McVAN'S Song Project: Fusing Music, History, and Mentorship

After 36 years in preparation, a distinctive project blending various disciplines and generations is ready to take off. The McVAN'S Song Project amalgamates the worlds of art and music with the local history of Western New York (WNY), student mentorship, and preventive initiatives against risk behaviors in one comprehensive program. The project plans to achieve its objectives through educational programs, social media outreach, and community events.

A Nostalgic Musical Journey at McVAN'S

Named after the historic McVAN'S Nite Club, a staple in the WNY music scene from 1922 to 1984, the project breathes new life into original music tracks from 1975-1989. This era saw the rise of legendary local talent, including Billy Sheehan, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Ani DiFranco, as they honed their skills on their path to global fame. McVAN'S played a pivotal role in nurturing these artists and contributing significantly to the vibrant club culture of the time.

Mentorship and Community Involvement

At the core of the project, seasoned musicians share their expertise with young students and up-and-coming artists, teaching them about WNY's rich musical heritage as well as the intricacies of the music industry and its modern technologies. These collaborations culminate in fresh renditions of classic McVAN'S era songs. One such endeavor is the Rock4Life concert and CD release, scheduled for April 13 at Asbury Hall. The proceeds from the CD, which features these revitalized tracks, will be directed towards addiction prevention efforts dedicated to the region's youth.

Commemoration Through Creative Resurgence

Bob James, the creative vision behind the project, was inspired by the idea of 'repurposing' history to educate and inspire new generations of musicians. After viewing a wall display at the Barcalo Buffalo Living & Commerce Complex, the concept of bringing the past into the future resonated with him, recognizing that the musical treasures of WNY's history were ripe for rediscovery and reimagining to serve contemporary purposes.

In an effort to honor the site of the original McVAN'S Nite Club, a historical marker is in the works, fueled by significant local interest. A social media campaign ultimately raised over $2,600 for this marker, underscoring the deep connection the community feels with its musical roots.

Preserving and Teaching WNY's Music Legacy

The McVAN'S Song Project isn't just about restoration; it's also about documentation and education. Over 400 original songs from the McVAN'S era are curated in the Buffalo Music Vault by a team of aficionados, ensuring that the music that shaped the region's culture is safeguarded for future generations. As new musicians and students aspire to artistic careers, the project stands as a beacon of guidance and success, further supported by efforts like BOCES offering studio and production assistance.

The project also looks forward to enhancing WNY's musical narrative by eventually exploring post-McVAN'S music and scenes, like that of The Continental, to continue enriching the artistic tapestry of Buffalo.

music, history, mentorship