The return of the Ashford Hollow Foundation’s fall fundraiser was a tremendous success. Titled “The Essex Party,” the party took over the warehouse studio and loft spaces of the Essex Arts Center this past Saturday night. Judging by the success of the turnout, the Essex Arts Center is still a thriving artistic force in Buffalo.

Music was the main focus of the evening, with great performances from WNY’s best bands. The Folk Faces brought their raucous Americana music. One of the highlights was when The Observers jumped off stage and performed unplugged in the middle of the crowd. Aircraft showed why they are Buffalo’s kings of power pop music. And a funk-rock party was awaiting the crowd, when headliner Eric Crittenden and his band let it rip.

The evening also featured video projections from Buffalo artist Mark Reginald WonderGhost and belly dancing performances from Flueron Rouge.