OUR STORY
It took a pandemic to take down an Icon of the Arts.
Playwright, actor, musician, composer, author, professor, historian, archivist,
chef, police officer and Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee.
Joey Giambra’s life immediately prompts the comment, “this would make a good movie.”
In fact, parts of it have been told for the stage and screen, in his plays like Bread and Onions (1999) and films like La Terra Promessa (2007), which chronicle the history of Italian-Americans in Western New York. Joey wove his soul into the fabric of his beloved hometown, for which he wrote the song “I Love You Buffalo" that appeared on his album LEGACY: Up Close and Personal.
And, while his accomplishments were great, it was his unparalleled kindness that earned him the title “Buffalo’s Most Beloved Citizen.” Joey shared his considerable talent with abandon,
and his generosity of spirit and unflagging creative energy inspired so many.
The Giambra Legacy Fund has been created to continue Joey’s contributions to Buffalo’s music, theatre, and arts community. With generous help from many friends and kind supporters,
along with leadership from Harry Lipsitz II and Catherine Dines Kettner,
we look forward to Advancing the Arts in its many forms.
We invite you to experience the camaraderie and esprit de corps
that comes from joining together with a common purpose.
From supporting performing arts to the visual arts, with your help we can
enhance quality of life, create opportunity for artists, increase creativity,
and contribute to the distinct sense of place that is Western New York.