Phish geared up for two nights at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI to cap the month of November. It was long overdue, nine years since Phish had performed DDC. Even more thrilling than the Phish stage presence at Dunkin’, both dates directly infected the community with musical-euphoria, as were fans Friday and Saturday night. Phish, along with the Mockingbird Foundation have donated a $1,500 in tour grants to New Urban Arts in Providence.
Friday 11/29/2019
Set 1: First Tube, The Final Hurrah > NICU, Steam > Scent of a Mule, Bye Bye Foot, No Men In No Man’s Land, Gumbo> My Soul, Maybe[1], Sand > Fire.
Set 2: 46 Days > Back on the Train > Plasma > Farmhouse, Light -> Plasma Reprise > Birds of a Feather, Joy, Simple -> Set Your Soul Free -> Plasma Reprise, Walk Away.
Encore: Meatstick > Sleep, Driver, Bug.
[1] Phish debut.
Saturday 11/30/2019
SET 1: Turtle in the Clouds, Punch You in the Eye > Llama, Meat, The Old Home Place, Lawn Boy, I Didn’t Know, Maze, Horn, Gotta Jibboo > Stash -> Plasma Reprise > Golgi Apparatus.
SET 2: Bathtub Gin > Alaska > What’s the Use? > Piper > Golden Age -> Plasma Reprise > Harry Hood.
Encore: Big Black Furry Creature from Mars > Kung > Wombat, Possum > Plasma Reprise.
The staff at the Historic Colgate Inn in Hamilton, NY have been working extra hard this summer in preparation for their new music venue. “The Library” speakeasy will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday each weekend featuring music, special events and opportunities for private parties. The venue is set to open September 14 with Colgate University Professor, Glen Cashman (saxophone/keys), with a three piece band visiting from the West Coast.
The Colgate Inn in Hamilton NY
This new venue is sparking interest among locals and more, as they put the finishing touches on the cocktail menu and small plates offered. The space in the basement of the Colgate Inn is also finishing a renovation with new lighting, seating including lounge furniture and bar stools as well as a stage for musicians. The Inn features 40 rooms and suites as well as several dining areas, a patio that overlooks downtown Hamilton and a cozy tavern room complete with a fire place.
The Tavern Room at The Colgate Inn
The music series is complete with jazz acts, folk singers, horn and rhythm pieces and much more. For the complete line up scroll to the bottom. The Library is billed as a sophisticated speakeasy serving a variety of bourbon, whiskey, wine and chef inspired plates to pair. This prohibition era style venue will offer music that compliments the dusky, intimate atmoshphere where you can settle into comfy seats or join patrons at the bar. It’s a great reason to visit Hamilton, NY and try this new space and see local, regional and national acts in a fun space.
List of Events:
GRAND OPENING: September 14, 8-10 PM.
GLENN CASHMAN TRIO: Seattle based trumpeter Jay Thomas and former Ithaca College Jazz Director/guitarist Steve Brown join jazz organist/Colgate Associate Professor of Music, Cashman.
STOCK MARKET SWING ORCHESTRA TRIO: September 27, 8-10 PM.
They will take you back to those swinging days of flappers, speakeasies, and doing the Charleston til dawn. Playing the best popular music of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, the band’s library consists of several hundred arrangements from the Great American Songbook, including well-known tunes of the era. Greats such as Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Rudy Vallee, Fletcher Henderson, Harry James, Bunny Berigan, Fred Astaire, and Bing Crosby form the backbone of the group’s repertoire. “Party Like It’s 1929!”
MARK SHINER’S STRUGGLEBUS: October 5, 8-10 PM.
Part jazz, part funk, and a whole lot of fun! Mark has played with musicians all over the world and as a Hamiltonian knows how to make any space better with his presence alone. With Dave Solazzo riffing on keys these guys will have you moving and grooving and you never know you might pop in and sing along!
THE DOVETONES: October 12th 8-10PM.
The Dovetones! Classic hits of the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond! Popular Swing, Blues, and Rock-n-Roll Classics; Ska & Rocksteady hits, Americana & more.
CHRISUNITED: October 19th 8-10 PM.
Left handed 17 year-old guitar prodigy ChrisUnited has been playing guitar for 17 years. Chris’ passion arose from within when he was two years old. His influences range from such artists as Bob Dylan, classic rock and even the classics. At a young age, Chris is becoming quite a name on the scene and we are so happy to have him in our series.
THE JES SHELDON DUO: October 26th 8-10 PM
Jes has been on the circuits her whole life, music being her passion since she could walk and talk. She is the lead singer of Syracuse, NY favorites, The Lightkeepers, and can transition from a rocking original or cover into a smooth jazz sing along. It will be a delight to hear her pipes soaring at this intimate show!
J. METTLER: November 1st 8-10 PM
Poetic, profound, folk-rooted and often blues oriented acoustic epics. Melodies that plod along on an R.S. Muth parlor guitar. An occasional pause for breath, perhaps a story, an account of his childhood or of a lingering sentiment. Frontman of the forthcoming band “Rabbit in the Rye,” his contrasting peaceful presence and soulful intensity during his performances rouse the faintest of hearts and instil a sleepy fondness for the romanticism of our everyday lives. Joseph lives in Sherburne, New York with his rabbit.
JJ MURPHY TRIO: November 9th 8-10 PM
JJ Hamilton, born and bred musician, will delve into all areas funk and jazz with his bandmates from Nashville, TN. This intsrumental three piece can regale you, and hear a pin drop on a Bill Frissell cover, then throw some country-jazz twang on a Hank Williams tune. They move in and out of jazz, funk and cover many standards as well.
THE DOVETONES: November 16th 8-10 PM
The Dovetones! Classic hits of the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond!; Popular Swing, Blues, and Rock-n-Roll Classics; Ska & Rocksteady hits, Americana & more.
MASON MCDOWELL: November 22 8-10 PM
Mason McDowell is equal parts storyteller and songwriter. He creates intricate stories from a theatrical perspective, and delivers them with a powerful voice and piano rock edge.
CHRIS “ISTO” WHITE: November 23 8-10PM
Hamilton favorite and native Chris White returns from Brooklyn for a special one night only, live and in person rendition of his favorite and covers and amazing originals.
JESS NOVAK (SOLO): November 29th 8-10 PM
She got a fiddle on fire and a pen on the page. Jess writes songs and writes stories. She plays shows all over this great country and is happy to call Syracuse home. With a passion for music, she was just voted The Best Female Vocalist of 2018 by the Syracuse New Times!
MARK SHINER’S STRUGGLEBUS: December 6th 8-10 PM
Part jazz, part funk and a whole lot of fun! Mark has played with musicians all over the world and as a Hamiltonian, knows how to make any space better with his presence alone. With Dave Solazzo riffing on keys these guys will have you moving and grooving. You never know, you might pop in and sing along!
MELISSA GARDINER (feat. ANDREW CARROLL):December 14th 8-10 PM
Emerging jazz trombonist, Melissa Gardiner, has been described by Curtis Fuller as ‘technically creative and emotionally powerful.’ Her improvisation is inspiring and motivating for the listener, and she draws you in with a raw expression that directly relates to life experience. Gardiner has shared the stage with several legendary musicians including: Aretha Franklin, Geri Allen, Wycliffe Gordon, Steve Turre, Gerald Wilson, Patti Austin, The Temptations, and Vulfpeck. As a bandleader, she performs regularly with her jazz organ trio, MG3, and Second Line Syracuse.
Tucked away in Belmont, NY, Pollywogg Holler is an enchanting refuge away from the crazy stress of modern day society. It started out as a dream for Barb and Bill Castle in 1976 when they built a home in these magical woods for them and their three children. They wanted to establish a lifestyle in harmony with nature, and eventually opened up their property to the public so everyone could bask as well.
Every Sunday from April to mid-November is Pizza Day. The property is open to the public from 1-6 PM and provides delicious hand-made brick oven pizza, drinks and live music. Bands featured this summer include Workingman’s Dead, PA Line, Folkfaces and so much more. Check out the full lineup for the summer down below.
The music isn’t the only aspect that makes the Pollywogg Holler experience magical. When you arrive, you walk back into a breathtaking forest filled with different sculptures and art pieces. Among the beautiful art and trees are little cabins that you can reserve for a night, each one providing a unique experience. They have the ‘Sauna Loft’, which is a Finnish-style family sauna that warms a private sleeping area among the treetops. If you really want to sleep under the stars, they offer lean-to style cabins with sheer panel closures that allow you to connect with nature. You can learn more about the different style cabins and make a reservation here.
Turning Stone, an award-winning, destination resort in Upstate New York, works tirelessly to bring best in music and entertainment weekly. Named as the “Best Countryside Hotel/Lodge” in 2015, their vast accommodations, casino and top tier restaurants clothe a hidden gem – Turning Stone as a music mecca. The renowned Casino not only bring us talent, they foster talent, such as The Dee Brothers.
Turning Stone Casino and Resort offers a multitude of musical options from large national acts, to new and local talent. No matter how big or small, there is a venue to host it appropriately. The Event Center is the largest with a 5,000 seat capacity. Here you’ll see large shows, sporting events, and conventions. The Showroom, first to open its doors back in 2002 seats up to 700, bringing you shows, comics and theater productions. Back in 2013, we saw Exit 33 open offering a variety of nightlight and clubs for music of all types, playing off the venues location. Whether it’s dancing at Lava, two stepping at The Tin Rooster, rocking out at The Gig, or just slow dancing at The Turquoise Tiger, there is a spot for all music lovers wishing for a great night out. Add in talent throughout many of their restaurants and atriums, and their’s music everywhere.
It’s here that Ryan and Joel Dee (The Dee Brothers) found their way from NYC. The two brothers moved to upstate New York to pursue their musical dreams and taking a job at The Gig. The brothers would bartend during the evenings, giving them time to pursue their creative aspirations during the day. Just like something out of a movie, it’s here that they found a spot to play their music. The Dee Brothers took a moment to speak to NYS Music and share a little of how their partnership with the Turning Stone has helped them out as musicians.
Kathy Stockbridge: Originally from NYC, tell us how you came to the Central NY Region and Turning Stone.
Joel and Ryan Dee: We were both itching for more elbow room, so when we heard about the opening of Exit 33, we packed our bags. It’s been the perfect fit, because we can now enjoy the relaxed vibe of Upstate New York, while also getting our fix of high energy at Turning Stone.
KS: Having a following in your hometown area, did you find it difficult to get started here?
JD and RD: Working at Exit 33 has really helped us make great local connections, and our flexible schedules allow us to pursue music during our off hours. Plus, working at a music venue continually propels our passion forward.
KS: While working at Turning Stone, I understand you were given a break to play your music. How did that transpire?
JD and RD: Turning Stone is always spotlighting its employees, including through an Employee Talent Show, where we got the chance to play and have returned every year since. It’s been a great new stage that Turning Stone has provided us to showcase our music.
KS: As an employee of Turning Stone, how supportive are they with your side gig?
JD and RD: We couldn’t ask for a more supportive employer than Turning Stone. With their flexible shifts, we still have plenty of spare time to work on our music while still making a good living with great benefits.
We both bartend at the rock and roll venue The Gig, which is awesome because it keeps music front and center in our lives, even at work.
KS: You hear of musicians working at a venue just to catch a break… how has this helped get your music out there?
JD and RD: We’re very lucky to work at a place where our passions and jobs collide. While bartending, we’re continually meeting fellow musicians, fans and making other great connections.
JD: As a songwriter, working at The Gig inspires me because of the music, conversations and moments I experience at work every day. I get to talk music theory and exchange ideas while on the job, which is a huge benefit and provides a ton of inspiration for my songs. Turning Stone is always evolving and working on the next big project, so our advice would be to be ready for any opportunity that presents itself.
KS: What are your aspirations and dreams for your band Andela? Any new music in the works?
JD and RD: In five years, we would love to be playing regularly at Turning Stone. But I can also see us on tour, traveling the world with our music. Maybe one day, we’ll get the opportunity to come back and play at the Turning Stone Event Center and bring our story full circle.
JD: We want to attract a wider audience, and we’ve really gravitated toward the new taste for songs that make you want to dance.
RD: This generation’s love for EDM has pushed us into an entirely new realm of music creation. We’re now finding our own sound that’s a balance of dance/club music mixed with a live rock feel.
KS: What advice would you give other artists starting out or wanting to work with the Turning Stone?
JD and RD: We’ve both grown tremendously working here and enjoy every day because there’s always something exciting happening that helps us grow and inspires us.
Learning about how Turning Stone has assisted the Dee brothers, and their dreams, by fostering a great working relationship and giving them a stage to perform – sharing their music that is unique. The Turning Stone happily happens to be holding a huge hiring event this coming Monday, May 13, from 10am to 8pm.
Those that may wish to find employment in fields of hospitality, culinary, gaming and many more should update their resumes and come dressed to impress. The event is titled “You’re Hired!” because qualified candidates could be given job offers on-the spot. Turning Stone recruiters and senior leaders from several departments including gaming, culinary, beverage operations, and hospitality will be on hand to answer questions and conduct interviews.
Looking for your foot-in-the-door opportunity may just be right around the corner, off of Exit 33. If asked how you learned about the event, just tell them Kathy from New York State Music sent you.
Music transcends all. The staff (more like family) at Modern Day Music School, snugly located in an unassuming plaza on Route 9, understand this. All family members use this knowledge to make a difference in the lives of those they touch. The school, known for its powerhouse students Moriah Formica and Madison VanDenburg, has more behind the door, and in its heart, than the voices it trains and musicians it tunes.
“I once had a student who had a friend pass away and for whatever reason, she couldn’t go to the wake,” said vocal coach and musical instructor, Laura Beth Johnson. “The student came in here and said, ‘I want to write a song about this.’ So, we put pen to paper and she was able to write through the grief and use her music as a way to channel that grief into something positive and productive.
“I was so grateful and honored to be a part of that process and help her find her voice,” said Johnson.
Johnson (one of fourJohnson family members who work at the studio) was amazed at how her student has grown since that day.
“She’s writing all the time,” said Johnson. “It has given her the confidence she needs and she has blossomed since that day into even more of an artist.”
This is just one example of the way that Modern Day Music School is able to be there for its students. In music, you’re vulnerable. You’re open. You’re bearing your soul. For some, it’s incredibly intimidating at first. For others, it’s a relief right away. For all, the studio is a sanctuary; a place where they can be free, vulnerable and most importantly, themselves.
“The students develop these incredible bonds with their coaches and teachers that makes them want to work even harder,” owner Paul Benedetti said. “They come in for this 30-minute session. Sometimes, they only sing for about five minutes of that. They’re working through something tough in their personal life and they feel safe enough to come in here and talk to us. We want them to feel safe.”
These bonds were evident as our staff visited the studio on a rainy Friday afternoon. As pictures were being taken, Formica and VanDenburg were belting into a mic. Their vocal coach, Lesley O’Donnell, was standing outside the sound-proof booth. The doors were open, the vibe was good. As the girls tried to find their pitch, O’Donnell was offering encouraging words even though the girls were just goofing around.
“There it is!,” O’Donnell exclaimed as the teen stars belted out an impressive harmony. “There we go! Awesome!” A smile spread across her face. “It’s amazing,” she said.
Benedetti started Modern Day Music School in 2011 with a partner, who he bought out in 2013. The need for the school was a response to his own son’s musical talent. When his oldest son was a teenager, he was playing drums and decided he wanted to start a band. The problem was, there was nowhere in the area that made it easy to coordinate young musicians who wanted to get together with peers. Benedetti said it was a “nightmare” because there was always curve balls thrown; some kids really wanted to play, while others weren’t ready for the commitment it held. On top of that, where the bands would eventually play weren’t kid-friendly. The teens would play at house parties, where Benedetti didn’t feel was a good place for these young musicians.
“I come from the studio business and I’ve been playing, teaching and singing forever,” he said. “My partner and I had a thought during this time period; wouldn’t it be awesome to create a space where these kids could find like-minded students, and even better, have a safe space to play?”
The school opened with its well-known band program. Essentially, students signed up and are paired into a band with three to four other students with the same essential goal. Benedetti said these kids usually don’t know one another at first, and even more, they don’t always want to play the same thing or even like the same music.
“It’s not only a music session, it’s team-building,” he said. “These kids learn that you sometimes have to work with people you wouldn’t pick at first for whatever reason. That’s something you’ll run into regardless of where you end up in life.”
It sometimes takes a bit for the band to adapt. The band program is offered in three-month sessions. Despite the initial uncertainty, the kids not only learn to work well together, but they become friends and will often ask to play together again at the beginning of the new session.
“They’ll want to do more, work harder and see where they could potentially go as a cohesive unit,” said Benedetti. “If we feel it works as a whole, we will happily try to accommodate those requests.”
The band program eventually was joined by music lessons when Benedetti realized how needed it was. Now, the studio employs at least a dozen coaches with all different abilities and talents. While those like Formica and VanDenburg are jumping into the mainstream, 7-year-old Ella Dane Morgan is a student with a different passion — performing on stage. At 5 years old, she was starring with pop sensation Sara Bareilles in the singer’s smash hit “Waitress.”
“I have reverse stage fright,” Morgan explained. “I don’t really like performing in front of friends and family, but I love performing on stage.”
Morgan’s mother Laura agreed, explaining she’s had to physically carry a crying Morgan as she pleaded to get back on stage, long after the curtains closed.
“We were bitten by the Broadway bug at a young age,”said Laura Morgan. “Once she got the taste for it, she wanted in. We sometimes commute between here and the city three to four days a week for whatever she has going on.”
The young Broadway star has learned so much from her three years of instruction. Laura Morgan said they picked Modern Day Music School because of the school’s command of music — they know what they’re doing. There are not a lot of roles for children on Broadway, but the Morgans have made it work and the young star has been consistently in her element, doing what she loves most.
“I’ve learned to belt by opening up my mouth like a cave,” Ella said. “I pretend I’m stuffing all of these marshmallows in my mouth. It’s helped.”
Another belter, 11-year-old Ashlynn Boyce, has been working on the same techniques. The two-time winner of Clifton Park American Idol has always known she could sing, surprising even her parents.
“I was shocked when I first heard her,” Boyce’s father, Jesse, said. “None of our family has this skill and she can command it so well.”
Boyce has been attending Modern Day Music School for two years. Having just relocated from Pittstown, Boyce and her dad were passing through one day and she saw the sign for the school.
“I just knew I wanted to go here,” she said. As shy as she is, she knows what she wants. “I had a feeling about it.”
Jesse Boyce put all his trust in Benedetti. Soon Boyce, who was sent home early from Clifton Park American Idol the first year she tried out, was in command of her talent like never before.
“She can be so successful at this,” he said. “You just want the best for your kid. No place is perfect, but this is pretty close.”
Boyce said her warmups have completely changed her. They help her get ready for the big notes she loves to hit, ones she hopes to sing with Demi Lovato someday. Two years later, she still wants to go here. It’s become as much of a sanctuary for her as anyone.
Students like Boyce are how the teachers summarized what they feel the school does for students. The initial intimidation of coming in and bearing a part of your soul that many are self-conscious about — even those who know they have talent — is overridden when they step into that studio and feel validation about something they’ve worked on for so long.
“It’s music. That’s what we know,” said O’Donnell. “It makes sense for us to teach it. We are simply the vehicles for these kids to hone in on the thing they love so much.”
Tony Garza, the jack of all trades of the school, agrees. Garza teaches guitar, bass and ukelele. He is the head of the school’s Little Rockers program and is the rock school director. For him, it comes down to helping the students learn important life lessons, like they have to be ok with not being perfect.
“I always tell my students they are good, they are special and they are worthy,” Garza explained. “I want to help them find their voice.”
Katie Johnson, another vocal coach and the song writing teacher, agreed. “Music has changed the lives of these kids, and they’ve changed all of us,” she said. “They come in not believing in themselves and they find who they are through the music.”
The teachers are assisted by the helpful Benedetti and Cailin Burke, the studio manager. Burke explained students are not just randomly assigned — rather, the studio takes the talents of each individual into consideration and pairs them with the coach that can address those specific needs.
“No curriculum here,” was echoed by every single employee of the studio. Benedetti added, “We use music that the students want to learn about to construct our lessons. If they love Taylor Swift, we will visit her music and learn notes, harmonies and how the song is constructed. We want to make learning fun for these students. Curriculum is great, but we want to take an individualized approach to each student. This is not one size fits all.”
Eighteen-year-old Formica, 17-year-old VanDenburg and 15-year-old Cassie Cenzano are on their way to superstardom. All three said they owe so much to their coaches; while it’s taught them how to sing, it’s also taught them how not to.
“I hate it when people come up to me and tell me how they’ve never taken lessons,” said Formica. “We take pride in our lessons because they’ve taught us how to maintain our voices. Not taking lessons is great, but when you accidentally blow out your voice because you didn’t maintain it, that’s definitely not fun.”
Formica and Cenzano landed at Modern Day Music School around the same time, right after the school opened. Formica is a rock powerhouse, effortlessly having both the voice and stage presence to make audiences question why rock went away. Cenzano is influenced by the sultry vocals of Adele and Stevie Nicks, a stark contrast to Formica. VanDenburg finds her influence in singers like Celine Dion and once said she prides herself in the ability to sing ballads “decently well.” As her recent appearance on “American Idol” has shown, she was maintaining the level-headed kindness and humility all three girls embody.
“Moriah was actually the one who encouraged me to come here,” said VanDenburg. “I think that’s what sets this place apart from everywhere else. It’s welcoming, it’s chill and our coaches genuinely want to get involved in our lives and provide the support we need outside of this.”
Cenzano agreed. Her low, soothing voice articulates her gratefulness to the studio for its ability to reach out to her. She’s in the studio too, working as hard as her peers.
“The key to these lessons is listening and taking it all in,” she said. “We all practice a lot. We’re open to what we’re being told. We want to learn.
“Being a musician is always in you,” Formica concluded. “True artists, like the three of us and those who are here with us, love music in all of its forms, and we love that we can make our own music.”
Benedetti chalks up his impressive staff and students to the “vibe” he puts out. While they frequently get applications for new employees, Benedetti said it’s so much more than having the ability to sing or play.
“If you can come in here and you have the talent, great,” he said. “But the vibe is so important. We want to create a modern, safe, welcoming space. We want to give our students an experience, not just a lesson.”
Modern Day Music School is actually looking to expand its team, with Benedetti promising new staff members will have the qualifications, vibe and personality its customers have come to know and love.
“When we are told by parents that their child is excited about that 30-minute lesson, I know we are doing something right,” he said. “It’s 30 minutes, once a week. Yet, the students long for the time here. They have siblings come and hang out while they practice, and we provide a space for them to grow too with whatever they need.
“I know we are doing something right when we see these kids so happy,” he concluded. “We want things to make sense for each individual student, and we think we’re achieving that.”
This article was originally published by The Spot 518, is property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYSMusic. TheSpot518 and NYSMusic work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com
What better place to start NYS Music’s City Guides series, a monthly musical tour through New York State’s cities, than far West, on the shores of Lake Erie, in The Queen City of Buffalo. Home to the die-hard Buffalo Bills fans, surrounded by the sweet smell of Cheerios from the General Mills cereal plant, and comprised of stunning neoclassical architecture, this city is a little slice of snowy heaven packed full of action.
One of its longstanding claims to fame is the musical talent that seemingly is bred in Buffalo, NY. From activist singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, R&B singer and instrumentalist Brian McKnight, to drummer and co-founder of the alternative rock band Weezer, Patrick Wilson, and finally, to the masterminds behind everyone’s favorite karaoke jam, “Iris,” The Goo Goo Dolls, Buffalo has supplied music with some staple artists from a plethora of genres throughout the years. The music scene of the city now is as hot as ever and this article highlights all the can’t miss music action in Buffalo.
Theatres
Shea’s Performing Arts Center – Shea’s is not only one of the most treasured gems in Buffalo, but also a National Historic Site as the theatre was built in 1925. Extensive amounts of work and volunteering has been put into renovating and ensuring that this theatre is still up and running for Buffalo and beyond to enjoy. It now hosts a plethora of installments of Broadway shows, as well as huge musicians such as Mariah Carey and Bob Weir. This versatile venue is devoted towards sustaining a classic theatre that the youth can enjoy art in for years to come. Take a look at their upcoming schedule.
University at Buffalo Lippes Concert Hall – Every year, at the University at Buffalo’s state of the art facility, the Department of Music hosts over 150 public performances. Here anything from string quartets, to pianists, guitarists, jazz ensembles, and even computer music concerts can be experienced and heard. This is yet another somewhat hidden gem of Buffalo as locals can see the fresh faces of music that are learning and perfecting their craft in their hometown.
Arenas
Key Bank Arena – Not only is this massive entertainment home to the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, but it also houses some of the world’s biggest musicians as their tours come through Buffalo. Since the grand opening of the venue in 1996, the arena has hosted over 23 million guests at its countless events in its over 19,000 seating capacity space. In the months to come, the KeyBank Center will host huge tours such as Ariana Grande, Fleetwood Mac, Cher, Justin Timberlake, Twenty One Pilots, and Carrie Underwood, among many others. For large-scale fun and entertainment all year long, this staple of Buffalo is a go-to.
Darien Lake Amphitheater – About 40 minutes outside of Buffalo, is Western New York’s destination for summer concerts. This large amphitheater is where many Buffalo natives travel for summer concerts of all genres including country, rock, and reggae to name a few. Alternative Buffalo 107.7|104.7 hosts most of their larger shows here, including the upcoming shows for The 1975, as well as Beck and Cage The Elephant. Other shows for this upcoming summer include Chris Young, Zac Brown Band, 311 & The Dirty Heads, Heart, and KISS.
Music Festivals
Cobblestone Live Music and Arts Festival– Presented by Buffalo Iron Works & Lockhouse Distillery & Bar, this year will the third annual Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival. It will be held on August 2nd and 3rd in the historic Cobblestone district of downtown Buffalo, with two outdoors main stages, one inside Buffalo Iron Works, and an electronic stage and lounge inside the Distillery. Spread across these 4 stages, there will be over 25 artists featured, to be announced in the coming months, as well as festival games, local food trucks, vendors, cider, beer and a specialty beverage menu courtesy of the two producers of the festivals’s venues. The festival has been growing and will be sure to continue to grow in years to come, making it one to watch in the Buffalo area.
Beau Fleuve Music Festival – Not only is this festival a staple in the Buffalo area, but it is internationally recognized as a trendsetting, one of a kind celebration of arts and music that bridges the gaps between generations, cultures, and beyond. The festival has been a great success in the past, bringing in a diverse lineup of artists. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this year’s events.
Notable Venues
Rec Room – Rec Room is the newcomer in Buffalo’s venue scene. Following the closing of the beloved Waiting Room, former owner Chris Ring poured his energy into opening this new venue that he hoped would have something for everyone. On top of stellar live music, the venue hosts parties and karaoke nights that keep the fun going at all times. The venue opened for “test” shows in August and fully set sail in September and has been making waves ever since. The future of this venue looks promising as their upcoming shows are pretty stacked.
Town Ballroom– Yet another historical piece of Buffalo’s musical lineage. Town Ballroom was originally called The Town Casino in the 1940s and ’60s and hosted performances from legendary musicians like Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, John Coltrane, and Les Paul. After a turbulent few years and switching ownership, the venue was restored to the former glory of the original venue in 2005 and has since been continuing its legacy of incredible shows. Upcoming shows include Action Bronson, Snarky Puppy, and Tom Morello.
Iron Works – Right next to the musical giant of Buffalo, the KeyBank Center, is the live music, full bar, and your go-to destination for chicken wings: Iron Works. Voted “Best Music Venue in Buffalo” in 2017 by the Buffalo Spree Awards, this venue hosts a variety of acts such as local bands, cover bands, and national touring acts such as the upcoming KT Tunstall show in May. Check out their upcoming events to plan a night of good music and good food.
Riverworks – Located right on the banks of the Buffalo River is another versatile venue of the city. In addition to skating, rope courses, a brewery, and river boat tours, Riverworks puts on a variety of live music shows throughout the year. Their space can produce both indoor and outdoor shows, and hosts artists from every genre from rock, country, to dance music.
Nietzche’s – They say it best themselves, “Life without music would be a mistake.” A longstanding favorite of NYS Music, Nietzche’s has been a staple venue of Buffalo for over 25 years. Notable for its welcoming reputation to national and regional touring acts alike, and for being the jump-off points for big musicians, Nietzche’s is still kicking and going strong. Currently hosting a multitude of local acts from not only Buffalo, but all across New York State, Nietzche’s is always serving up good times and great music.
Sportsman Taven – Opened in 1985, the Sportsmens Tavern has won over the hearts of Buffalo natives and quickly became one of the best venues in the county. It is another great place in Buffalo to catch local acts on one of their Emerging Artists nights, local bands, and bigger nationally touring acts. The undeniable character and longstanding charm of this venue is a “can’t miss” of Buffalo. Check out their upcoming shows.
Unique Venues
Asbury Hall – Once a Gothic Revival-style sanctuary, this eye-catching venue within Babeville, the arts space founded by Ani DiFranco and Scot Fisher, has been completely remodeled into a music hall with plenty of character. Asbury Hall can accommodate a more intimate crowd of 1,200, compared to Buffalo’s large scale event spaces, and has hosted incredible singer-songwriters such as its own Ani DiFranco, Sufjan Stevens, and Tallest Man on Earth. While Asbury Hall is regarded as one of the most intimate concert venues within Buffalo, Babeville also houses The Ninth Ward, a subterranean bar and listening room, and an art gallery, Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. Check out the events calendar to catch a show at this iconic venue.
PAUSA Art House – Honorable mention for a unique and intimate art experience in Buffalo has to be PAUSA Art House. An intentionally small audience, and ritual of pre-show and post-show receptions bring a new and refreshing atmosphere to experiencing a wide array of musicians that perform here. This art space, wine and tapas bar focuses on showcasing the artists local to Buffalo and the surrounding region, but also welcomes international and national touring acts. Check out their upcoming events and be sure to make a reservation to ensure your spot for this one of a kind atmosphere.
Wherever you turn, in any season, Buffalo will be bustling with the music that it’s been breeding since it all began. While some venues and festivals may come and go, Buffalo’s musical roots are definitely here to stay. Hopefully this guide will help you make your way through all the incredible experiences that Buffalo has to offer your ears.
After being bought in 2017 by Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment and AEG Presents from long time owners the Ballingers, Webster Hall has announced the reopening of the historic New York City venue with their Spring 2019 lineup. The historic night club was closed for extensive renovations with its last show on August 9, 2018.
The Hall will reopen this Spring with a full schedule of performances, including Patti Smith, who last performed at Webster Hall on December 30, 2014. Joining the lineup for the reopening is the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, MGMT, and Sharon Van Etten among those lined up to perform. While Smith and company are the first scheduled show slated for May 1, 2019, a true reopening date and headliner have yet to be announced. For more information on the reopening of Webster Hall, visit the Hall’s website.
Among the network of musicians in Albany, there are select venues that are known to be “off the beaten path” but still provide the listener with the intimate experience many are searching for from live music. Since the unfortunate closure of Valentine’s in 2014, the need for these spaces has increased, leading to house venues popping up across the area to cater to fans. With no particular venue picking up where Valentine’s left off, the mission of getting a PA and inviting your friends over for a show got the ball started for house venues such as the Chateau. One of these artists, Girl Blue, was recently profiled by NYS Music, and we present the premiere of Girl Blue’s Chateau Shows performance.
The Chateau was born in 2014 with the first show in 2015, and since then, roughly 15 shows a year, or 1-2 a month are held at the house. Dan Maddalone says of Chateau, “It’s not a money maker, just something for fun and a sign of the healthy and continually growing music scene, both above and underground, in Albany.”
Albany native turned international performer Meg Duffy (Hand Habits) and beloved DIY stalwart Lomelda have both performed at Chateau, making it a utility space for musicians on their way up. More established acts like Spoon, White Denim, and White Reaper have also performed in the space due to Maddalones previous involvement with the radio station WEQX.
Thanks to venues like The Chateau, bands can build an audience in Albany and branch out to other towns without traditional airplay and booking. “House shows are an incubator for a small part of the scene, for a talented group of people who do a lot of great art and create amazing things.” As the industry has broken down, artists have found a new way to prosper and The Chateau is but one small part of an international movement. But make no mistake, Maddalone says, “This has always been happening in Albany and abroad, and will continue to happen forever. We are but one tiny part of a long running DIY methodology.”
Chateau is one of many house venues in Albany. Normally, house venues last between six months to two years, depending on who manages them. Traditionally, it is college students who take on the practice and either move on or pass the house onto another group when their tenure is up. Chateau has such a long legacy due to it being owned and operated by the same persons year after year.
These venues are all several steps above house parties due to the focus being put on the music. The setting typically involves a house kit, PA system, with some lights and decoration in the ‘venue’ part of the house, which is often an attic or basement. In non-venue parts of the house lie comfortable living quarters for bands to rest before moving on to other shows. Between bands, guests are typically welcome to wander about the house sipping whatever they brought with them, and chatting with friends.
The atmosphere of the Chateau and other house venues offer a different musical experience than what you typically find at a club or bar. Performances at clubs can foster a passive and inattentive crowd, but at house venues, the focus is intently upon the performer with a small audience of 30-80 people gathered to see something new, special, and intimate.
All around Albany, a music scene continues to thrive in venues of all sizes and styles. The Capital Region has produced nationally touring bands already because of venues like The Chateau, Valentine’s, and The Hollow. Supporting artists from the ground up ensures a healthy breeding ground for future musicians down the road. House venues like The Chateau may be the place to catch your new favorite band.
Girl Blue video was produced at The Chateau by Chris and Brian Leary of Chrome Glass Productions along with Dan Maddalone. Girl Blue audio was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Troy Pohl with engineering assistance from Judybelle Camangyan.
