Kootsie Ball | Buffalo, NY
  • Videos
  • History/Photos
    • Kootsie History
    • The Seventies
    • The Eighties
    • The Nineties
    • Two Thousands
    • Through The Years
  • Schedule
  • Tickets
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  • Videos
  • History/Photos
    • Kootsie History
    • The Seventies
    • The Eighties
    • The Nineties
    • Two Thousands
    • Through The Years
  • Schedule
  • Tickets
  • Mailing List

The Kootsie Ball History

2014 marks the 38th anniversary of Buffalo's longest running gala, and it's great to be back where it all started in 1976—in the gorgeously restored Hotel Lafayette! The first Kootsie was one of the last events held in the Crystal Ballroom before closing down.  Now, we're taking over both the Crystal and Marquis ballrooms, with two stages, five bands, floor shows, hors d'oeuvres and an open bar.  The night begins at 8pm. As always, the dress is Creative Black Tie. Capacity is limited. Check out the links below to see past parties . . .

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Sheas Theater 1980
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Beatlemania Live 1994
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Michael Civisca 1997
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Pontani Sisters 2002
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Future Dance 2012
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Kootsie Faerie
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The Kootsie Over The Years:

1976:   December 30 : Crystal Ballroom of Hotel Lafayette

Johnny LoVecchio Big Band
Rob Allen (Magician)
Glennie Brothers (Portrait artists)
1978:   December 30 : Shea's Buffalo Theater
Dick Mertle Big Band
1980:   December 27 : Shea's Buffalo Theater

Jack Lis Big Band
1982: December 31 : Erie Community College Downtown

Jay Mann Big Band
The Viceroys
1984:  December 29 :  Erie Community College Downtown

Gus Broncato Orchestra
Flash in the Pan strolling entertainers
1986:  December 27 : Erie Community College Downtown
Gus Broncato Orchestra
Flash in the Pan strolling entertainers
Gordon Highlanders Pipe & Drum Band
1990: December 29 : Connecticut Street Armory
Motorcade to start party
Gus Broncato Orchestra
Flash in the Pan strolling entertainers
Queen City Stompers
Outer Circle Orchestra
1992:  December 26 : Connecticut Street Armory
Variety Telethon Orchestra
Gordon Highlanders Pipe & Drum Band
M.C.: "Shane, Brother Shane"
"The Earl of Bud"
12/8 Path Band
Them Jazzbeards
 The Scofflaws
1994:  December 31 : Connecticut Street Armory
Variety Telethon Orchestra
M.C.: Jesse Galante
African-American Cultural Center Dancers
Michelle Costa puppeteer
Them Jazzbeards
Dave Schulz's "Shaft"
Lance Diamond
Beatlemania Live
1996: June 15 :
Connecticut Street Armory
The Sattalites
Outer Circle Orchestra
Them Jazzbeards
Black River Blues Band
LeeRon Zydeco
CO Jones
1997:  December 27 : Connecticut Street Armory
Michael Civisca
CO Jones
Gordon Highlanders Pipe & Drum Band
Billy McEwen & Soul Invaders
The Jump Kings
Outer Circle Orchestra
The Caverners
12/8 Path Band

1999: December 31 : Connecticut Street Armory
Swing Dance Lessons
The Buffalo Jills
The Jump Kings
LeeRon Zydeco
Billy McEwen & Soul Invaders
Them Jazzbeards
The Steam Donkeys
Grupo Fiesta

The Project, featuring Tommy Z
Outer Circle Orchestra
Skin Tight Funk Band
The Sattalites
Question Mark & the Mysterians
2002:  March 23 :  Buffalo Hyatt Regency
City Side Polka Band
The Pyramid Big Band
JJ Swing Band
The Legendary Dukes
Orengue Latin Band
Universal Grille
The Pontani Sisters
Dita Von Teese
2004: December 31 :  The Statler Towers Ballrooms
LeeRon Zydeco
Buffalo Swing Band

All-Star Motown Revue
Strictly Riddim'
Orengue
2012:  December 8 : Hotel Lafayette Ballrooms
Buffalo Swing Big Band
JJ Swing
Future Dance Center
Flueron Rouge belly dancers
The Rockaz
Unity Band Funk Show
Extravaganza
2014:  December 6: Hotel Lafayette Ballrooms
Fredtown Stompers
The Buffalo Dolls
The Informers
Future Dance
The Unity Band
Slyboots Drum Ensemble
Outer Circle Orchestra
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Millennium Countdown 1999
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Dita Von Teese 2002
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Unity Band 2012
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