NYS Music 2023

Category: Buffalo

  • KeyBank Live at Larkin Square Series in Buffalo this Summer

    KeyBank Live at Larkin is a live music series in Larkin Square, Buffalo, that will feature artists on Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., from now until the end of August. Food trucks will be present for KeyBank Live and for Food Truck Tuesday, which also features live music.

    Larkin Square is located in the center of Larkinville, and originally opened in June 2012, operated by the Larkin Development Group. It is a hub for free family-friendly community events, which are presented by KeyBank and sponsored by Independent Health.

    KeyBank Live at Larkin

    Every Wednesday from now until the end of August, audiences can enjoy local music, food, and drink. After the conclusion of the concert in the square, live music continues into the Hydraulic Hearth Beer Garden across the street.

    Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra – June 14

    Talking Dead Heads – June 21

    Big Easy in Buffalo ft. Lynn Drury Band & Leroy Townes Band – June 28

    Declan Miers’ All-Stars – July 5

    (Rescheduled Event) Dirty Work: A Tribute to Steely Dan ft. members of Aqueous & more – July 6

    Universal Phunk – July 12

    Alex McArthur Presents: Rae & the Spirits – July 19

    (Sold Out) Ticketed Beatles Night – July 26

    Blues 4 Vets ft. Miller & the Other Sinners, Jony James Band, Grace Stumberg & Bob James – Aug. 2

    Vitamin D & Friends Show Love 4 Prince – Aug. 9

    Handsome Jack – Aug. 16

    Grosh & Guests – Aug. 23

    Farrow & Friends – Aug. 30

    Food Truck Tuesday

    Food Truck Tuesday, regarded as “Buffalo’s biggest dinner party,” is returning for its 10th season. It will be held every Tuesday until the end of August from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the notable exception of July 4. Larkin Square will hold 20-25 food trucks from the Rochester and Buffalo regions each week, rotating between 38 food trucks. In addition to the trucks, local live music will be played in the square.

    Each truck will offer at least one certified Healthy Option, the item certified by the Independent Health Foundation. Seating will be available throughout the square, though guests are welcome to bring their own folding chairs.

    Alison Pipitone Band – June 13

    The Abruptors – June 20

    Walter Kemp 3 – June 27

    Kevin Hall Band – July 11

    Kathryn Koch Band – July 18

    Carol McLaughlin & Magnitude – July 25

    JJ White & Mojo Sauce – Aug. 1

    Sol Y Sombra – Aug. 8

    Dueling Pianos Band – Aug. 15

    The Kensingtons – Aug. 22

    Blaise Mercedes & the Crew – Aug. 29

    More information on these events can be found on Larkin Square’s website.

  • Hearing Aide: Organ Fairchild’s New Single “Chamelonious Monk”

    Organ Fairchild, a funky jam band out from Buffalo, have released their new single, “Chamelonious Monk.” The band are previous winners of NYS Music’s 2021 March Madness and their new single holds to their name, with an organ undercurrent and a signature guitar riff to carry on through the song.

    Organ Fairchild was formed in 2020 by Joe Bellanti (organ, keys), Corey Kertzie (drums) and Dave Ruch (guitar), members of a Grateful Dead cover band “White Nights.” Though they debuted right before the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-piece instrumental band has had a successful rise through sold out shows and performances across the Northeast.

    “In Organ Fairchild’s world, chamelon (not chameleon) rhymes with HAM-a-LAHN and refers to a person of exceptional ability and taste. And if you’re a chamelon, well, things you do are chamelonious. So now we’re getting dangerously close to jazz musician Thelonious Monk’s first name, so we added the word Monk to the title and included some signature Monk-like dissonant chords in the climbing part of the song (chords containing half-step intervals for the musicians out there…).”

    Dave Ruch, the band’s guitarist

    Their new single was recorded and mixed by Justin Guip of Milan Hill Studio and mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive.

    For nearly the whole of “Chamelonious Monk,” Bellanti’s organ acts as the cushion for the many highs of the song to fall back on. That is not to say that the organ does not get its chance to shine, but it often keeps the song flowing. Kertzie’s drums are the bridge between the organ and the guitar, cushioning when the organ cannot and leading when the guitar is not.

    Ruch’s guitar has a signature riff through the piece, which often leads the song through its various phases. One of the best uses of the guitar comes in at around the three minute mark, where it briefly stands alone after a small crescendo. The organ rises behind it, slowly taking focus before the drums snatches it away.

    To check out “Chamelonious Monk” by Organ Fairchild on various streaming services, check out this page. For more on the band and their upcoming shows, take a look at their website.

  • Declan McKenna Travels Across Seas for a Buffalo Show 

    Alternative/indie star Declan McKenna made a stop at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo for The Big Return tour May 31. This was an early start to the English artist’s venture around North America. 

    Declan McKenna buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    European natives the Oracle Sisters opened up the show with their alternative roots and light-hearted energy on stage. The group is composed of Lewis Lazar, Christopher Willatt, and Julia Johansen. Their use of bright instrumentation matched with a simplistic elegance make for a captivating stage performance. 

    Declan McKenna buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Declan instantly swooned the crowd with his stage presence from his silk robe to his black shades. He exudes this rockstar attitude while creating that safe space for young indie kids. Declan opened up the night with his hit off of his 2020 album Zeros, “Beautiful Faces.” 

    Declan McKenna buffalo
    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The young musician came back to his roots by playing songs off of his first album What Do You Think About the Car?. Some of which include, “Paracetamol” and “Listen to Your Friends.” Nothing got the crowd more hyped up though until Declan performed his record breaking single, “Brazil” which looks to critique FIFA and their shady practices. 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Declan McKenna Attacks the System

    The English singer/songwriter is no stranger to making music that hyper-analyzes the systems put in place to disenfranchise the less fortunate. Another popular single that does just that is “British Bombs” which Declan played in his encore. This song exudes the frustration that the artist feels towards the British government’s lack of care towards civilian deaths that they cause. He examines the hypocrisy of them while creating a strong crescendo to exude his anger. When closing the night in Buffalo with this the whole crowd was seen jumping and screaming alongside Declan.   

    Stay up to date with shows coming to the Town Ballroom this Summer. Big Wreck performs June 16 and Joseph will be there June 17. Get tickets here. 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Setlist: Beautiful Faces, Rapture, You Better Believe!!!, Paracetamol, Listen to Your Friends, Why Do You Feel So Down, Emily, My House, Make Me Your Queen, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home, Eventually Darling, Twice Your Size, The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Isombard

    Encore: All Things Must Pass ( George Harrison cover), British Bombs 

    Photos by Maddie McCafferty

    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters
    Oracle Sisters

  • JazzBuffalo Hosts Event To Celebrate The Work Of Phil DiRe

    JazzBuffalo is hosting a free event to commemorate the legendary jazz artist Phil DiRe on Sunday, June 25. The celebration will take place in Slee Hall at the University of Buffalo.

    Before passing in May 2021, DiRe wrote and composed a collection of original music titled Legacy. Attendees will receive a free copy of the project at the event. A concert with many of DiRe’s fellow musicians and friends will also take place. 

    The performing ensemble will be under the direction of George Caldwell, and will feature the likes of Tim Clarke, Preston Brown, Risk Strauss, Wendell Rivera, Nelson Rivera, Sabu Adeyola, and John Hasselbeck Jr.

     

    Jazz Musician Phil DiRe pays a gold tenor saxophone on stage.

    Throughout the years DiRe had the opportunity to share the stage with artists like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Gerry Mulligan, and Dizzy Gillespie. Despite his success as a studio musician and as a member of the White House Jazz Quartet, DiRe was best known for the impact he had on others’ lives. 

    Phil DiRe was a pioneering force in Buffalo, founding the Buffalo Jazz Ensemble in the early 1970s. With the direction of DiRe, Buffalo was able to establish the non-profit Association for Jazz Performance. The organization looked to finance a series of concerts in parks, a cultural center, and a school in the city. Buffalo became one of the first cities in the nation to receive city, state, and federal funding for jazz performances. 

    Phil DiRe
    Phil DiRe performing before an audience at the steps of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in 1975

    Thanks to the contributions of DiRe, Buffalo has fostered some of the great jazz musicians over the years. The jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, and artists Joe Ford and Sabu Adeyol all emerged in the city as a result of Buffalo’s commitment to the genre.

    As DiRe began to age, he moved down to Florida where he continued to play and enjoy music. Between performing at reunion shows and for his friends, Phil DiRe recorded Legacy while in Florida. 

    Tickets and information here.

  • Schleigho Celebrates 30th Anniversary in Albany, Finger Lakes, Buffalo and Erie this Summer

    Celebrating 30 years as a band, the original quartet of Schleigho will hit the road for select shows in New York and Pennsylvania in June and August.

    Schleigho (pronounced shlay-ho) is a NYC four-piece that came together while attending Boston’s Berklee School of Music in the early 1990s. Drummer Erik Egol, flutist/guitarist Suke Cerulo, jazz pianist Jesse Gibbon, and bassist Drew McCabe became entranced with jazz early on and molded a sound similar to the likes of Bela Fleck and Medeski, Martin, & Wood.

    Traveling the Northeast college circuit in the 90s led to them being regulars at the Knitting Factory in NYC and played with jazz aficionados Fleck, Maceo Parker, and Galactic. Schleigho will take you on a musical journey through edgy improv, hypnotic vibey grooves, and intricately composed and heady, progressive originals spanning three decades. 

    It’s a great feeling to enter a fresh creative cycle as we enter a fourth decade of playing together.  We have so much new material and so many new ideas as a result of individual growth as musicians and humans that we can’t work on it all at once.  It’s a blessing and we’re really excited about sharing our new Schleigho songs and sounds. 

    It’s also great to play songs we wrote in a basement in 1993 which makes the whole current Schleigho experience feel like past, present and future all at once.  It’s surreal at times and pretty damn cool.   We are grateful for our fans and families for the love and support for all these years and we are grateful and excited to share some special nights with you

    – Drew McCabe

    Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the best of the early 90’s jam band scene as they debut new material and reflect on three decades of making music together.

    Schleigho 30th Anniversary Tour Dates

    Friday, June 9 – Parish Public House, Albany, NY
    Saturday, June 10 – Upstate Boogie Fest, Hemlock, NY
    Friday, August 4 – TBA, Buffalo, NY
    Saturday, August 5 – Erie’s Blues and Jazz Fest, Erie, PA

  • Sunset at the Stables Releases Line-Up for July Concerts

    Knox Park’s Sunset at the Stables announces the four concerts that will fill the venue every Friday in the month of July. All acts hail from New York, bringing a popular and homey feel to all the events held this Summer.

    Taking place in Knox Farm State Park, this will be the third annual Sunset at the Stables concert series, one that highlights the folk, Americana vibe each local artist brings with them to the stage.

    Each concert will also have its own food and beverage partners, bringing in local restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers to even Thai cuisine. The full schedule, artist line-up, and food venues for the Summer concert festival are now out to the public.

    Sunset at the Stables 2023 Schedule

    July 7, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Folkfaces

    This Buffalo jazz and blues band first came together in 2011, delivering traditional sounds to music festivals, colleges, and tours across the United States. Folkfaces’ debut album, How Long?, would release in April 2017, and their follow-up album Fat Ol’ Rat in 2019. Gearing up for their third project PLUMS on June 30, 2023, be prepared to hear some of their new pieces of work at the Sunset at the Stables show.

    For bites to eat Griffin Gastropub, Maine Lobster Truck, and Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream, an ice cream shop that will be at every concert, are attending.

    July 14, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: PA Line

    A mix of alternative folk and funk, PA Line has made a name for itself over the past couple of years, touring across the United States, Canada, and even the U.K., really exposing its unique sound to the world. Also starting up in Buffalo, the group’s members Trever Stribing, Lucas Honig, Griffin Brady, and Pete Caroccio attempt to use their music as an outlet to hit their audience’s hearts and leave an impact on listeners.

    Rolf’s Bread Wood-Fired Pizza and O’Brien’s Farm Fresh Kitchen will join PA Line’s showing.

    July 21, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: A Girl Named Genny

    Coming together in 2016, A Girl Named Genny’s folk music roots intertwine with other genres including rock and roll, jazz, and bluegrass to create a one-of-a-kind musical experience. The six-member band has released three self-produced albums and has had the chance to trek on multiple coast-to-coast U.S. tours.

    Buffalo Bros Burgers and Tiny Thai create diversity in the Sunset at the Stables Festival for A Girl Named Genny’s concert.

    A Girl Named Genny

    July 28, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Upstate with Opening Act Fuzzy Thurston

    Upstate’s popularity has soared since the band’s beginning 11 years ago, as previous projects Remedy (2015) and Healing (2019) propelled them beyond New York’s spotlight. A folk, country, and alternative combination, they have been able to go on tour and receive support from other large bands Mt. Joy, Lake Street Drive, and others.

    Opening act Fuzzy Thurston also brings a country, folk-rock sound to the Sunset at the Stables and was voted 2020, 2021, and 2022 Best Country Act at the All WNY (Western New York) Music Awards. 

    Rolf’s Bread Wood-Fired Pizza returns with Allen Burger Venture for the July 28 concluding show.

    Ticket Information

    Tickets for the entire Sunset at the Stables showcase are available now!

    If you do not purchase a pass, $25 tickets will be available at the door if the event does not sell out. For children under the age of 10, the event will be free!

    More information appears on the Sunset at the Stables website.

  • Buffalo Central Terminal Announces 2023 Great Lawn Event Calendar

    Buffalo Central Terminal has announced its 2023 Summer Schedule for the Great Lawn, featuring concerts, entertainment, and health/wellness events. Starting July 13 and running through August 27, the Summer calendar packs in many interactive opportunities at the Central Terminal.

    Photo by Joe Cascio for the Buffalo Central Terminal website

    Lindsey Taylor, the event management consultant, exudes confidence and excitement to have enjoyable calendar events for the Buffalo community.

    “Whether it’s for music, performance art, film and cinema, health and fitness, local culinary arts—we’re bringing everyone together…that’s what we’re building into our events at the Buffalo Central Terminal this summer.”

    – Lindsey Taylor

    The Central Terminal Summer Concert Series is spread across three dates, featuring R&B, Jazz, Soul, and Gospel talents. Local food trucks and community vendors will tag along with the talent from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for each concert.

    2023 Events

    July 13 – Rod Bonner, Flute Johnson, and Farrow.

    July 21 – “Shakespeare in the Park” -from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm, attendees of all ages experience the classical Shakespeare sound from the comfort of the Great Lawn.

    July 27– Jukeboxx and Kimera Lattimore.

    July 31 – “Family Movie Night”– “Zootopia” is shown at dusk, featuring theater popcorn as concessions.

    August 10 – Celina and Will Holton.

    August 12 – “Health is Wealth” – A promotional event for healthy lifestyles occurs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The morning will consist of pilates, yoga, health/wellness vendors, and other opportunities to help clear the mind.

    August 19 – “4th Annual Back to School Giveaway hosted by Leg. Howard Johnson & CM Nowakowski” – Returning to Buffalo for its fourth consecutive year, this giveaway event takes place from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

    August 27 – “7th Annual Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration” – Wrapping up the Summer, the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration for its seventh straight year will head to Buffalo, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

  • Noah Kahan Brings Stick Season to Artpark 

    Popular folk artist Noah Kahan began his Stick Season tour for a sold out crowd at Artpark on May 26. This tour is celebrating Noah’s third studio album Stick Season which was released at the end of 2022. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Opener Joy Oladokun kicked off the night with her mix of R&B, folk, and rock tunes. Her influences as a queer woman of color has given her powerful lyrics and connective albums a new meaning. Joy converted new fans that night as she spent her set connecting and singing with people about mental health. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Noah later took the stage with his whimsical visuals and groovy band members. The group first played the popular hit “All My Love” which immediately had fans hyped up. Despite this being the Stick Season tour he brought back his roots when playing classics off his old EP Cape Elizabeth. These included “Glue Myself Shut,” and “Maine.” 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Addressing Mental Health

    Noah is no stranger to mental health issues. In fact he not only writes about it in his songs but even discusses it on stage with countless people listening. That night at Artpark he talked with everyone how important therapy is and being okay with asking for help. Noah helps break the stigmatization around metal health issues and alcohol abuse. After his heavy hitting speech he sang “Growing Sideways” which examines the distraught feeling of being stuck.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The artist took a moment on stage to play some acoustic songs which brought an ease over the crowd. Fans really became excited though when Noah played several tracks off his unreleased deluxe edition of Stick Season including “No Complaints” and “Dial Drunk.”

    This night was special for Noah Kahan considering it was the first time he was playing certain songs live and the start of a tour that is about to sweep the nation. His music discography has already left a mark on the internet space but his live show is what will make people coming back for more. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Artpark’s Summer concert series is a must see for both the music and the environment. Make sure to check out upcoming shows here. Young The Giant is coming June 13 and Michael Franti & Spearhead perform June 21. 

    Setlist: All My Love, Everywhere Everything, She Calls Me Back, False Confidence, New Perspective, No Complaints, Glue Myself Shut, Growing Sideways, Maine, Northern Attitude, Dial Drunk, Carlo’s Song, You’re Gonna Go Far, Orange Juice, Homesick, The View Between Villages, Stick Season, Mess 

  • In Focus: Andrew McMahon Delivers Colorful, Sold-Out Performance at Town Ballroom in Buffalo

    Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness wrapped up a two-week east coast tour with a sold out performance at Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Wednesday, May 24.  The tour, which also featured stops in Syracuse and Albany, was in support of the band’s latest release Tilt at the Wind No More. 

    Few in the music industry today tout the resume that Andrew McMahon has.  His original rise to fame came as the lead singer of the early 2000’s emo rock band Something Corporate.  In 2004 McMahon formed Jack’s Mannequin, and later in 2014 would begin Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, a project that continues today.  All along the way, McMahon has crafted stellar piano-rock tracks and has amassed a large and devoted following of fans who flock to his live concerts.  His current band features Bob Anderson (guitar), Zac Clark (keyboards), Jay McMillian (drums) and Mikey Wagner (bass guitar).  

    Early arriving fans on Wednesday night were treated to an opening performance by Griffin William Sherry.  Known for his work with independent-folk rock band The Ghost of Paul Revere, Sherry delighted the audience with a set of acoustic folk tracks.  At times, Sherry’s strong vocals channeled singer/song writers such as Nathaniel Rateliff and Chris Stapleton.

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

    Up next were The Unlikely Candidates, from Fort Worth, Texas.  To describe their set as high energy would be an understatement.  From the cryptic opening guitar rift of “Sunshine” to the final notes of set closer “Novocaine”, singer Kyle Morris took captive hold of the audience.  Morris strutted the stage, leapt in the air,  twirled his microphone, at times throwing it high in the air before catching it.  Morris would lean in close over the audience, locking eyes with those in the front row, never missing a lyrical beat.  A mid-set cover of the A-ha classic “Take on Me” had the showroom bursting with energy. The band was sure to gain many new fans following their set.

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

    Finally, it was time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.  The standing room only club was packed elbow to elbow with little room to maneuver, with the crowd in eager anticipation of the band’s arrival.  Once the houselights dimmed, a lone spotlight shone into the crowd.  The light illuminated McMahon, who was standing in the back of the club, and began performing the slow moving, reflective “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young”.  McMahon made his way slowly to the stage, providing brief and intimate performances for those whose path he encountered.  Once arriving to the stage, McMahon was joined by his bandmates who immediately launched into “The Mixed Tape,” a familiar fan favorite from McMahon’s Jack’s Mannequin days.  

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

    While the music was at the forefront, the spectacle of an Andrew McMahon performance was not missing on this night.  McMahon donned a colorful, light up cape during “Stars”.  He crowd surfed while riding an inflatable llama, making it all the way to the top tier of the club.  During “Synesthesia”, McMahon brought a multi-colored parachute into the crowd, singing the song’s chorus from underneath.  In all, McMahon and his band would roll through a 23 song set, spanning over twenty years worth of music.  It was a memorable evening for those in attendance, one that would be sure to have fans clamoring for a return performance in the near future.

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

  • Post Malone Returns to the States for ‘If Ya’ll Weren’t Here I’d Be Crying’ Tour

    Diamond-selling, pop superstar Post Malone will return to the United States with another leg of the “If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying” Tour. This announcement follows his highly successful trek across the U.S. and Canada last year and another stop in Europe for his long-awaited “Twelve Carat Tour.” However, the 10-time Grammy nominee returns to America to give fans his signature exhilarating performance, along with music from his upcoming album as well as fan-favorites in a completely reimagined show.  

    Produced by Live Nation, the 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, on Monday, July 17, 2023.

    “I love y’all so very much and I’m so excited to get out and do some more shows for y’all. Help me put a baby through college and come on out. Some cool new production, new songs, and a very very handsome man up on stage. Sending love to you and yours.” Says Post Malone.

    Along with the tour announcement, Post has revealed the released date for his long-awaited fifth full-length album. Titled, Austin, the project will arrive on July 28, with Post releasing the single “Mourning,” in anticipation.

    Tickets for the tour can be found on the Live Nation’s website, although the tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the World Pong League VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP gift items and more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.