WBFO’s Buffalo Blues Bash brings a rollicking night of music, food and fun to Buffalo Toronto Public Media each fall and spring. WNED PBS’s large studio is transformed into a state-of-the-art concert venue for one night only; it offers the perfect setting for local opening blues acts and notable national headliners alike. Food, beer and wine are available for purchase to complete this rockin’ evening.

WBFO's Buffalo  Blues Bash returns to our studios October 2021. The headliner for the next Blues Bash is 2019 New England Music Award-Winning “Blues Artist Of The Year”Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers. Rockabilly Steve and BR3 is the opener.

WBFO Buffalo Blues Bash that was scheduled for April 4, 2020 has been rescheduled for October 2, 2021. All tickets will be honored.

The JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition

Named in honor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Music Director, the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition was launched in 2004 by Classical WNED, WNED PBS and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It was the world’s first concerto competition for classical guitarists with accompaniment by a full symphony orchestra. The Falletta Competition was established to help identify and encourage talented young classical guitarists and help them on their musical journeys. Every two years, it brings international guitarists to Buffalo, New York for one week to perform publicly in competition for cash prizes, a recording contract, national and international broadcast exposure, and a return engagement with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It is the opportunity of a lifetime for young musicians who have dedicated themselves to their art and who are serious about pursuing careers not only as international performing and recording artists, but also as concert soloists.

In addition to bringing prominent recognition to highly-skilled young classical guitarists, Buffalo Toronto Public Media and the BPO seek to promote music appreciation and enhance the visibility of the cultural arts in Western New York.

Buffalo Toronto Public Media and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra congratulate Bokyung Byun of South Korea who was awarded first place and Musician's Choice in the eighth biennial JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition on June 9, 2018.

Eight classical guitarists, representing five nations, competed throughout the week. Byun is the first woman to win the competition. Tengue "TY" Zhang of China captured Audience Favorite and second place. Congyi Zhang won third place, and also received the inaugural William and Carol Greiner Award for his performance of Ernesto Cordero’s Concierto Antillano. The Greiner Award encourages the performance of lesser-known works.

Byun will receive a solo concert at the Fondazione La Società dei Concerti in a recital among the series “Winners!” of Incontri Musicali at Gaber Auditorium in Milano, Italy, along with a $10,000 cash prize, national and international broadcast exposure, and a return engagement with the BPO.

WNED Kid Fest At Home

Kid Fest has gone virtual!

We are so sad we couldn’t meet in person this year. With that in mind, we decided to bring Kid Fest to you! While nothing can fully replace in-person fun, we are providing a fun alternative.