A Saxtress ‘Stole Our Hearts’ At The Pine Grill Jazz Reunion
By Betty Jean Grant
This writer recently attended one of the best Buffalo festivals in memory. The African American Cultural Center is the host of the annual, Buffalo Pine Grill Jazz Reunion and they opened this year’s event with Pamela Williams, a talented “Saxtress” (as she calls herself) and one of the best headliners I have ever seen or heard, in person. Ms. Pamela Williams also played in the bands of Patty Labelle and later with Teena Marie, before she went on with a solo career.
For me to say that Ms. Williams played her Sax and had the audience in the palms of her hands, is an under statement. Not only did she play her heart out on the stage; she went down into the crowd and gave a few of the jubilant and appreciative fans a person al serenade. Who does that these days? It was the move of a veteran entertainer doing her up close and personal moments, and I am sure that those she played that Sax to will never forget it!
The opening act, Magnetic Flow, a band from Rochester, NY, was playing their 5th gig here in Buffalo. In previous years, they have worked with Marnetta Malcolm and her team in some of the Buffalo Funk Fest’s Events. Many of the ‘concert goers’ left their chairs and blankets to dance to the many line dancing tunes being played.
Unlike the majority of festivals held in Dr. MLK Park, the participants at the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion are allowed to bring their own personal tents and food. And let us not forget those weekend chefs who showed out with tables of food that were shared with a few of their hungry friends and even a few lucky strangers!
The food trucks and the ample array of food vendors did not slack in their job of providing a variety of food items that were delicious and heartily consumed! My favorite food of the evening was that huge plate of Oxtails and sides that I purchased from a vendor called Aun ties! Don’t quote me, but I believe this writer would be correct if she said that everyone who wanted to eat did so!
On a serious note, the community needs to give big thumbs ups to Dr. Leah Angel Daniel and her staff and volunteers at the African American Cultural Center. This dedicated group worked hard to put on an outstand ing Part 1 of the 2025 Pine Grill Jazz Reunion. I am sure that the festival’s, August 10th, Part 2 event, will be just as wonderful.
This writer cannot close this article without giving a heavenly acknowl edgement to African American Cul tural Center’s Executive Director, Ms. Agnes Bain and the Honorable George K. Arthur. These two community orga nizers worked together for decades, to make sure the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion remains one of Buffalo’s biggest and best festivals. Mission accomplished and congratulations to their families. May Mr. Arthur and Ms. Bain continue to Rest In Peace.