named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Babel Series
Literary event series hosted with Just Buffalo Literary Center, bringing world-renowned authors, including Nobel laureates, to the Kleinhans stage
Harold Arlen Celebration
Annual concert honoring Buffalo-born composer Harold Arlen, featuring renowned interpreters of the Great American Songbook such as Ann Hampton Callaway
Jazz at Kleinhans
Annual jazz series presenting internationally acclaimed artists such as Champian Fulton, Carmen Bradford, and Nicole Zuraitis, featuring holiday concerts, tributes to American songbook composers, and original jazz works
Resident Organization Support
Providing performance space and operational support for resident groups including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Buffalo Chamber Music Society, and Just Buffalo Literary Center
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Music Education Support 1 activity
- Administering music scholarshipsAdministers the annual Silverman Scholarship for Erie County string students pursuing music careers, selecting up to three recipients each year through auditions conducted in partnership with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Accessibility Services for Cultural Programs 1 activity
- Facilitating patron access and accommodationsProvides comprehensive accessibility services including wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms, elevators, automatic doors, augmentative hearing devices, noise-muffling headphones, booster seats, and staff assistance; also supports drop-off, bike racks, and public transit via the NFTA-Metro #22 bus line.
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Live Music Performances & Concerts 1 activity
- Hosting concerts and live performancesPresents over 120 concerts annually across genres including jazz, pop, rock, and classical, featuring both local and internationally acclaimed artists, such as the Nicole Zuraitis Quintet and tributes to Harold Arlen, in venues including the Mary Seaton Room and main hall.
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Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
- Hosting public and private eventsHosts a range of public and private events at Kleinhans Music Hall, including weddings, corporate meetings, literary events featuring Nobel laureates, and National Geographic Explorer presentations that connect audiences with global ecosystems through visual storytelling.
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Music Education and Training Programs 1 activity
- Music education and school outreach programsConducts education outreach by delivering over 78 school-based performances across 30 schools annually, offered at no cost to students, to expand access to live music.
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Historic Theater and Arts Venue Preservation 1 activity
- Operation and maintenance of Kleinhans Music HallMaintains and operates Kleinhans Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark designed by Saarinen, in Buffalo, NY, including its architectural and historical features, public access, and facility management.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Offering VIP event experiencesOffers VIP ticket packages for select performances, including complimentary food and beverages, post-concert meet-and-greets with performers, group photos, conversation, and autograph opportunities.
- Providing box office and ticketing servicesOperates a box office at the Porter Avenue entrance, open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM and before events on weekends, offering all-in pricing for single tickets with no additional fees.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$5.08M
Contributions & grants$3.46M68%
Program service revenue$1.57M31%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$45K
expenses
Total expenses$5.90M
Program expenses96%
Admin / overhead4%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$520K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$3.98M
Cash$534K
Investments$0
Liabilities$1.17M
Net assets$2.81M
Liquid reserves1.1 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +15.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DANIEL HART | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 1 | $357K |
| KEVIN JAMES | VP OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION | 1 | $141K |
board members · 7
- AKRUTI BABARIA — BOARD MEMBER
- CINDY ABBOTT-LETRO — BOARD MEMBER
- DAVID RIVERA — BOARD MEMBER
- JEREMY OCZEK — BOARD CHAIR
- KAREN ARRISON — VICE CHAIR
- PETER ELIOPOULOS — TREASURER
- TANIA WERBIZKY — SECRETARY
relationships · 15
Who they work with
- AM Productions Partner — Co-presents events at Kleinhans Music Hall, including the Leonid & Friends concert.
- BPO Partner — Collaborates with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for box office operations and communications.
- Buffalo Chamber Music Society Partner — Resident organization at Kleinhans Music Hall presenting chamber music concerts and education programs.
- Buffalo Philharmonic Partner — Performed the first concert at Kleinhans Music Hall in 1940 and uses the hall for performances.
- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Collaborates on annual Silverman Scholarship auditions for string students in Erie County.
- City of Buffalo Government — Includes Common Council Member David Rivera on the Board of Directors, indicating a formal municipal affiliation.
- Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Partner — Stewarded the charitable bequest from Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans to build Kleinhans Music Hall.
- JazzBuffalo Partner — Co-presents events at Kleinhans Music Hall, including the annual Harold Arlen Celebration.
- JazzBuffalo Partner — Co-presents jazz performances at Kleinhans Music Hall.
- JazzBuffalo Partner — Co-presents the Swinging in the Holidays concert at Kleinhans Music Hall.
- JazzBuffalo Partner — Collaborates on presenting jazz concerts at Kleinhans Music Hall.
- Just Buffalo Literary Center Partner — Resident organization hosting the Babel literary series at Kleinhans Music Hall.
- NFTA-Metro Partner — Public transit agency whose #22 bus line stops directly in front of Kleinhans Music Hall, facilitating access for patrons.
- National Geographic Partner — Collaborates with National Geographic to host live events featuring National Geographic Explorers.
- The Areli Group Partner — Website design and development partner
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts-Integrated Education Outreachmethodology: arts-in-education outreachBy bringing chamber music performances, masterclasses, and Q&A sessions into schools, the organization exposes students to world-renowned musicians in informal educational settings, because direct interaction with artists increases student engagement and broadens access to the arts for underserved youth.
- Cultural Heritage Celebration Through Jazz Programmingmethodology: cultural_heritage_celebrationBy presenting jazz performances that honor the Great American Songbook while highlighting contemporary artists, the organization reinforces Buffalo's cultural identity and historical significance in American music, because connecting audiences to regional heritage fosters deeper engagement and communal pride.
- Curated Cross-Arts Programming to Expand Audience Engagementmethodology: cross-arts_programmingBy hosting curated literary series and explorer-led presentations alongside musical performances, the organization attracts diverse audiences and deepens public engagement with global cultural and conservation issues, because interdisciplinary programming creates broader relevance and strengthens community ties beyond traditional arts audiences.
- Inclusive Access Through Physical and Sensory Accommodationsmethodology: accessibility_inclusionBy providing automatic doors and augmentative hearing devices, the organization improves access for patrons with mobility or auditory challenges, because removing physical and sensory barriers increases participation across diverse audience segments and supports equitable cultural engagement.
- Strategic Arts Partnerships for Expanded Reachmethodology: arts-partnership_programmingBy collaborating with organizations like JazzBuffalo, the organization leverages partner networks to expand programming and audience engagement, because shared resources and co-branded events increase visibility and attract new attendees who trust partner affiliations.