'Jazz Scene Buffalo' to debut on WBBZ-TV 5

New, local and nationally televised program celebrating Buffalo's jazz community to air on WBBZ-TV & The Retro TV Network on ‘Off Beat Cinema’

Press Release

“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 its 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 and white, the show’s residency in Off Beat Cinema’s fictitious “Hungry Ear” coffee house presents a genial retro aesthetic.

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 said, “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. 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 at 12:30 p.m. Feb 11. A dedicated YouTube channel is planned.

For more information about “Jazz Scene Buffalo,” contact Caldwell at [email protected] or 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; and DirecTV 67.

“Off Beat Cinema” is the longest-running nationally syndicated television show to originate from Buffalo. Creator James Gillan and producer DiSciullo 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.