Preview

Tonight: Humble Braggers & Space Cubs

July 16, 2015

Buffalo born electronic musician Suzanne Bonifacio, aka Space Cubs, had one of the most intriguing local debut albums earlier this year with The Fire and The Things Forgotten. Her atmospheric soundscapes and experimental pop songwriting style made for a creative, personal record with a reflective tone. Tonight, the artist returns for her first local show since moving home at Allen Street Hardware. The free show will also feature Humble Braggers, whose EP Disposable Friends, along with Space Cubs’ debut, earned Album of The Week honors here at buffaBLOG. Also featured will be eclectic DJ sets from local selector Dante Velour all night. Music starts at 10pm in what is sure to be a blissful event recognizing emerging local creativity. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/209970221″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]   [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/202715178″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Turkuaz

July 16, 2015

Turkuaz, the nine-piece, power funk group from Brooklyn, in back in Buffalo and tonight’s show at Buffalo Iron Works is not one to miss. These guys throw it down with guitars, wind instruments, bass, percussion, keys, and backup vocals. This is funk turned up to 11. In addition to the power funk structure, a healthy mixture of both blues and more up beat pop makes for a complete and fulfilling sound. Not only will Turkuaz satisfy the funk fans out there, but there is no doubt that anyone into a more noodling jam will be just as impressed. If you are heading to the Harbor tonight, then Iron Works should be your next stop. Tickets are $15, doors at 9pm, show around 10pm. This is an 18+ show, so remember your ID. See you on the floor.

Tonight: Talib Kweli

July 15, 2015

Legendary Brooklyn MC and righteous dude Talib Kweli brings true hip-hop to the Waiting Room this evening for a hotly anticipated show with K’Valentine. One half of seminal MC duo Black Star, Kweli is a true teacher and student of hip-hop. A product of the early 90’s New School that was always intrinsically aware of the classic origins of the hip-hop art form, Kweli has always distilled and represented the essence of hip-hop culture while teaching (preaching) as a vigorous public intellectual and activist. Joining him will be Chicago MC and poet K’Valentine, local MC’s Jae-Skeese and Devon Charles, and DJ sets from Milk & Dovey. Doors are at 7pm and tickets are $25 at the door.

Tonight: Weird Al

July 15, 2015

You know that moment when you hear the first few notes of “Gangster’s Paradise” and you aren’t really sure if it’s Coolio or Weird Al’s “Amish Paradise” yet? Then subsequently start singing Weird Al anyway because those are the lyrics you know better. As a child of the 90’s, this was my experience, but I’d bet children of both the 80’s and 00’s have similar experiences with Weird Al songs, whether it’s “Eat It” (“Beat It”), “White & Nerdy” (“Ridin’ Dirty”), or one of his new hits like “Handy” (“Fancy”). After decades of his satirical wackiness, Weird Al doesn’t just parody culture, he helps shape it. Coming off the huge success of his latest album, Mandatory Fun, Weird Al will play the Mainstage Theater at UB’s Center for the Arts for a sold out show tonight. He has always had a dedicated following here, and with Weird Al’s career reaching his[...]

Tonight: Stiff Little Fingers

July 14, 2015

Grandfathers of punk Stiff Little Fingers take over Town Ballroom tonight with hometown band Governess. SLF formed in Ireland back in 1977 and these hooligans put the punk in punk rock. The band broke up in ‘83 but reformed a couple years later, and have been churning out records ever since with varying line-ups. To be honest, when I heard that Stiff Little Fingers was touring, I was surprised because I couldn’t believe they were still on the road after all of these years. the group’s current tour will bring these long time punks to the Ballroom tonight at 7pm. Tickets are $24 at the door. Their first single is still their greatest hit.

Tonight: Sun Riah

July 12, 2015

Sun Riah, the recording alias of Oklahoma City native Moriah Bailey, presents a more melancholic side of the harp, with her haunting, experimental arrangements and a vocal delivery reminiscent of Joanna Newsom. Incorporating elements of ambient, folk, and shoegaze, and using mesmerizing loops to achieve a reflective, otherworldly sound, her work has developed a reputation for blurring genre boundaries. Firefly Night Light, the artist’s latest self-released album, is a comprehensive look at Sun Riah’s ambitious style of songwriting that ranges from celestial to ominous and unsettling. Tonight, the singer/songwriter will perform at Buffalo’s Silo City as a part of its Silo  Sessions series. Music starts at 7pm with an opening set from local singer/ukulele player Sica Marinaccio. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/207681787″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Gillian

July 11, 2015

In elementary school, I had this friend named Gillian (spelled the same way). She was a fearless girl careful coordinate every outfit, had every hair on her head neatly trimmed, was clear and concise, but was also totally unafraid to throw down on the monkey bars, make up  Britney Spears songs by herself at recess and live in an eccentric bubble of her own. All of this comes to mind because it seems to be an adaptive description for Gillian the band (hear me out on this one). The quintet has a sound that’s super cohesive and well thought out, but entirely daring at the same time. It’s a cool fusion between 70’s disco and 80’s power rock, all housed under an undeniably catchy umbrella of indie dance pop. The alternating male/female vocals add a fresh and sonically pleasing dimension to it all. The New York City band recently released[...]

Tonight: Cages

July 10, 2015

As a part of the M&T Second Friday program, the Burchfield Penny Art Center will be holding a one night only showing of the experimental 1970 film, Zorns Lemma, accompanied by a soundtrack performed live by local avant garde act Cages, in collaboration with local string section Wooden Cities. The film, directed by Hollis Fampton, will be projected onto three panels in the front lawn of the art center. The performance begins at dusk ( around 9pm), and is set to last one hour. The event is totally free, and the film and music combination is sure to be nothing short of ethereal. This is one you’re not going to want to miss. Get there even earlier to catch Lazlo Hollyfeld out on the lawn around 5:30pm. Cages – “Vivipary” Record Release Show – Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center – 1/10/15 – Set 1 from David Bailey on Vimeo.

Tonight: Lazlo Hollyfeld

July 10, 2015

The Burchfield Penney, in collaboration with M&T Bank, will once again host its monthly Second Friday event this evening, this time featuring music from Lazlo Hollyfeld on the gallery’s front yard. Lazlo Hollyfeld is an instrumental art-rock group that originated in Buffalo in 2003. The long time act has a sound that teeters between mellow and intense grooves with a lot of experimentation. While at the Burchfield Penney, the gallery will also be up and running inside, and visitors will even have the opportunity to create their own art until 7:30pm. If you are looking for a night out away from the kids, or a place to bring them, Burchfield Penney is the place to be tonight. Music begins at 5:30pm. Stay tuned for a closer look at Cages, also performing on the front yard, later on today.

Tonight: Frame and Mantle

July 9, 2015

Tonight kicks off a mini-tour for our ambient indie-rock friends from Erie, Frame and Mantle. In the first of nine tour dates that take the band from Buffalo to as far south as Wilmington, North Carolina, Frame and Mantle will be setting up camp at Mohawk Place with Elemantra and Sea of Teeth. Frame and Mantle have an EP out right now, which is available for free download over at its bandcamp. While Our Fields Lie Fallow has 5 songs, and shifts back and forth from loud, intense busts to American Football-esque ambient rock. It’s the kind of stuff you’d love to see in an intimate location, such as a basement show. Or Mohawk Place. So, as the day grows longer and this rain clears up, go download the EP, memorize all the lyrics, and sing right back at the band tonight at Mohawk. It’s $5 at the door and well[...]

Tonight: STS9

July 8, 2015

Santa Cruz-based instrumental electronic band Sound Tribe Sector 9, better known as STS9, have been been touring extensively since 1998, becoming mainstays in the North American festival circuit while releasing eleven studio albums in that time. With a progressive, organic sound that draws upon funk, electronica, jazz, and hip hop, STS9 have developed a reputation as one of the most consistently dynamic live electronic acts. Its most recent EP, When The Dust Settles, was released on the bands’ label 1320 records, which has also released music from artists like Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Big Gigantic, and The Glitch Mob. Tonight, STS9 will headline a performance at Artpark‘s outdoor amphitheater with support from Portland, Maine electronica band JAW GEMS, whose jazz and funk infused beats are as soulful as they are cerebral. Tickets are $17 general admission and can be purchased here. Gates open at 4:45pm while music begins at 6:30pm.

Tonight: The Tins w/ Applennium

July 8, 2015

The rebirth of Larkinville over the past five years has been a beautiful thing to witness. The once desolate business park in Larkin Square has become a hub for life and culture, and has even inspired the birth of further restaurants and bars in the area. Adding to the life in Larkinville is this summer’s Live in Larkin concert series which has showcased a plethora of local talent throughout the summer. That said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t stress just how special tonight’s showcase is, featuring two of Buffalo’s best acts in Applennium and the Tins. If you haven’t been lucky enough to hear Applennium, then you’ve missed out on perhaps the most intriguing bands in Buffalo. The band’s songs are rich with layers and harmonies, inventive but still completely melodic. Applennium is one of those groups that’s garnered a lot of local praise despite its limited live appearances,[...]

Tonight: Curly’s Grand Re-Opening

July 8, 2015

The West Side’s newest basement venue is set to reopen its doors. Over the last couple months, Curly’s, the home base to Steak and Cake Records, was forced to relocate a handful of shows and go dark due to some residential conflicts, but now that matters have sorted themselves out, the DIY space will celebrate a grand re-opening this evening and smoother sailing for here on out. Tonight’s show will include the debut performance from Sonny Baker’s new trio. The group premiered its first single from the upcoming Flesh It Out EP on Monday, and is set to break in some of the new tunes for the eager audience. This evening will also feature the regrouping Queen City Lotto band Beast Coast, the return of basement super group Hot Tip, and the welcoming of Halifax’s psych pop act Walrus. Doors open at 6pm with a cover of $5. Music kicks[...]

Tonight: Steve Earle & The Dukes

July 6, 2015

Legendary American singer/songwriter/alt country founder/novelist/actor Steve Earle makes a stop at Buffalo Iron Works this evening with backup from the Dukes and opening support from Austin TX husband and wife duo, The Mastersons. In town to promote his latest, 2015’s Terraplane, Earle has deservedly achieved hero status among his many devotees and admirers for his progressive outlook, hard-bitten eloquence, road warrior longevetiy, clean playing style, and authentic songwriting in the Guthrie tradition, while retaining some of that outlaw cool so missing from modern country. Steve Earle is the man, pure and simple, and his show tonight at Iron Works is a can’t miss if you were lucky enough to grab a ticket (the show sold out last week). Doors are at 8pm.

Tonight: Little Ruckus

July 6, 2015

Mohawk Place has been killing the gig game lately with a jam packed calendar and it isn’t stopping anytime soon. The extremely prolific and eclectic Little Ruckus, a sort-of collective from Iowa, is hitting Mohawk tonight on tour with Calliope Musicals. Calliope churns out classic rock and roll with twinges of folk and psychedelic landing on a happy, feel good vibe. Little Cake and Jack Toft is simple, catchy, and weird.  Self described as Kool Keith meets Crass plus a classically trained music teacher, the duo is undeniably alluring. Catch them with their experimental rap tonight at 8pm for $5. I think I just talked myself into going.