A barroom guitarist strumming between two lives. A faded bluesman drunk on his own legend. A rock pianist who responds to a higher calling. These compelling characters clash to drive the drama of author Michael Farrell’s second Buffalo-set novel, “When the Lights Go Out,” set for release by No Frills Buffalo on Nov. 10.

Farrell — whose debut novel “Running with Buffalo” was released in 2007 — returns to introduce readers to local musician Johnny “Nighthawk” Nolan, a downtown Buffalo favorite who spent his evenings exhaling covers and originals, all while basking in the adulation of devoted revelers. To Nolan, those nights under the lights meant everything — until he needed to walk away.

By Lauren Kirchmyer

Quitting a steady job to become an entrepreneur is a scary change filled with uncertainty. The move comes with a lot of hope and hard work, but according to local entrepreneur Adam Kern, the change can be a rewarding one.

The Orchard Park native graduated from the University at Buffalo and worked as an engineer when he started designing his own T-shirts through a company he named My Buffalo Shirt.

Most Reverend Richard Malone, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, has appointed Father Jeffrey Nowak to the position of canonical administrator at Mary Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School in Cheektowaga. Father Nowak takes over for Msgr. Kevin O’Neill, who retired as canonical administrator following the 2014-15 school year.

Father Nowak was also recently appointed parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Niagara Falls, and continues to celebrate the Tridentine Latin Mass for the Diocese of Buffalo at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Cheektowaga. He previously served as parochial vicar at St. John Vianney parish in Orchard Park.