Remembering Jamie Lembeck

It was a sad surprise when word came down a couple of days ago that Jamie Lembeck, a long time activist and supporter of the local arts and music communities, had died in the early morning of June 25.
Jamie could be seen in his wheelchair at local museums, clubs and concert halls for art openings, exhibits and concerts, and served as a member of the board of directors at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center for 10 years (Val and I are members).
Whether at art exhibitions or concerts, Jamie loved a good discussion of arts, music, politics and life in general, and you had better bring your facts and knowledge if you were going to talk to Jamie for more than a minute. He had a sharp mind and sharp sense of humor, as well as the quality of not suffering fools gladly, and he never hesitated to express or use any of these. Jamie and I, along with others present, had numerous discussions of the Buffalo original music community now and 25-30 years ago, and his friends were legion in those communities due to his honesty and taste.
Hallwalls, the arts and music communities and Buffalo were richer for Jamie's life and will be poorer in his absence.