By Kate Bartlett
This September 21st marks the 22nd annual Music is Art Festival (MIA) in downtown Buffalo. MIA attracts thousands of people to WNY as the festival aims to showcase art in numerous forms. As always, the festival is free to attend and will feature many family-friendly attractions including a Kids’ Village, Instrument Zoo and a variety of food and beverage vendors.
Founded by Buffalo native Robby Takac of the multi-platinum band Goo Goo Dolls, Music is Art, a 501c3 non-for-profit that aims to promote music and the arts through various programs in the Buffalo area throughout the year. The festival was founded as a way to celebrate music and the arts 22 years ago, and has grown to be one of the biggest Music and Arts festivals in the region. “We originally began the festival to help prop up underground artists and musicians within the community,” recalls Robby. “It has grown to be so much more.”
The first festival had 2 stages and about a dozen artists. This year MIA will showcase over 200 local bands and musicians on 17 stages/performance areas. The festival will feature various forms of art including sculptures, DJs, painters, roller skaters, wrestlers, dancers and more. “We are so proud to host such a variety of unbelievably talented local artists and musicians. We aim to promote the creativity in various forms and give the community an outlet to display their particular brand,” says Robby. “It’s about getting the community together in celebration of expression and the arts.”
MIA has a new location this year on the Outer Harbor. “We are really excited to be on the waterfront this year; it’s going to be beautiful. We have over 17 acres to spread out. It’s great to see the Buffalo Waterfront having a revival and we’re proud to be a part of it.” The skatepark will return this year, along with BMX bikers. Groups will lead tours along the waterfront, showcasing art along the way. “We’ve loved all our venues throughout the years, but got comfortable in certain locations. The AKG and Silos were great, but hosting in this vast space has made us rethink and reinvent certain aspects of the festival. It’s invigorating in a way, almost an art form of itself.”
Almost all of the bands are local talent. “We’re proud to say that 99% of the musicians and artists are from our Western New York Community. We love showcasing the abundant local talent”, says Robby. Some highlights include Blackbird, Johnny Hart and The Mess, Uncle Ben’s Remedy, Sons of Luther, PA Line, Grace Greenan, Chris Trapper, Elliot Hunt, Zuri Abbleby, and Robby Takac himself.
Festival goers can expect live music of every kind including rock, hip hop, electronic, jazz, country, singer-songwriter, jam bands, and traditional vocalists. “The music journeys into artforms and environments that span from the most traditional to the most Avant Garde. It’s so much more than art and music; it’s about the creative community as a whole.”
Music is Art also promotes many year-round programs and initiatives including the new alliance academy and instrument donation and placement program. “We’ve placed over half a million dollars worth of instruments in the hands of students in the area over the past 20 years. It’s an incredible program that gives students the opportunity to literally get their hands on music and get involved in the arts.” MIA also hosts year-round events featuring local artists at venues in the area, showcasing some of the abundant local talent.
Robby is grateful for an amazing staff of hardworking individuals who make this festival possible. “Hat’s off to an amazing team of volunteers, musicians and attendees to make this festival what it is. We have such an incredible volunteer base and a small, tight-knit hardworking staff. It’s going to be another great year.”
As always, the Music is Art festival is free and family-friendly and will take place on Saturday, September 21 from 11am-11pm. For full event schedule visit www.musicisart.org/FESTIVAL and follow on social media for event updates.