On this episode of Hear Here we visit the iconic Town Ballroom. Initially called The Town Casino in the ‘40s, 50s and ‘60s, the Town Ballroom on Main Street in Buffalo, NY hosted legends such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Miles Davis. In the following decades, the building would change ownership multiple times. Nearly twenty years ago, hoping to establish a premiere concert venue in Buffalo, Artie Kwitchoff and Donny Kutzbach of Funtime Presents decided to “restore the old girl to her former glory.” In this episode, Donnie and Artie share their story of transforming this iconic venue to showcase local, national, and international acts. Bentley also visits with Max Kerman, the lead singer of Arkells, to find out what it’s like to play here. Finally, we meet Town Ballroom superfan Jim Lemoy, who has officially obtained VIP status, attending more than 400 concerts, and counting.

Hear Here is a production of Buffalo Toronto Public Media for Visit Buffalo Niagara.