The later half of the 20th century did not bring much good fortune to Buffalo. Hundreds and thousands of people left due to the failing job market. The population drops more every year as people move away giving nothing back to nourish this great city.
Despite this steady drop in population, with no help in sight, Buffalo still has a culture that refuses to die. We have reached a turning point. It's up to the community to decide in which direction the city will go.
The young population is so crucial today; we are the deciding factor. Over 20,000 students currently attend UB. A huge amount of this number comes from other cities and states. While South Campus is actually located within the city, North Campus, which houses the majority of residents, is only minutes from downtown. Wouldn't you think that a factor as huge as this would make a difference in bringing people into Buffalo? Yeah, I would too - the only problem is the barrier formed by the ever-growing blob of suburbia. Amherst is not Buffalo.
I find that so many students are completely oblivious to this cultural distinction. The reason that most out of state students think so badly about Buffalo is because they have, in all truth, never actually seen it. It amazes me that so many people do not even know how to get downtown and out of the sterile grip of East Amherst. Buffalo has so much to offer in so many diverse areas of its rich culture.
There is so much more to "going out" than the Marriott's nightclub. Twenty minutes away, straight down Main Street, is Chippewa, the party district. Here, with the choice of one bar after another, you can find the perfect music, atmosphere, drinks or d?(c)cor. Whatever it is you're looking for, odds are you'll find it. Buffalo's music scene is excellent. Live bands play all over the city, every night of the week. Food is everywhere. Buffalo is full of restaurants. From fast food to exotic dishes, there are any numbers of places you can go to munch. While there's a ton of cheap places for us poor students, it's also known for the fine cuisine of the many extravagant restaurants throughout the area.
The arts have always been very important to Buffalonians. Right beside
There are a ton of privately owned and funded galleries scattered throughout the Allentown and Elmwood areas that are great for shopping. Area artisans have shops everywhere and sell any and everything completely unique and original. The summer months are packed with huge street festivals of both music and art - all local, of course.
Moving to another division of the arts, theater is easily found and well supported. Shea's Theater on Main Street downtown has season after season of only the best productions. This gorgeous historic venue recently underwent major internal construction making it now possible to host the biggest and best shows.
Smaller places such as the Irish Classical Theater and Studio Arena (both downtown) constantly feature new plays. Very often, these organizations as well as college productions feature local actors and performers. Each one of these theaters as well as art galleries advertise all over, but info is always online.
A city cannot survive by itself. It needs to be fed and nurtured in order to thrive. Each one of us can help in support. People need to open their eyes and see all around them. The first step is to sample, to go out and experience the city. Skip the malls and General Cinema and chain restaurants. Taste something new. Keep Buffalo alive. Oh - and please, with cool little coffee shops on practically every block - there really is no need for Starbucks.
