Performing Arts
Shea's Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St. (tel. 716/847-1410), is a gorgeous former movie palace dating from 1926 and built in the style of a European opera house. It now hosts touring shows, concerts, opera, and dance performances. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the acoustically perfect Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle (tel. 800/318-9404), most every week from mid-September to the end of July. For theater, head to Studio Arena, 710 Main St. (tel. 800/77-STAGE or 716/856-5650), one of the finest regional theaters in the country. Each season (Sept-May) features several productions.
Nightclubs & Live Music
The bar scene is centered around two streets: The most happening is Chippewa Street, downtown, where you'll find loud bars pouring local brew Genesee and others. Try the down-home Big Shotz, 45 W. Chippewa St. (tel. 716/852-7230), and the more upscale La Luna, 52 W. Chippewa St. (tel. 716/855-1292). Crocodile Bar, 88 W. Chippewa St. (tel. 716/853-CROC), is a favorite with the well-dressed, over-25 crowd, due partly to its extensive martini menu. Allen Street is a bit quieter, but you can also find some good bars like Gabriels Gate, 145 Allen St. (tel. 716/886-0602), and Colter Bay, at Delaware and Allen (tel. 716/882-1330). This is also where you'll find Buffalo's gay scene, in bars like Cathode Ray, 26 Allen St. (tel. 716/884-3615). Another good bet for gays: Club Marcella, 622 Main St. (tel. 716/847-6850), which features drag shows and underwear contests, along with DJs spinning tunes till the wee hours. For live music, join the slightly older set at the Tralf, 622 Main St. (tel. 716/852-2860), which hosts all sorts of music, comedy, and theater performances. Many acts are local, but sometimes you'll get a national name, like Roomful of Blues or Lisa Loeb, or touring shows, like Shear Madness. The Lafayette Tap Room, 391 Washington St. (tel. 716/854-2466), is committed to the blues and offers a full schedule of local and national acts in its small space.
