'A Buffalo tradition returns'

Much of downtown's  entertainment has experienced reincarnation these past few years. Returning June 6 is Thursday at the Harbor’s third concert season.

            For over 20 years, the outdoor concert series was located in downtown Buffalo's Lafayette Square. Its beginnings were humble-- the event was a means for local musicians to showcase their talent.

The event was free to the public and spectators would come from as far away as the suburbs. With time, the audience grew to where event managers could sponsor both local and national musicians.  Some famous bands have included the Dropkick Murphys (which performed in 2007), and local legend Lance Diamond.

            "We've been going to Thursday at the Square for several years now," said Wardell Pilgrom, a downtown resident. "We like to bring our grandkids and a couple of chairs down by the water, and just great weather and show.”

            In an effort to boost tourism at Canalside, in summer of 2011 the concert series was moved to the Central Wharf downtown, and was renamed Thursday at the Harbor. The last concert held at Lafayette Square was June 24 of that year. Some people were more than thrilled about the concert's relocation.

           

            "Parking was a nightmare," said Pilgrom's wife, Lillian. "We would have to park up to five blocks away sometimes. Now we have the option of taking the train or parking right next to the  Waterfront. Plus, there's more space to see [the stage]."

            This year the concert will kick off with Counting Crows and the Wallflowers. Buffalo Place will be sponsoring the event which they call 'Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor.’