In 2019, Nikki and I used to jump over the Peace Bridge bridge and visit Silo City, in Buffalo, New York.
This old industrial area is being revitalized, and for all I know may now be condos. But when we visited it was home to a fascinating mix of old and new.
Abandoned silos. Towering empty buildings, once home to thriving businesses and a massive workforce that drove much of the local economy in Buffalo. All now crumbling. But one new business is (or at least was) doing well. Duende. Duende is a bar. Leveraging the historic roots of Silo City, much of the interior decoration is made from local recycled materials. The unfinished hardwood floors are accentuated by bar tops ringed with riveted black steel. Modern day grunge.
It works. We like to drop in when it is quiet, and enjoy one of the many craft beers. Duende also offers regular music. But not like other bars. They like to keep the vibe of old by bringing in live music. Bands and groups that have a less modern feel. Older music. Bluegrass. And when we last went, they had a classical quartet playing modern favourites. When I took these, they were playing “Space Oddity” by David Bowie. And it was the closest thing to the original, raw demo that I have ever heard. Fantastic enough that I still recall it 7 years later.
Duende, Silo City. If you are ever in the area, check ’em out, if they are still around. Tell ’em we sent you. I’d be surprised if anyone remembers us, but hey. 🙂
