Festivals
      thurs. 23-Sept. 3 New York State Fair - Gates to the New York State Fair open at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 through Sept. 3 at the Empire Expo Center, 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse.
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It's hot, it's cool, it's jazz in Lewiston
      Cool jazz will fill the air when the sixth annual Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival counts off this weekend. The event will feature more than 275 musicians making up 45 bands performing throughout the village. They will provide entertainment in numerous restaurants and pubs throughout the Village o...
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Concerts
     thurs. 23 Blues is on tap with the North Mississippi Allstars and special guest The Wood Brothers at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 as part of Thursday at the Square, Lafayette Square, Buffalo; free. 856-3150, www. buffaloplace. com
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Time to play
      Head to East Aurora with your youngsters for the 21st annual ToyFest, to be held this weekend. This year's event will be held on Main Street and the Toy Town Museum, 636 Girard Ave. ToyFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26.
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Announcements
      • Initially Yours Boutique is raising money for the fifth annual Kiss Cares for Kids Radiothon in January to benefit Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo. Purchase two Webkinz from Thursday, Aug. 23 through Saturday, Aug. 25 at 4553 Main St., Village of Snyder, and receive a free Littlekin...
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Symphonic
      thurs. 23 Amherst Symphony - Free outdoor concert on the Amherst Museum's George Measer Family Bandstand, admission at 5:30 p.m., concert at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug.
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Dance
      sun. 26 Carousels In Dance - Two dozen Pick of the Crop dancers, in costumes designed by Michele Costa, will perform a celebration of the history, beauty and whimsy of the carousel starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug.
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Live in WNY
      thurs. 23 Open Mic, with The Forming, 9 p.m., The Fireside Inn, 205 Central Ave., Lancaster; free. 683-0462 Polka in the Park, with the City Side Band, 6:15 p.m.
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Guitarist takes listeners on an island fantasy
CD REVIEW
by ROBERT E. KUPCZYK Bee Entertained Associate Editor
      Lackawanna native and guitarist Mike Smiarowski's latest release, "Island Fantasy Part II: Return to Jabeam," will transport the listener from the craziness of life to a relaxing musical island resort. As I recently reviewed the CD on a dreary, rainy morning, it sure lifted my spirits.
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Family Activities
      thurs. 23 Flower Arranging Class & Show - Children ages 7 and older will design a small fresh flower arrangement, presented by Smallwood Garden Club, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug.
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Special Events
      Eight acres of corn fields will steal your sense of direction when the Buffalo Bandits-themed The MAiZE gets you lost beginning Friday, Aug. 24 through Oct. 31. The Garland family has brought the MAiZE craze back to the area for another fun-filled season for its seventh season. The Garland's cont...
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Speakers Lectures
      thurs. 23 JCC Secrets of Buffalo Series - "Secret Correspondents," with Kim Landon, associate professor of journalism, Utica College, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, Jewish Community Center's Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Road, Getzville; free.
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Art
      thurs. 23 Women of Color Show - An opening reception will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at Impact Artists' Gallery, Suite 545, Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main St., Buffalo; free. The show continues through Sunday, Sept.
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Film/Video
      thurs. 23 'How To Marry A Millionaire' - Starring Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall, presented as part of the Riviera Theatre's The Women of Hollywood summer film series, 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug.
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The Three Stooges Film Festival
      Hey Curly, hey Larry, hey Moe, it's time for a one-night only festival of your movies, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, the Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda; $. 692-2113, www.riviera theatre.org
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Auditions
      • Starry Night Theatre will hold auditions for the thriller "Child's Play" by Robert Marasco and directed by L. Don Swartz, 7-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 27 and 28 at the Ghostlight Theatre, 170 Schenck St., North Tonawanda. Six men and 10 teenage boys are needed. Attendees will be asked...
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Literature
      thurs. 23 Buffalo's own award-winning author Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt will read from "You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy" starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at Borders Books and Music, 2015 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga; free.
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