By Kate Bartlett
Second Hand News, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, will be playing Holiday Valley beer and wine fest on Saturday, November 8. This Buffalo based band only recently formed last year, but has since been impressing crowds with energetic entertainment, and talent in both acts of their performances. Their first act focuses on Fleetwood Mac, while their second act brings high energy, dance and crowd, favorite songs.
Katy Coster Burgler, singer and founding member, has always had a passion for music. If she wasn’t singing along to Madonna in her bedroom, she was listening to the variety of music her parents played on their stereo. Of course, this included Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. Katy’s family encouraged her to try out for the lead in her school musical after they heard her sing karaoke at Darien Lake. That eventually led to her joining bands in her adulthood (after Dental school), starting with the Central Groove Band, a local band made up of all dentists. In 2018, she joined the very fun and entertaining band, Wide Right, which continues to play at various venues around Western New York.
In 2024, Katy spoke to the members of Wide Right about starting a side project designed to be a Fleetwood Mac tribute band with the added bonus of a second set filled with popular dance songs by various artists. A few of the members from Wide Right joined Katy on this venture and the band quickly gained popularity. “We have great chemistry and connection,” explains Katy. “It’s been incredible playing together all these years and I feel blessed that they were willing to do this Fleetwood Mac project with me. I’ve always had a passion for the music of Fleetwood Mac, particularly Stevie Nicks.”
Katy was inspired to pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac as their music is emotional but timeless. “For me, it’s personal. I grew up with this music, so it’s nostalgic, and brings back memories. Their lyrics are everything. Their ability to tell stories through their lyrics is like poetry, and their abilities to cross genres from rock to blues and pop is incredible. There’s something for everyone. It’s an honor to keep this music alive.”
The six-member band consists of Katy on lead vocals, Ed Berowski on keys, Bob Taberski on bass guitar, Mark Ricci on lead guitar, Tom Brown on drums, and Cris Papaj on vocals/percussion. Ed has been entertaining for over 40 years in multiple Western New York bands, and was awarded first place all western New York music award keyboard/synth for best keyboards/synth player in 2016. Bob is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and has been playing base for 25 years in multiple bands. Mark has been a part of the Buffalo music scene for 25 years and has played in various cover and original bands. Tom is an award-winning veteran session and touring drummer/vocalist, and was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2009 as a former member of the band McCarthyizm. He toured with national recording artists JB Aaron for the last 10 years and has been a member of many other bands, including Nawty Dawg, Teresa Quinn, White Chocolate and Road Trip. Cris has also been a member of various local bands over the years and feels that music and singing have always been a big part of her life since childhood. She is the newest member of Second Hand News, and brings a beautiful element of depth and motion to the vocals and harmonies.
Second Hand News has played at various venues in the Western New York region with several sold out shows during their first year. “We are incredibly grateful to Diamond Hawk in Cheektowaga,” remarks Katy. “They gave us our first gig. We sold out and it was incredible. We continue to play there regularly.” The band will be playing Holiday Valley Beer and Wine Festival on Saturday, November 8.
Katy’s favorite thing about performing is the creative outlet. “Music has always been my passion. I love performing and letting this energy flow, letting it out and finally sharing it with the crowds.”
For more information, follow on Facebook, email kcoster16@yahoo.com and catch their show at Holiday Valley Beer and Wine Festival on November 8.