Buffalostyle Forges On

(NOTE: Despite the technical difficulties impacting the WNY Media home page, Buffalostyle will broadcast in its new day and time slot of Tuesday, June 5 from 7 to 8 pm. )

                                                    

                          Chautauqua.     

The mere mention of the revered WNY Institution evokes images of the famous, the scholarly and the talented who have appeared there since its inception in 1874.   

    Each year when the Chautauqua calendar of events is published, Amphitheater performances featuring nationally and internationally known entertainers often sell out.

Yet there is another long running Amphitheater tradition that revolves around the presentation of renowned speakers and important topics of the day that is equally as popular.  The programming is known simply as the Morning Lecture Series and all presentations during the July through August season begin each weekday promptly at 10:45am.     

The tradition of the Morning Lecture Series is steeped in names that read like a Who’s Who of American and World History.  Susan B. Anthony, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Margaret Mead, Amelia Earhart, Thurgood Marshall, Freeman Dyson, Jane Goodall, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Kurt Vonnegut, to name just a few on the impressive roster.  And equally significant have been their topics running the gamut of every subject imaginable.      

     Currently, Leslie Williamson is the coordinator for Chautauqua’s Morning lecture series.  Her responsibilities include coordination and planning of all topics and speakers for each season…which considering the list of past participants and their subjects, is a daunting task.   To add to her professional challenges, Leslie also helps coordinate and make selections for the Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle (CLSC) program. The CLSC, one of the country’s oldest continuous book clubs, featuring a prominent author each Thursday afternoon for a roundtable lecture, reading, and book signing.       

     So who is this woman charged with putting together one of the most significant segments of the internationally respected Chautauqua Institute’s programming?  Where did she come from and how did she find her way into this highly specialized and coveted job?     

Join me on Buffalostyle this Tuesday from 7 to 8pm for what is bound to be a lively and informative discussion with Leslie Williamson.  Hear about this year’s Chautauqua lecture series and find out about some of the behind the scenes details that make her job so wonderfully challenging.     

Music to compliment this week’s Buffalostyle will be provided by the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas.  This 90-member band, under the direction of William Weikert, was formed in 1929 by a group of WNY WWI veterans.  This year, the band will enjoy the honor of opening the Chautauqua Season by performing in the Amphitheater on June 24.   

Tune in to hear some of their sounds….which just may surprise you….this is not your just grandfather’s marching band. 

Remember, Buffalostyle Tuesday, on www.wnymedia.net.   Live from 7 to 8 pm (call in at 886-9696) or later….