Columns

Must See Shows (1/22/25-1/28/25)

January 21, 2025

Thursday, January 23rd @ 8pm Adelaide @ Milkies Adelaide has been playing the Buffalo scene for the past few years as mostly a solo artist, however, this Thursday will be a special one as the project expands into a full band. With backing musicians, expect Adelaide’s powerful vocals to be complimented by a lusher sound. Fans of Diet Cig, The Beths, or Snail Mail would be into the expansion of the Adelaide team.   Also on the bill is introspective singer/songwriter Ian McCuen who will be playing in support of their latest album As the Oceans Rise and the Empire Falls, which came out at the tail end of November. Orange Dog Club, the original act announced on the lineup, had to sit this one out. Taking their place will be mystic solo outfit Amanda Bridges. $10 gets you VIP seating.   Fire by adelaide Friday, January 24th @ 9pm Looms[...]

Must See Shows (1/15/24-1/21/24)

January 14, 2025

Friday, January 17th @ 8pm Captain Tom & the Hooligans @ Molly Maguires   Buffalo’s #1 polka band under sixty years old will play a fun one at one of South Buffalo’s finest dive bars on Friday. If you aren’t familiar, Captain Tom & the Hooligans exploded onto the scene post-Covid, sharing the stage with both punk rock bands and old time Polish journeymen, gaining fans along the way with their re-imaginative spin on polka classics. They’ve hit the local market pretty heavily over the past couple of years and you may have encountered the band inadvertently on their circuit of community festivals, breweries and one-offs. If you’ve ever heard a band playing polka with some stank on it, it was likely Captain Tom & the Hooligans. No cover, just buy 5 White Claws.     (Photo by shervinfoto) Saturday, January 18th @ 7pm Rubblebucket @ Electric City   Rubblebucket[...]

Five Buffalo Acts We Want to Reunite in 2025

January 7, 2025

We’ve taken the office Christmas tree down and it’s back to business over here at blog headquarters. 2024 had its ups and downs with the local scene. We launched buffaBLOG version 4.0, witnessed the usual band break-ups/venue closings, but also saw the emergence of new artists that we are excited to listen to and share. With that, we’ve brainstormed Buffalo musicians that we would like to see reunite in 2025. We understand some of these may be a pipe dream, but think of this as more of a fantasy draft rather than an open letter.  Don’t get us wrong however, if any of these acts return in 2025, we are taking full credit. (photo via Unlisted Projects)  Jack Toft / Jack Topht Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh don’t you miss Jack Toft? A wishlist for acts we would like to see reunited in 2025 would not be complete without the kookiest rapper of the[...]

Must See Shows (12.18.24-12.24.24)

December 17, 2024

Saturday, December 21st @ 7:30pm buffaBLOG Holiday Party @ Milkies Well, we’re back. These past few months we have been increasing our content load and getting back on the saddle to provide our normal churn of quality local and regional bands for your listening pleasure. With that, we wanted to re-establish some of our defunct annual traditions, which include our heavily attended annual Holiday Party. Previously, we hosted this event annually at DBGB’s, however with the closure of the establishment, we had to find a new home for the showcase and we are happy to now collaborate with Milkies for this upcoming event. If you haven’t wandered to that section of Elmwood over the past couple years, the lounge underwent a giant revamp of their menu, branding, and interior since 2023 when the general manager Nikki Rosenberg took the realm. Our past holiday parties have featured performances by JOYWAVE, Humble Braggers, Newish Star, RADARADA, The Slums,[...]

Must See Shows (12.11.24-12.17.24)

December 10, 2024

Wednesday, December 11th @ 6pm Disintegration @ Area 54/Amy’s Place Amy’s Place / Area 54 have a mid-week jam-packed show featuring, but not limited to, Cleveland post-punkers Disintegration.  The band is the meeting of some the minds behind Pleasure Leftists, Profligate, and Cloud Nothings. Touring in support of the band’s latest album Shiver in a Weak Light, released just this past October, fans of The Faint, Radio 4, or Handsome Furs would like this one. This bill is jam-packed for real though. It’s not often you have a five band midweek bill. Not to be overshadowed and joining the lineup is hardcore Florida punk band Armor, Philadelphia deathrockers Academy Order and local sets from the spooky Black and White Cat / Black and White Cake and Buffalo hardcore act Exhibition. $15 bucks gets you in. Don’t forget your snow brush because that’s all Alexa is talking about this morning. Shiver[...]

Photo Credit:: Gabe Becerra

Jordan Buckley of Better Lovers

December 6, 2024

We recently caught up with legendary Buffalo-born guitarist Jordan Buckley to talk about Better Lover‘s new album Highly Irresponsible; making hundreds of pounds of chicken wings at Warped Tour; what Blissmas means to Buffalo; and buying a bar on Chippewa.   Tickets for Blissmas ’24 can be purchased here.   Highly Irresponsible is out now via Sharptone records. Check out our review here.   *This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.   buffaBLOG: Better Lovers has just released their debut album Highly Irresponsible. What was the influence behind the name of the album and how do you think the songs play into the overall concept?   Jordan Buckley: Greg came up with the name – it’s one of those things that felt like “it has a nice ring to it” and looks good on a t-shirt *laughs*. But I like when names are open to interpretation – not[...]

Must See Shows (12.4.24-12.10.24)

December 3, 2024

Thursday, December 5th @ 8pm Bad Bloom @ Mohawk Place Rochester shoegaze band Bad Bloom return to Buffalo on Thursday in support of the project’s latest two singles “subatomic” and “onion.” Fronted by bassist/vocalist, Kate Rogerswith guitarist Jay Trovato co-writing the tracks, Bad Bloom have become a staple of the Rochester indie scene in short time period. Rogers and Trovato relocated from Brooklyn to Rochester as COVID-19 settlers, leaving the hectic and unpredictable NYC landscape during the very uncertain times in the early 2020s. Fans of From Indian Lakes, Gleemer, or Alvvways would be into this. Joining the night will be local dreamo act Cooler, as well as prog-rock newcomers Sailing Stones.  $10 cover. Bad Bloom · subatomic   Friday, December 6th @ 8pm The Baker’s Basement @ Milkies Cleveland-based alt-folk duo The Baker’s Basement (tBB) makes their Buffalo debut this Thursday with an eclectic line-up showcasing some of Buffalo’s[...]

Must See Shows (11.27.24-12.4.24)

November 26, 2024

Wednesday, November 27th @ 7pm FINICK @ 9th Ward FINICK is the performing name for 17-year-old singer/songwriter Josie Hasnik. Based out of Minneapolis, the young songstress has been playing live since 2023 with major support from Minnesota indie station Radio K among many others. Finick will be in Buffalo in support of her new single, “Selfish” which came out in October. Fans of Beach Bunny, Clairo, or Mitski should plan on heading down to Delaware Ave. before hitting Chippewa.  ‘ Joining the bill will be Buffalo DIY scene folk-artist Adelaide. Bring all your returning high school friends. $15 cover. Friday, November 29th @ 8pm Ian McCuen (Release Show) @ Mohawk Place Introspective singer/songwriter Ian McCuen has been on the scene for a minute, playing sad/pretty songs at all the local joint throughout Buffalo. This Friday, the delicate songsmith will be celebrating the release of their new album As the Oceans[...]

buffaBLOG Announces 2024 Holiday Party

November 22, 2024

Well, we’re back. These past few months we have been increasing our content load and getting back on the saddle to provide our normal churn of quality local and regional bands for your listening pleasure. With that, we wanted to re-establish some of our defunct annual traditions, which include our heavily attended annual Holiday Party.   Previously, we hosted this event annually at DBGB’s, however with the closure of the establishment, we had to find a new home for the showcase and we are happy to now collaborate with Milkies for this upcoming event. If you haven’t wandered to that section of Elmwood over the past couple years, the lounge underwent a giant revamp of their menu, branding, and interior since 2023 when the general manager Nikki Rosenberg took the realm.   Our past holiday parties have featured performances by Humble Braggers, Newish Star, RADARADA, The Slums, Del Paxton, The[...]

Must See Shows (11.20.24-11.26.24)

November 19, 2024

Thursday, November 21st @ 8pm Delicious Monsters @ Area 54 / Amy’s Place Punk-y new wave quartet Delicious Monsters are playing a cozy storefront gig this Thursday evening. Based out of Milwaukee, the band is in the midst of an east coast jaunt, dubbed the “Jazz Shrimp Payphones Kiss Collect Clear Stars Expedition” Tour. Delicious Monster’s sound is like a driving B-52s vibes with a dab of D.C. post-punk, which should make this a fun one. Joining the bill will be local horror punks BLACK & WHITE CAT/ BLACK & WHITE CAKE who will be playing in support of their new self-titled album, as well as Escape Pod. Ten buckeroos. Florist by Florist (photo by Carl Solether) Sunday, November 24th @ 7pm Florist @ 9th Ward Gentle indie folk act Florist will be playing a Bills-free Sunday evening at the 9th Ward on Sunday. Lead by singer/songwriter Emily Sprague, Florist’s[...]

Must See Shows (11.13.24-11.19.24)

November 12, 2024

Wednesday, November 13th @ 7:30pm Say Anything @ RiverWorks Mid-aughts pop-punk royals Say Anything are in town mid-week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album Is a Real Boy on Wednesday. Is a Real Boy holds a place in the heart of many millennials, as the album was almost anthemic with themes of defying the norm and embracing oneself. The band will be playing the album in its entirety, which will surely be accompanied by a chorus of hundreds of die hard fans. Hopefully, the band has time for their latest album …Is Committed, as it is a promising evolution on the band’s signature edgy delivery. Angel Du$t and Social Animals will be sharing the bill, so get there early as you won’t want to miss this. Tickets are $46.28. SAY ANYTHING · Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too Saturday, November 16th @ 7pm Harvest Sum 20th Anniversary[...]

Must See Shows (11/6/24-11/12/24)

November 5, 2024

Thursday, November 7th @ 7pm Cursive w/ Gladie @ Rec Room Legendary Omaha indie rock act Cursive returns this Thursday for a trip down memory lane, much to the delight western New York’s aging scenesters.  Cursive broke through to many fans with 2003’s critically acclaimed album The Ugly Organ. The album has influenced thousands of projects and has been a mainstay in hundreds of thousands of fans playlists. Lead by Tim Kasher, the songs are brooding and angsty yet in a mature way that is self-reflective and poetic. Undoubtedly Cursive will sprinkle in tracks from The Ugly Organ, Domestica, and Burst and Bloom. If you’ve sat out on Cursive’s newest material, please catch yourself up because it’s on par with the past catalog which is both exciting and promising. Opening the bill will be Philadelphia indie act Gladie. $25 at the door + fees. Exeunt.  Devourer by Cursive Friday, November[...]

Must See Shows (10/30/24-11/5/24)

October 29, 2024

Thursday, October 31st @ 7pm Dexter and the Moonrocks @ Town Ballroom Turn off the porch light and put a “Gone 2 Dexter and the Moonrocks” note up for the trick-or-treaters this Thursday. The Abilene-based quartet will be making their Buffalo debut on a very scary evening in support of their latest EP Western Space Grunge. The band is an amalgamation of indie rock, grunge, and a sprinkle of country – an homage to the band’s Texas roots. Much to our delight, Dexter and the Moonrocks’ sound is very sing-a-long friendly with numerous singles chock full of heavy hooks. Fans of FIDLAR, White Reaper, or Wavves would be into this one. Doors are $27.22 all-in. Dexter And The MoonRocks · Like You (Like You) Saturday, November 2nd @ 7pm Light Beams w/ Personal Style, Welks Mice, and echolocator @ Area 54 Dischord Records signees Light Beams returns to Buffalo after[...]

Must See Shows (10/23/24-10/30/24)

October 22, 2024

Thursday, October 24th @ 7:30pm Prairie Pavement w/ Romcom Victims, Night Owls, and Karma Queen @ Milkies Milkie’s has been on a hot streak as of late with the downscaling of local programming at other venues in town. So much so that the Elmwood Strip establishment has moved their popular karaoke night from Thursdays to Tuesdays in order to fit the demand for more local music. This Thursday, Milkie’s will host a notable local lineup featuring promising indie act, Prairie Pavement, with support from Romcom Victims, Night Owls, and Karma Queen. Ultimately, it’s a tight local bill and it’s a Thursday. $10. Friday, October 25th @ 8pm Songbirds @ Buffalo Iron Works Songbirds have quickly become a must-have at all venues around town. They’ve played at all of the midweek summer concerts in town and delighted thousands of moms in Western New York with their impressive Fleetwood Mac tribute. Soon[...]

Must See Shows (10/16/24-10/22/24)

October 15, 2024

Friday, October 18th @ 8pm Makeout Tactics EP Release Show w/ Spud and Cheap Peach  @ The Cave Friday evening might be one of the most jam-packed calendars for quality music in Buffalo in recent memory. Every neighborhood in the city has something that I would recommend, however, not every showcase is celebrating an EP release show like Elmwood Village indie pop act, Makeout Tactics. The five-piece will be unveiling their new EP titled Skunk House, which chronicles the escapades of a bunch of friends in their twenties living together in a house that’s falling apart – almost like a co-ed Frat House. Makeout Tactics’ sound is high energy, and could be compared to Surf Curse or Los Campesinos with a hint of an edgier Max Bemis (Say Anything) accenting the gang choruses. Joining the bill will be singer/songwriter SPUD and a recently re-launched Cheap Peach. Doors are $10. Friday,[...]