NYS Music 202​2

Category: Buffalo

  • In Focus: The Wrecks Sell Out the Rec Room in Buffalo

    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.   

    The Wrecks rec room
    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. 

    The Wrecks rec room
    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.   

    The Wrecks rec room
    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

    Encore: Infinitely Ordinary, Favorite Liar   

    Photos by Maddie McCafferty

      

  • Jazz at Chandlerville Summer Series Offers Free Music Every Thursday

    The Jazz at Chandlerville Series will return to Chandler Street every Thursday this summer from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. The series is hosted by JazzBuffalo and produced by Tappo Events.

    Jazz at Chandlerville
    Jazz at Chandlerville

    JazzBuffalo is the Greater Buffalo Jazz Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to building jazz awareness and jazz appreciation in the WNY area. Founded in 2011, the purpose of JazzBuffalo and the Greater Buffalo Jazz Society is to enhance the recognized value of arts to the individual and society, to use music and events to bring people together and to help build a stronger, more vibrant community.

    Based on the success of last year, the JazzBuffalo scheduled diverse music, a variety of performers, something new each week, and showcasing some of the best talents in WNY who incorporate jazz into their performances for the fourth season.

    Jazz at Chandlerville

    Performers this year included Maria Sebastian, Alex McArthur Quintet, Original River Dogs, My Cousin Toné, Mary Ramsey and Friends, Hanna PK, Trigger & the Serman, GirlCrush+, Tim Clarke Soul-tet, Elliot Scozzaro Quintet, Kevin Hall Quartet, and the Banjo Juice Jazz Band.

    All performances will be supported by an upgraded stage and full sound production by Tappo Event to maintain the JazzBuffalo quality. The lineup is listed as followed.

    Jazz at Chandlerville Lineup

    7/7 – My Cousin Toné
    7/14 – Maria Sebastian American Songbook
    7/21 – Trigger & The Sermon
    7/28 – GirlCrush+
    8/4 – Mary Ramsey and Friends
    8/11 – Elliot Scozzaro
    8/18 – Dave Hill Group
    8/25 – Banjo Juice Band
    9/1 – Hanna PK
    9/8 – Kevin Hall Quartet

  • Rob Derhak Talks moe. Summer Tour, ADK Fest, Chuck and Playing with Nate and Suke

    moe. begins a truncated summer tour this week, taking them across New York State, where they have made their mark for more than 30 years. The moe. lineup – Al Schnier, Rob Derhak, Vinnie Amico and Jim Loughlin – continues to feature Suke Cerulo and Nate Wilson, filling in for Chuck Garvey as he steadily recovers from a stroke he had in November 2021.

    moe chuck garvey walls capitol theatre rob derhak
    Chuck Garvey projected onto the walls of The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY – photo by Filip Zalewski

    moe. bassist Rob Derhak and the band have spent time over the past two months rehearsing with Cerulo and Wilson at Big Blue North in Utica to prepare the sextet for their first real stretch of shows without Garvey.

    The Chuck shows at The Cap in December with all the guest musicians, those guys (Suke and Nate) were part of the last set of the second night, and the set just really gelled. We had no time to rehearse with anyone beyond soundcheck; Suke had spent his time doing his homework, and Nate has sat in many times and knows a lot of songs, so when it came time to decide, it wasn’t that hard a decision. They can play really well and had a jump on the material, so both factors made it simple.

    We’re very fortunate that those guys put the work in ahead of time and did their homework to learn the material, so it was a good fit and a good call in the end.

    Rob Derhak, on Suke Cerulo and Nate Wilson

    Derhak spoke to NYS Music shortly after Summer Camp Music Festival had wrapped its 21st year, where hosts moe. and Umphrey’s McGee performed 5 sets each over three days at their respective stages in Three Sisters Park. Derhak, along with Schnier, Amico and Loughlin threw Cerulo and Wilson some curveballs that they were still able to hit into play.

    There was a 3-song sandwich – “Rebubula” > “So Long” > “Buster” > “Rebubula” – that was a situation where most people may not understand what’s going on but those guys got it. We talked about it ahead of time but never played through the whole thing with them. It came off without a hitch. Nate added a new keyboard intro for “Rebubula” that was really cool.

    Rob Derhak

    This was of course the first Summer Camp that Garvey had missed in the last two decades, and there was an emotional vibe with the band while they rehearsed and warmed up before the fest. From the Summer Camp Moonshine Stage, Derhak recalled how he felt two separate emotions during the weekend:

    One is I keep looking over where Chuck would be, and he isn’t there, and it makes me feel weird and sad. And doing shots before a set, we would always wait for Chuck, and instinctively it’s kinda sad. I miss him, and it’s still not exactly right without him playing there.

    Having Nate and Suke play at the same time, it’s almost a guilty feeling having this much fun, knowing Chuck would be loving this. Chuck did FaceTime with the band, saying he was jealous. It was bittersweet.

    Rob Derhak

    moe.rons can get a change to see Cerulo and Wilson with moe. a few times in July, as they will perform a free show at the Empire State Plaza on Wednesday, July 6 in Albany from 5:30-8:30 p.m., one that looks to have warm breezy weather for the show.

    They’ll then head west to Buffalo where the band first had their genesis, performing on Thursday, July 7 at Seneca Casinos Outer Harbor Concert Series at the Lakeside Event Lawn, with gates opening at 6pm. Friday, July 8 they’ll be on the shores of Cape Cod for Levitate Music Festival, and Saturday they can be found at Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue, performing alongside fellow Buffalonians Aqueous and headliners Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.

    Rob Derhak – photo by Filip Zalewski

    That won’t be all for moe. this summer though – they have a trio of shows in the Northeast over Labor Day weekend, starting at Stateside Amphitheater in Jay, VT on Friday, September 2, then they head down to Lake George for the annual ADK Independence Festival for two nights of two set shows. Labor Day weekend and moe. go hand in hand, given the nearly 20 years of moe.down festivals held in Turin and Mohawk, NY.

    We joked last year it was like a little moe.down and after playing, it really was. I’m looking forward to it because it’s a great three days of music, perfect size and location, the vibe is amazing, and made me think of moe.down quite a bit when we did it.

    Rob Derhak, on ADK Independence Music Festival

    Derhak noted that following the fall shows, moe. will look to start working with Garvey in “sometime in September and getting back to where we gotta go.” With regular check-ins and FaceTime calls, the band hopes to get a better idea of where Garvey is in his recovery and look ahead with new hope for the new year.

    moe. 2022 Summer Tour Dates

    7/6 – Albany, NY
    7/7 – Buffalo, NY
    7/8 – Marshfield, MA (Levitate Music Festival)
    7/9 – Patchogue, NY (Great South Bay Music Festival)
    7/10 – Seaside Heights, NJ
    9/2 – Jay, VT
    9/3-9/4 – Lake George, NY (ADK Fest)
    9/23-24 – St. Helena, CA

  • Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration Announces Lineup

    The Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration returns to Buffalo for its sixth annual event at the Buffalo Central Terminal on August 28. The event includes a diverse set of musical performances, art exhibits, a silent disco, speaker panels, and much more.

    The one-day celebration, previously described as “WNY-Buffalo’s Most Diverse Festival,” will welcome national and international musical acts, including performances by Stove God Cooks, DNTWATCHTV, Q Brock, Lindsay Niccs, and Grace Greenan among others. 

    In addition to giving space to many musical acts, the festival will also host art exhibitors kidwitthewings, Deja Marie, xoJOITA, Peter Ponce, and more. Attendees can also get a chance to see Burchfield-Penny Arts live painting, and numerous wearable and street art installations. 

    The Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration also includes curated talks, hosted by mind + body + soul, CannaBiz, Seat at the Table, and Toneyboi. There will also be food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a family fun area, and more.

    Founded by Buffalo native Lindsey Taylor, the festival has provided audiences with a wide array of exciting content since 2017 and aims to offer the community a way to connect through the arts. The annual event has continued to grow throughout the years, starting with an audience of 700 during its debut and now boasting over 2,000 attendees.

    This year’s celebration will be held from 2:00pm to 9:00pm and is a ticketed event. Single and group general admission tickets can be purchased are now available on the festival’s website.

    Leading up to the big event, Beau Fleuve will host entertainment from August 25 and end with their celebration on August 28. The events will include a comedy show on the 25th, a happy hour on the 26th, a field day and softball game on the 27th, and finally, finish on the 28th with the music and arts festival.

    Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Festival Lineup – August 28

    Notable Music Performances will be by National Recording & Touring Artist STOVE GOD COOKS, DNTWATCHTV, Q BROCK, LINDSAY NICCS, GRACE GREENAN, JOHNNY HART & THE MESS, CHUCKIE CAMPBELL, IMYOUNGWORLD, MC TAE, STRESS DOLLS & MORE 

    Notable Art Exhibitors include KIDWITTHEWINGS, DEJA MARIE, XOJOITA, PETER PONCE, JIMMY KELLER & MORE. 

    Notable Art Installation/Activation Areas include BURCHFIELD-PENNY ARTS LIVE PAINTING, STREET-ART, WEARABLE ART, SIT & THINK CHAIRS & MORE 

    Curated Talks will include MIND + BODY + SOUL, CANNABIZ, SEAT AT THE TABLE & TONEYBOI

  • Marina Laurendi Releases Nostalgic New Single “Neighborhood Kids”

    Buffalo-based indie singer-songwriter Marina Laurendi has released her second single “Neighborhood Kids” of her Stay Mine EP releasing this August.

    Neighborhood Kids – Mariana Laurendi

    “Neighborhood Kids” is a sweet and summertime hometown ballad. It starts with simple acoustic guitar, piano and light synth until it culminates with the bluesy electric guitar solo ending. The folksy Americana vibe reminiscent of Brandi Carlile, melancholic indie pop evoking Lana Del Rey, and an edgier blues sound with notes of Gary Clark Jr. could be sensed from this song. The lyric video of “Neighborhood Kids” will be released on Monday, June 27th.

    Marina Laurendi is a unique singer-songwriter who fuses elements of cinematic pop, alternative rock, and singer-songwriter lyricism. She was also a theatre performer and moved to NYC shortly after college to perform Off-Broadway and around the East Coast. However, as she returned to her hometown of Buffalo during the pandemic, she explored her roots with the “everything happens for a reason” attitude. Her music is heavily influenced by the pulse of the city along with the quiet nostalgia of her roots

    I wrote “Neighborhood Kids” after coming back home after years of living away. Seeing and re-experiencing my hometown in the summertime as an adult hit me with a wave of nostalgia-driving down the neighborhood streets at sunset, reconnecting with people I hung out with in high school- all of it brought back this youthful sense of rebellion, curiosity, and a sense of suburban restlessness that summed up my entire youth pretty well.

    Marina Laurendi

    She sums it up perfectly at the end of the song when she croons, “Bittersweet baby, I got nothing to chase it. The music’s been here but we don’t wanna face it. Nothing feels different when I’m hanging with the neighborhood kids.”

    Marina will be performing this summer at Griffon Gastropub in Lewiston on July 9, and at Gallo Coal Fire Kitchin in Lewiston on August 7. For more info visit her webpage.

  • I Prevail “True Power” Tour Will Hit New York this Fall

    Platinum-certified Michigan rock powerhouse I Prevail have announced their first North American headline tour in support of their new album True Power. The tour will come to New York City with a show at The Rooftop at Pier 17 on October 2 and to Buffalo Riverworks on November 20.

    I prevail true power

    Consisting of Brian Burkheiser (vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (vocals), Steve Menoian (guitars/bass), Dylan Bowman (guitars), and Gabe Helguera (drums), I Prevail have racked up more than 1.5 billion streams in the United States, drawn upwards of 334 million YouTube views. Their new album, True Power, produced by Tyler Smith, features stadium-sized riffs and supremely catchy melodies and is unforgettable.

    The band will embark on the “True Power” tour this fall with Pierce The Veil and Fit For a King supporting, as well as Yours Truly who will appear on the first leg, while Stand Atlantic will appear on the second leg. The first leg kicks off in Asbury Park, NJ, on September 9 and also includes an appearance at the Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on October 2. The second leg picks up in Las Vegas, NV, on October 22 with an appearance at the When We Were Young Festival.

    All dates are below. Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 24 at 10 am. Get tickets from iprevailband.com/#tour.

    I Prevail “True Power” Tour

    LEG 1:

    WITH PIERCE THE VEIL, FIT FOR A KING, + YOURS TRULY:

    9/9 — Asbury Park, NJ — Stone Pony Summer Stage

    9/10 — Danville, VA — Blue Ridge Rock Fest*#

    9/11 — Pittsburgh, PA — UPMC Events Center

    9/13 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room at Old National Centre

    9/14 — Oshkosh, WI — Oshkosh Arena#

    9/16 — St. Paul, MN — Myth Live

    9/17 — Ralston, NE — Liberty First Credit Union Arena#

    9/18 — Wichita, KS — Wave#

    9/20 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion

    9/21 — San Antonio, TX — Tech Port Center#

    9/23 — Lubbock, TX — Lonestar Amphitheater#

    9/24 — Dallas, TX — South Side Ballroom

    9/25 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall#

    9/27 — St. Petersburg, FL — Jannus Live

    9/28 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle

    9/29 — Lake Buena Vista, FL — House of Blues

    10/1 — Silvers Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring

    10/2 — New York, NY — The Rooftop at Pier 17

    10/4 — Montreal, QC — L’Olympia#

    10/5 — Toronto, ON — Rebel

    10/7 — Ft. Wayne, IN — The Clyde Theatre

    10/8 — Grand Rapids, MI — GLC Live at 20 Monroe

    10/9 — Chicago, IL — Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

    *I Prevail & Pierce The Veil Only // Festival Date

    LEG 2:

    WITH PIERCE THE VEIL, FIT FOR A KING, + STAND ATLANTIC:

    10/22 — Las Vegas, NV — When We Were Young Fest*

    10/23 — Las Vegas, NV — When We Were Young Fest*

    10/24 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern

    10/26 — San Jose, CA — San Jose Civic

    10/28 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren

    10/29 — Las Vegas, NV — When We Were Young Fest*

    10/31 — Reno, NV — Grand Sierra Resort & Casino

    11/1 — Boise, ID — Revolution Concert House and Event Center

    11/2 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex

    11/4 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium

    11/6 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater

    11/8 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave#

    11/9 — St. Louis, MO — The Factory

    11/11 — Cleveland, OH — Agora Theatre

    11/12 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center

    11/13 — Nashville, TN — Marathon Music Works

    11/15 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues

    11/18 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore Philadelphia

    11/19 — Cambridge, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    11/20 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo Riverworks#

    11/22 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore

    *I Prevail & Pierce The Veil Only // Festival Date

  • Fernway Release Debut Album “Autocrave,” Announce Summer Tour

    Buffalo-based band Fernway released their debut album Autocrave on June 17, and will hold an album release show on June 25 at Town Ballroom in Buffalo.

    fernway
    Photo Credit: Matt Sledziewski

    Fernway formed as a band in 2017 and consists of RJ DeMarco (vocals/guitar), Brett Robertson and Jonah Wrest (guitar), Tanner DeMarco (drums), and Alec Dube (bass). The band has diverse influences, from Stand Atlanic, The Band Camino, COIN, and Bo Burnham, among others, no member of the band listens to exactly the same music.

    The new album includes 29 minutes of new music across 9 tracks. Produced and engineered by lead singer RJ DeMarco, the album’s refreshing sound blends pop-rock, alternative emo, and elements of jazz.

    Autocrave as an album acknowledges the immense impact technology has on our society as a whole. A large focus of the project is on mental health and regaining control over your own happiness. 

    fernway

    Even the album artwork’s underlying messages focus on concepts of the addictive forms of technology and the way it can interrupt human connections. Created by Aaron Gordon and Quinn Gundel, the artwork was one of the most important parts of the album creation process.

    The artwork of the record is a representation of how the advancement of technology has consumed each and everything around us. The red lips represent technological consumption and domination of all that is around us while the white represents the vast unknown.

    Aaron Gordon and Quinn Gundel

    Many of the tracks come from deeply personal experiences of the band, including the track “Compass Free” which was born out of guitarist Brett Robertson’s struggles and is now one of the band member’s favorites. Of the album, the band shares that they “hope these songs comfort you while you learn to navigate the ever-changing terrain of the world we live in.”

    In the months leading up to the album release, Fernway has had 3 successful single releases and a great Spring tour across the Northeast region. In March, the band opened up for The Dangerous Summer and Cory Wells at Buffalo’s Rec Room.

    Fernway will celebrate the recent release at the Town Ballroom’s new Oxford Pennant Stage. The stage was built with a specific focus to showcase local and up-and-coming touring acts. The tickets for the release show on June 25 can be found here, and Fernway will also be joined by close friends Marquee Grand, Ghostpool, and Amateur Hockey Club.

    Following the celebration of the album, Fernway will be touring this summer with 10 shows across 6 different states. The Rock and roll band Imposters will join them on the road for 4 of the shows.

    Listen to Autocrave, out now on streaming services. Fernway also updates their playlist, “Spread The Love”, every two weeks, which showcases artists they wish to bring more exposure to.

    Fernway Summer Tour Dates

    July 6 – Mercury Lounge – New York, New York

    July 7 – Balmville Grange – Newburgh, New York*

    July 8 – Soundbank – Phoenixville, Pennsylvania*

    July 9 – House Of Independents – Asbury Park, New Jersey*

    July 10 – Barca City – New Brunswick, New Jersey*

    July 13 – Local 506 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    July 14 -The Milestone – Charlotte, North Carolina

    July 15 – House Space – Charlotte, North Carolina

    July 16 -TBD – Nashville, Tennessee

    July 17 – Legends Bar and Venue – Cincinnati, Ohio

    *with Imposters

  • Flashback: Monsters of Rock Tour Arrives in Orchard Park – June 19, 1988

    The 1980s were the heydey of hair metal and hard rock, and as the genre found its audience, the Monsters of Rock concert tour was formed, bringing together the best international lineup of metal acts the world has ever seen. And for one day in June of 1988, five bands would put on a show for the ages in Western New York.

    Monsters of Rock
    Official T-shirt for the Monsters of Rock 1988 tour – shirts cost $18 to $23, hats $13, bandannas $8 and buttons $3

    Originating in England in 1980, the first Monsters of Rock lineup and one-day festival was promoted by Paul Loasby and Maurice Jones, and included British and international bands for 35,000 fans at Donington Park race track in Leicestershire in the Midlands region of England. Originally conceived as a one-off event, the idea evolved into a touring festival in 1981 for 15 years in a row, only taking a break in 1989 and 1993. Loasby recalled the formation of that first year in England to The Guardian:

    We hoped we would get 50,000 [people]. We wanted to break even at 30,000. However, because it was done the way it was we were not in control of some of the aspects – such as the cost of the police. But also, the “fuck factor” as you’d call it, is the miscellaneous. It rained and it rained and it rained [beforehand], so suddenly your trackway [temporary road] costs and your straw costs rise. We ended up with just under 36,000. A quick piece of maths showed that we’d lost money, but it wasn’t horrible.

    Paul Loasby on the first Monsters of Rock show

    Arriving at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park on June 19, the 1988 Monsters of Rock Tour featured Van Halen, Scorpions, Dokken, Metallica and Kingdom Come, marking the only time the epic international metal concert tour made its way through the Empire State.

    Monsters of Rock
    Van Halen + Metallica = Vantallica

    Headlining the show was Van Halen, who were hot on the heels of promoting their album OU812, and used the Monsters of Rock Tour to form the first section of their OU812 tour. Thus, the name of the festival this year was Van Halen’s Monsters of Rock.

    Monsters of Rock van halen
    Van Halen Summer ’88 Concert Shirt

    The 23-city tour criss-crossed America over May, June and July of 1988, gaining the moniker “the most extravagent rock show ever” with the five bands performing over nine hours of music to more than 2 million fans who were expected across the North American tour.

    “It’s like the NBA playoffs everynight, except we dont use balls, we use guitars,” said bassist Michael Anthony in talking to The Today Show. Sammy Hagar added “NBA playoffs, title fight, every night. there’s so much music its probably really tough on the people the next day,” mimicking the headache they might have the next day, then adding in “a week later, that was the greatest thing I ever did.”

    Being a large scale event with multiple acts, there was a long gap between many dates while the band’s gear was transported and set up. A total of 50 tractor trailers carrying 75 tons of sound equiptment traveled between each venue, adding to tour dates that were spaced out as seen below.

    May 27-29East Troy, WIAlpine Valley Music Theatre
    June 4MiamiOrange Bowl
    June 5TampaTampa Stadium
    June 10Washington D.C.RFK Stadium
    June 11PhiladelphiaJFK Stadium
    June 12BostonSullivan Stadium
    June 15PittsburghThree Rivers Stadium
    June 17-18DetroitPontaic Silverdome
    June 19BuffaloRich Stadium
    June 22-23AkronRubber Bowl
    June 25PortlandOxford Plains Speedway
    June 26-27East RutherfordGiants Stadium
    July 2HoustonRice Stadium
    July 3DallasCotton Bowl
    July 6IndianapolisHoosier Dome
    July 9MemphisMemorial Stadium
    July 10Kansas CityArrowhead Stadium
    July 13MinneapolisMetrodome
    July 16San FranciscoCandlestick Park
    July 20SpokaneJoe Albi Stadium
    July 23-24Los AngelesLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum
    July 27SeattleKingdome
    July 30DenverMile High Stadium

    Monsters of Rock 1988 was the third time then up-and-coming heavy metal band Metallica would tour on the lineup, and the second year in a row. The 1988 shows gave early hype for their eventual classic album …And Justice For All, leading to “Harvester of Sorrow” making appearances in the setlist throughout the tour. This also marked the first tour since bass player Cliff Burton passed away in September 1986. Listen to Audio of their Buffalo set here.

    Dokken was another notable band to join the show, although an attendee notes there were tensions between lead singer Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch, leading to a short and uninspired set. Veteran German rock band Scorpions were a major European rock artist at the time, and their fans felt the love throughout the show.

    Over time, the Monsters of Rock tour would decline, due in part to two fans dying during a Guns N’ Roses set later in 1988, with crowds that pushed 100,000 and muddy/wet conditions being contributing factors. This led to the festival being cancelled for 1989, with a two day festival, Moscow Music Peace Festival held in Russia, featuring Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe and Scorpions. When Monsters of Rock returns in 1990, the crowd size was limited to 75.000.

    Monsters of Rock

    Kingdom Come setlist: Get It On, What Love Can Be

    Metallica setlist: The Ecstasy of Gold, Creeping Death, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Harvester of Sorrow, Whiplash, Fade to Black, Seek & Destroy, Master of Puppets, Last Caress, Am I Evil?, Battery

    Dokken setlist: Without Warning, Tooth and Nail, Just Got Lucky, Burning Like a Flame, Into the Fire, Heaven Sent, It’s Not Love, Guitar Solo, Mr. Scary, Dream Warriors, Alone Again, Turn on the Action

    Scorpions setlist: Blackout, Big City Nights, Rhythm of Love, Bad Boys Running Wild, Make It Real, Coast to Coast, Still Loving You, Don’t Stop at the Top, Can’t Live Without You, Coming Home, The Zoo, No One Like You, Rock You Like a Hurricane, Dynamite

    Van Halen setlist: A.F.U. (Naturally Wired), Summer Nights, There’s Only One Way to Rock, Panama, Bass Solo, Runnin’ With the Devil, Why Can’t This Be Love, Mine All Mine, Drum Solo, You Really Got Me, Sucker in a 3 Piece, When It’s Love, Eagles Fly, I Can’t Drive 55, Best of Both Worlds, Guitar Solo, Black and Blue, Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love, Superstition, Rock and Roll

  • FARROW to Release Debut Album “Agitate” on July 9

    After three years together, Rock ‘n Soul band FARROW, from Buffalo, is gearing up to release their first album, Agitate, on July 9. With joyous music and infectious melodies, this diverse group of musicians excels on this newest project.

    Agitate will be the first of three EPs in a series.  To accompany the sound component of the album, FARROW will have video releases for each song every month.  These videos will be available to the Farrow Fan Club on Patreon.

    FARROW is made up of seven talented musicians and artists.  Led by André Pilette (producer/bass) and Michael Farrow (lyricist/singer), the band released two previous singles on Spotify, “Rise Up” and “Insoluble” in 2020. Other members feature Tim Webb (drums), Michael Ruopoli (percussion), Cory Clancy (guitar), Rufus “Breezy” Cole Jr. (keys), and Danielle Johnson (backing vocals).

    The new album is filled with joyous, empowering lyrics and snappy beats. The second track, “Steal My Joy,” opens up with laughter and the lyrics “you ain’t gonna mess with me today!” – a phrase that seems to encapsulate a theme of the album. 

    Just one listen and it is easy to move to the rhythm. FARROW’s Agitate explores different beats and instrumentation on the album, and all 6 tracks are energetic and thought-provoking.

    The group has a history of performing around Western NY, with other performances including Buffalo Iron Works, Sportsmen’s Tavern, Bowery Electric, Rockwood Music Hall, and more. In the future, they will extend their reach, including a performance at the North By Northeast Festival in Toronto. 

    To celebrate the release of their first album, FARROW will hold a party and concert at Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo on July 9.

    Key tracks: Steal My Joy, In This Place, Love Me For Me

    FARROW is also performing at the following upcoming events:

    June 18 – NXNE Music Festival – Toronto

    June 26 – Elmwood Summerfest – Buffalo

    July 7 – Thursday & Main – Buffalo

    July 9 – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Buffalo

    July 22 – Sunset at the Stables at Knox Farm State Park – East Aurora

    Aug. 19 – The Erie County Fair – Hamburg

    Sep. 17 – Borderland Music + Arts Festival – East Aurora

  • Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival Announced for July 2nd

    The Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival has been announced for July 2nd, including 25 bands, an Explore Art tent for kids, street performances, and much more.

    For the past two years, the Ramble has been put on hold due to the pandemic. However, it is coming back this year, bigger and better than ever. The event will take place in Jackson Square and on Jackson Street in Batavia on July 2nd from 10am – 9pm. 

    Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival Announced July 2nd

    We are so excited that the Ramble will be happening again this year! We wanted to make it the best one yet, so we partnered with our friends at GO ART! to help us not only grow the entire event but also bring more of a presence to the ‘arts’ side of the festival. It really is shaping up to be an incredible event. And I think everyone is going to love it!

    -Paul Draper III
    Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival Announced July 2nd

    Batavia Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians, who have a connection to Batavia and the surrounding areas, which features a variety of musical genres. This year’s Ramble will consist of two stages; The Main Stage sponsored by Eli Fish in Jackson Square, and the Jackson Street Stage sponsored by Center Street Smoke House. 

    Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival Announced July 2nd

    The tentative lineup is as follows: 

    Eli Fish Stage: 

    The Ghost Riders 
    Groove 
    Warren Skye and Friends 
    Kissin’ Whiskey 
    DriVen 
    The Trolls 2.0 
    Lonesome Road 
    Marnie Kay and the Nonblondes 
    Beethoven’s Dream Group 
    Sierra 
    Noah Gokey 
    Jostepa Trio 
    The Bluesway Band 
    Zackstreet Boys 

    Jackson Street Stage

    Steve Krupper 
    Tom Ryan and Friends 
    PD3 
    Knaudt and Chua 
    Vette 
    Midnight Cruisers 
    Brick 
    Spare Parts 
    High Pines 
    The Remediators 
    Bad Sign 

    Batavia Ramble

    In addition to all the music and activities, there will be vendors including artists, food, and beer. Guests are reminded to bring a chair or a blanket. 

    For more information visit the link here.

    Batavia Ramble
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