Preview

Tonight: Big Neck Fest

June 12, 2014

According to Bart Hart, it all started in 1994. It sounds like the beginning of a campfire horror story. A story that the ‘bro’ antagonist tells to get the big breasted cheerleader scared. However, Hart’s story is a bit more seedy and endearing, consisting of a bar called Ashbury Alley, punk rock, and of course Buffalo. Formerly the Rust Belt Show, the Big Neck Fest returns with its annual festival for the 15th year. Presented by Shaken Stylus and Queen City ex-pat record label, Big Neck Records( now based in northern Virginia). Tonight, Big Neck Fest will commence for its Day 1 festivities at the Allentown staple, Nietzsche’s. Big Fest isn’t just any  rock show. This is a festival that managed to bring Jay Reatard to Buffalo in its first two years back in 1999 and 2000, and this year isn’t any different. Headlining Day 1 will be Chi Town’s[...]

Tonight: Weazildust

June 12, 2014

Weazildust. The name sounds like a fictional character from the tales of The Brothers Grimm stories that eats little children and turns hay barrels into piles of gold. Weazildust is not a fictional character, though. It is the stage name of Jimkata drummer Packy Lunn, who is coming through Hardware tonight at 10pm. Lunn mixes are full of energy and will make you spin magical pelvic rotations at the first downbeat. One minute it sounds like an 80’s downbeat with drum pad percussion, the next it rotates throughout disco and trance. What’s difficult for some DJ’s appears seamless to Weazildust. His transitions are layered and he knows how to work his samples. Simple enough–if you wanna get down tonight, hustle your crew and give the man a high five…it’s free.

Tonight: Malportado Kids

June 10, 2014

Bilingual tropical punk band, Malportado Kids, will bring their brash island flavor to Spiral Scratch’s backroom this evening. This Rhode Island duo is comprised of members of Downtown Boys, and could be best described as Caribbean, DIY Casiokids. Also on the bill are West Side basement super-group, Hot Tip, and the debut performance from Jamie & the Debt, the new project Mallwalkers and Sexist member Jamie Rowitsch. Music kicks off at 6:30pm. Bring $3 to cover the touring band. Photo Credit – Michael Andrade

Tonight: William Fitzsimmons w/Leif Vollebekk

June 9, 2014

William Fitzsimmons will hit Buffalo Iron Works tonight with his contemplative crooning and the sophisticatedly subdued finger picking of his acoustic guitar. He’s a man who’s known conflict and sings to tell the tale, touring on the fruits of his latest studio effort, Lions (2014). Helping him out is Montreal-based singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk, touring on his own latest release, North Americana (2014). Featuring the likes of Arcade Fire’s Sara Neufeld on violin, and Vollebekk himself on guitar, piano, harmonica, fiddle, and of course, the vocals that drive it all, the album culminates in the finessed production of a man on an international ramble for the perfect take. Together, the two should put on an indie-folk show filled with a sentiment to withstand the ages. Doors at 8pm, tickets for a $20 spot.

Tonight: Vampire Weekend w/Cults

June 9, 2014

Today looks like a perfect day for an outdoor concert and what better band for this than Vampire Weekend. Still touring in support of their 3rd and strongest album to date, Modern Vampires of the City, the group seems to be on a perpetual victory lap. For after making two memorable appearances in Rochester recently, the band will be making their Buffalo debut (although I think they played with Dirty Projectors at Soundlab many many years ago before either band hit it big, which was probably amazing for a number of reasons). Tonight, they will be playing the Outer Harbor, a venue that seemingly became a summertime staple overnight. Rounding out this perfect indie summer concert is Cults, touring in support of the excellent sophomore release Static. The NYC band has quickly proven themselves to be a band on the rise and their live appearances are not to be missed. So, the[...]

Tonight: Brötzmann/Parker/Drake Trio

June 8, 2014

Tonight is a rare opportunity to catch the international free jazz icons, Brötzmann/Parker/Drake Trio, at Hallwalls. Formerly a quartet, the trio is comprised of Peter Brötzmann (saxophone), William Parker (double bass) and Hamid Blake (percussion). The performance promises to be a nearly cosmic exploration of sound at the limits of jazz and hopefully a beautiful descent in cacophony. So, if you have had your fill of bland indie and want a chance to hear some difficult and invigorating avant-garde music, head to Hallwalls. Music begins at 8pm. Brötzmann / Parker / Drake Trio Hallwalls Sunday, June 8 • 8:00 p.m. FREE ($10-20 suggested donation)

Tonight: The 2nd Annual B-Lo Invasion Homecoming Show

June 8, 2014

Has it really been a year already? Tonight is the 2nd Annual B-Lo Invasion Homecoming Show featuring the same star-studded lineup as last year. Jacob Smolinski will be taking a break from his tenure in his new band, Local Onlys, to reprise his role with The Cascos, and there is bound to be excitement from the Matt Danger Lippman-fronted Brimstone Blondes. Last but not least is Victory For Poland, who have been crashing our top 20 lists since we discovered them. In case you weren’t already sold, here is a quote from Smolinski himself: “Last summer, it was wild. This summer? Wilder. Be there or be square.” The show is $10 at the door and starts at 7:00pm at Babeville. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/62242753″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Couples Counseling

June 8, 2014

Cap off another busy weekend here in Buffalo with a trip down to the Heights as Boston’s Couples Counseling makes a stop at the Northrup House. CC, aka Virginia de las Pozas, sounds like Emily Haines (Metric, Broken Social Scene) or Amy Millan (Stars, Broken Social Scene) locking themselves in their bedrooms with only their MacBook and journal as dreamy, looped vocals mixed with blippy nostalgia make up de las Pozas’ debut cassette. Joining Couples Counseling this evening will be fellow Mass electro=pop artist PARI∀H, along with blog fav Copy Manager. Music kicks off around 8pm. As with all house shows, ask around for the address. Shouldn’t be too difficult. Make sure to have $5 on you too to cover the touring acts.

Tonight: Radarada

June 7, 2014

Get on that ra ra shit tonight with the release of Radarada’s debut EP, the aptly titled First Edition. Featuring fellow Buffalo artists Jack Topht and Dr. Ooo, the album is a compilation of what happens when people stop being polite and start getting weird. The all ages show opens it’s doors at 9pm, and is being hosted at one of Buffalo’s best new(ish) music venues, Buffalo Iron Works. Tix are five duckets, but being surrounded by so many yung thugs at an all ages show is kind of priceless, so this is easily the best $5 you’ll spend all weekend. Everyone in attendance will also get a ticket to the show’s afterparty, being held at a semi-undisclosed location (a house on the west side, and the address is on the ticket) and promises to have “free drinks, music bumpin, and good times.” In the words of Robert Sylvester Kelly:[...]

Tonight: Willie Nelson & Alison Krauss

June 7, 2014

Hop on that country wagon when Willy Nelson & Family hit the stage tonight with Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas at Lewiston’s Artpark. A man who needs no introduction, Willie has made a name for himself through the endless stream of albums he’s masterminded, the 30-something movies he’s acted in, the several books he’s written, and the activism he’s fueled by his own creative genius. As for Alison Krauss, underneath her 27 Grammy Awards and 49 nominations—she won her first in 1991, when she was only 20—is a virtuoso credited with helping to renew popular interest in bluegrass in the United States. Between the sweet finesse of her fiddle, the graceful range of her voice, and the raw talent that comprises her backing band Union Station, there are few that stand ahead in bridging the roots/country gap. Roll one up and come enjoy the scenery-backed country tunes. Doors[...]

Tonight: Slapshot

June 7, 2014

I think it’s fair to say that Slapshot is one of the most famous hardcore bands to ever come from Boston, Massachusetts. They’re certainly the most notorious, with a penchant for out of control shows and borderline militant straightedge dogma (at least in the early days, I don’t think they’re straight now…correct me if I’m wrong). Back on the Map, Step on It, and Sudden Death Overtime are hardcore classics and you’d be hard pressed to find anybody in hardcore who doesn’t have an opinion on this band. Love them or hate them, they are omnipresent, seemingly always there, and, along with Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, and Bad Brains, represent some of the finest in 80’s hardcore. Tonight the Slapshot boys are playing with a who’s who of hardcore; the crushingly heavy Born Low, Tony Erba’s new band Fuck you Pay Me, GhostxShip, On the Ropes, and Buffalo’s own Longest War,[...]

Tonight: Titus Andronicus

June 7, 2014

In what is becoming a regular occurrence, NJ punks Titus Andronicus will make their return to Buffalo this evening at the Tralf Music Hall, their second stop in as many years. Since forming in 2005, Titus Andronicus has slowly built a catalog full of piss and vingar infused anthems, best exemplified on their sprawling, Civil War inspired concept album, The Monitor, all while being led by one of indie-rock’s best front man in the venomous Patrick Stickles. Expect Stickles and crew to test out some new material this evening as the band teased a new album was on the near horizon upon their last visit to town. Providing support this evening will be buzzing Brooklyn act Baked and local female foursome Cross Stitch. Show kicks off tonight at 8pm. Tickets are available at the door for $14.

Tonight: Sugar City’s Soul Night

June 6, 2014

With the recent revival of Sugar City’s new space on Niagara St., things are up and running again for the do-it-yourself Buffalo group. Tonight, they invite you to shake up your hips and let loose to the tunes of the soul movement. Talk with your groove and speak with your inner funk. Kicking off the night is Handsome Dan, followed suit by a crew of individuals who will surely bring the tempting, soothing sounds all evening long: DJ Press, DJ SALINGER, Boss Matto, and Czubie. To encourage safety, they’re granting free admission to bikers who come down wearing their helmets. Get buckled up and fly down to Milkie’s so your toes can stretch and knees get a little freaky. Use 5 charms to get in the door. This event is also 18+.  Now do yourself a favor and enjoy this live Marvin Gaye song!

Tonight: On The Cinder

June 6, 2014

What are you doing tonight? Well, if you’re not too busy binging on season 2 of Orange is the New Black, stalking your ex on Facebook, or trying to decide who won twitter this week between Rob Delaney and Patton Oswalt, I hear there’s a show going on tonight. But Justin, there are just so many shows going on in the Queen City tonight, how do I choose which one? You can start by heading over to the Flower House as later tonight, they will be hosting On the Cinder’s tour kick off show. The Buffalo punk band, who are ‘fueled by cheap beer and the fear of getting old,’ will be sent off in style by fellow Buffalonian punks Accidentals, Grain Assault, and Seven Thirty Seven before hitting the road. Music kicks off at 7pm with a suggested donation of $3-$5. Ask around for the address.

Tonight: Horse Lords

June 5, 2014

If you have been looking for an excuse to head over to Sugar City’s new location (1239 Niagara Street), and have been itching to catch a show at their headquarters after the 2+ year hiatus, then tonight you may cross both of your list as the DIY collective will be hosting Baltimore instrumental act Horse Lords. A last minute addition on the quartet’s tour, tonight’s set should feature a groovy brand of krautrock that can go from minimal to beat heavy to brash at any moment.  You can get a better idea by listening to their most recent mixtape below. The show will be a part of Sugar City’s Across The Way: an art adventure event also occurring tonight starting at 5:30pm. Horse Lords are set to go on at 8pm sharp, and while there is no cover, donations are accepted and welcomed.