

(Buffalo, NY, July 11, 2007) -- Induction ceremonies for the newest
members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame will be held on October 18,
2007 at the Tralf in downtown Buffalo beginning at 7:00 PM. Tickets
are $20.00 and are available through Ticketmaster and at the door.
The public is welcome. Inductees will be honored from 7:00-9:00 PM,
followed by an evening of music. A special tribute to Mark Freeland
will be included.

This year's honorees include internationally renowned pianist,
Leonard Pennario; Broadway producer, Elizabeth Swados; world
reknowned keyboardist, Jim Ehinger; performer/writer/producer, Robert
Kinkel; blues musician, Jim Wozniak; blues guitarist and singer, Tommy
Z; musical stylist, Andy Kuhlberg; and guitarist, FRANK GRIZANTI.
Wally Pigeon of U-Crest Music is the recipient in the Non-Performer
category for the enormous support he has given to aspiring musicians.

We are proud to announce that our friend and band mate Frank Grizanti will be inducted as a 2007 member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

More information coming soon.

FRANK GRIZANTI JOINS THE BBC BAND

During the early part of this year, The BBC, held auditions for a lead guitarist. The competition was intense and a great deal of thought went into selecting just the right person to become part of The BBC family. It wasn’t only finding someone with great playing ability and stage presence; it was also finding a Beatle crazed musician with passion, dedication, and the right personality, not to mention being able to work with everyone’s schedules. “We put the word out and we were pleasantly surprised at the caliber of talent that tried out. There were some big local names,” said Ned Wood, BBC band member. After hours of listening to audition tapes, many phone conversations and group meetings, a unanimous decision was made to offer the position to Frank Grizanti. “Having Frank will take us to a whole new level.” said Russ Thomas, another BBC band mate. “Frank is a great guy and a seasoned professional. His resume is quite extensive and he lives and breathes music 24/7.”

The BBC performs its first gig of 2007 at the Tralf Music Hall in Buffalo, NY on May 19th. Visit www.thebbcband.com for more information.