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Tonight: Newish Star

September 24, 2015

After a summer long slew of free shows that featured the likes of Governess, Dreambeaches, Sonny Baker, Kharlos, and more, Queen City Cartel’s bi-monthly showcase in the back room of Hardware is coming to an end (just for the season, though, so don’t be sad). For the final bill of the summer series, QCC welcomes the sharp pop/punk West Side trio, Newish Star. Since debuting in the spring of 2013, the three piece has already amassed a deep catalog, one that included two new releases this year alone, of clever, over-before-you-know-it nuggets. If you missed Newish Star’s nearly washed out set at the once again soaked Music Is Art festival a couple weeks back, tonight’s gig should be considerably more dry. Opening for NS will be the raucous, lo-fi punk pair Space is Haunted. Like all QCC showcases this summer, tonight’s finale is free of charge. Music begins at 10pm.[...]

Tonight: Sonny Baker w/Dreambeaches

August 13, 2015

Free show alert! One of Buffalo’s most prolific musicians, Sonny Baker, will be performing selections off his upcoming, full band EP Flesh It Out later on this evening at Hardware. Baker just shared the EP’s latest track, titled “(underachiever),” earlier this morning. Check it out below. As if that wasn’t enough, the local dream-surfers in Dreambeaches (Humble Braggers’ Corey Bzibziak) will be rounding out the bill. Queen City Cartel are the people to thank for tonight’s wonderful (did we mention free?) showcase – tonight is round six of their biweekly Thursday series in the back room of Hardware. Like we said, there’s no cover tonight. The show is set to start at 10pm, but make sure you are 21+ before you head out the door. We’ll see you all for some drinks and music tonight at Hardware.

Tonight: M.A.G.S. w/ the Soft Love

July 30, 2015

While Elliot Douglas has been part of the Buffalo music scene for quite awhile, but it wasn’t till his formation with Adam Lilley and Andy Wesner as M.A.G.S. that it seemed as if everything came into place. The trio finds itself in a middle ground between garage rock and post-punk but with hooks to rival any major pop act. This is a band that can be absolutely blistering live while still delivering sugary sweet singles. Tonight, the band continues to ride the wave of momentum its been on since the release of the Cellophane EP earlier this year. Joining them will be the Soft Love, the much-buzzed new kids on the block who’s debut single “ALL OF IT” introduced the world to their particular gritty and aggressive blues rock sound. The band has gained a glowing reputation for its live shows at local clubs and this year’s Herd Fest. This stellar[...]

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: Homeboy Sandman

July 3, 2015

I first became aware of Homeboy Sandman when he appeared on an episode of the MTV’ Made in 2010. On the show, he taught a awkward teenager how to become a rapper. I hadn’t heard of him at the time, but around then he started making huge strides in his career. Soon after his MTV appearance, he signed with Stones Throw Records, a haven for rappers with serious lyrical and rhyming skill, and the perfect place for Sandman. His songs and flows evoke poetic vibes, and the complexity of the subjects he takes on in his songs (the American dream, Illuminati conspiracies) leave no word wasted. Homeboy’s latest album Hallways was released in the fall of last year to critical acclaim.  Homeboy Sandman will be back in town tonight, in a last minute, holiday edition of the Public Presents. The show starts at 11pm at Hardware, and for just $5 bucks, it’s[...]

Tonight: Strange Acres & Orations

July 2, 2015

Anyone looking to get a head start on their holiday weekend should find themselves at Allen St. Hardware Café tonight. In Queen City Cartel’s third installment of their bi-weekly Thursday series, Orations and Strange Acres will be taking over the intimate confines of Hardware’s back room. Orations’ brooding post-punk has a pumping heart similar to that of Joy Division or Siouxsie and the Banshees, while the chilling arrangements and emotional outpourings of Strange Acres will have you laying horizontal on the floor in a contemplative tizzy. For those of you who haven’t seen one (or both) of these dark local heavyweights, tonight is your night. The best part about this show? Well, the bands (along with Dante Velour spinning tracks in the gaps). But the second best thing? It won’t cost you a thing. Unless you plan on getting sauced, in which case you should bring some cash. Just tell[...]

Herd Fest 2015: Day 3 (Part 2)

June 27, 2015

Herd Fest 2015 returned to Allentown Saturday night with three more loaded showcases sprinkled on to the block. With Silo Sessions setting up shop at Nietzsche’s, Quiet Country Audio taking over Duke’s, and the Wax Museum crew manning both rooms in Hardware, the final evening of the 2015 edition of the festival featured something for everyone. Tireless festival photography, Candace Camuglia, was able to capture the evening. Check out some select shots below, and for the full gallery from Day 3’s night time showcases, head over to the festival’s Facebook page.

Tonight: Queen Majesty

June 26, 2015

Known for her extensive knowledge of Jamaican music, Brooklyn-based (and Buffalo native) DJ Queen Majesty has been collecting reggae vinyl for over twenty years and selecting tunes at venues around the world, showcasing the island nation’s rich musical culture. Having hosted the “Deadly Dragon Sounds” show on East Village Radio in New York for six years, she has an ear for both classic tunes and rising talent in dancehall, reggae, and dub. Tonight, Queen Majesty will headline Heat Wave at Allen Street Hardware. Setting up shop in the back room, Queen Majesty will team up with DJ Universal for a 3 + hour block of reggae. Teenwolf will take things over with classic jams til close while Hardware regulars Sike and Dovey will man the front room until last call. Music begins at 8:30pm with a cover of $5. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/113655965″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Herd Fest 2015: Day 2

June 24, 2015

Herd Fest 2015 officially kicked into its second gear last Friday night with three loaded showcases littered over Allentown. First off, though, long time local photog, Michael Mulley, opened up his “People That Rock” exhibit over at Sugar City on Niagara St.. The 20 + years in the making gallery featured photos of Henry Rollins, David Bowie, Social Distortion, and more. Later on that night, Nietzsche’s, Duke’s and Hardware were taken over by showcases from Harvest Sum, Deep Thinka Records, and the Cool Dad crew, respectively. Our festival photographer, Candace Camuglia, was once again deep into all of the action. Check out some select shots from the night below, and for a full gallery of Day 2, visit the festival’s facebook page.

Tonight: New Orleans Swamp Donkeys

June 23, 2015

Already a summer favorite, the Live at Larkin concert series offers Buffalonians a place to gather for drinks, food, and fantastic music for some mid-week relaxation and fun.  Tonight, attendees will be transported to the streets of Louisiana’s most beloved city by the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys. Kicking off a US and European summer tour, this vibrant sextet will deliver a mixture of traditional and modern jazz, blues, and New Orleans brass, reflecting the group members’ diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. The Swamp Donkeys’ audiences are raving this tour in cities like St. Louis, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Detroit, and now they’re in Buffalo tonight only at Live at Larkin Square. (They’re having an open afterparty at Allen St Hardware too.) The music kicks off at 5 with opening Buffalo’s Black Rock Zydeco.  Don’t miss it. New Orleans Swamp Donkeys from NeueHouse on Vimeo.

Cool Dad Records

June 19, 2015

The Cool Dad Records crew takes over Allen Street Hardware tonight for Herd Fest, uniting and presenting as the punny and well-played Rave Matthews Band. Members of Cool Dad Records gather as a collective of friends, music fiends, and artists. Comprised by Eyes Everywhere (Brian Doyle and Kyle Tatum), Nick States, and Alex Morrison, each have curated and established his own sound through productions and sets. The crew has thrown parties and BBQs in off the grid spots and have helped further expose Buffalo by booking artists like Doug English, Ross Regs, ADMN, and Pearson Sound. If you didn’t go to the Cool Dad County Fair last month at Glow Gallery, you missed an outdoor patio party that was fueled by a crawfish boil, fresh squeezed juices and the enticing sounds of Detroit. Tonight, the fellas will be bringing in special guest Colin Boardway, a Buffalo native who has been[...]

Tonight: Robert Sarazin Blake

April 29, 2015

All you folkies put on your Wednesday’s best; Robert Sarazin Blake is coming to town. Queen City Cartel is hosting the travelling folk singer/songwriter and his band, The put-it-all-down-in-a-Letters, tonight in the back room of Hardware on Allen. Blake is known for his inviting live performances of highly improvisational story folk, and anyone who has seen him perform before knows that “seeing him perform” isn’t really an all-encompassing way to describe being an audience member at one of his shows. In addition to the neighborly vibes of his celtic-laced acoustic songs, Blake excels at involving the audience conversationally, transforming whatever room he happens to be playing into a congenial space with old friends a-plenty. And speaking of old friends, the Americana balladeers in Pine Fever will be providing tonight’s local support. If there’s a good time to be had anywhere in Buffalo tonight, it’s here. Show starts at 8pm, with[...]

Tonight: Public School Presents Ladies Night

January 30, 2015

The next installment of Public School, the Public‘s monthly dance showcase, goes down tonight at Hardware, and this one is run by ladies only. Featuring an all-female cast of DJs, included the fresh faced duo, GLDN GIRLS, and DJ Yama, the latter whom was given a nice spotlight a couple weeks back in the weekly publication, will be holding the front and back rooms down all evening. The night kicks off at 11pm with a $5 cover. All ladies who arrive prior to midnight, though, can walk right in for free. Sadly, neither act tonight has any audio clips that I can find, so lets just hope tonight turns out better than this.

Just Announced: Heavy Rotation – Lonely Hearts Dance

January 13, 2015

We must admit, we love a good dance party. Luckily the fine folks over at Hardware are giving us the opportunity to throw our own next month. On Friday, February 13th, buffaBLOG will be curating the front and back room of the Allentown bar supplying Buffalo with all the hits and hot jams your after 40 hour work week has been craving. The lineup consists of local hip-hop producer, Cove, mashup extraordinaire Teenwolf, electronic visual artist, Projex, and front room regular, Camaican Sensation. All in all, this is a great opportunity to show off all those dance moves you’ve been practicing while snowed in this winter. Get there around 10pm and the doors are $5. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/10776103″ 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: Public School

November 28, 2014

With the first month of The Public, Buffalo’s newest alternative publication, in the books, the paper is set to host its first party later this evening at Hardware. Titled Public School, and brought to you behind the minds of Artvoice’s Night Shift series, the monthly dance series will bring you a new collection of DJs and bands from WNY and beyond for each installment. Tonight’s showcase features sets from DJ Dovey, MAXY NY, and Rick Jameson. Cover will be $5 at the door, and the party gets started at 11pm.