Robert Falgiano

Twenty years as of last week! Mainly I book events at the Center for the Arts and write grants for special performing arts projects.

The performances themselves, especially the more “outside the box” stuff like when we brought Columbian gypsy jazz group Monsieur Periné last season. These are life affirming moments which support talented artists and thrill the public.

What I’d describe as the “40-year national trend” of corporatization of the arts, and the culture generally. I’m concerned that the mission of performing arts centers is being gradually buried beneath the finances.

Supporting professional dance performance on our Mainstage, plus serving students in the UB dance department. Since 1997 the Center has contracted more than 100 dance performances. We are the only long-term dance presenter in Buffalo. More than two dozen professional companies from around the country have been in residence, providing master classes for UB dance majors, plus performances at area public schools. Residencies include some of the most important historical modern companies, such as Limón, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, and newer groups like Koresh, Rioult, Dorrance and Varone. I admire dancers. They are creative athletes.

The Center for the Arts exists on 70 percent earned revenue from our events and production services. There’s no programming or equipment budget from UB, and no student activity fees. 

UB has many positive attributes but is highly political. (Maybe that’s everywhere?) Choose your stands with care.

I love writing and performing music. I’m proud to say I’ve just released my 9th CD of original songs. 

I don’t cook. My favorite quick snack is a spinach burrito with lots of hot sauce.

I should make Italy a priority. In my head it’s one big Fellini film with everyone yelling and gesturing at each other.

A few years ago I wrote a book called God Laughs at Dirty Jokes. It’s about my family’s encounters with spirits, believe it or not.