Latest Posts

Wilco & Sleater-Kinney at Artpark (8/26/21)

August 31, 2021

Last Thursday, Wilco and Sleater-Kinney shared the stage for a fantastic show in Lewiston. Artpark provided the perfect scenic backdrop for a great end of summer show.  Chicago based multi instrumentalist NNAMDÏ kicked the night off, performing a short but sweet sonically diverse set with a tight backing band. Following a short rain delay, Sleater-Kinney took the stage and played a high energy, slightly shortened set focusing on tracks from their new LP which dropped earlier this year, Path of Wellness, as well as a bunch of tracks from their 2005 LP, The Woods, among others.  Wilco played an epic 18 song career spanning set, which was also shortened due to another rain delay a few tracks in. After a slight delay, the rain didn’t seem to bother the crowd, as the majority of the crowd stuck around for the whole show. We sent blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor (@brendanoconnor139 on[...]

Tonight: The Flaming Lips

July 27, 2019

Internationally beloved psych rockers The Flaming Lips return to Western New York tonight at Artpark along with the also returning Lennon Claypool Delirium and Particle Kid. The Lips, led by core members Wayne Coyne, Steven Drozd, and Michael Ivins, are practically locals by this point, having recorded everything they’ve put out since 1989 just outside Fredonia with esteemed producer Dave Fridmann, and five WNY shows in the last 10 years (including the 2011 show in Rochester with Kurt Vile). Their last show, at the Rapids Theatre in 2017 with Mac DeMarco, was utterly transcendent, and tonight’s show in support of their recently released 15th studio album Kings Mouth promises to be yet another gloriously ebullient human experience. The Lennon Claypool Delirium are also making a welcome return to the area after a tremendous show three years ago at Canalside that featured Sean Lennon and Les Claypool unleashing one of the[...]

Third Eye Blind at Artpark (7/3/19)

July 8, 2019

Last Wednesday, Third Eye Blind brought their Summer Gods 2019 tour to Artpark in Lewiston.  The heat did not deter the eager crowd, as the outdoor amphitheater seriously filled filled out over the course of the blistering day. Around 6pm, Ra Ra Riot set things into motion with a short, solid set which definitely got the crowd warmed up. Jimmy Eat World then took the stage, playing a career spanning set which heavily focused on their classic 2001 record, Bleed American. It’s safe to say that Jimmy Eat World’s hit filled set was definitely a highlight of the night.  Third Eye Blind also took the same approach. They played tracks from all of their records, including some brand new material, but they mainly focused on their iconic 1997 Self-Titled debut LP.  “Jumper,” “How’s It Gonna Be,” “Semi-Charmed Life,” they wasted no time in playing all the hits and lesser known[...]

Fleet Foxes at Artpark (07/26/18)

August 3, 2018

Last week, Artpark served as the perfect backdrop for Fleet Foxes show in WNY in quite some time.  The night was kicked off with a short but sweet set by Nilüfer Yanya and her band.  She began her set solo, but eventually brought her band mates out to finish out her half hour set, packed with sweet, soulful tracks.  Her mellow set served as the perfect warm up for the indie folk titans, Fleet Foxes.  During my dig for info on Fleet Foxes last appearance in WNY, I actually wasn’t able to find anything, just to give you an idea of how longs it’s been.  They did make up for lost time though,  performing a huge 20 song set packed with songs from all three of their studio records. Artpark’s scenic backdrop combined with the warm sunset provided the absolute perfect setting for the show.  Check out some photos from the night below, taken by blog photographer,[...]

Tonight: Fleet Foxes

July 27, 2018

The western New York music lovers week of plenty continues tonight when beloved indie folk rock band Fleet Foxes brings their exceptional harmonies to Artpark with up and coming London indie heroine  Nilufer Yanya. After a five year hiatus the Seattle  band returned with last year’s Cracked Up, their third album and first with new drummer Neal Morgan, replacing that guy who played Canalside last night. Meanwhile, every note  jazzy and sweetly soulful London guitarist and vocalist Nilufer Yanya sings and plays floats effortlessly as if in a dream. Tickets for this dream show are still available for $41, doors open at 5pm, and show allegedly starts at 6:30pm.

Tonight: Garbage

July 25, 2017

Tonight alternative rock legends from two different decades collide beautifully when resurgent New Wave heroes Blondie and post grunge icons Garbage play Artpark with Deap Vally. Something of a 90’s supergroup at the time made up by mega producer Butch Vig,  Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and front woman extraordinaire Shirley Manson, Garbage burned hot from the mid 90’s and early aughts with a refreshingly danceable electronic noise rock sound and classics like Garbage, Garbage 2.0 and Beautiful Garbage before taking an indefinite hiatus and returning last year with their self released Strange Little Birds and co-headlining shows this summer with Blondie. Los Angeles technicolor garage rock duo Deap Vally open show the show, which gets going at 6:30pm (doors open at 4:45pm). General admission tickets are still available for $17.

Tonight: Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples

June 30, 2016

Legendary human beings Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples have teamed up for one of the summer’s most fascinating tours, and tonight they’re making a much anticipated stop at Artpark. Folk rock hero Dylan is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of going electric, a decision that shocked and outraged folk purists while liberating him as an artist; while gospel and soul heroine Mavis Staples is touring behind her latest album, the stellar Livin’ On A High Note, which featured songs written for her by Neko Case, Nick Cave, Jon Batiste, and Merrill Garbus. Tickets are still available from $49.50 to $89.50, and the show starts at 7:30pm.

Tonight: Two Door Cinema Club

June 15, 2016

North Ireland indie-pop rockers Two Door Cinema Club are making an eagerly awaited Western New York appearance tonight at Artpark. Fine purveyors of  achingly bittersweet and very dance-able indie pop as showcased on their excellent two albums Tourist History and Beacon, TDCC is back after a three year break with a new single released just yesterday and a new album due this year, of which this show will offer a sneak peak. Opening the show will be sensuous electronic shoegazer Bayonne (aka Roger Sellers), currently on tour to promote his debut album Primitives. Doors open at 4:45pm, the show begins at 6:30pm, and tickets are still available. General admission is $17 and reserved seating and front of the stage is $27.

Tonight: Alabama Shakes

September 21, 2015

Alabama Shakes, the pride of Athens, Alabama, have taken the world by storm thanks in no small part to the almost otherworldly brilliance of Brittany Howard, and after a terrific summer of shows they’ll be getting our Fall started with a WNY debut tonight at Artpark. Having just stomped the sophomore slump into the dust with this year’s bold Sound & Color, Alabama Shakes have shown both moxy and staying power, and this show is a real treat for local music audiences eager to see what the fuss is all about while the band’s still on the way up. Fresh off an opening stint with Robert Plant And The Sensational Shape Shifters, Troy, New York folk singer/songwriter Sean Rowe will be on hand for support. Doors open at 7pm, and tickets on the lawn are still available for $35.

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

August 3, 2015

Many paragraphs have been written elsewhere about tonight’s Tedeschi Trucks Band show at Artpark so I’m not going to bother. Instead, some attention sorely needs to be payed to openers Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Doyle Bramhall II. The crown jewel and cornerstone of the Daptone Records label, SJ&DK return to WNY after memorable performances in Niagara Falls and at Town Ballroom (with Charles Bradley opening the show and melting hearts) with a vintage analog soul sound that’s fresh, dance-able as hell, and realer than real thanks to soul music goddess Sharon Jones, who’s back in the game after a triumphant battle against cancer and better than ever according to word on the street… Be prepared to get down and  worship in the presence of true soul music warriors, and be sure to get to Artpark in time for show opener Doyle Bramhall II, a prodigious talent, known  for[...]

Tonight: Grace Potter

July 28, 2015

Known for her upbeat blend of soulful retro-rock, Grace Potter makes her way back to the Western New York region at Artpark this evening. The St. Lawrence grad has continued her solo career for yet another tour, emerging from the rock roots of her backing band, the Nocturnals. Potter will release her much-anticipated album Midnight on August 14th, which the audience can hope to get a glimpse of tonight at the show, along with popular hits like “Alive Tonight” and “Stars.” Accompanying Potter tonight is neo-country turned  grunge rocker Jessica Lea Mayfield. Only general admission tickets remain for $17 at the door. Gates open at 4:45pm today and the show will start at 6:30pm.

My Morning Jacket at Artpark (7/22/15)

July 23, 2015

Last night, thousands flocked to Artpark in Lewiston for the highly anticipated WNY return of My Morning Jacket. The band went on at 7:30pm and played 21 songs straight through for a noble two hours. They kicked off with a more ambient selection that throughout the night would lead into more exciting and upbeat songs for the end. I spent a lot of time throughout the show in an attempt to categorize their music. Having read so much about the band’s genre(s), ranging from “southern rock” to “jam” to “indie rock”, none of those choices seemed to quite add up. First and foremost, regardless of where this band is from (Kentucky to be exact), they do not fall into what I would consider “southern rock.” Even more so though, certainly not a “jam” band. Although MMJ does jam on some of their songs, they seem to have no desire to experiment.[...]

Tonight: My Morning Jacket

July 22, 2015

Known for their triumphant live performances, Louisville, Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket have been honing their style of psychedelic, soulful southern rock since their debut in 1998. Now seven studio albums into their career, the band’s expansive sound has at times included electronic instrumentation as well as reggae and dub influences. Their 2008 release Evil Urges was nominated for the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album and was praised for its’ groove-based songwriting and lush arrangements. During the same year, the band gave a legendary four hour performance at Bonnaroo that included guest appearances from Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and comedian Zach Galifianakis. Back in May, My Morning Jacket released their latest album The Waterfall to favorable reviews, a record that saw a return to the alt-country sound that characterized their first few releases. In addition, the band has performed at and hosted One Big Holiday festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico which has featured artists[...]

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: Steve Miller Band

June 30, 2015

“Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah / some call me the gangster of love.” Chances are, even if you’ve never heard of the Steve Miller Band, you are at least familiar with the above lines, which are the iconic opening to the San Fran outfit’s most familiar song, “The Joker.” But the Steve Miller Band had an impressive and successful run of hits, mostly in the 1970s, including “Fly Like an Eagle” and “Jungle Love.” Clearly, the band has not been relegated to dinosaur or one-hit wonder status: the group’s set at Artpark tonight sold out days in advance. Opening the show, fittingly enough, is the local R&B/soul group Miller and Other Sinners. The show begins at 6:30pm, with doors opening at 4:45pm. Artwork is located in Lewiston, just off Route 104.