The Buzz
The natives are restless: A big crowd, a polka king and a pouring rain can mean only one thing: a nightmare for Cheektowaga Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak. At Saturday’s Polish Festival in Cheektowaga Town Park, it fell to Gabryszak to calm a soaked mob wildly anticipating a free concert by polka master Jimmy Sturr.
Sturr is the real deal. His license plates read “POLKA.” Also, legend has it that one of his musicians got divorced for his sake — the guy’s wife said, “It’s either Jimmy Sturr or me,” and the rest was history. Hence Gabryszak’s distress. He stood on-stage saying, “Good things take time” as the crowd, out in the rain, began to boo. Finally a voice said: “They’re ready.” And Gabryszak said, “OK, without further ado...” Roll out that barrel, already!
Tiny resemblance
The story about accused Serbian war criminal Radovan Karadzic is shocking. The guy grows a big beard and poses as, of all people, Tiny Gleed! That someone across the world would choose to impersonate a citizen of East Aurora is unsettling. Mr. Karadzic should be held accountable for this crime.
Patio party, 1
Entertaining an expat friend, Buzz took him to the patio of Papa Jake’s. One other table was filled, and naturally, everyone started gabbing. “Where are you guys coming from?” one of our neighbors asked. “Nowhere, just coming from home,” Buzz shrugged. Our guest’s eyes grew wide. Clearly, he had forgotten how Buffalonians, out of habit, talk to strangers. Then a guy at the other table got up. “Can I have a wing?” he asked. “You’re not going to eat them all.” Our guest began laughing openly. Goes to show: Who needs the Darwin Martin House? Buffalo’s best tourist attractions are ourselves!
Patio party, 2
The delights of ethnic food! Only at Canal Fest would you find something called the Mexican Garbage Plate. Appetizing! And in the Italian food department, Buzz jumped to make reservations for “Dinner Rush,” the first free summer movie on the patio of Filippo’s, the Italian restaurant on Hertel. What fun. Before the flick, restaurateur/professor Andrea Guiati entertains, singing “O Solo Mio” and “Nessun Dorma.” Next, it’s his habit to discuss the film. His advice on “Dinner Rush” was: “Watch the nerd.” Good advice for life in general! The mini-film festival at Filippo’s continues the next two Wednesdays. Films start at 9 p. m. Don’t forget to watch the nerd.
The buzz
Speaking of nerds, a People magazine story on Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams described their budding romance thus: “He loaded up her iPod with music from his laptop.” ... Just because the Italian Festival is finished doesn’t mean a moratorium on guys named Alessandro, Massimiliano and Guido. Those are the names of three guitarists who call themselves Trio Cardoso. They play First Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p. m. Saturday.
Quote
“I’ll ask myself, Can you hurt any more? And then I’ll say, You have to hurt harder.”
— Cyclist Kristin Armstrong, in Marie Claire
