2006 Cheer For The Cure and Bandits Open Practice-revisited

Cheerleading competitions are found all over the nation and in places like Buffalo, they can be blessed when they can recruit professional squads to help run the competition. In February of 2006, the Buffalo Bandettes were recruited to help run the Cheer For The Cure competition that, in addition to promoting cheerleading, raises funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. When I arrived there that day, the girls were busy greeting the younger generations of cheerleaders as they made their way into the Flickinger Center. I grabbed a few quick photos before stepping out of the way for a bit until it was time to head into the gymnasium where I ran into the Jills director, one of the judges for the competition.

Meghan and Erin Y

I stayed off to the side for the bulk of the competition, grabbing a few photos of the Bandettes the couple times they performed and was able to talk to a few of the girls throughout the day. One of the most memorable exchanges came with Marissa, who was in her 1st season back on the Bandettes after having spent the 2001 season on the squad. Marissa also spent 6 seasons as a Buffalo Jill from 1999-2004 and was one of the girls who knew me pretty well before I got more involved with the squad. She had made an appearance at the 2005 Jills Calendar Release Party and even introduced me to her boyfriend. When I got a moment alone with him, I made sure to advise him what a great gal Marissa was and to make sure he never let her get away. Well, when I talked to Marissa at the competition, she showed me that he took my words to heart and popped the question.

putting on a show!

During an intermission in the competition, I ran into a familiar face. There to coach one of the cheerleading squads was Amanda W of the Buffalo Jills. We got a chance to talk a little bit and she even told me she was turning 21 just before an upcoming Jills event, which meant she didn't have to miss out on it and could enjoy herself when other girls who were underage had to miss this event. She was also pretty excited when I told her I'd be there at tryouts.

Bandettes in action

You can see all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/84
While the Buffalo Bills have training camp open to the public all the time but rarely practices open to the public at the stadium, the Bandits have an open practice for the fans to check out on a December weekend day, usually a Saturday, each year. Besides getting to see the team practice and pick out seats for the upcoming season, it's also the 1st chance to get to see the new Buffalo Bandettes squad perform on the field. When not performing, the Bandettes spend a good portion of the Open Practice session mingling with the fans in the stands and in the concourse. They pose for photos, sign autographs, and pass out info on their Jr Bandettes program. For me, the biggest draw is the chance to meet the new rookies as well as to reconnect with the vets, who I usually don't see between the end of the season in May until the Open Practice in December.

Amanda H, Sarah, Marissa, Ashley S, Erin Y, Meghan, Erica, and Erin H

Jenna signing autographs

After the practice in 2006, the players had a meet and greet session with the fans at Pearl Street Grill and Brewery. At the time, Pearl Street was still the home for all the Bandits post game parties. While the Bandettes generally attend the post-game parties, they were excused from the meet-and-greets following the Open Practice. In 2006, I decided to grab a post-game meal and joined Bandettes coach Erin J and Jills alum Michelle M (1998-2000) at Pearl Street. The bulk of the discussion was about the Jills and the Bandettes, including the differences between the two squads.After dinner, we checked out the meet and greet on the 2nd floor where Michelle decided she just had to meet Johnny Tavares. We found a break in the autograph line and after Erin told Johnny that I was Michelle's personal photographer, we grabbed a few pictures.

Johnny Tavares and Jills alum Michelle M (1998-2000)

You can see all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/478
From the Jills comes a pic from last year's Home Opener against the Pats. Late in the 1st quarter, Lisa's line was performing in front of section 121 where I got this shot. Shown dancing up a storm are Natalie, Lindsey, and Allysha. While we still have hopes that we might see Natalie and Allysha on the sidelines again in 2015, Lindsey is now a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders.

Natalie, Lindsey, and Allysha

Why Were These Pro Cheerleaders Paid Less Than a Dollar an Hour?-Cosmopolitan Magazine

From the time she was 10 years old, Maria P. loved the Buffalo Bills. "I grew up going to the games," she says, flipping through an album with photos of herself as a kid in a Bills hat, standing outside the stadium. After graduating from high school, she tried out for the Buffalo Jills, as the NFL team calls its cheerleaders. Competing with roughly 200 other women for a spot on the 36-member squad, she danced before hundreds of community members. "I was so nervous," she says. "I must have looked so young." She didn't get past the first round, but the dream persisted.
After earning a degree from the University at Buffalo, she decided to try out again, hitting the gym every day for a year to prepare. When she got cut in the final round, she was so devastated, she says, "I locked myself in my house for a week." A year later, in 2012, she tried for a third time — and made it. "It was the best day of my life," she says.
Read more at http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/news/a32579/buffalo-bills-cheerleaders-unfair-pay/ 
or you can buy it at the newsstand or download it from iTunes.

The pay has been an issue for as long as I can remember. The Bills, since contracting the squad out about 30 years ago, have only provided the Jills with a sideline pass, 1 game ticket per game, and a parking pass. Supposedly the Bills were going to give Stejon Productions money this year so that the girls could be paid for gamedays and after the lawsuit went public, they withdrew that offer. The official reasoning for the squad being shut down is because the Bills withdrew their offer of money for the season.
While we've been largely neutral in this case to let the facts play out, people should realize the suit isn't about the lack of pay by any means. When Stejon Productions took control in 2012, there were several rules changes that threw many veterans and rookies alike for a loop.
One correction that should be made to the article, in regards to how many tried out. Since 2006, the most that have ever tried out for the Buffalo Jills was 120 and since 2009, the number has hovered between 80 and 90. It's often posted that the number is between 150-200 but it hasn't been that many in at least a decade or more.

Currently, there's a movement started by several former Jills and spearheaded by Jills Ambassador Squad co-captain Gabrielle to bring back the Jills. While it's likely too late to do anything about 2014 for several reasons including a resolution to the lawsuit, selection of squad management and the selection and training of a squad, it's never too early to put the pressure on to ensure that once the suit is settled, the Bills will start up a new Buffalo Jills squad. When you consider that Bills owner Kim Pegula is a former cheerleader herself, it shouldn't be hard to convince her. To ensure that the Pegulas get the message that we want our Jills back, you can support the cause with shirts from www.bringbackthejills.com A portion of every shirt sold will go to the Hunter's Hope Foundation. Also, before anyone gets the idea that the girls involved in the lawsuit are happy the squad was shut down, don't. While they have serious issues with the way the squad has been run in recent years, they are fervent supporters of the #bringbacktheJills movement as well.

2006 Gage Benefit revisited

We're going to change things up a bit for the remainder of the year before the Bandits season starts up with a look back at some of the appearances and events from the Buffalo Bandettes. The first appearance we're looking at is actually a combined appearance with the Jills. The same weekend the Jills exhibit opened at the Toy Town museum, there was a charity appearance at the Buffalo Brew Pub in Williamsville. A few months before, a beloved local doctor was in a car accident that he was in the process of recovering from when he tragically passed away 10 days later.
This was actually my 1st time working with the Bandettes and I was lucky that I had a pair of familiar faces there in the forms of Jills alumnae Julie F and Amanda F. When I arrived, Julie spotted me right away. I had only met her once or twice when she was on the Jills, but she was familiar with my work over the years and it's likely she knew to expect me as a rookie on the Bandettes that season, Meghan F had been emailing me back and forth after joining the squad about appearances and the like. After talking to Julie for a bit, Amanda showed up, who didn't recognize me right away but did after I showed her a photo I had taken with her and her squadmate Melanie at the 2001 Bills Opener.

Erin H and Amanda

Erin showed up shortly afterwards and after introductions were made, I let them get to work on selling raffle tickets, while taking the occasional photo. About halfway through the event, it was almost time for Amanda and Erin to leave but not before their relief showed up. Making the appearance on behalf of the Jills were Allison and Omarlla. After introductions were made, to Erin that is, since Amanda had cheered with both of these beauties during her time on the Jills, a group photo was taken before the Bandettes took off for the day.

Amanda, Alison, Omarlla, and Erin H

Alison and Omarlla with a fan

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/7909
 From the Jills comes a photo from the Lions preseason game in 2013. In one of the 1st appearances for some of these young ladies comes this photo from Stampede Row. Shown getting set to welcome the Bills onto the field are Lisa, Allysha, Hannah, Kristina, and Shelby G.

Lisa, Allysha, Hannah, Kristina, and Shelby G

2008 Buffalo Jills Away Game Parties part 4 and Comedy Show-revisited

We continue our look back series with the final Away Game Party at Rhinos and the 2008-09 Buffalo Jills Adult Comedy Show.
The crowds had dwindled a bit as the Bills' record dropped through the season but there was still a good-sized crew of regulars for a divisional matchup with the Jets. The diehards at Rhino's were rewarded with not 2, but 3 Buffalo Jills onhand for the 1st half of the game. Super-cute rookie dancer Lonna was there along with a pair of 2nd year vets. Providing the veteran presence were a couple of young ladies having big years for the Jills. Vincenza was the covergirl for the 2008-09 Buffalo Jills Swimsuit Calendar, a cover that I still think is the sexiest cover of any of the Jills calendars. The other vet got her year made big just prior to that party by getting elected to the Pro Bowl by her squadmates. Once I saw Jess was there for the party, I made sure to let James know so he could announce it to the fans in attendance. Anyone who's known Jess at all, even just from seeing her on the sidelines, knows how incredible her smile is. When she was getting congratulated personally by the fans in attendance, I think she was beaming brighter than I have ever seen her.

Vincenza, Jess, and Lonna with James from The Edge

You can see all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/8763
The Jills finished up their 2008 season with their popular Adult Comedy Show at Club Paradise in Blasdell. As it turned out, this Friday night event coincided with a rare Friday night Bandits home game so I left the game a little early. I arrived just prior to the start of the event and was greeted with one of the most pleasing sights I could've expected. I had mentioned that earlier in the season, Ambassador Squad captain Kelly H had taken ill and had to miss appearances and games. When you consider how well we interacted over the years, it was pretty disheartening for me that she wasn't well and that I didn't see her during the season. When one of the 1st sights I saw upon my arrival was Kelly flashing her fantastic smile, I couldn't have been happier.

Kelly back in action alongside her boyfriend

Rob Lederman from 97Rock helped with the emceeing duties as well as the comedy but this year, Rochester native Joel Lindley headlined the show. At the time, Joel was a regular on the Conan O'Brien Show and was seen on MTV, Boston Public, and the Bob & Tom Show. He's been a writer on Comedy Central and besides his stand-up tours that keep him on the move, currently works on the Holland America Cruise Lines making enjoyable cruises even better. Get a look at some of his act on YouTube.

Comedian Joel Lindley does a Jills pose

Being from Rochester, Joel was only too happy to do this show, which raised funds to help run the squad. He even did a Jills pose before he went on! Of course the comics weren't the only attraction at this event as most of the 2008-09 Buffalo Jills squad was in attendance for the event. Various members of the squad sold raffle tickets for a 50-50 raffle as well as for Chinese Auction prizes that were handed out at the end of the show. While the show was going on, attendees had 4 special waitresses circulating around serving drinks and food in the forms of Lisa, Valerie, Dr. Amanda, and Ambassador Squad captain Kelly. Tips they received went to the squad.

Ayeshia, Omarlla, Kristin B, and Jill D

Anna and Amelina with comedian Joel Lindley

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/8866
From the Bandettes comes a photo from the NLL Eastern Finals vs the Rochester Knighthawks. Posing for a photo at halftime are last season's 2 stunning rookies, Janelle and Mandy! It won't be long to see what rookies join the Bandettes in 2015 while these two young ladies acquire the status of veteran.

Janelle and Mandy

Buffalo 716ers schedule released!!

Today, the Premier Basketball League announced their schedule for the 2014-15 season and included in that is the schedule for the Buffalo 716ers, which gives us the chance to see not only some professional basketball in Buffalo, but the 1st Buffalo 716ers Girls Dance team in action. All of Buffalo's home games are played at Tapestry Charter School at 65 Great Arrow Avenue in Buffalo, just a few blocks south of Hertel Avenue just off of Delaware Avenue.

• Saturday, Dec 6 2pm Lynchburg Titans at Buffalo
• Saturday, Dec 13 2pm Erie Hurricane at Buffalo
• Sunday, Dec 21 time TBA Buffalo at Rochester Razorsharks
• Saturday, January 3 2pm Lynchburg Titans at Buffalo
• Sunday, January 4 time TBA Buffalo at Rochester Razorsharks
• Saturday, January 10 7pm Buffalo at Lynchburg Titans
• Sunday, January 11 time TBA Buffalo at Carolina Pee Dee Vipers
• Saturday, January 17 2pm Carolina Pee Dee Vipers at Buffalo
• Saturday, January 24 1pm Buffalo at Philadelphia Flight
• Saturday, January 31 2pm Rochester Razorsharks at Buffalo
• Saturday, February 7 2pm Erie Hurricane at Buffalo
• Sunday, February 8 3pm Buffalo at Erie Hurricane
• Saturday, February 21 2pm Philadelphia Flight at Buffalo
• Sunday, February 22 3pm Buffalo at Erie Hurricane
• Saturday, February 28, 3pm Buffalo at Rochester Razorsharks
• Saturday, March 7 2pm Philadelphia Flight at Buffalo
• Sunday, March 8, 3pm Buffalo at Lynchburg Titans
• Saturday, March 14 7pm Buffalo at Lynchburg Titans
• Saturday, March 21 2pm Rochester Razorsharks at Buffalo
• Saturday, March 28 2pm Erie Hurricane at Buffalo

Tickets go on sale at midnight tonight for all the games. In addition to Dec 6 being the season opener, it's also Kid's Day. Get season or individual tickets at http://www.buffalo716ers.net/
The tickets for the Red & White game on November 15th is sold out but there are plenty of tickets for the First Annual 2014 PBL Thanksgiving Charity Tournament, hosted by the Buffalo 716ers. There will be four teams from the PBL battling it out November 29th & November 30th. Tournament action begins at Noon, featuring the 2014 PBL champs, the Rochester Razorsharks vs. Grand Rapids Cyclones. At 2pm, the Buffalo 716ers take on the Philadelphia Flight!!! All the games will be held at Tapestry Charter School! Tickets are $10.00 per day, which include access to both games.