Latest Posts

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: 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: 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: The Bloody Beetroots

June 5, 2014

When I think of The Bloody Beetroots, I hear “1, 2, WOOP, WOOP,” a humming scratching, a ticking clock and the guttural screams of “Warp.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/18855122″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] From Italy, Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo is known for his punk influence on the electronic world. He adorns a mask during performance and is known to many as The Bloody Beetroots. Whether it be a DJ set or a live performance, it is more than just dance music. The art of the Beetroots spans time and history, and incorporates cultural influences that set the sound apart from the rest. Last year, The Bloody Beetroots did a collaboration with Paul McCartney. The music video for that song, “Out of Sight,” truly captures the poetic essence of who Rifo is. “Electronic dance music is the bridge that spans my musical influences. My intention was to use the energy of punk[...]

Tonight: Poliça

June 2, 2014

The Tralf’s “Summer Of Indie” continues with a killer lineup of up and coming electronic artists featuring Minneapolis  electronica outfit  Poliça with New York’s Lolawolf and blog favorite Lesionread. In town to promote last year’s excellent Shulamith,  Poliça stands apart from the field thanks to their propulsive, R&B infused 80’s new wave sound, evocative lyrics, intense live shows, and chilled out yet soulful vocals from front woman Channy Leaneagh. There’s a tremendous amount of buzz around Lolawolf and their debut EP due in no small part to minimalist old school synths and the distinct and delicately smokey voice of Zoe Kravitz (daughter of Lenny, spiritual son of Prince), while local wunderkind Lesionread (aka Shawn Lewis) will no doubt continue his rise to power and rapid evolution as electronic and multimedia artist  with some new hardware and some mouthwatering new material. Missing Lesionread is foolish, so being there by 8 PM is[...]

Tonight: Del Paxton Vinyl Release Show

May 17, 2014

Today is a busy day!  Between Porch Fest, graduations, and what seems like a billion other shows at your disposal, this one might take the cake. Del Paxton is releasing their fantastic EP, Worst. Summer. Ever., on vinyl and is throwing a show to celebrate.  I don’t know about you, but those mint green records/t-shirts are calling my name. Backing up the Paxt tonight will be their buds in Living Room, Real People, and Newish Star. Ask a punk where the Glitterbox is and get there by 6:00pm.

Tonight: Pearson Sound

May 17, 2014

Part two of Club Phenomenology will stir up Buffalo tonight. It’s subtitle? “The Grid.” Put on by Sean Feiner and Nick States of Infinite Zone Productions, in addition to their other crew Cool Dad Records, which additionally comprises Kyle Tatum and Brian Doyle of Eyes Everywhere and Alex Morrison, the tight-knit group is out to bring an aspect of music that is not new to the dance scene. Rather, they’re out to enhance it further, and explore the opportunities. Headliner Pearson Sound, a UK producer and DJ, will take the stage at Buffalo Iron Works. Originally, this event was planned to be at The Wastelands (located at 700 Main St.) but due to unfortunate – and uncertain – circumstances, that venue closed. Execution of the event was shaky, but only momentarily. In the same day that it was “cancelled,” it was announced to be back on and taking place at Iron Works,[...]

Tonight: Radarada

May 17, 2014

McGarret’s will be where it’s at tonight when blog favorites Radarada unleash their patented infectious brand of soul infused hip-hop. Featuring live instrumentation reminiscent of Brand New Heavies and Digible Planets and a Native Tongues vibe, Radarada has been making serious noise in these parts leading up to the release of their debut EP, First Edition, next month, and this is a damn fine opportunity to check them out and get down. Cover is $3 and it all goes down at 10 PM.

Tonight: ElectroRespect 7 – A Tribute To Mark Freeland

May 3, 2014

Tonight, a cavalcade of musicians and Freeland devotees will be converging on Nietzsche’s for ElectroRespect 7: A Tribute To Mark Freeland to get their freak on and support the upcoming tenth anniversary edition of the Buffalo Infringement Festival. Ed Koban, Funk Monster and Woman, David Kane, John Toohill, Disobedient Quartet, JeffRepeater, Aversa Army, Lemonade, Gumwads, Moonpowder, and blog favorite Lesionread are coming together to honor and remember fallen local musician/artist/hero/Pride of Kenmore Mark Freeland, who we lost in 2007. Doors open at 9 PM and $5 gets you in, with proceeds benefiting Infringement and its 10 years of daring DIY art happening excellence across our city. Musical wildness, respect, and raising money for a good cause… you can’t go wrong.

Tonight: Local H

April 28, 2014

Local H, the Zion, Illinois native grunge act, is celebrating twenty four years as a band this year. If you are like me, you have not seen the alternative rock veterans with their new drummer, Ryan Harding. Harding marks the third to sit behind the drum kit. As a 90’s kid, I grew up with Joe Daniels, who appeared on the albums Ham Fisted, As Good As Dead, and Pack Up the Cats. Those albums produced such favorites as “Bound for the Floor,” “High Fiving Motherfucker” and “All the Kids Were Right”. I am also vaguely familiar with Brian St. Clair, but Daniels will always be my favorite “Darren.” After over two decades worth of work, Local H still manages to pique the interest of old fans and new fans a like. If you haven’t heard their cover of Australian sensation Lorde’s “Team,” you’re missing out. Local H has managed to[...]

Tonight: Turkuaz with Alan Evans’ Playonbrother

April 18, 2014

Nietzsche’s is going to be the scene of a soul funk dance party tonight when Brooklyn funk powerhouse Turkuaz bring it back to Buffalo along with local hero Alan Evans’ latest project Playonbrother.  In town promoting their latest album Future 86, it’s always something when the soul funk army of Turkuaz takes over that tight stage and unleashes their focused yet rampaging brand of old school funk. Soulive’s (and City Honors alum) Alan Evans will be setting things off with his ultra soulful and jazzy Playonbrother, formerly known as the Alan Evans Trio. Prepare yourselves for righteous fun when Brooklyn, Buffalo, and the funk collide tonight. Tickets are $12 and the show starts at 10.

Tonight: Man Forever

April 16, 2014

Man Forever is the alias of John Colpitts who the New York Times has called “a kabuki demon by night,” describing his project as a “tidal wave of percussion.” Colpitts usually performs under Kid Millions as the drummer of the Brooklyn based group Oneida but his outlet to experiment with uninhibited rhythmic feedback remains Man Forever.  He’s playing at Dreamland tonight and joining him will be Brian Chase (drummer of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s). The lineup further includes Clarinet Panic, an up and coming Toronto based outfit featuring cello, drums, guitar and saxophone, alongside Richard Fills who plays “drums and guitar at the same time as if he were two separate people.” Admission of $8 will go to the artists.  See ya there.

Tonight: Queen City Music Lottery Showcase

April 5, 2014

Tonight’s the night! One of the most novel ideas to come out of Buffalo’s music scene is the Queen City Music Lottery. With an initial showing of 62 members and 15 bands, it has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Some bands have fallen along the way, but here is the most updated order for tonight: 1. RAINBOW TRASH (Stage One) 2. PLOSIVE (Stage Two) 3. MOVE REAL FAST; STOP(Stage One) 4. BEAST COAST(Stage Two) 5. NAIL SCHOOL (Stage One) 6. WALRUS AVULSION & THE NARWHALS(Stage Two) 7. SQUIRT (Stage One) 8. SCAJAQUADA CREEPS (Stage Two) 9. NELJÄ (Stage One) 10. PONYTAIL JASS (Stage Two) The show starts at 6:00 and is only $5.  It’s at the Foundry.  

Depeche Mode v. New Order flier

Tonight: Depeche Mode Vs. New Order Dance Party

April 4, 2014

If these dance parties are any indication, the 80’s must have been a tough time for fans of British music, you constantly had to pick a side. The Smiths vs. The Cure, Depeche Mode vs. New Order, Wham vs. Boy George. Ok, I pulled the third one out of my ass but still, tonight’s dance party is the second in a series of knock down drag out fights where the only winner is you and your need to dance. Following last months’ Smiths vs. Cure party, the team behind Transmission Dance Party and On the Wire will be hosting a Depeche Mode vs. New Order party at Hardware tonight. Legitimate heavyweights of British electronic music, tonight will be dedicated exclusively to exploring their respective catalogs. This means that, as long as they play nothing either band did in recent years (please), this dance party will feature nothing but classics. And really,[...]