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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[...]

Father John Misty at Town Ballroom (8/1/15)

August 2, 2015

Triumphantly returning to the Town Ballroom stage three years after a now legendary opening performance for Youth Lagoon, Father John Misty delivered a scorching, hot as molten lava headlining set that melted the minds and libidos of the assembled sold out crowd. The show, part of an international tour supporting his 2015 masterpiece I Love You, Honeybear and sandwiched between Lollapalooza and shows in NYC, was an unexpected late addition to an already fine summer of shows, and now stands as one of the finest of the year, and a near religious experience. The opening set from the enigmatic Springtime Carnivore was ideal, and got everything started right with a satisfying mix of Cardigans-esque 60’s pop and Southern moxy. Playing a selection of tunes from her eponymous debut, Springtime Carnivore (aka Greta Morgan) wowed the attentive crowd with expressive, breathless vocals and hazy, jangly guitar riffs that conjured bittersweet sensations[...]

Tonight: Sonny & the Sunsets

July 24, 2015

California surf poppers Sonny & the Sunsets bring their wryly hilarious, daring, and tuneful summer bonfire rock to Mohawk Place this evening with fellow Californian Sarah Bethe Nelson. Fronted by songwriting mastermind Sonny Smith, Sonny & the Sunsets have been putting their cockeyed spin on surf/garage rock since the early 2000’s, and are in town to promote their 2015 release Talent Night at the Ashram, while San Francisco’s Sarah Bethe Nelson features a 60’s pop meets garage rock sound and a fine Instagram account. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are $12.

Tonight: City of Night

July 18, 2015

The Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo hosts it’s fourth annual City of Night, the multi-disciplinary arts and culture happening/shindig that’s frankly emerged as one of the absolute best nights in Buffalo, this evening. This year’s installment is shifting from Silo City to Buffalo’s Old First Ward along Republic Street between Louisiana and Sidway streets as part of a three year commitment to that venerable yet evolving community, and while there’s been some murmurings against this change of venue, assurances have been given that this year’s installment will be as grand and magnificent as in year’s previous, including more art and music, and an Art Train consisting of a series of art installations housed in shipping containers (something for fans of Lethal Weapon 2, myself included). The DJ tent located at Kenturcky Street will be featuring sets from 6:00pm to midnight from Soma, Pinja, Cove, and PROJEX while the amphitheater[...]

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.

The Ginger Faye Bakers Drop Latest LP Smoke Signals

July 14, 2015

Smoke Signals, the second album from Rochester power trio the Ginger Faye Bakers, is a sinful and ridiculously enjoyable slab of instant classic rock that’s ideal for late night reckless driving, going camping with a case of Genny Cream and [redacted], and cutting school to get wasted. It’s also a perfect example of the amazing music floating around the increasingly local-centric internet in the post music industry 21st Century. Driven by a death metal guitar sound that swings between the heaviest Queens of the Stone Age and the glorious Black Sabbath riffage of Tony Iommi, and wild vocals reminiscent of Black Mountain’s Stephen McBean, Smoke Signals is like so many releases from our neighbors on the 90 East — heavy on tunes and riffs, and irresistible. The Baker boys (Nathan, Timothy, and Billy) take it even further however, taking illicit joy in their pleasantly dangerous heavy duty abandon. There’s a[...]

Pappy Stardust Drops All Around Sound‘s First Single

July 10, 2015

Buffalo psychedelic rocker Pappy Stardust (aka Steve Leszyk) has dropped a new single, titled “Ebb Rider (The Wave),” in advance of his upcoming full length release All Around Sound,  due September 5th. It’s a mind shredding face melter that should not be listened to while operating heavy machinery. Consider yourselves warned.

Steve Earle & The Dukes at Buffalo Iron Works (7/7/15)

July 8, 2015

Last night, American music legend Steve Earle transformed Buffalo Iron Works into a Sportsman’s-esque honky tonk, raising the roof with his pure country and western rock. The thrilled sold out crowd was blessed with an almost two hour set of Earle classics new and old, with nary a note of the BS and corny ass beats endemic of modern country. This was a true celebration of the music of the American south, with strong notes of blues and folk that unified the set and righteously eschewed musical segregation. Buffalo is definitely Steve Earle country as Iron Works packed in a way I’ve not seen yet, and his true believers went home very, very happy. I’d almost call it a religious experience, especially standing outside in the alley next to the stage in the rain (because it was too goddamn hot inside the bar), but I know Steve doesn’t hold with[...]

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.

Column 32: Brian Wilson’s Survival and Love & Mercy

July 1, 2015

Simply put, Love & Mercy,  Bill Pohlad’s loving tribute to the genius and struggles of Brian Wilson, is an effecting film and a rousing victory. Featuring two different actors in the role and chronicling the former Beach Boys mastermind’s life at two crucial junctures in his life: – his creative apex and fall during the mid and late 60’s (Paul Dano) and his lowest point in the 80’s (John Cusack) in the thrall of scumbag and now discredited doctor Eugene Landy – Love & Mercy is also a film about tremendous heroism. Not just Wilson’s artistic heroism after he stopped touring with the Beach Boys to stay home to create masterpieces and battle mental health issues, but also the heroism of Brian’s future wife Melinda (Elizabeth Banks) who’d eventually save him from Landy, and get him back out into the world where he is now. In terms of cinematic virtue, Love[...]

Tonight: Anklepants

June 28, 2015

Yes Virginia… that dude has a cock for a nose. Now that that’s out of way… tonight Sugar City will be the scene of an art and dance happening to end all happenings when it hosts controversial EDM artist Anklepants (known aliases: Dr. Reecard Farche, Josh Head). The Australian EDM wunderkind will be joined by local electro experimenters Ay Fast and Logan Locking, and word on the street has it that costumes and other manner of freakishness are HIGHLY encouraged at this Squeaky Wheel sponsored event. They want the wonkiest sesh ever, so if you’re going you’ve got to be ready to go all out. $10 gets you in and doors are at 7pm.

Tonight: The Blind Boys of Alabama

June 24, 2015

The Tralf will be a house of praise when it hosts the sublime sounds of The Blind Boys of Alabama this evening. Formed nearly 75 years ago, The Blind Boys of Alabama are true men of God. Their otherworldly vocal harmonies and graceful, gospel infused blues are a musical journey into the very heart of American music, and a balm for the soul for believers and non-believers alike. And in light of recent, nation shaking events last week, this could be just what you need. Tickets are $29, doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 8pm.

Gimme Shelter to Screen at the North Park Theatre

June 23, 2015

Next Thursday, July 2nd, the North Park Theatre will be starting the final countdown to the Rolling Stones’ show at Ralph Wilson Stadium by hosting a special screening of Gimme Shelter. Directed by Albert and David Maysles and Charlotte Zerwin, Gimme Shelter is the legendary and harrowing documentary that chronicled the Stones’ 1969 tour and the infamous Altamont Free Concert that unofficially ended the Summer of Love and the 60’s in general, and it’s everything you’ve ever heard about it. This is an absolute must for 1) Stones fans, 2) documentary film lovers (the Maysles brothers!), and 3) film buffs, and you have two chances to see it on the North Park big screen next Thursday at 7pm and 9:30pm Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online here.

Glass Animals at Asbury Hall (6/16/15)

June 18, 2015

The great hall at Babeville was less a house of God and more a temple for trippy beats, jazz cigarette smoke, and sweat Tuesday night when Oxford quartet Glass Animals made its local debut. Layered, brain melting textures, hypnotic beats, and the sensually soulful vocals of Dave Bayely  got the sold out crowd moving and got us at peak rapture, before the house lights came back on and we were turned loose on society, overstimulated and wired for sound. The chaps seemed almost embarrassed by our exuberance, bless them.

Tonight: Marion Walker

June 17, 2015

Dreamland is the best. In a city with plenty of great rooms to take in live music, the front room (parlour?) at the Franklin St. space has emerged as the front runner, with it’s intimate setting, color absorbing white walls, art on display, and a glorious chandelier presiding over all of it. It’s hosted some fascinating shows since opening, and that continues tonight with Seattle’s Marion Walker, with support from Buffalo’s own Saint Opal, Bobby Swayze, and Milsep featuring In and Out Music Group. Presented by the D.O.P.E. (Dismantling Oppresive Patterns for Empowerment) Collective, this show will be all about breaking down barriers and bringing peoples together. From the hip-hop beats from Bobby Swayze and Milsep and crew to the dreammy R&B of Saint Opal, and the towering psychedelic rock of Marion Walker, diversity will be key. Meanness, negativity, and your racial or gender baggage, on the other hand, will[...]