JAZZ SCENE BUFFALO CONTACT: Constance Caldwell, jazzscenebuffalo@gmail.com
PHOTO OF BAND ATTACHED: Jack Zuff
Off Beat Production’s “Jazz Scene Buffalo” airing on
WBBZ-TV 5 Honored with New York State
Broadcasters Association Excellence in Broadcasting
Award
BUFFALO, NY (Sept.8, 2026) — WBBZ-TV (Channel 5 / Over-the-Air 67.1),
Western New York’s only locally owned, full-power television station, is proud to
announce that its original musical series, Jazz Scene Buffalo, produced by Off Beat Productions, has been honored with an Excellence in Broadcasting Award by
the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA). The series received the
honor in the highly competitive Specialty Programming category, competing with
other programs produced by television stations across the State.
Inspired by the classic jazz television programs of the 1950s and 1960s, Jazz Scene
Buffalo is filmed in black and white and transports viewers to the fictional retro jazz
club constructed on the set of WBBZ-TV’s late-night series, Off Beat Cinema. The
show premiered May 2024, with a series of three episodes a year.
Produced and hosted by Constance Caldwell, with technical direction and editing
by Andy Smyczynski, and audio engineering by Jenna Rutowski, the series is a
collaborative celebration of Western New York’s rich musical heritage. Each episode
presents what is happening on the scene while exploring the region’s connection to
Buffalo’s own jazz history. Through brief interviews and live studio performances
viewers get a chance to know some of the area’s first-call jazz musicians and what
compels them to pick up their instruments. The show also invites jazz enthusiasts to
share their music events in the community.
“We are deeply honored that the New York State Broadcasters Association has
recognized the vision and commitment of this series,” said Constance Caldwell,
host, creator, and executive director. “This recognition belongs to the
extraordinary musicians who have shared their talent, to our dedicated WBBZ -TV
leadership and crew, all the contributing jazz enthusiasts, and to jazz historian Jack
Nossavage.” Adding, “Our hope is to share our special heritage, celebrate the artists
who make this place home, and add to the truism: Buffalo is a robust music town.”
John DiSciullo, Promotion and Production Director at WBBZ-TV stated, “What
audiences experience is a celebration of music, history, and the spirit of Western New York.This recognition is a testament to what can happen when people come together with a shared creative passion. The mission of WBBZ-TV is to be a community station. Owner
support, with General Manager Chris Musial, support our team with Creative Services Director Joe Maulucci,
with videographers Rich Lee, Tim Marcolini, and Chatham Marcolini. I am also proud that my
business partner James Gillan with Off Beat Productions supports the project. We could not
be prouder to have Constance leading this extraordinary, award-winning effort.”
The NYSBA Excellence in Broadcasting Awards recognize outstanding
achievement by radio, television, and digital media organizations across New York
State. The official awards ceremony honoring Jazz Scene Buffalo and fellow regional
broadcasting leaders takes place during the NYSBA’s annual regional luncheon at The
Westin Buffalo Monday September 28th, hosted by new NYSBA President Heidi
Raphael.
Jazz Scene Buffalo airs select Sundays with premiere episodes 11pm until Midnight,
with encore broadcasts Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. on WBBZ-TV. Broadcast segments are
also available through the Jazz Scene Buffalo episode playlist on YouTube.
CONTACT: Constance Caldwell, 716-602-1290,
###
WBBZ-TV is Buffalo’s premier hometown television station, broadcasting over
the air on digital channel 67.1 and throughout Western New York on Spectrum
Cable (Channel 5), Verizon FiOS (Channel 5/HD 505), DIRECTV (Channel 67),
and DISH Network (Channel 5).
