A new local and nationally televised program that celebrates Buffalo's Jazz Community to air on WBBZ-TV & The Retro TV Network on “Off Beat Cinema”.
JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO will take the stage inside the “The Hungry Ear Coffeehouse” on the set of “Off Beat Cinema,” (the late night hosted movie show nationally syndicated from Buffalo) at flagship station WBBZ-TV 5, Your Hometown MeTV Station, in their Eastern Hills studio.
JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO, will give viewers a peek at the exciting “Jazz Scene” in Buffalo, with world class musicians delivering unique performances you won't hear anywhere else.
The initial programs will feature jazz combos led by first-call musicians: Dr. John Bacon, George Caldwell, Mark Filsinger, Elliot Scozzaro, Alex McArthur – and that’s just to start – with added mini segments that include guests to share Buffalo’s unique jazz legacy stories and historic happenings by local jazz historian Jack Nossavage.
Inspired by retro jazz TV shows of the 50s and 60s, JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO is a collaboration among WBBZ TV 5, Buffalo Jazz Collective, Buffalo Jazz Composers, and Off Beat Productions.
Recorded in black & white, the show’s residency in Off Beat Cinema’s fictitious “Hungry Ear” coffee house presents a genial retro aesthetic.
Dr. John Bacon, music educator and drummer/percussionist, stated, “Jazz Scene Buffalo is a great opportunity to get a perspective on what is happening with Jazz in Buffalo today. The vibrancy and creativity within the modern scene reflects the history and forecasts the future of the music. This show will broadcast Buffalo jazz to the world.”
“We are incredibly excited to present JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO to audiences in Buffalo and beyond," said John DiSciullo, Executive Producer of “Off Beat Cinema.” This show represents our commitment to delivering hometown entertainment that celebrates Western New York's people and culture.”
JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO is conceptualized and spearheaded by Constance Caldwell, Off Beat Cinema’s longtime co-host (known as “Zelda”) She states, “Inspired by the extraordinary talent, die hard fans, and the station, WBBZ-TV, that embraces community content, JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO was a TV event just waiting to be produced.” Constance continued, “Of course, nothing is like listening to a live performance in a room of collective hearts; however, this show will prove to be a special and additional tribute and contribution to Buffalo’s robust jazz scene.”
JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO will be presented as three half hour sponsored specials in 2024 on WBBZ-TV 5. A special “Off Beat Cinema” program will also air 90 minutes of all participating bands at a date to be determined on flagship station WBBZ-TV 5 and the Retro Television Network. Invited guests will attend the inaugural taping on Feb 11th at 12:30PM. A dedicated YouTube channel is planned.
For more information about JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO, contact: Constance Caldwell jazzscenebuffalo@gmail.com / 716-602-1290. Join the conversation with hashtag #JazzSceneBuffalo
WBBZ-TV 5 is Buffalo's only locally owned full power television station, broadcasting on Channel 67 over-the-air; Cable 5 (check local listings); FiOS 5; Dish 5; & DirecTV 67.
“Off Beat Cinema” is the longest running nationally syndicated television show to originate from Buffalo. Creator James Gillan and Producer John Di Sciullo crafted the late night hosted movie program with a cast of beatniks from the fictitious “Hungry Ear” coffee house in 1993. The program recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The website for the show www.offbeatcinema.tv with Facebook, Instagram, and X platforms.
Contact: John Di Sciullo at offbeat7@aol.com / 716-929-9084.
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