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Tonight: Brillz and SNAILS Twonkaholics Tour

September 30, 2014

If you happened to catch Brillz the last time he was in Buffalo, then you know that he knows how to throw down, and he throws down hard. Brillz and SNAILS are kicking off their Twonkaholics Tour tonight in Buffalo. Brillz, a moniker based on an abbreviation for “brilliant.” He has had releases on major labels like OWSLA, Mad Decent and Slow Roast Records, toured major cities and has played big name festival crowds. What started as a title for his album, “twonk” has clearly become it’s own defintion. What does TWONK mean? In an interview he did with Bass Collective, he said the word is all about it’s openness to interpretation. Twonk is whatever you want it to mean. “It’s about being weird, having fun and being creative,” he has said. Here’s a visual representation for you to form your own definition: Check out Brillz’s Instagram: @brillzbrillz [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/153059351″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false”[...]

Tonight: Pleasure Leftists

September 11, 2014

Rust Belt post-punk rockers Pleasure Leftists return to the Queen City with their insurgent sounds for what’s sure to be a special show at Spiral Scratch Records. Cleveland’s music scene has been blowing up recently (i.e. that packed Cloud Nothings show at the Iron Works in April), and Pleasure Leftists seem poised to continue that explosion thanks to their wonderfully propulsive and dark new wave guitar rock and the powerful, Patti Smith-esque vocals of Hayley Morris. Locals surfrockers Aaron & The Burrs, post-punkers Softlines, and Worse, who are making their live debut, will all be providing opening support. Show starts at 7pm, $7.

Tonight: Instead of Sleeping, Humble Braggers, and more

August 29, 2014

Pittsburgh, PA’s Instead of Sleeping has been through Buffalo three times already – and they always leave the stage having expelled more energy than one thought humanly possible. If that wasn’t enough convincing, there is also a stacked local lineup featuring Fredonia-fuzzmongers Zealot, the smooth piano pop of Darling Harbor, and the swimmy reverb of Humble Braggers. Tonight’s show is at the Ninth Ward. Tickets are $5 presale and $10 at the door. Be there for doors at 7:00pm. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/30317224″ 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: Artvoice Presents Night Shift with Cool Dad Records

August 22, 2014

For those who haven’t yet taken a night shift with Artvoice, it has been a series of Friday evenings showcasing Buffalo’s best DJ talent in the back room of Allen Street Hardware. This week, the Cool Dad Records crew takes over with sets from Eyes Everywhere, Nick Fowler, Mascone Lee and Alex Morrison in the back room. Also, find Rick Jameson (aka Spooky Sean of Spooky Business) in the front room. Earlier this year, Kyle Tatum and Brian Doyle of Eyes Everywhere had their Buffalo-inspired track “Off Bailey” released under Fool’s Gold Records Clubhouse series. Also, this week, the duo’s Privilege Thing EP  was released under San Francisco-based Anabatic Records and is currently climbing the Beatport charts. Squad up and catch the crew’s vibe tonight. It’s Friday. Let’s dance. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/47030225″ 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, Friday, Aug. 22 Artvoice presents Night Shift with Cool Dad Records 11[...]

Tonight: Newish Star, Difficult Night, and more

August 14, 2014

Unfortunately, New Jersey’s Brick Mower could not make it to this wonderful showcase at one of our favorite local record stores, Spiral Scratch… But there is some good news. On the bright side, tonight’s show is now free! Newish Star and Difficult Night, acts that both contain was distinct, yet different 90s influences, round out tonight’s impressive local bill, with a debut performance from Technochronic and an opening set by Space is Haunted. Doors are at 6:00pm tonight and music will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Tonight: Edgefest

August 10, 2014

In case you somehow haven’t heard by now, today is the day that Edgefest rolls through town. It’s hard to ignore such a prime opportunity to people watch at one of the most “accessible” shows of the summer… but enough about that. We here at buffaBLOG are here to bring you information about music, so here goes: Pentimento are the opening act tonight, and for good reason. Often compared to co-headliners Brand New, Pentimento are one of Buffalo’s strongest musical exports now. With a new wave of hardworking bands riding the resurgence of punk and emo, Pentimento are enjoying the benefits that come from several successful tours and the hype from their latest EP Inside the Sea. The Sheila Divine are an alt-rock band from Boston. They have a philosophy of following something called “the three b’s” – Boston, Buffalo, and Belgium. Having been a cult band here in Buffalo[...]

Tonight: Queen City Cartel Presents Boombox 004

August 1, 2014

It’s a sucker free zone at the Queen City Cartel Boombox parties. The fourth session will take place tonight in the backroom at Hardware, featuring music from Miosi, Jolly Wailer and NSFW. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/76932595″ 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/160955179″ 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/156985056″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] The colorful and vibrant painted stacked sound system, provided by Jolly Wailer, is like no other. High energy vibes and dancing. Also, get entranced by the weirdly fascinating visuals projected behind the DJ. Jony James Band will be in the front room if you’re looking for that kind of vibe. Or party in the back, if that’s more what you’re about. Queen City Cartel presents Boombox 004 Allen Street Hardware (245 Allen St.) 11 p.m.-3:30 a.m. 21+ View the event page on Facebook.

Tonight: Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses

July 12, 2014

To carry a legacy on decade after decade is quite a feat. Louis Prima was a pivital musician during the New Orleans jazz era. He became notable for classic Italian tunes to his starring vocal role as King Louie in the Disney film The Jungle Book. With Vegas experiences and collaborations with Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack, Prima became known for his “Wildest!” signature. If you think you don’t know Prima, think again, especially if you’ve wandered Hertel Avenue for Buffalo’s Italian Festival. And if that doesn’t strike your memory, take a listen to his famous song from The Jungle Book. His son, Louis Prima Jr., is continuing the legacy but rather than recreating the past and following a set path led by his father, he is amping it up with a modern vibe. The band’s album Blow scored a #25 rank on CMJ‘s Jazz charts. Along with his eight-piece band,[...]

Tonight: City and Colour, Young the Giant, and Tokyo Police Club

July 11, 2014

Not just everyone in the world gets to be in two wildly successful bands… But then again not everyone is Dallas Green – he’s the man with the golden voice that you hear singing in those beautiful City and Colour songs. Buffalo’s Outer Harbor series nailed it earlier this year with Vampire Weekend and Cults – tonight is poised to do the same. City and Colour is supported by alternative radio mainstays Young the Giant and the upbeat, keyboard-driven indie rock of Tokyo Police Club. This particular date at the Outer Harbor is sponsored by Alternative Buffalo 107.7 and seems to be one of the ones to appeal to a younger crowd. The show is all ages, but plenty of beer will be flowing for the 21+ crowd. City and Colour, Young The Giant, Tokyo Police Club, and Clear Plastic Masks Outer Harbor All Ages Gates at 6:00pm $45 Day[...]

Today and Tonight: Red, White & Igloo – Queen City Cartel Boombox 003

July 4, 2014

America. Political stances aside, the Fourth of July is the one day a year where mostly everyone will bust out their patriotic attire, fire up the grills and shoot off those fireworks they scored from Pennsylvania (or trek downtown to watch regulated ones). For a while, my family and I had the same tradition each year. We would camp at Southwick Beach, which was just outside of Syracuse. I have the fondest memories as a child of chasing fireflies, spending time with my grandparents, the smell of the campfire and the exciting but almost terrifying feeling of holding a sparkler and running wild. My “Uncle Kenny” (we weren’t blood related) would gather the family, head to the beach and we would walk a decently far way down, where the campsites ended and there was hardly anyone in sight. My entire family and I, under the starlight ,with the sound of the[...]

Tonight: Gord Downie & The Sadies

July 3, 2014

I generally loathe referring to Gord Downie as the “heart and soul of The Tragically Hip.” It’s a disservice to the rest of the guys in the band, and besides, Gord is so much more: an enigmatic frontman,  solo artist, poet, activist, and a beloved international righteous dude. Tonight at Canalside, he’ll be here in the role of esteemed collaborator when he and the Sadies perform songs from their 7 years in the making Conquering Sun album, released in April by Arts and Crafts. Opening the show will Newfoundland indie rock band Hey Rosetta and Australian folk rockers Boy & Bear. Like all Canalside shows the good times start at 6 and wrap up around 10. It’s been said that Buffalo likes it’s Canadian rock, and with this being an international holiday week, Canalside will be jumping. See you there.

Tonight: Well Rounded People’s Party Skate Jam [no. 1]

June 27, 2014

Damn, this is just about the best damn thing I’ve ever had the pleasure to do a write up for. Tonight, Skateland will be alive with beats, funk, and skating when PUSH Buffalo, The WASH Project and West Side Bazaar put on a skate party for the people, like the kind we used to have at Skateland back in the day. All of these magnificent organizations are doing tremendous work for the West Side, our city, and some of it’s newest residents (note: the West Side Bazaar has also been doing tremendous work for my love world gastronomy), and tonight’s party is an excellent excuse to support them and social justice while skating and getting down. DJ Sike and Baby Joe will be kicking out the jams, food vendors will be from the aforementioned West Side Bazaar, tickets are only $5, and the party’s from 6 to 11.

Tonight: Caddywhompus, Aircraft, and Zealot

June 26, 2014

Tonight will be a glorious night. A night full of experimental indie pop, psychedelica, and walls of sound. Caddywhompus will be blessing us Buffalonians with their presence after traveling all the way from New Orleans. I couldn’t describe their sound better myself: “With a daunting assortment of amplifiers and effects-pedal tweakery, the duo executes its incredibly loud and at times nearly overwhelming sets with an impeccable musicianship and live presence. Song structures alternate between sweet psychedelic indie ballads to the most intense, ear-splitting of noise-driven crescendos” Tonight’s support comes from the one and only Aircraft, known for their fine psychedelic-indie rock. Rounding out the pack will be one of buffaBLOG’s favorite younger bands, Zealot, and their fuzzed out lo-fi. The entrance fee to Dreamland (on Franklin) is only $5, and make sure you bring your own beer.

Tonight: Silo Sessions Launch Party

June 14, 2014

One of the most exciting developments in Buffalo’s alleged resurgence has been what’s going down in Silo City, in the city’s post industrial district. Between epic art happenings and pop up food fests, the Silos have become treasured local structures favored by Buffalo’s creative class, a trend that continues tonight with the launch of the Silo Sessions. Almost 30 local and touring acts will be converging at Marine A, Perot Grain Elevator, and American Warehouse starting at 5:00pm for a multi-stage event that will put the excellent acoustics and possibilities of those magnificent buildings to the test. Tickets at the gate will be $15, but you will get in for $10 if you kicked in to this Kickstarter campaign. The full schedule: RIVER STAGE 5:pm Difficult Night 5:45pm The Observers 6:30pm Alex Berkely and the Atlanta Falcons 7:15pm Wooden Cities 8:pm Sam Goodwill 8:45pm Viking Moses 9:30pm Aircraft 10:15pm Landlady 11:00pm Mallwalkers[...]

Tonight: Aircraft and Bearhunter

June 13, 2014

This is one busy Friday! With shows happening all over the city, one particular destination that should be of note is M&T’s Second Friday series in front of the Burchfield Penny. Tonight’s showcase features performances from Aircraft at 5:30pm and Bearhunter at 7:00pm. The bands will be playing in the front yard until the sun goes down. Of course the event is free – the gallery will be open until 8:00pm. There will also be art-making workshops, book signings, and a movie screening at dusk.