Danusia “Beatz” Nowak-Riffel and Dave Riffel, visited the Flamingo Lounge on January 12, 2025 to talk about their music and provide excerpts of some brand new music that is still in Post-Production.

Danusia (“Duh-noo-sha”) and Dave Riffel have been partners in music and life since their high school days in 2003, when they formed the garage band “Besides the Obvious.” Over the past two decades, their shared passion for music has taken them across countless stages, genres, and creative projects. Together, they co-own a production studio, inside the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, where they have supported local musicians and creatives since 2013.

Danusia is a renowned drummer known for her groove, in-the-pocket precision and versatility, with a career shaped by mentorship from (late) Buffalo drum legend Teddy Reinhardt and now studying under Jim Linsner. Her collaborations include working with some of Western New York’s most celebrated musicians, such as The Beard and the Bird, Jim Wynne, Freightrain, Grace Stumberg, and Grace Lougen, with whom she shared countless stages and creative projects.

Dave is a versatile producer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator whose career has been deeply intertwined with Danusia’s. Together, they’ve shared the stage in numerous bands and projects, with Dave providing dynamic accompaniment on guitar, bass, keys, and harmonies. As a producer, he crafts intricate backing tracks and arrangements that form the backbone of their collaborations. Dave is also passionate about fostering creativity through open mics, currently hosting a virtual open mic for a global songwriter community. His first solo album, featuring 17 original tracks, is set to release in 2025.

Together, Danusia and Dave co-founded Music Garden Sessions with Grace Lougen, a pandemic-era virtual concert series supporting local musicians and showcasing Buffalo’s vibrant music scene. Their work at the NACC has been central to their journey, offering a home for their creativity, a place to collaborate with others, and a space to mentor the next generation of artists. Married since 2012 and proud parents of their son Julian, they continue to use their talents to connect, inspire, and uplift their community.

Instagram handles: @DanusiaBeatz and @DaveRiffel

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Music Garden Sessions