NYS Music 202​1

Category: Buffalo

  • More Venues Across New York to Require Proof of Vaccination for Audiences

    More venues across the state of New York are starting to require proof of vaccination for entry. With rising outbreaks of COVID-19 across the country due to the delta variant, the requirement of proof of vaccination to enter premises is becoming more and more normalized. 

    New York Proof of Vaccination
    Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

    On August 3, 2021 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that NYC would be moving to require proof of vaccination for indoor dining, gyms and performances areas by mid September. Since then venues in NYC have been rolling out their vaccination proof protocols but more and more venues across the state are following in their footsteps. 

    Madison Square Garden announced that all guests 12 and older must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, meaning they have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  Guests may also show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, meaning the day of your event is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose, which, depending on the type of vaccine, may be one dose or two. Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask. Everyone else must wear a face covering while in The Garden, except while actively eating or drinking. Children under age 12 – not currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination – can attend events with a vaccinated adult, but please note that children ages 4 to 11 must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (an antigen test taken within six hours of the event start time, or a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the day of the event.)

    The State Theatre of Ithaca announced on September 2, 2021 that it will now be requiring proof of vaccination for entry. They also stated that results from a negative COVID-19 test will NOT be accepted for entry for individuals over the age of twelve. In addition, masks are required to be worn at all times while at the venue and in any common areas.  People who already have tickets to an upcoming show and are unable or unwilling to adhere to the new policy can request a refund at the following link at any point until end of day, September 16.

    New York Proof of Vaccination

    The Capital Theater in Port Chester announced as of August 18, 2021 they would be requiring attendees to have either proof of their vaccine or a negative test result taken within the last 24 hours at the event. People can use the Excelsior Pass, NYC COVID Safe App, CDC Vaccination Card or NYC Vaccination Record for proof of vaccination.

    On September 11, 2021Nietzsche’s in Buffalo announced that in will now require all patrons to provide full vaccination proof in order to attend a show and will go into effect on Friday, September 17th.

    The KeyBank Center in Buffalo announced that people will need to have received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or single dose of the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the date of the game for entre. People who are fully vaccinated can show their vaccination card at doors. The venue will also accept Proof of negative antigen Covid-19 test (test must be taken within 6 hours of puck drop) or proof of negative PCR Covid-19 test (test must be taken within 72 hours of puck drop). They will also have Quest Diagnostics as an option that will offer antigen tests for $30 with test results within 30 minutes. Quest will also continue to offer PCR tests for $64 for people who have purchased tickets. 

    Many more venues across New York State will likely be announcing proof of vaccination requirements. For live music to survive, masking up and getting vaccinated are becoming the most useful way to insure it does. 

  • From School Yard Boys to Music Connoisseurs, Glass Animals Continue to Turn Heads at Artpark

    British indie rock icons Glass Animals started off their Dreamland North America tour right in Buffalo. With a sold-out show at Artpark on August 30, this band completely steam rolled the crowd. Getting to this level of success was nothing short of hard work and dedication. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    How It Started

    Glass Animals members Dave Bayley (lead singer), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass), Drew MacFarlane (guitar) and Joe Seaward (drums) met each other at age 13 in school. They began making music as a side hobby in 2010 and released their debut album ZABA four years later. This release accelerated their careers significantly, especially due to the viral hit “Gooey.” 

    After touring globally and appearing on several popular night shows, the band began developing their second album. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, front man Dave Bayley wanted to stray away from standard lyricism. Instead of writing about himself, Bayley sought to tell the stories of people he met on the road. And that’s how the How To Be A Human Being album was curated.   

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Creating Their Dreamland

    These musicians built a community by celebrating the ability to be unique and different. Bayley felt this openness with his fans and decided to finally write material that was personal to him. The band faced a significant hardship as Seaward got into a horrific accident. This caused the group to have to reset as the drummer went through rehabilitation. It wasn’t until years later that they made their comeback with multiple singles and further on released their most ambitious album yet: Dreamland. 

    The 2020 autobiographical album was the most personal and raw material of theirs to date. Unsure of the outcomes of the future, Bayley spent time looking at his past. Dreamland is about growing up and learning to be vulnerable even in the strangest of times. The band looks to challenge conformity and embrace the inevitable uncertainties of life. In hopes of capturing the essence of getting older, Bayley chose to add audio from old home movies. He layered audio from his Mom’s videos between the songs as interludes to provide a narration aspect. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Dreamland is nostalgic, funky, and very intricate. So many elements of this album are detailed in such a meticulous way that often go unnoticed. From creating a table of contents in the intro song to paying homage to Bayley’s favorite artist to alluding to album features on their website through games, everything was thought through. Basically, nothing went untuned when it came to producing this masterpiece. Glass Animals had to transform their at home production talent to an onstage experience after many years away, and let’s just say they did not miss a beat. 

    From Quarantine to Tour

    The stage at Artpark was an immersive experience no matter where in the crowd you were located. The stage set-up felt like you were in a dream or rather submerged in Bayley’s head. A desktop computer image was loading in the background as the stage was filled with peculiar materials like a diving board, basketball hoop, neon signs, and even palm trees. Seeing all this made the packed crowd pumped up. It also helped that opening artist binki kept the funk alive. The indie musician filled the venue with groovy tunes and also performed magic tricks.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    When Glass Animals hit the stage, the screams echoed throughout Artpark. The band has undeniable infectious energy that had everyone up and dancing. They opened the show with the beloved single “Dreamland” which set the mood for the night. After that, not a single person sat down.

    The hypnotic beats mesh effortlessly with Bayley’s delicate vocals. In addition, the rippling guitars and background psychedelic imagery was entrancing. The liveliness of the audience was incomparable as the band had to stop playing multiple times just to listen to everyone cheer. Being back to live shows never felt so good. They continued throughout the night playing hits off of all three of their albums including “Hazey,” “Pork Soda,” and “Space Ghost Coast to Coast.”      

    The energy shared from Glass Animals and the crowd made one huge epic dance party. No one wanted the night to end as multiple encores were cheered for. They closed the set with the streaming hit “Heat Waves” which did not disappoint. The song resonates with many as it deals with the struggle of identity and confronting one’s true emotions. Beyond that though, the beat and tempo in this is what makes it even more popular among fans. The night ended as an image of a desktop computer read, “It’s now safe to turn off your computer. Thank you, Lewiston.” There was no room for anything but feelings of awe as everyone left the venue.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Future Outlooks

    If there was a “plain-Jane” section in the record store then Glass Animals’ discography would be located on the complete other side. Wait no scratch that, they would be located in their own area outside the store. Their sound is unmatched. From the use of rainforest audio, to obscure lyrics which always includes some kind of food, to mixing genres in innovative ways, this band cannot be contained. It’s only up from here and with all the growing momentum, the sky is the limit for Glass Animals. 

    Make sure to check out upcoming shows at Artpark. GOV’T Mule performs on September 7 and Phoebe Bridgers has a show on September 15. 

    Setlist: Dreamland, Life Itself, Tangerine, Black Mambo, Hot Sugar, Hazey, The Other Side of Paradise, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Cane Shuga, It’s All SO Incredibly Loud, Your Love (Déjà Vu), Take A Slice, Gooey, Youth, Pork Soda 

    Encore: Tokyo Drifting, Heat Waves 

    All Photos by Maddie McCafferty

  • Jazz On the Plaz! Comes To Seneca One Tower

    The plaz is alive, with sounds of jazz. Jazz On the Plaz! has arrived at the West Plaza of Seneca One Tower in Buffalo between Pearl Street and Main Street. A partnership between Seneca One and JazzBuffalo, the weekly series will play outdoors from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Fridays through September 24,  The surrounding trees offer plenty of shade, and snacks and beverages are available thanks to food trucks.

    Jazz on the Plaz

    While the series kicked off in late August with Terry Buchwald’s Elvis tribute and Tech Night, the fun continues throughout September. The remaining lineup is as follows:

    • September 3: Summer Wind: The Music of Frank Sinatra
    • September 10: Patti Parks Band
    • September 17: Saranaide
    • September 24: Hot Club of Buffalo

    All Jazz On the Plaz! shows are free, but JazzBuffalo is accepting free-will donations for the Keep Jazz Alive Fund, which supports the musicians as well as sound and equipment. Each event has a bucket for cash donations, and attendees can also donate via Venmo at @jazzbuffalo716 and PayPal at @jazzbuffalo.

    In addition to Seneca One Tower and JazzBuffalo, other sponsors include Douglas Development Corporation, Buffalo Construction Consultants and the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY.

    For information on parking and transportation, see Seneca One’s website.

  • Beau Fleuve Music and Arts Celebration Makes History in Buffalo

    After long anticipation, Buffalo came together for the Beau Fleuve Music and Arts celebration. This 5-year event brought crowds of people to the Buffalo Central Terminal on August 29. 

    Beau Fleuve Buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The atmosphere was uplifting as performers took over three different stages and venders filled the walkway. In addition, silent disco sets continued throughout the day. There wasn’t a dull area in the festival as many embraced the numerous exhibits. 

    Musicians with an array of different genres established their unique presence on stage. From alternative to rap to rock and everything in between, nobody left room for disappointment. Mom Said No was instantly a crowd favorite from the moment they walked on stage in matching blue suits. Not to mention their infectious energy that felt reminiscent to those harmonic alt boy bands. 

    Beau Fleuve Buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Just when you think the intensity can’t get any greater, it did just that. Other artists like Billie Essco, A.I. The Anomaly, and FREAK THE MIIGHTY got the crowd even more wired up. Their stage presence and crowd engagement kept many up on their feet.  

    Beau Fleuve Buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Throughout the day many were highly anticipating an exciting performance from the headliner Jae Skeese. His accolades are nothing short of the clear skill and passion he places in his craft. Guests stayed alongside Jae Skeese throughout the set while dedicating the night to a friend who passed, Weeze.  

    Beau Fleuve Buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Beau Fleuve Music and Arts celebration brought together a diverse group of local musicians, artists, fashion designers, and other contributors to support Buffalo. The community collectively united to uplift the talented artists that are located right in their backyards. Supporting the arts has become a priority and with that comes even greater potential in the future. This event is just the start of a more profound movement. 

    • Wakefield
    • Wakefield
    • Wakefield
    • Wakefield
    • chango4 & way2wavybaby
    • chango4 & way2wavybaby
    • chango4 & way2wavybaby
    • Mom Said No
    • Mom Said No
    • Mom Said No
    • Mom Said No
    • Deadwolf
    • Danielle Ponder
    • Danielle Ponder
    • FREAK THE MIIGHTY
    • FREAK THE MIIGHTY
    • FREAK THE MIIGHTY
    • Billie Essco
    • Billie Essco
    • Jae Skeese
    • Jae Skeese
    • 7xvethegenius

  • Dead and Company Roll into Darien Lake, pay tribute to Charlie Watts

    Dead and Company continued their Empire State run on Wednesday, August 25 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, with the amusement park behind the venue giving the performance an county fair vibe. John Mayer sported a pair of headphones after noticing a slight ringing in his ears post show in Bethel Woods and wanted to protect his hearing. The headphones also allowed him to hear the band better and in turn, play in the band better. 

    dead and company darien
    photo by Josh Davis

    Mayer immediately lit up the show with opener “Viola Lee Blues.” In a Tales from the Golden Road conversation with NYS Music, Mayer said he loved bringing his approach to the Grateful Dead’s mixolydian blues catalog. “A song like ‘Viola Lee Blues’ I can really pull the Hendrix thing to it. It’s not that different.” Thus, “Viola Lee Blues” jammed and was weaved into both sets. Mayer stayed out front vocally on “Cold Rain and Snow” that hit inland from Lake Ontario to cool off the summer crowd. Bob Weir got on the mic for “Feel Like A Stranger” to remind the crowd that it’s “gonna be a long long crazy silky night” with Oteil Burbridge really fueling the funk level. He told NYS Music earlier this year  “Well I mean there is so much funk in the Grateful Dead’s music. The Jerry Bands’ music. It’s just like there for the picking. So I just lean into it” Oteil and John really bring a new energy to this celebrated catalog and traded lead vocals on a swaying “Ship of Fools.” 

    The New York western plain vibe continued with “Friend of the Devil” that had Jeff Chimenti leading with saloon style piano – Chimenti has been playing with Bobby in “Ratdog” for a reason for over 20 years. Bob Weir started howling vocally on “Loose Lucy,” with a tone that night very in the moment and full of raw emotion. Mayer got another stab at the mixolydian blues to close the set with “New Speedway Boogie”.  Mayer said of the musical concept in Dead and Co., “It’s very ascending and descending that’s what’s allows people to ride it”  

    dead and company darien
    photo by Josh Davis

    The second set started with a nod to the western terrain of Darien, with “Truckin’” (up to Buffalo), followed by the first song Dead and Company ever played as a group, naturally, “Playing in the Band.”  A beyond welcoming composition for Mayer, Burbridge, and Chimenti who joined the 3 core members on this musical journey six years ago.  Burbridge said in an interview with NYS Music in Miami about the band’s first gig: “That was a harrowing night. That was a trip. That beginning time. But when Bill Walton says you’re good, you stop worrying.”

    Visit NYS Music’s interactive Grateful Dead in New York series, So MaNY Roads

    The ensemble then unfolded a “China Cat Sunflower” into a “I Know You Rider” that shone the light back on Weir’s vocals, taking on the spirit animal of an old wolf howling under the night tent at Darien. This sole survivor momentum lead into the band’s tribute to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts who passed earlier this week with a cover of “The Last Time”. Again Bob Weir lead the pack in the moment, “This could be the last time, I don’t know.” Billy and Mickey’s “Drums” segment opened up some chakras with their vibrations, and the band returned for “Space.” After orbiting it was time to bring the children home with “Uncle John’s Band”  The final song of the evening brought great imagery to a late August night with “Wharf Rats” and the band came full circle by closing the show with a reprise of “Playing in the Band.” 

    The encore was truly chilling as they covered Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heavens Door.” Although Bobby and John both sported cut off tees like Guns & Roses, this was truly their take on this song, a very heavy way to end a show. A night of music like this brings all your feelings to the surface. Jerry Garcia once said of music’s effects  “I don’t know why. It’s the same reason why you like some kind of music and not others. There’s something about it YOU like. Ultimately I don’t find it’s in my best interests to try and analyze it. Since it’s fundamentally emotional.”

    Dead and Company – Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien Center, NY – 8/25/21

    Set 1: Viola Lee Blues > Cold Rain and Snow, Feel Like a Stranger, Ship of Fools, Friend of the Devil, Loose Lucy > New Speedway Boogie

    Set 2: Truckin’ > Playing In The Band > Viola Lee Blues > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > The Last Time* > Drums/Space > Uncle John’s Band > Wharf Rat > Playing In The Band (Reprise)

    Encore: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

    Photos by Josh Davis

  • Up and Coming Artist Nick Vivid Releases New Single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)”

    Up and coming artist, Nick Vivid, released his new single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” on August 18, 2021 off his upcoming album No More Secrets.

    Nick Vivid hails from Buffalo, NY and creates music that is a blend of indie electronic funk that has blends of soul and blues throughout it. Between his father being a radio DJ and his mother loving glam rock Nick Vivid was always surrounded by music which shaped and formed his musical style and taste. He currently resides in New York City and works with Bill Aucoin who is the original manager of KISS and Billy Idol. 

    The single  “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” was released in anticipation of his upcoming album No More Secrets which will drop on November 12, 2021.  He has two albums out Nicksploitation which was released in 2017 and Blissed Out which was released in 2019 but his new album is going to be a bit different than these previous albums. This album will revolve around themes of the loss of both of his parents in recent years and the life lessons he’s learned from what he calls “intensive meditative pandemic soul searching.”

    Nick Vivid spoke on the newest single to his repertoire saying that the single is about what he’s learned from observing people making decisions based on self-serving fear and greed. He elaborated on this saying, “The ‘bribe’ in the song is the alluring ‘shortcut’ to the fake ‘easier’ solution. But for me, that doesn’t work. I’ve tried.” 

    The new single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” definitely plays into multi-instrumentalist Nick Vivid’s indie electronic funk sound. It almost sounds like a blast right out of the past. It features a simplistic yet captivating beat that goes around and around in your head and you will find yourself bobbing side to side without even meaning to it while listening. 

    For more information on Nick Vivid and his upcoming album No More Secrets and new single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” check out his website.

  • Westside Gunn Releases Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf, featuring Lil Wayne,

    Griselda head honcho, Westside Gunn, is back releasing music. After teasing retirement from rapping with 2020’s Who Made the Sunshine (his third release of the year), the FlyGod is back with his first release in 10 months (long breaks between projects is a rarity in Griselda land). This is the 8th edition of the popular mixtape series which played a big part in his and Griselda’s ascension.

    The 13-track, 40-minute EP features usual Westside Gunn collaborators in Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, Stove God Cooks, AA Rashid and 2020 Griselda records signee, Boldy James. The mixtape also sees appearances from Jadakiss, DJ Clue and Lil Wayne, who is making a habit of teaming up on tracks with the boys from Buffalo. 

    In Griselda fashion, Westside Gunn also managed to tease more music while promoting his incoming project.  In an Instagram post disclosing the track-list, Westside Gunn captioned the image “Side A,” teasing a possible double album for fans to look forward to. He subtly disclosed his plans for a two-sided project in an Instagram post promoting his GXFR jean brand.

    Late Night Work!!!!!! GXFR x @purple_brand jeans getting made and shipped, we’re down to the last 100 pair so if your waiting thank you for your patience it’s worth the wait these are all made by hand that’s why it was a preorder … but this Fri. I’m starting to do online drops again limited and ART sale, I’m going back to doing what I love the most Fashion, ART, and Curation, I just had to take some time off to make an AOTY contender and classic NO SKIPS on a double album   BLIENTELE.com this FRI. #GXFR#ART #CULTURE #ICON#PURPLEBRAND

    “Side B” of HWH8 will presumably release next week, while the unconventional rollout is exactly the kind of outside-the-box thinking that the FlyGod prides himself on.

     The latest Griselda release can be streamed through all available services. 

  • Billy Joel Dazzles Buffalo at Highmark Stadium

    Billy Joel performed at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Saturday, August 14 for his rescheduled 2020 date, with thousands of fans packing the Buffalo Bills stadium in a highly anticipated event that marked the return of concerts at the venue since the pandemic began.

    This was the first full capacity event to happen at Highmark Stadium, and the fans were really enjoying it. From tailgating out in the lots, to everyone together in the stadium the atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying. 

    The rules in place were well respected to give the best and safe experience as possible. Masks were required by all fans and staff when inside of the stadium concourses or in the bathroom. 

    Shortly after 8:30pm the stadium filled in as eager fans waited for the Piano Man to take the stage. The piano sat front and center in plain sight looking immaculate as anticipation grew for the performance to start. Fans were up front holding an assortment of different signs expressing their love and gratitude to Billy Joel, one woman even holding a sign saying how she named her child after him. 

    Billy Joel buffalo

    With an eruption of applause and cheers Billy Joel took the stage, giving a brief wave and smile to the crowd before taking his seat at the piano. Immediately he opened up with “Movin’ Out’ setting the crowd off into cheers. Billy Joel transitioned his songs flawlessly as one would expect from the lifetime of experience of performing music. Billy Joel performed “Miami 2017” and then “Pressure” before addressing the crowd with a “Hello Buffalo!”

    Billy Joel buffalo

    While being considered one of the greatest musicians of all time, Billy Joel also brings with him a fun and witty sense of humor. This was showcased when he informed the crowd of the origins of Buffalo’s name, stating it was too difficult of a French word to pronounce, so it ended up being “Buffalo”

    Billy Joel went on to perform an electrifying 24 song set that seemed to go way too quickly. Joel is known for bringing other musicians on stage with him, and it was no different for Buffalo. Introducing John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, a Buffalo native, they performed the bands hit “Iris” This was very well received by fans as everyone in the stadium was singing along, as Rzeznik looked like he was having the time of his life.

    The set consisted of many of Billy Joels top hits including “New York State of Mind”, “Allentown”, “She’s Always a Woman”, “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” and of course to end the set was “Piano Man”. But Billy Joel wasn’t finished yet – coming back for a five song encore of “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “Uptown Girl”, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to me”, “Big Shot”, and “You May Be Right” to finish the night off. 

    Billy Joel gave a masterclass in live performance in Buffalo, and he shows no sign of slowing down. He truly is one of the greatest performers of all time, and demonstrated that with the combination of a beautiful production and his ability to command the crowd with his presence. 

    Setlist: Movin’ Out(Anthony’s Song), Miami 2017(Seen the Lights Go out on Broadway), Pressure, Summer, Highland Falls, The Entertainer, Vienna, Zanzibar, New York State of Mind, Don’t Ask Me Why, Iris(Goo Goo Dolls cover with John Rzeznik), Allentown, My Life, She’s Always a Woman, Sometimes a Fantasy, The River of Dreams (With “Tush” by ZZ Top interlude), Only the Good Die Yound, Nessun dorma (Giacomo Puccini cover with Mike DelGuidice) Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Piano Man

    Encore:We Didn’t Start the Fire, Uptown Girl, It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, Big Shot, You May Be Right

  • Moldovan metalcore Band Infected Rain To Begin U.S. Tour, Multiple NY Stops

    Here’s some news sure to excite New York metalheads! Infected Rain are just three weeks away from kicking off their extensive fall tour around the country. The tour features over 30 dates, including stops across the Empire State in Buffalo, NYC, and Poughkeepsie. Infected Rain will be performing alongside headliners Butcher Babies on their “Butcher Babies vs. Goliath” tour. Other supporting bands include Stitched Up Heart and Kaleido.

    infected rain

    Infected Rain’s newest album is expected soon. The five piece band from Moldova most recently dropped their full length album Endorphins in 2019. Endorphins brought fans favorite tracks like “The Earth Mantra”, “Passerby”, “Lure”, “Storm”, and “Black Gold” and definitely brought a head banging energy with booming instrumentation, heavy riffs and intense vocals.

    Formed back in 2008, Infected Rain have established themselves as one of modern metal’s most iconic acts. Over the years, they’ve toured extensively around Europe and signed a deal with Napalm Records. The band is thrilled to be back on the road, especially with some of their contemporaries. Their three New York stops include Buffalo Iron Works in Buffalo, the Gramercy Theatre in NYC, and the Chance Theatre in Poughkeepsie.

    infected rain

    Here we come America – to all of you that have been patiently waiting, we are coming for you with the amazing Butcher Babies, Stitched Up Heart and Kaleido.

    Lena Scissorhands, vocalist, Infected Rain

    All tour dates are listed below. Connect with Infected Rain on their website, Instagram, and Facebook for updates.

    INFECTED RAIN U.S. Tour Dateswith Butcher Babies, Stitched Up Heart and Kaleido:

    Aug 29 – Jacksonville, FL @ Hooligans Music Hall

    Aug 30 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre

    Aug 31 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

    Sept 1 – New Orleans, LA @ Southport Hall

    Sept 3 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s

    Sept 5 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre

    Sept 6 – Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep

    Sept 7 – Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater

    Sept 9 – Chippewa Falls, WI @ Every Buddy’s Bar^+

    Sept 10 – Ashwaubenon, WI @ Epic Event Center^+

    Sept 11 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club

    Sept 12 – Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop^+

    Sept 14 – Lakewood, OH @ Winchester Music Tavern

    Sept 15 – Warrendale, PA @ Jergels

    Sept 17 – Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Iron Works

    Sept 18 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East (Downstairs)

    Sept 19 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre

    Sept 20 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance Theatre

    Sept 21 – Harrisburg, PA @ HMAC

    Sept 23 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Scandals Live

    Sept 28 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

    Sept 29 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

    Sept 30 – San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

    Oct 1 – Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room

    Oct 2 – Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s Backroom

    Oct 4 – El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse Bar & Grill

    Oct 5 – Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole

    Oct 6 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge

    Oct 7 – Los Angeles @ 1720


    ^No Stitched Up Heart

    +Kaleido playing 

  • Inaugural Jam on the Lift Festival comes to Western NY

    The first ever Jam on the Lift festival is coming to the Kissing Bridge Snow Sports center in Glenwood, NY, 30 miles south of Buffalo, on August 28. The festival, presented by Kissing Bridge and Twenty6 Productions, will feature national artists, local vendors, artisans, CBD vending, craft beer, food vendors and more.

    jam on the lift

    Glenwood is a small hamlet located in Erie County, around 40 minutes south of downtown Buffalo. Kissing Bridge is one of Western NY’s premier ski resorts, with a whopping 39 slopes and over 700 acres of land. Festival goers will trade their skis for summer sandals as they experience entertaining live performances and, of course, plenty of art and good eats.

    Long Beach Dub Allstars

    Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh met in childhood and later started their first garage punk band, consisting of drums, bass and vocals. They later formed Sublime with Bradley Nowell. The Long Beach Dub Allstars (LBDAS for short) were founded after Nowell died in 1996 of a heroin overdose (frequent contributors to Sublime including Michael “Miguel” Happoldt, Todd Forman, and “Field” Marshall Goodman are also members of the band). Eric Wilson says, “We will never replace the greatness that Sublime did or what Bradley has done.” The band was originally a 10-piece and they recorded their debut recording called Right Back, which shortly after completion in 1999 saw the departure of three members. Their second album, Wonders of the World was recorded and released in 2001. “Sunny Hours”, featuring will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas, was also used as the theme song for the Friends spin-off Joey.

    Tropidelic

    The six-piece band from Cleveland, Ohio may be far from any tropical islands, but that doesn’t stop them from dishing out an interesting mix of reggae, hip-hop, and high energy funk for audiences across the country. Unapologetically original, Tropidelic has a deep and widespread appreciation for music that can be heard in each note. Some of the members are hip-hop heads, while others are into metal, funk or reggae. Each of these genres lends something to their collective sound. “We pride ourselves in being original in our musicality and personality as a band,” says frontman Matthew Roads, “but also in not taking ourselves so seriously that it ruins the fun.”

    Moon Hooch

    If any band is a poster child for turning the power of positive thoughts and intentions into reality, it’s the explosive horn-and-percussion trio Moon Hooch. In just a few short years, the group—horn player Mike Wilbur, fellow horn player Wenzl McGowen—has gone from playing on New York City subway platforms to touring with the likes of Beats Antique, They Might Be Giants, and Lotus, as well as selling out their own headline shows in major venues around the country. “I‘m realizing more and more every day that you can make anything happen for yourself if you really want to,” says Wilbur. “You can change your existence by just going out and doing it, by taking simple actions every day.”

    Witty Tarbox

    Surf riffs and indie melodies over a rhythmic funk foundation fond of improvisation.

    The Abruptors

    Punk/SKA band out of Buffalo, NY.

    Tickets are currently available for purchase here. Options include traditional GA tickets ($35 ADV/$50 day of show) as well as VIP ($85 ADV/$100 DOS). VIP tickets include front of stage access, private bathrooms, a VIP lounge area, VIP bar, complimentary food and snacks, and a festival poster. Gates open at 1PM and music runs from 2PM-11PM. The lineup includes:

    To learn more about Twenty6 Productions, visit their website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.