Buffalo’s place as a border city is more than a geographic observation. It informs the region’s id, affecting everything from our population, football fans and food to the artistic influences that color the city’s moods and memories. Some might say we are a borderland—and for the founders of one popular local celebration, this description designation became the perfect name for its annual three-day gala of arts, music and camaraderie that make Western New York so special. This is the Borderland Music and Arts Festival, set to launch its sixth installment at East Aurora’s Knox Farm State Park from September 13-15, 2024. In this episode of Hear Here, we’ll talk festival specifics, how it’s grown into this year’s sixth edition, and how the event has become an end-of-summer celebration with Borderland co-founder, Jennifer Brazill; connect with Harmony Griffin of Uncle Ben’s Remedy on how the festival connects musicians with the best of the Buffalo area; and explore what makes the event so special for local and visiting fans alike with Borderland regular, Kevin Ford.

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