Babeville

Located in the heart of Buffalo's Theater District, Babeville is a multi-use facility devoted to the arts. This beautiful Gothic Revival-style church was rescued from the wrecking ball and renovated by singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco and Scot Fisher after more than 10 years and $10 million of private and public funds. The end result is a building that has been praised by music fans, preservationists, and art lovers alike.

Babeville is not just one venue but many. Asbury Hall, with its 1200 capacity, is an open-floor hall featuring 45-foot-high ceilings, state-of-the-art sound, and balcony seating. It's an ideal space for weddings, bar mitzvahs, fundraisers, and full-on rock shows. The Ninth Ward, with a 150 capacity, is a subterranean bar perfect for smaller concerts and performances, making it an intimate listening room. The building also houses Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, which includes an art gallery and an 80-seat screening room.

Behind the scenes, there are two dressing rooms, a production office, a lounge area, a loading dock, and separate bathrooms and showers for crews. On any given night, Babeville can host multiple events and multiple audiences simultaneously. Events have ranged from the Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of WNY's Annual Gayla to the Annual "Sweet Charity" benefit for the Food Bank of WNY, Brian Moorman PUNT Foundation's Annual Wine Paring Dinner, and a live taping of Lou Dobbs Tonight for CNN, among many others.

Rental fees directly support the preservation of this historic building, ensuring it will continue to thrive as a premier model of how historic preservation can work in Buffalo. Ani DiFranco's goal was to create a dynamic place that would have its own momentum, with music happening at night, art hanging on the walls, and crazy cinema in the basement. That's all taking place now, filling the corner of Delaware Avenue and Tupper Street with energy, creativity, and the spirit of independence.