Indie legends Flipturn made a stop in Buffalo on November 4 on their Shadowglow tour. The fun-filled night at Buffalo Ironworks was kicked off in true alt music fashion with The Brazen Youth. They played well-known classics as well as their hit song, “Center of Gravity.” The group got the crowd even more hyped up with the obvious Buffalo crowd pleaser: a Bills chant.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
When Flipturn took over the stage there was a shift in infectious energy and warmth. No matter how small or large the venue is, Flipturn always knows how to perform. There’re no limitations when this group takes over the stage. All that’s obvious is their connection with their fans. This band is built up by Dillon Basse (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass), Mitch Fountain (synth), and Devon VonBalson (drums).
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Flipturn opened up their set with “The Fall” and “Playground,” off of their most recent album Shadowglow. Even though this album was just released a few months ago, fans at Buffalo Ironworks knew the latest lyrics top to bottom.
Flipturn manages to take their listeners on a journey when they play their music. Through summer drives and youthful bliss, there’s something cinematic in the experience of a Flipturn song. This band has grown up together in Florida and now plays songs that deal with the heavily relatability at being at a crossroad between young lust and the pressures of adulthood.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The live experience only adds to the depth of their introspection between the head and the heart. This coalition Flipturn creates with their fans is one that is hard to pull away from. Even so, they closed out the night with fan favorites, “August,” and “Nickel.” It also happened to be Madeline’s birthday which was another layer of excitement for everyone.
Flipturn is continuing their tour and making another stop in NY at The Bowery Ballroom on November 9. They’re definitely a must see for indie/alt lovers!
Buffalo Ironworks has a lot of upcoming events including Nefesh Mountain on Novemebr 10 and Buku & G-Rex on Novemebr 11.
Setlist: The Fall, Playground, Chicago, Whales, Sad Disco, Halfway, Hippies, Six Below, Glistening, Goddamn, Take Care, Space Cowboy Encore: August, Nickel
Alt-rock group Mother Mother returns to an even bigger crowd in Buffalo on October 15, with Buffalo Riverworks packed with both new and old fans.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The well-known “out-of-box” foursome Transviolet opened up the show. This pop-rock band consists of Sarah McTaggart, Mike Panek, Jon Garcia, and Judah McCarthy. All of which are all too familiar with working alongside various musicians. They easily got the crowd hyped up with McTaggart’s chilling vocals and infectious energy.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The viral indie-rock band Vundabar followed up Transviolet. The trio of Brandon Hagen, Drew McDonald, and Zack Abramo managed to keep the fun alive. This was especially so when they played their hit “Alien Blues.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Earlier in 2022, Mother Mother performed at the Town Ballroom. Buffalo fanbase is so extremely loyal to this group that they made a return only 9 months later. This seemingly rapid growing band is composed of Ryan Guldemond (vocals, guitar), Molly Guldemond (vocals, synth), Jasmin Parkin (vocals, keys), Ali Siadat (drums), and Mike Young (bass).
Immediately when the group encapsulated the stage and aura washed over the venue. This band is able to bring theatrical and ethereal qualities. They opened up their performance with their songs “Verbatim” and “O My Heart.” The way Ryan, Molly, and Jasmin are able to move across stage and layer their vocals over one another creates an eeriness.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The dark lighting and build up from one song to the next helped set the mood in Riverworks. The mystic vocals of Molly had the crowd in awe when she covered Radiohead’s “Creep,” which was especially impressive. Mother Mother is a constant reminder of what it means to never give up on your dreams. Ryan shared how the band originally started by him writing songs alone in his bedroom. He then told everyone in the crowd that despite what anyone else might think, “if you have a dream, keep chasing it and wreck any obstacles that stand in the way.” He shared that’s what gave him inspiration for their song “Wrecking Ball.”
Mother Mother then closed out their show in Buffalo with their songs “Hayloft II” and “Ghosting.” Both of which are fan favorites and left everyone screaming the lyrics.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Make sure to keep up to date with upcoming shows at Buffalo Riverworks. I Prevail and Pierce the Veil perform November 20.
Setlist: Verbatim, O My Heart, Bit by Bit, Infinitesimal, Body of Years, Creep (Radiohead cover), The Stand, Back in School, Burning Pile, Problems, Sick of the Silence, It’s Alright, Arms Tonite, Body, Wrecking Ball, Oh Ana, Hayloft/ Girl Alone, Hayloft II
EDM legends Big Gigantic wrap up their last dates of their Brighter Future Tour. The duo are no strangers to the electronic scene, especially in Buffalo where they sold out the Town Ballroom on July 27.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Buffalo had multiple DJ’s preforming for hours before Big G took over. Special guests Covex, MEMBA, and KASBO opened up the night getting the crowd pumped up.
Big Gigantic are veterans at mixing edm beats with multiple instruments to give a sound that is both danceable and intuitive. The Denver natives Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken utilize saxophone and drums to layer over samples. They don’t shy away from any style of music. Their range stretches from jazz to hip hop, and funk to dubstep. Alongside their cinematic production, Big G knows how to put on a show. Whether that be headlining a major festival like Electric Forest or filling up the Town Ballroom, these two do not disappoint.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The duo opened up the show with their single “Future’s All I See” off of their latest 2022 album Brighter Future 2. They immediately captured the stage with their animated visuals and energetic crowd welcome. Their impressive instrumentation matched with their colorful lasers had everyone getting rowdy.
Big Gigantic never stopped once during their set. It was continuous beats and melodies blended into the next. This allowed them to play both old and new hits which left no one disappointed. Some of which included “The Little Things,” “Open Your Mind,” and “All of Me.” They managed to mix in some popular covers as well like Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Night.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
To top off the night Big Gigantic brought Covex back on stage to sing their song “Second Time” and closed out with “Love Unlimited.” No matter the size of the venue or location Big G proves again that they know how to put on a show.
Make sure to stay up to date with shows coming to the Town Ballroom. Joyce Manor has a show on August 10 and Cody Jinks performs August 17.
Alt rock band The Wrecks made a local stop on their Better Than Ever Tour tour in Buffalo on June 29. The Rec Room was flooding with people from front of the venue to back for the sold-out show. Openers Girlhouse and Mothe got an already pumped up crowd ready for the night.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The Wrecks are LA-based, however, vocalist and producer Nick Anderson hails from Wellsville, NY, so this show in Buffalo reunited him with friends and family that were alongside him when he first starting building this dream. Nick started this band in the middle of nowhere just making demos on his laptop. He slowly started building an audience and from there connected with others on the internet. It’s from online interactions that Nick connected with future bassist Aaron Kelley. Later he moved out to California where he recruited lead guitarist Nick Schmidt and drummer Billy Nally. A few secret sneak-in sessions into the studio after and the rest is history.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The show in Buffalo showed nothing short of this band’s high energy reputation. The Wrecks opened the night with their hit “Out Of Style,” off of their 2020 album Infinitely Ordinary. Nick’s engagement with the crowd opened up some mosh pits followed by some much needed water breaks. The rest of the band cleared out after a few songs as the lead vocalist shared some acoustic versions. They even brought the openers back out to join in.
The Wrecks latest album release Sonder has been what their fans have been most excited about. The crowd proved this when they screamed the lyrics to “Ugly Side,” and “Normal” from the June 10 release. However, nothing compared to the rage that started when the group closed out the night with their #1 single “Favorite Liar.” With Nick running into the audience, crowd surfers from front to back, and belting fans, it made for a finisher to remember.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Follow up with The Wrecks latest stops on their tour. Also make sure to check out upcoming shows at Rec Room. Nonpoint performs July 10 and The Acacia Strain will be there July 13.
Setlist: Out Of Style, Figure This Out, I Love This Part, Feels So Nice, Freaking Out, Dystopia, This Life I Have, Ugly Side, Normal, Panic Vertigo, Sonder, Fvck Somebody, Where Are You Now, James Dean
After two years off, the heavily anticipated Electric Forest Music Festival made a renowned comeback in Rothbury, Michigan. Musicians in various genres gathered on this 4-day event from June 23 to June 26 alongside people from all around the world.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Electric Forest goes beyond so-called norms that other music festivals are known for. In the seemingly middle of nowhere a sense of community is built. This festival has countless activities, events, and secret rewards that feel endless. It’s impossible to experience every single thing Electric Forest has to offer. Every hour of the day has something going on. From DJs playing until 6am, meditation sessions during the day, and secret sets popping off if you’re lucky enough to find them. The Forest does not disappoint and that’s why we compiled a list of some of the top things it has to offer.
Top 10 Things at Electric Forest
1. Saturday Night The String Cheese Incident Signature Shebang
The String Cheese Incident are no strangers to the event as they have been major contributors since Electric Forest was first beginning. It is because of this epic reputation they have built that they continue to play multiple sets throughout the weekend. However, it is their Saturday Night set that always draws the biggest crowd due to their signature “Shebang.” For EF 2022 they brought out other artists on stage, had lasers, giant inflatables, confetti, and fireworks. As if that already wasn’t enough, this year the band had a massive disco ball be lifted over the stage with a crane. This group definitely lives up to their reputation!
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
2. The Brainery Events
All weekend a designated event center called the Brainery compiled a list throughout each day where numerous experiences were available to partake in. These included, crafts, yoga sessions, mediations, sound baths, CPR training, sharing circles and much more. This provided a great space to re-center and connect with others.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
3. The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is located inside the festival where people get the opportunity leave and take various gifts of your choosing. From jewelry, to lighters, to whatever treasure you can find surrounding the area is open to communal sharing. This tradition has been around for a while and seems to be a popular one as individuals are constantly gathered around the tree.
4. The Outfits
Walking around the forest feels as if you entered a new world! People are dressed in such cool outfits that it makes it feel like a constant party. Performers walk around in groups as well, some even on stilts. The funny coordinated group outfits are a great addition too.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
5. Exploring the Forest at Night
Electric Forest lives up to their name but specifically at night. The lighting, buildings, lasers, and art installations are overflowing throughout the woods. Walking around during the day compared to the night is two different experiences. Night time brings a sense of magic into the air as the colors fill the skies and trees. Even laying down in your hammock is entertaining as you stare up into the fairy oasis of lights.
6. Carousel Club
Various musicians performed at Carousel Club which was a fun stage surrounded by entertaining stands. The walkway to Carousel Club was filled with a golf course, massage areas, a hairstyling room, and a tattoo shop. Seeing a set inside the Carousel Club made for even more fun due to the hot air balloons going up around it and sand filling half of the venue.
RKS at EF Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
7. The Scavenger Hunt
Every year the forest has a secret scavenger hunt. People get to explore the performance stages, phone booths, secret fairy houses, and hush rumors to figure out the puzzles. Collaborative teams can go around trying to find the missing pieces which honestly is a lot harder than it sounds, but it makes for a fun time.
8. Statues
Each year of Electric Forest has a designated statue. These sculptures are massive and beautiful to look at. A new one comes every year but they still display the ones from past years throughout the woods you just have to find them.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
9. DJ Sets at the Observatory
The observatory is a festival and environment stage located in the middle of the lit-up forest. This makes it a prime spot to catch new artists whether your dancing on top of the tall stairs beside it or swinging in your hammock next to it. The stage is built like a castle and is surrounded by art installations. The visuals in this area are a must see.
GRiZ at EF Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
10. The Community
The forest brings so many people from different walks of life and perspectives together in one place. The way this environment is able to strip stresses from real life away and open the door for connection is unlike no other. Everyday presented new experiences and significantly those where you’re always interacting with strangers. Electric Forest is a place for love and connection to flourish. The community it is able to establish is incomparable to any other and really unexplainable. But it’s something that keeps drawing people back every year.
All Photos by Maddie McCafferty
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Folk rock legends The Lumineers made a stop in Canandaigua on Friday, May 27, on their heavily anticipated world tour. Popular Upstate NY venue CMAC had a packed crowd despite the on and off rain storm that carried on all day.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The Lumineers opened up the amphitheater’s debut concert series and left people wanting more. It was only right that another on the rise folk band open up the night and Caamp did just that. These Ohio natives are composed of Evan Westfall, Taylor Meier, Matt Vinson, and Joseph Kavalec. The group played some hits that the crowd seemed very familiar with including “Hey Joe,” “By and By,” and “Vagabond.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The Lumineers fans’ have waited many years for new music. Luckily, at the beginning of 2022 the band released their fourth studio album BRIGHTSIDE. Following that they announced their worldwide tour. The joyous nine-song collection is co-written by Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites. On stage they join countless other musicians to give fans the full experience of their music.
In addition to the intricate projecting screens and lighting effects, The Lumineers entered the stage with their uplifting dance beats. They opened with popular songs “BRIGHTSIDE,” “Cleopatra,” and “Ho Hey.” All of which had the crowd dancing from the front aisles to the back of the lawn. The gratitude to be back with their fans had The Lumineers pumped up and even spread the love with their fans as Wesley walked into the crowd throughout his set.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Although this was the BRIGHTSIDE tour it did not let the band shy away from playing their much-adored songs off of their older albums III, Cleopatra, and The Lumineers. They even managed to play some covers and bring Caamp back out on stage for a group performance.
They finished their set with songs that the lead singer said reminded him of the many obstacles that everyone endured during the pandemic and the perseveration that we all held on to. With a heavy heart the crowd collectively screamed the lyrics to “Stubborn Love.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
CMAC is welcoming many more artists this summer including Kenny Chesney, Fitz and the Tantrums, and more. Don’t miss out!
The Lumineers – CMAC, Canandaigua, NY – May 29, 2022
Setlist: BRIGHTSIDE, Cleopatra, Ho Hey, Flowers in Your Hair, Angela, A.M. Radio, Dead Sea, My Cell, Slow It Down, Charlie Boy, NEVER REALLY MINE, Gloria, Sleep on the Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide, ROLLERCOASTER, WHERE WE ARE, Walls (Circus), Big Parade
Encore: Donna, Submarines, BIRTHDAY, REMINGTON/REPRISE, Stubborn Love
Western New York natives Joywave came back to their local roots in Buffalo on April 3.
In the spirit of a local show, Buffalo’s very own Humble Braggers opened up the night at the Town Ballroom. This synth pop band played hits off of their new EP Love & Fear. Following up, joe p took the stage with his signature basement-produced songs that wowed the crowd. Especially when performing his popular song, “Off My Mind.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Fans of Joywave packed in throughout the night with excitement as its been many years since this indie rock group toured. The Cleanse tour showcased many songs off of their latest album release in February while still playing the classics.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Joywave is no stranger to the music scene in Buffalo. The born and raised Rochester group has been made all too familiar with the back and forth drives between the two cities to see all their favorite artists growing up. So, getting to perform at a venue they spent their youth going to was a full circle moment.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The group consists of Daniel Armbruster (vocals), Joseph Morinelli (guitar), Paul Brenner (drums), Kevin Mahoney (bass guitar), and Connor Ehman (keyboard). The band took over the stage with their matching mechanic outfits and innovative production design. They began the night with a more recently released song “Cyn City 2000.” They even paid tribute to their pandemic album Possession by playing a couple of songs they hadn’t got to perform live. The intricate synth usage and unique sound structure made even unfamiliar listeners be awed.
As excited as the crowd was to have such high energy, it doesn’t exceed the excitement that the band had to return home and finally sleep in their own beds again. The night ended with an absolute bang with heavily praised songs “Tongues” and “Dangerous” finishing up the set. Nothing compared though to the rage worthy crowd that went crazy after heavy beats dropped off of the classic “Destruction.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
No one wanted the night to end and luckily for that Joywave is making their way back to their actual hometown in Rochester. If you unfortunately missed out on these energetic guys, don’t worry. They’re performing at the Anthology both April 8 and April 9.
Also check out upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom. Peach Pit performs April 9 and The Airborne Toxic Event takes the stage on April 10.
Setlist: Cyn City 2000, Buy American, It’s a Trip!, Obsession, After Coffee, Every Window Is A Mirror, Coming Apart, Half Your Age, Traveling at the Speed of Light, The Inversion, F.E.A.R., True Grit, Somebody New, Ugly Ending, Goodbye Tommy, We Are All We Need, Tongues, Dangerous, Destruction
