Buffalo artist Stress Dolls released a new single, “Body,” preceding a performance at Funk ‘N Waffles in Syracuse.
Stress Dolls is the moniker of Chelsea O’Donnell, an alt/pop/rock artist from Buffalo. Originally the name of a band, O’Donnell adopted the Stress Dolls title for herself and decided to move to Nashville after the group split up in 2017.
However, chronic health issues led to O’Donnell’s hospitalization less than a year later. After undergoing a feeding tube procedure, O’Donnell moved back to Buffalo, and after a period of recovery, began writing, performing, and recording again. Largely due to the tentative nature of her health, O’Donnell established Stress Dolls as a solo act in order to decrease stress and go at her own pace.
During this time, O’Donnell wrote “Body.” The song is a reflection of O’Donnell’s complicated relationship with her body in the face of ongoing health concerns, including Crohn’s disease and gastroparesis.
“I’m working on not pitting blame, or shame, on my body anymore, and through that practice I’ve realized that, really, the body is amazing.” O’Donnell said. “Mine withstood all of that anger, angst, stress, and physical anguish, and with some help, it found ways to heal. I’m learning to be a friend to my body instead of an opponent, and that’s making all the difference.”
On a warm Tuesday, August 1st evening, the Outerharbor in Buffalo, became the epicenter of a breathtaking display of rock mastery as Alter Bridge, Sevendust, and Mammoth WVH kicked off their highly anticipated Pawns and Kings tour. With an intimate atmosphere and a diverse set of hits and new songs, this show proved to be a memorable and personal experience for every rock enthusiast in attendance.
Mammoth WVH, the brainchild of the multi-talented Wolfgang Van Halen (Son of Eddie Van Halen), stormed the stage first, proving that talent indeed runs in the family. Despite being relatively new to the music scene, Mammoth WVH delivered a blistering performance that left a lasting impact. The crowd sang along to the infectious hooks of hits like “Mr. Ed,” “You’re to Blame,” and “Don’t Back Down.” Wolfgang’s mastery of the guitar was awe-inspiring, and his powerful vocals resonated throughout the venue.
But it was when Mammoth WVH performed “Distance,” a poignant tribute to his late father, that the atmosphere became particularly emotional. The song’s heartfelt lyrics, combined with Wolfgang’s raw emotion, struck a chord with the audience, leaving many in tears.
Sevendust took the stage next, despite being a four-piece due to guitarist John Connolly’s unfortunate illness. This setback didn’t diminish the band’s energy, as they burst onto the stage with an electrifying presence. Lajon, Sevendust’s iconic lead singer, won the hearts of the audience with his endearing interaction with the crowd. When a cheeky fan yelled, “Go Bills,” Lajon, a staunch Kansas City Chiefs supporter, playfully replied, which was met with good-natured boos before they all united in headbanging and cheers as the band started playing.
Morgan Rose
Sevendust’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of classic hits and new songs from their latest album. The crowd erupted when they played their hits, “Face to Face,” “Denial,” and “Thank You.” The new tracks also received an enthusiastic response, showcasing Sevendust’s ability to maintain their signature sound while continuing to evolve as artists.
Finally, the moment the crowd had been eagerly waiting for arrived as Alter Bridge took center stage. As always, their musicianship and tight-knit chemistry were evident from the first note. Frontman Myles Kennedy’s soulful voice soared, captivating everyone in the venue. Alter Bridge’s setlist was a perfect blend of their most beloved hits, including “Silver Tongue,” “Come to Life,” and the anthemic “Rise Today.” Each song brought a surge of energy, with the audience singing and headbanging along in unison.
What truly made this concert special was the connection between the bands and their fans. The intimate setting of the Outerharbor allowed for a more personal experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie between the artists and their audience. The bands interacted with the crowd, creating an atmosphere of genuine appreciation and love for the music.
The Pawns and Kings tour’s opening night in Buffalo was an unforgettable evening of powerful performances, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of rock music’s enduring spirit. Sevendust, despite the setback, showed resilience and enthusiasm. Mammoth WVH demonstrated immense promise and talent, and Alter Bridge once again proved why they are revered as one of rock’s finest acts.
As the night drew to a close, it was evident that this tour would leave a lasting impression on fans and musicians alike. The Pawns and Kings tour is a testament to the timeless allure of rock music, and with this spectacular start, it is sure to captivate audiences across the nation. If this performance was any indication, the journey is set to be a magnificent one, and those who are fortunate enough to attend will undoubtedly be in for an unforgettable experience.
Post Malone is no stranger to Western NY. Growing up just outside of Syracuse brought this booming artist out to Darien Lake July 17. He gathered not just his family, but also dedicated fans who sold out this venue effortlessly.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
NYC’s very own underground band Beach Fossils opened up the night. They filled the amphitheater with their dreamy pop influences and narrative story-telling. Core band members consist of Dustin Payseur, Tommy Davidson, Jack Doyle Smith, and Anton Hochheim.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Richard Austin Post, also known as Post Malone, is a well renowned rapper and singer. He first gained serious traction in 2015 for his hit “White Iverson” and from there absolutely steam-rolled the music scene. People may have discovered Posty from a popular song but soon found that this man’s discography is full of bangers.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Post Malone has invited a new element into traditional rap songs. His incomparable vocals and love for all genres makes him an artist that can’t be defined by short terminology. Post Malone’s performance at Darien Lake proved just that. He began his show filling the stage with numerous band members. Half of which were orchestra members playing the violin, cello, and more. The airy notes and melancholy strumming gave a nostalgic vibe. Post Malone then walked on stage and rose his red solo cup in celebratory fashion before rocking out to “Better Now.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The one take away from Posty’s If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying tour is wow does this man know how to put on a show. From insane guitar solos, to belting vocals, to stage production that had jaws dropped. He performed songs stretching across all his timeless albums. Additionally, he played his latest singles “Mourning” and “Overdrive” which will be on his upcoming album Austin.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Don’t let anybody fucking stop you from living your fucking dreams. And thank you for giving me the confidence to live mine and chase my fucking dreams. I hope y’all do the same fucking thing ladies and gentlemen. Don’t let anybody fucking stop you from being who the fuck you are.
Post Malone to the Darien Lake crowd
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Throughout the concert Post Malone continuously shared his gratitude for the unwavering support from his fans. As a new father and a man who beat the 27 club there was much to celebrate that night. Post Malone is nothing short of an inspiration. He encourages people to chase their dreams and celebrate even the smallest of milestones. Individuals who meet this young artist always say he has the kindest soul and somehow people can feel that even from hundreds of feet away.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
He brought the feels back when performing “Feeling Whitney” and “I Fall Apart.” Posty puts his full emotion when singing these songs and running all over the stage. He finished the night with his upbeat single “Chemical” and went out to meet fans immediately after.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The love of Post Malone can be felt everywhere and if you want to be a part of that make sure to listen to his upcoming album Austin set to release July 28. For our Western NY family make sure to check out upcoming shows at Darien Lake. Foreigner will be there July 28. Also Boy George and Culture Club performs July 29. Get tickets here.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Setlist: Better Now, Wow, Zack and Codeine, Goodbyes, Hollywood Dreams (cover), Mourning, I Like You, Jonestown Interlude, Take What You Want, Over Now, Rockstar, Feeling Whitney, Stay, Overdrive, I Fall Apart, Wrapped Around Your Finger, Circles, Enough is Enough, Too Young, White Iverson, Congratulations
Early 2000’s band Dirty Heads made a stop in Buffalo for their Island Glow Tour on Thursday, July 13 for a sold-out show. The West-Coast rockers brought their Southern California roots to Buffalo Riverworks and completely blew fans away.
The event was stacked with openers including G. Love & Special Sauce, Tropidelic, and Lupe Fiasco. Lupe Fiasco absolutely wooed the crowd when performing his hit records “Battle Scars,” and “The Show Goes On.”
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Dirty Heads have created a unique sound by mixing hip-hop, reggae, and rock. This dynamic band consists of Jared “Dirty J” Watson, Dustin “Daddy B” Bushnell, Jon Olazabal, Matt Ochoa, David Foral, and Shawn Gonzalez. All the members help establish a layered sound with trumpets, horns, drums, guitar, and keys. Despite the amount of people on stage they still keep large empty space for those with solos to come up front and interact with fans.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Up Late With Dirty Heads
Once the clock hit 10:10 the band took over the stage and opened with “Heavy Water” off of their latest album Midnight. Fans ranging from young kids and older folk all showed their dedication not missing a single lyric. This proved to be especially true when Dirty Heads performed a throwback song of theirs “Lay Me Down,” off of their 2012 album Any Port in a Storm.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Halfway into the night the lead members even took a pause from their show because the crowd wouldn’t stop cheering. A moment of gratitude was taken in as fans went crazy for a solid 2 minutes. The band acknowledged how special this Buffalo show was. A huge marker in their music career.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Nothing got fans rowdier as when Dirty Heads played their track “Vacation” which has gained serious traction over the past few years. The song garnered over 6 billion views and streams across social media platforms making everyone in Riverworks incredibly hyped up. They closed out the night with “Island Glow” in honor of this special tour. Fans were left awaiting for another Dirty Heads show.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
If you missed Dirty Heads in Buffalo, no worries! Catch their other shows coming nearby at Patchogue and Pittsburgh. The Riverworks venue in the summer is unmatched. Upcoming events there include Sunset Sundays and a Murder Mystery. Get your tickets here.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Setlist: Heavy Water, Medusa, Bum Bum, Franco Eyed, Silence, That’s All I Need, Life’s Been Good, Vacation, My Sweet Summer, El Dorado, Your Love / Garland / Lay Me Down, John Linen, Burn Slow, Rage, Rescue Me, Oxygen, Moon Tower
Benny The Butcher‘s Black Soprano Family imprint continues to flood the streets. This time, Buffalo native Rick Hyde takes aim with his latest single “Streets Ain’t The Same” in anticipation of his new album, LUPARA. Featuring Benny The Butcher and El Camino on the chorus, the record sees Rick & Benny go-back-and forth while recounting their rise and grind as hustlers. “‘Streets Ain’t The Same’ is self-explanatory in a sense,” explains Rick Hyde. “After the trials and tribulations and losses, it’s just difficult for things to return to normalcy. That’s where we were at on this record,” he continues. “I asked Benny to go back and forth with me and he agreed. We just started speaking our perspectives, no pens, or paper, just pure lyricism. That’s the joy of this record. Long live DJ Shay!”
Slated for an August 4 release, LUPARA will be Rick Hyde’s second BSF project. His 2021 debut, Plates 2, featured a mix of contemporary stars and underground legends the likes of Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, A$AP Ferg, G Herbo, Meyhem Lauren and Skyzoo with production from The Alchemist, Harry Fraud, Daringer and the late DJ Shay. Quickly following that up with 2022’s STIMA, Rick Hyde now prepares for the release of his third project in as many years.
Meanwhile, LUPARA will continue the run of a Black Soprano Family release every month of 2023. All in all, Benny and the BSF team continue to make their names heard. In like manner Head Honcho and Griselda mainstay Benny The Butcher continues to take helm of his own label imprint. Much like the blueprint set by Griselda, Benny’s artists are all of a similar street ilk, making for seamless transition into the BSF fold sonically, with Benny featuring in many of his artists songs and projects.
Hip-hop artists are the most envied and least protected individuals on the planet. Many pursue a rap career without knowledge of the risks associated with the occupation. Keisha Plum could be considered a rapper, yet she never has to sound like one. She sounds sensuous and soulful as her poetic tongue glides down the back end of Griselda tracks. A true spoken word poet – this woman gives hope to those who speak their truth in the form of soliloquies.
In Plum Poetry We Trust
Keisha Plum – a.k.a Buffalo Jill – drips Tears of Honey onto every page. A great deal of her poetry began when she would send meaningful letters to her brother who was serving in the military.
Growing up in Buffalo made her gravitate toward the African American Cultural Center to express herself. Within the AACC compound, she learned what she could do with her craft. A young Keisha Plum learned about her roots through various mediums of cultural black excellence.
“If Rakim & Nikki Giovanni did the nasty, they would have had me.”
K.Plum on Flygod
She learned that she could write poetry and talk shit at the same time. Obviously, it is much deeper than that but it is evident that she enjoys to paint vivid pictures with her poems. Drawing incredible inspiration from the likes of Maya Angelou, this phenomenal woman lays down piercing poetry that encapsulates the entire Griselda movement.
Griselda the Behemoth
Griselda Records hits you from so many different angles. With nearly 30 artists on roster – each one brings something different and puts the listener into a different perspective on each and every track.
Not to mention, they are the head of the umbrella to all of these spectacular artists that hear their work and strive to go harder than the day before. It is such a blessing to discover all of these underground talents adjacent to Griselda who just want to put their own spin on it.
Clearly, Westside Gunn never even had to touch a mic and he would still be set – his kid’s great-grandkids would be set. But we are so glad he did. His lead-by-example no nonsense approach, creative direction and guerilla marketing tactics place him head and shoulders above the competition.
Westside Gunn is the type of individual who ensures that his legacy will carry on for generations. Ultimately, humans judgment ultimately occurs as a result of outcomes. Did you push yourself every day to ensure that your work will live on when your physical form no longer can? WSG pushes him and his team to their furthest extent – hence all of the new artists and real rap that has risen to the forefront in the past decade.
Buffalo Kids Stick Together
Westside Gunn and Keisha Plum attended Grammar School for the Gifted & Talented together. When Keisha had to settle for a retail job, Wes pulled up on her at the mall to recruit her talent. He wrote poems for Keisha to lay down in the booth as everything came into fruition with meticulous planning and preparation. It was just up to her to fine tune the content, plug & play words that she saw fit and ultimately execute the vision laid before her.
The most impressive part about Keisha Plum and her ascension is the way that she bends the genre backwards and flips hip-hop on its headpiece. She is living proof that if you know yourself – know your worth – know what you’re capable of doing – and act upon ideas you can be successful. This woman is single-handedly rearranging the constructs of hip-hop one spoken word at a time.
Interested in hearing her live? Catch her at The Cookout in September.
Several recording studios in Western New York are at the disposal of aspiring musicians looking to make a name for themselves in the industry. Within the region, Buffalo and Rochester are the epicenter of music-making. with many studios established for decades, and others just starting out.
Counties of Western New York
Blackdog Recording Studios in Rochester, incorporated in 2005, is a full-service audio and video production company located in the heart of downtown Rochester’s East End district, right near the world-renowned Eastman School of Music. The studio offers a wide array of specialized services including recording, mixing, mastering, and a wide variety of aspects of audio, podcast, video production, musical scores, sync licensing, and educational programming.
The sound room in Blackdog Recording Studios.
Wicked Squid Studios in Rochester offers recording, mixing, mastering, editing services, and music lessons for artists. The facility has two studios, A and B, and a mobile recording studio, “The Truck.” The custom-built RV functions as a mobile control room, and can be used for location recording, broadcast, and mixdown.
The sound room in Studio A at Wicked Squid Studios.
GFI Music Productions in Wayne County, part of the Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area, has welcomed a steady stream of talented artists of all styles from legendary multi-platinum artists such as Lou Gramm (Foreigner) and Russell Tompkins Jr. (Stylistics) to well-known genre artists like Greg Howe, Victor Wooten and Dennis Chambers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a band just starting, GFI will assure that your recording experience is a great one. GFI offers several recording, production, and artist management services. GFI has two studios, A, and B, available for artists’ recording needs.
GFI’s Studio A is one of the best tracking and mixing rooms in Upstate New York. Studio A offers state-of-the-art digital recording, a 14’x23′ control room, a 25′x 27′ main room, a 6′x 7′ iso booth, and more. Studio B is equipped with a 14’x 22′ control room, a 14’x 26′ main room, and a 5’x 6′ iso booth, and offers HD recording and editing, among others.
A guitar set in Studio B of GFI Recording Studio.
Outer Limit Recording Studio opened in 1993 and is located in the Erie County city of Cheektowaga, a suburb of Buffalo, and offers artists high-quality recording, professional mixing, professional mastering, music production, and more. The studio comes equipped with a control room, recording room, production suite, drum room, piano room, snack room, game room/lounge, and writing room. The control room is outfitted with top-quality outboard gear by Avalon, Focusrite, Universal Audio, Lexicon, PreSonus, Grace Design, Empirical Labs, and more. The recording room comes equipped with microphones from Neumann, AKG, Blue, Sennheiser, Oktava, GA Project, Shure, and a dozen others, allowing artists to have the best mic quality to achieve the best sound for their music. The production, the newest edition to the outer limit, is available to rent to produce beats with either Maschine and its controller and keyboard, or with Reason and the controller and/or keyboard.
Outer Limit provides musicians with four soundproof performance rooms, each offering its own unique sound, bringing a different depth and quality to your project. The 1945 Everett upright in the piano room, from the now-defunct Everett Piano Company, is always tuned and waiting, and the room has been specifically designed for great sound. The snack room is available anytime for artists to unwind or have a bite to build up their energy, and provides a microwave and a small refrigerator. While your songs are being mixed or if you just need a break from the studio, enjoy the Xbox One or PS4 in the game room. Lastly, the writing room is the perfect place to rework your music or put that last-minute sparkling touch on your project.
In business for nearly three decades as of 2023, Outer Limit Recording Studio is one of the top recording studios in New York State and one of the go-to studios in Buffalo. Owner and chief engineer Ken Rutkowski is determined to provide each client with the best recording possible and an inspiring and comfortable environment in which to create it. Big names in the music business like Smokepurpp, Eminem Raheem DeVaughn, and the music group D-12 have recorded at the Outer Limit, as have local recording artists based in Western New York and all throughout the East Coast.
Ken Rutkowski, chief engineer/owner of Outer Limit Recording Studio.
GCR Audio, located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, has worked with the Goo Goo Dolls on several of their albums. Buffalo natives, the Goo Goo Dolls recorded their self-titled debut album Goo Goo Dolls, as well as Jed, Hold Me Up, Superstar Car Wash, A Boy Named Goo, Jessie J, and Who You Are at GCR Audio. Opened in 1980 and originally known as Trackmaster Audio, the studio is housed in the former chapel of the historically protected, 150-year-old St. Margaret’s Girls School.
GCR Audio was designed by world-famous studio architect John Storyk (Electric Lady Studios, Jungle City, personal studios for Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Jay Z, Aerosmith, Green Day, and Alicia Keys). Prior to the Goo Goo Dolls gaining international success in the mid-’90s, both guitarist/singer John Rzeznik and bassist/singer Robby Takac worked at the studio in various roles that ranged from reception to engineering and producing. Their first #1 song, “Name,” was recorded at GCR Audio while it was still known as Trackmaster.
The Fender Jaguar guitar is available for musicians to practice with at Select Sound Recording Studio.
Select Sound Recording Studios in Erie County Village of Kenmore, part of the Buffalo-Niagra Falls metropolitan area, has been in business in New York for nearly 50 years since 1974. Select Sound provides musical artists with two recording studios, A and B, and a comfort and convenience area with a reception, lounge, and coffee area. The main studio, A, has a control room, a Yamaha C-7 Grand Piano, a drum riser, and a live room. Studio B is equipped with a vocal booth for voice-overs, editing, and spot production. The studio was designed by Lakeside Associates, now theYanchar Design and Consulting Group, who designed the Los Angeles headquarters of Disney-ABC, Capitol Records, and both the Los Angeles and New York headquarters for CBS Records.
ProTools MIDI suite with a vocal booth in Studio B of Select Sound Recording Studio.
Additionally, Select Sound Recording Studios offers a wide variety of training programs for musicians. The Vocational Training Program is made up of six courses, First in Audio Recording, followed by Non-Linear Recording, Advanced Production Techniques, Midi and Sequencing for the Home and Pro Studio, Analog Recording and Mastering, and lastly, an Independent Study for Advanced Students. Furthermore, internships are available for students in the Vocational Training Program.
The Control Room in Studio A of Select Sound Recording Studios.
Recording Technologies 1: Audio Engineering is a comprehensive study of the history of recording, the recording chain, the physics of sound, production techniques, studio acoustics, signal processing equipment, various applications of microphones and direct lines, and the operation of the mixing console. Students participate in the production of a recording session. Recording Technologies 2: Non-Linear Recording teaches students what they need to know to complete a recording project, from initial setup to final mixdown. Recording Technologies 3: Advanced Production Technologies provides a more detailed look at Pro Tools and covers all the key concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools LE system. Students will learn about external controllers, loop recording, advanced techniques, audio editing and file management techniques, automation enabling, playing, viewing, and editing automation data, mixing, using sends, returns, plug-ins, master faders, and groups.
The Yamaha C-7 Grand Piano in Studio A of Select Sound Recording Studio. Tuning and maintenance by BPO technician Robert Sowyrda.
The next class, Recording Studios 4: MIDI and Sequencing for the Home and Pro Studio teaches students the basics of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI,) event editing and its role in music creation. Students will learn how to create sequencer and drum patterns without needing any keyboard skills and be able to use them to enhance audio recordings, complete songs, or just create demos. The focus will also be on analog synthesis, sampling, and loop construction as it applies to the creation of much of today’s music using Propellerhead’s Reason software. In Recording Studios 5: Analog Recording and Mastering, students will learn analog recording and mixing, audio for multi-media, and 5.1 surround sound production. The final course, Recording Studios 6: Independent Study for Advanced Students concentrates on the student’s professional goals, and the student will receive a block of hours for instruction, pre-production, recording, mixing, and mastering.
Mammoth Recording Studio in Buffalo exhibits a laid-back, old-school feel akin to that of a ‘70s rec room or secret clubhouse, complete with a rotary dial telephone. Its décor radiates a colorful, comfortable vibe that reflects the studio’s philosophy, which is to provide creative, high-end production that helps to realize the musician’s initial ideas and facilitate their journey as artists. Mammoth is owned and operated by Justin John Smith and Mike Santillo. Smith, singer, and guitarist of Aircraft, has a degree in sound recording from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Santillo is the Keyboardist for Buffalo’s The Tins and has been recording his band’s music for the better part of a decade.
The inside of Mammoth Recording Studio.Musicians have access to the Korg MS-20 guitar center at Mammoth Recording Studio.
LBA Recording Studio in North Collins, a village in Erie County, was established in 2010 and offers music production, recording, analog mixing, mastering, and photography for musicians. LBA Studios is a 40-track professional recording studio focused on delivering high-quality audio with an inspiring analog sound. LBA is fully equipped with an extensive collection of vintage and modern pieces of professional recording equipment. When it comes time to record, there are multiple rooms with video communication and personal audio mixers for your headphones. It’s a comfy vibe just a short car ride from Buffalo.
Owner Mike Congliosi II has a long history and background in music making. Music producer, recording engineer, and sole proprietor at LBA, he has more than 20 years of experience in the business, first began recording music in 1998, and has an associate’s degree from Villa Maria College of Buffalo before obtaining his master’s in studio production from SUNY Purchase. Throughout his career, Congliosi has worked with hundreds of artists in many various genres from around the United States.
Mike Congliosi, owner of LBA Studios. A drumset at LBA Studios.
A wide array of recording studios are at artists’ disposal who are looking to make a name in the music business in Central New York. Some of these studios have been in business for decades, while others are just starting out. Buffalo and Rochester are the epicenters of music-making in Western New York, with several recording studios at artists’ disposal.
It was hot and muggy in Western New York on July 16, 1990. Crosby, Stills and Nash were opening up for the Grateful Dead at Rich Stadium, and Brent Mydland was amid his final tour with the Dead.
The Grateful Dead played Buffalo a total of 12 times in their storied career, including May 9, 1977 at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (a day after the famed Cornell 77 show) a show at Kleinhan’s Music Hall on March 17, 1970, and six total shows at Rich Stadium, including this show in 1990. A typical summer stop from 1986-1993, Orchard Park’s Rich Stadium had far more space for fans, after the band outgrew the Memorial Auditorium, The Rich shows becoming part of Deadhead lore.
Playing in Foxboro, MA the night before, fans trekked overnight from Eastern Massachusetts to Western New York, a seven hour drive (not factoring in stops, switching drivers and catching sleep at rest stops along the way). With a capacity of more than 70,000, Rich Stadium was ready to welcome more than Foxboro held by a margin of 10,000, plus plenty of fans arriving from across the Empire State who would call this their first Grateful Dead show.
On the NYS Thruway, traffic crawled in the heat, with fans walking along the highway, slow cars filling the breakdown lane, with fans looking for Miracles via hand-lettered signs as you filed into the Rich Stadium lot. The traffic was so bad getting from the Thruway to Orchard Park, fans were pulling into the lot as the opener, Crosby, Stills and Nash, were beginning to play, the songs trickling over the top of Rich Stadium.
Ticket to the Grateful Dead at Rich Stadium, July 16, 1990
Part of their “Live It Up Tour,” Crosby, Stills and Nash toured off the album Live It Up, the first album the trio recorded since 1983. The album came together when Crosby and Nash began working on a new album as a pair, but following the trio performing at the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Stills became involved in the Crosby and Nash project, as noted in Dave Zimmer’s Crosby, Stills and Nash: The Authorized Biography (The Definitive Inside Story of the Super Group).
View this and more Grateful Dead shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below!
Playing a set that was mostly unchanged for the entire tour, CSN made sense as an opener – both bands were part of the late 60s music explosion on the west coast, and with Crosby from Los Angeles and the Dead based in San Francisco and many festival and show billings together, the two bands shared a long history together. Crosby even recorded and performed live with members of the Grateful Dead, billed as David and the Dorks for three shows in 1970. So an opening slot or two on their summer tour was a natural fit, especially with large stadiums like Foxboro and The Rich on the tour schedule.
David and a dork
However, CSN did not mix up their setlist and did not factor in the Grateful Dead shows on their tour, where fans would see more than one night of the tour and catch onto repeats a bit faster. Fans not engaged in the July 16th opening set led to Graham Nash saying to the audience something to the effect of “show us you deserve to wear those tye-dyes and get into it,” reacting to fans non-reaction of the milquetoast opener. One fan recalled that at both shows they saw on the tour, CSN said both times “So, this is what a Grateful Dead audience looks like” with the same banter factored into the set.
This show at Rich Stadium for the Grateful Dead would also be the final tour for Brent Mydland, although that may not have been apparent to many fans at the time. A week later, Mydland would play his final show with the Dead, and die three days later from an overdose. There are points of the show between tunes where the band is enjoying themselves and Brent takes a moment to play a few bars of George M. Cohan’s “Over There” and the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” keeping it playful and fans on their toes during these brief interludes.
It was unmistakable though, the presence of Mydland on this short, Midwest/east-coast 12-show summer tour, that made his death harder on many. His talent and boisterous vocals on “Man Smart, Women Smarter” and originals like “Blow Away,” the last of which was played this evening in Orchard Park, were unmistakable, clearly identifying shows with his raspy, soulful voice and precision work on the keys.
Following a breezy afternoon, the stadium climate was muggy yet the Grateful Dead were dialed in from the start, opening with “Hell in a Bucket” and following up with an early highlight of the set, “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo.” “Blow Away” had all the emotion Brent ever put into any of version, and featured a “Mind Left Body” jam, standing out as the final performance of the song.
A pair of cowboy songs – “Mama Tried” and “Mexicali Blues” flowed seamlessly together with Bob Weir on vocals, with a fresh off-the-shelf “Loose Lucy” following, fans cheering in gratitude to hear a song not played since 1974 that made its return in March of 1990. The Rolling Stones “It’s All Over Now” fit in nicely with the flow of this stimulating first set, with “High Time,” and a thoroughly enjoyable “Let It Grow” following, with the Brent-heavy “Don’t Ease Me In” closing out the first set.
The second set would feature a unique “Sugar Magnolia” / “Sunshine Daydream” sandwich, the show opening with the first stanza of “Sugar Magnolia” before dissolving into a smooth and unexpected segue onto “Scarlet Begonias” after only three minutes. The crowd reaction when “Scarlet Begonias” is realized by thousands is a sound to behold and embrace. Not stopping, the Dead moved into “Man Smart, Woman Smarter,” the lyrics in unison from Garcia, Weir and Mydland driving the song.
“Ship of Fools” served as a bridge to the obligatory and long-awaited “Truckin’,” with the “Truckin’, up to Buffalo” lyrics eliciting the largest cheers of the night, the jam meandering but finding itself in the final minutes before “Drums.” If you’re looking to revisit the show or listen for the first time, “Drums” is a percussive trip, with “Space” having a creepy laugh track in the background during the first half, a fun (maybe?) accent to the night for those in attendance.
Ticket to the Grateful Dead at Rich Stadium, July 16, 1990
Jumping out of “Space” were short versions of “The Wheel” and “Gimme Some Lovin’” and a somber “Wharf Rat” to balance them out. “Around and Around” found its place coming out of “Wharf Rat,” diving into “Sunshine Daydream” to an enthusiastic crowd hearing a fantastic full set sandwiched inside a classic Grateful Dead song.
“When the 2nd set ended, I remember experiencing an exaggerated exhilarated feeling that I’ve never felt from any show before. Obviously others felt the same because when the Sunshine Daydream reprise finally ended, we were jumping up and down and even the people behind us were so amped that we all just stood there hugging each other. It was ridiculously intense. No other show has lifted me to such heights before and I am so glad I was here.”
The encore of “Brokedown Palace” fit in perfectly to close the night, capping a day for the fans, and Brent Mydland as he performed his final show in New York.
Crosby Stills and Nash – Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, NY – July 16, 1990
Setlist: Love the One You’re With, Chicago, Drive My Car, Live It Up, Got It Made, Just a Song Before I Go, Night Time for the Generals, For What It’s Worth, Wasted on the Way, Our House, Almost Cut My Hair, Helplessly Hoping, Déjà Vu, (Got to Keep) Open, Southern Cross, Wooden Ships, Teach Your Children, Woodstock
Grateful Dead – Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, NY – July 16, 1990
Set 1: Hell in a Bucket, Mississippi Half-Step, Blow Away, Mama Tried > Mexicali Blues, Loose Lucy, It’s All Over Now, High Time, Let it Grow > Don’t Ease Me In
Set 2: Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias > Man Smart/Woman Smarter, Ship of Fools, Truckin’ > drums > space > The Wheel > Gimme Some Lovin’ > Wharf Rat > Around and Around > Sunshine Daydream
The anticipation was palpable as My Morning Jacket took the stage at the Artpark Amphitheater in Lewiston on June 26. The crowd erupted in cheers as the band launched into their set with the powerful and infectious “War Begun.”
From that moment on, it was clear that this would be a night to remember. My Morning Jacket flawlessly navigated through their setlist, effortlessly blending old favorites with newer tracks. “Circuital” and “Mahgeetah” showcased the band’s signature sound, with Jim James’ distinctive vocals soaring above the intricate guitar work and driving rhythm section.
The band’s musicianship was on full display throughout the night. The intricate guitar solos and dynamic drumming added depth and complexity to each song. Whether it was the introspective beauty of “Golden” or the raw energy of “One Big Holiday,” My Morning Jacket commanded the stage with a magnetic presence that held the audience in rapt attention.
As the evening progressed, the crowd was treated to a range of emotions. The hauntingly beautiful “Never in the Real World” and the introspective “If All Else Fails” showcased the band’s ability to delve into more introspective and introspective territory. The energy reached its peak during fan-favorite anthems like “Wordless Chorus” and “One Big Holiday.”
The encore was a fitting culmination of an already exhilarating performance. “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 1” enveloped the venue in a wave of sound, with its infectious rhythm and soaring vocals. The atmospheric “Spring (Among the Living)” provided a brief moment of reflection before the band unleashed the explosive “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2.” The combination of these three songs created an electrifying finale that left the audience wanting more.
Setlist: War Begun, I Will Sing You Songs, Circuital, Love Love Love, Mahgeetah, Golden, Never in the Real World, Anytime, One Big Holiday, Death Is the Easy Way, Feel You, If All Else Fails, Lay Low, Friends Again, Off the Record, Evil Urges, Wordless Chorus
Encore: Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 1, Spring (Among the Living), Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2
JazzBuffalo announced the lineup for this summer’s Jazz on the Plaz! concert series. The event takes place in downtown Buffalo every Friday at 5 PM from July 7 to Aug. 25 at the West Plaza of Seneca One Tower. The concerts feature some of the best jazz artists from around Western New York.
The Seneca One Tower is one of the mainstays of the Buffalo skyline. Originally built between 1969-1974, the building has long served as headquarters for banking institutions. Now, the tower has become a multi-use space, housing start-up companies and apartments. Thanks to recent updates, the building now aims to be a collaboration hub within the city.
Courtesy of JazzBuffalo.com
Jazz on the Plaz! is part of JazzBuffalo’s extensive programming of shows, educational opportunities, and events. Created to build appreciation for the genre, JazzBuffalo is committed to impacting and encouraging the arts scene in the city. There will also be food trucks and beverages available as part of the performances. All concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged and will go toward the Keep Jazz Alive Fund. Click here for parking information and here for more details about the performances.
Summer Lineup
July 7: My Cousin Toné
July 14: Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
July 21: Jay Sharp-tet
July 28: Donny Frauenhofer Trio: Jazz Fusion Exprience
