The Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival has announced their partnership with the Buffalo-based nonprofit organization P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative as the primary beneficiary of the event. The festival will be on July 14 and 15 in downtown Buffalo.
P.U.N.T. provides financial, practical, and emotional support to families in Western New York facing pediatric cancer, and also collaborates with hospital partners to ensure that money raised is brought to where it is most needed. The organization was originally founded in 2004 by former Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman and his wife Amber. The acronym itself stands for Perseverance, Understanding, Need and Teamwork.
With support from the Western New York community, P.U.N.T.’s scope and impact has grown significantly over the past several years. A portion of the proceeds from the Cobblestone Live festival will now help support the organization and its initiatives.
As a grassroots nonprofit with a critical mission for Western New York families facing the incomprehensible plight of pediatric cancer, we are honored to be the charitable partner of Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival…. [the Cobblestone Live team] will undoubtedly make this two-day festival a highlight of our Buffalo summer and an unforgettable event experience. The fact that it also will lift our cause in the process makes us exceedingly proud and grateful.
P.U.N.T. Executive Director Gwen Mysiak
Cobblestone Live is now in its fifth year, organized by Twenty6 Productions and Buffalo Iron Works. On top of their collaboration announcement with P.U.N.T., Cobblestone Live has announced its detailed list of over 50 food and craft vendors that will be present at the event.
In addition, they have made several ADA improvements sponsored by the braille fashion company Aille Design. CEO Alexa Jovanovic and Director of Operations Jake Walsh of Aille Design will work with local members of the disability community to make the festival a more accessible experience. More details on the accessibility plan have not yet been announced.
The Buffalo History Museum announced the return of the Party on the Portico summer concert series. The events will take place from 6:00pm- 9:00pm on the third Friday of the summer months: June 16, July 21, and August 18.
Party on the Portico has been a staple summer celebration on the Museum’s iconic portico overlooking Delaware Park and Mirror Lake for more than a decade. Guests can also explore the museum’s exhibits, and enjoy a cash bar and complimentary snacks. This year’s line-up is supported by Music is Art.
The concerts are 21 and over events and run rain or shine. Tickets are $15 for the public ($5 for members) and can be purchased online or at the door.
Luke Bryan gets his Country On at Darien Lake as his 4 month long tour makes stop in Western NY. Coming off a boisterous and packed house in Syracuse, Bryan coasted into Darien Lake Theme Park with special guests Alana Springsteen (no relation to the famous New Jersey guy), Chayce Beckham, and Tyler Braden.
With over 15 million album sales under his belt, 30 #1 hits, and 20 billion streams, the native of Georgia is no stranger to success and the crowds that come with it. The packed house at this Live Nation venue in Corfu, NY was proof of that as the crowd was on their feet for his entire set, singing along to nearly every word.
Opening the night for Bryan was Alana Springsteen. Newer to the music scene, Springsteen has released a few EPs since her debut in 2019, and in July 2023 will be releasing TWENTY SOMETHING: Figuring It Out. The first single, “When We Were Friends”, was just released this week and of course she belted it out for the crowd at Darien Lake. The song is about hardships among friends which many can and will relate to.
Used to wear each other’s sneakers // Get drunk behind the bleachers // Raise some hell, but we always said amen // I knew who you were kissin’ // What tattoo you were gettin’ // Now I don’t even know how you’ve been // Truth is, I miss when // When we were friends
A little Miranda Lambert, a little Chirstina Aguilera, and a whole lot of fire, Springsteen sang her heart our for about 25 minutes, preparing the fans for who was following her.
Next up to the stage, came Chayce Beckham. Imagine being a forklift operator and deciding to enter a singing competition on national television. Imagine being told by Katy Perry that you “sound like the heart of America”. Imaging singing a song you wrote and having that be the reason you won American Idol. This was the path that led Chayce Beckham to where he is now. He no longer is a forklift operator.
Serenading young and old alike, Beckham confidently kicked some ass on this stage, getting some hand shakes and fist bumps from fans. Sultry voice, with some slicked back hair, thoughts of early Johnny Cash, and maybe some Chris Isaak are sure to enter your mind as this 27 year old belts out lyrics from his song “23”
Following Beckham, Tyler Braden strutted around on the stage for another 25 minute set. The former firefighter has been raising eyebrows for about 7 years as he makes his presence know. Go watch him on stage for one set, and you will be forever hooked. Luke Combs-esque looks and smooth vocals will make Braden a household name very soon.
Where the longnecks don’t get hot in our hands The bar keeps doublin’ down on doubles It ain’t hard to find a little trouble
Neon Grave – Tyler Braden
Released in early 2023, Neon Grave is the latest EP that features the title track along with “Try Losing One”, “Middle Man,” “Wrong Right Now,” and “Choose Me,” Check out more of Tyler Facebook
I first saw Luke Bryan about 10 years ago. I don’t recall much of the night, honestly, but that story isn’t for publication. What I do recall is that Bryan got the crowd jumping, hooting and hollering immediately and never let off the gas. This night was no different in that regard.
From his first notes of “Kick The Dust Up” to his last notes of “Light it Up” Bryan had the entire seated crowd of 6400 and the extras in the lawn up and dancing around. The glow of cell phone screens filled the amphitheater and the subtle smells of vapes, pot, and spilled beer were prevalent as Luke was “Knockin Boots” on stage for close to 2 hours.
Starting around 905, the stage and house lights went dark as the crowd suddenly erupted in massive screams and cheers. We heard a little mash up of Luke Bryan songs as the curtains were pulled back and light filled the stage with light and finally Luke Bryan as he started off his set with a “Kick The Dust Up”
Along with his infamous dance moves and thought-provoking lyrics, Luke Bryan shows also boast quite a picture/light show throughout his performances. Each song is paired perfectly with proper graphics and/or light shows on large screens behind him. “Roller Coaster”, an appropriate theme for this venue, displays large coaster on the backdrop, complete with matching sounds. Other songs like “I Don’t Want This Night to End” show clips from music videos. While “Country On”, Luke’s most recent chart topper, the screen becomes an ode to service people.
With that song coming to an end, Luke called out Shannon from the pit area and brought her up on stage with him has he thanked her husband for his active duty service. Of course, this can’t be done without a surprise, right? Shannon’s husband Jeff came out from back stage and was welcomed by not only Shannon but the rambunctious crowd. Chants of USA were heard throughout the seating area. Very touching moment that brought tear to many eyes.
As Bryan continued playing until nearly 11pm, the fans kept getting louder and more active as they were dancing in all the aisles. As much as the ushers tried, these active fans were not clearing out. Ushers near me eventually gave in and began dancing along to the music.
Having been signed to music labels since 2017, Luke spent time prior to that writing songs for the likes of Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. With this experience, Bryan has nearly 40 musical awards, 10 headliner tours, and has played countless festivals and spring break events. Its no wonder why he has become one of the most famous acts in country music history. Keep up Luke as he continues his current tour and his subsequent ones. Farm Tour 2023 (lukebryan.com)
Setlist: Kick the Dust Up, What Makes You Country, Knockin’ Boots, Roller Coaster, But I Got a Beer in My Hand, Strip it Down, Rain is a Good Thing, Games, Country On, One Margarita, Sunrise/Sunburn/Sunset, Huntin’/Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day, I Don’t Want This Night to End, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, Buy Dirt (Jordain Davis), Play it Again, What She Wants Tonight, Down to One, I See You, Light It Up, Country Girl (Shake it For Me), That’s My Kind of Night
Marina Laurendi, recognized as a “sad girl on the rise,” returns with a series of rock-centric singles, starting with her latest, “Silver Lining.” The Buffalo-based singer released the single following the success of her debut EP and music video, “Stay Mine.” The indie rock songstress further solidifies her hold as “one to watch” in the alt. world with this dancey, evocative up-tempo.
Buffalo born and bred, Marina Laurendi is an indie pop/rock singer-songwriter. Her sound fuses storytelling, alternative elements, and bursts of cinematic pop. Through this, she evokes a sense of wanderlust, nostalgia, and dreamy idealism. With poetic verses, infectious hooks, and haunting vocals, Marina throws a refreshing twist on old school Alt.
“Silver Lining” grooves with nostalgia, featuring reverberating guitars and subtly nuanced vocals, oozing texture and allure. The elements blend together seamlessly to create the perfect soundtrack for road trip radio jamming, or a sunny day stroll.
Despite the song’s happy melody and dance-worthy beat, but carries a raw, honest message about change. Laurendi says that the song is about going through life-changing events that alter who you are as a person. Written during her father’s terminal battle with cancer, the song depicts being unable to keep up with appearances in the midst of grief and loss.
The music contrasts with the lyrics, with a nostalgic vibe of a 1950’s bandstand—vintage vocals, layered instruments, and a melancholic slide guitar. The song details a romantic relaitonship where one party can always see the silver lining, but the other is in a different place entirely, struggling to feel seen.
Laurendi says of the song, “I think it’s so relatable because at some point we all suffer a loss that alters us, at least for a little while. When you’re in a different place emotionally than yout friends or even your partner, you can drift apart. Sometimes people can’t fathom what you’re going through unless they’ve lived it.” The feeling of being unseen and misunderstood is simply and eloquently summed up in the lines, “You want to paste a smile on my face and act like I’m alright…I can’t dance the way I used to anymore.”
For this single and her upcoming sophomore EP, Laurendi dove headfirst into the alternative rock pocket, lovingly nicknaming her particular genre as “Bitch Rock.” She says, “It’s about embracing all the emotions women are taught not to show – rage, desire, ugliness, all of it. We’re people not flowers,” she laughed. If you’re a fan of the honest songwriting style of Samia, the gritty textures of Angel Olsen, and the effortlessly nostalgic quality of Alvvays and Best Coast, “Silver Lining” is sure to top your summer sad girl playlist.
Marina grew up as a theatre performer and moved to NYC shortly after college to perform Off-Broadway and around the East Coast. She recently performed at The Bitter End (NYC), Buffalo Ironworks, Rec Room, and Nietzsche’s, Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival (Jamestown, NY), and Buffalo’s 20th Annual Music is Art Festival. Her music has been featured on Thunder 102 in Sullivan County, WBFO The Bridge, Broadway World, NYS Music, and more. In 2022, she was a quarter finalist in a national competition to open at the Hollywood Bowl. Her debut EP “Stay Mine” and title track music video are out now on all platforms. Follow Marina Laurendi on social media here and catch her next hometown performance on August 4th at Nietzsche’s in Buffalo.
Alternative indie band Young The Giant performed in both rain and shine at Artpark on June 13. The group has been off the road for the past four years and finally decided to come back to tour life this Summer.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Indie artist Talk kicked off the rainy night in Lewiston and had people crowded around to hear his hit “Run Away to Mars.” German rock duo Milky Chance followed up their set just as skies began to clear. Starting as high school friends, Clemens Rehbein and Philipp Dausch have been making music together for years. They create this infectious energy on stage by constantly moving and switching instruments. They are able to liven up a crowd effortlessly as shown when they performed “Stolen Dance.”
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Later on in the evening Young the Giant took the stage. The band consists of Sameer Gadhia, Jacob Tilley, Eric Cannata, Payam Doostzadeh, and Francois Comtois. The group finally got to play tracks off of their 2022 album American Bollywood live for the first time. An album that explores the preservation of cultural identity while simultaneously assimilating to a new country.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Frontman Sameer utilizes dreamlike lighting matched with cinematic visuals to take the audience through the journey of the human experience. Throughout their set the band would take a break to show optimistic and storytelling displays. This made the Young The Giant show feel like a journey the audience got to endure.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
With five studio albums under their belt Young The Giant has plenty of music in the discography to perform. However, they don’t shy away from playing their oldies such as “Cough Syrup” and “Mind Over Matter.” One song in particular that really wooed the crowd was their closing performance of “My Body.” This age-old hit has broken records for a reason because people have no choice but to dance. This was no exception either at that night in Buffalo.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
This Summer concert series at Artpark is something you don’t want to miss. Michael Franti & Spearhead will be there June 21 and My Morning Jacket performs June 26. Get tickets here.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Setlist: American Bollywood, Wake Up, Something to Believe In, Cough Syrup, My Way, Apartment, Nothing’s Over, The Walk Home, Dollar $tore, Cult of Personality, Heat of the Summer, Tonight, Mind Over Matter, Dancing In The Rain,
Encore: Metropolis, Superposition, Tightrope, Silvertongue, My Body
Billie Essco flourishes within the hip-hop and fashion scene on his own terms. Holding it down for Buffalo, NY – which he also describes as a “hyperbaric chamber.” Essco is a Buffalo kid through and through. The city of of Buffalo is known for its grimy-ness and is known to make men out of boys by placing individuals on the frontlines and running them through the gauntlet. Hence, some get chewed up, spit out and booed off stage – others accept the challenge and emerge war-ready. Billie Essco stands tall amidst the onslaught of adversity as a true Fashion Rebel in every sense of the word.
Twitter/@BillyEssco
Subsequently, Griselda Records x Fashion Rebels encompass everything that hip-hop has been missing. The way that they have ushered in their own style, adornment, musical influence and mastery resembles the way that A$AP Mob emerged to fill a void in the 2010s. Griselda Mob carries the torch in a valid manner through top-tier excellence and curation.
Surging Buffalo Renaissance
Beautifully, Billie Essco blossomed under the Griselda umbrella as a contemporary curator. His brand, Cafe spurned from the idea that local cafes felt outdated without contemporary taste. To coincide with Cafe, his brand Czen specializes in repurposed garments and consciously progressive graphic design.
-Recently, Cafe announced a collaboration with New Era.–
Nonetheless, the way he designed the brand represents meticulous construction. Drawing from his Fashion/Textile technology experience at Buffalo State – Billie came up with two four-letter brands. The brevity and impactful nature of these eight letters combined with the color schemes and exquisite patterns create the ultimate consumer’s dream.
Multihyphenate Ghetto Couture
Incredibly, the most beautiful part about Essco’s creations lies within their multifaceted roots. Everyone gets their start from somewhere – it just so happens that Billie arose from Buffalo’s trenches. Essco’s vision received the ultimate boost in 2020 when he styled Westside Gunn for the Off-White x Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Show. Working with Virgil Abloh encouraged him to double down on his efforts.
A political-conscious contemporary brand, Cafe represents the times and adapts accordingly. Similarly, Cafe + Czen releases merchandise that deconstructs racist policies and politics. Auspiciously, with youthful aura and purity, the Cafe trucker hat gives off a Midwestern type vibe. Geographically, this makes perfect sense given Buffalo’s proximity to Cleveland. Foundationally, this brand performs well and resonates heavily with consumers because of its underlying message and the creative connections associated with its core brand elements.
Undoubtedly, the world needs more people like Billie Essco – a critical thinker with historical prowess, tried-and-true methodology and contextually colorful design schemes. In like manner, the young designers continues to elevate with a collaboration with New Era symbolizing a major milestone. Essco’s journey can serve as inspiration for many Buffalo natives. A person who pursues spiritual and mental growth will never plateau in regards to their potential. No matter what age, color or creed – you have limitless abilities – just tap into your gift and never stop working toward your destiny.
Nine bands will be playing as a part of “Rock the Locks,” a rock and roll showcase with six shows near three Upstate NY cities: Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester. The shows will take place on July 7, July 8, Aug. 4, and Aug. 5.
Rock the Locks events are being presented by Rockin’ Rochester Productions, Hey Greasy! and Yace Booking. Each of the three cities has three bands playing, and each has two events. The three groups of bands switch between cities for the different dates, excluding the city that they are native to.
The name is a callback to the Erie Canal, which passes by all three cities. Locks 1 and 2 are near one end in Albany, locks 65 and 66 near Rochester, and locks 67-71 near Buffalo in Lockport. Locks were used to raise and lower boats traveling through the canal, and were a key part of the system’s infrastructure. Mules were often used to pull boats along, with mules and canal boats pictured in the Rock the Locks promotional material.
Albany
Taking place across the river in Troy at No Fun, the two concerts here will be on July 8 and Aug. 5, with doors opening at 7:00 p.m.. The first show will feature Thee Isolators, The Evil Things, and The Burkharts, with the second show featuring Aweful Kanawful, Low Spirits, and Jazz Goons.
The tickets are $10 for advanced payment and $13 at the door. More information can be found on No Fun’s website.
Buffalo
At Nietzsche’s in Buffalo, the concerts will be on Friday, July 7 and Saturday, Aug. 5. For the Friday show, doors will open at 9:00 p.m., with the show starting at 10:00 p.m.. Bands on that day will include Aweful Kanawful, Low Spirits, and Jazz Goons. For the Saturday show, doors will open at 8:00 p.m., with the show starting at 9:00 p.m.. Bands on that day will include Flavour, Abysmals, and Safety Meeting.
For both dates, tickets are $10. More information can be found on Nietzsche’s website.
Rochester
The two concerts in Rochester will be held at Lux on July 7 and on Aug. 4, starting at 10:00 p.m.. For the first show, Flavour, Abysmals, and Safety Meeting will be featured. For the second show, Thee Isolators, The Evil Things, and The Burkharts will be featured.
Tickets are $5 for both dates. More information can be found on Lux’s website.
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.
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.
Corning, NY’s Gaffer District is returning with their “Summer in Downtown” series this summer with a suite of events ranging from music to stories to farmers markets. This year, the program is sponsored by Williams Toyota, enabling free and accessible events to all attendees.
For over 30 years, the Gaffer District has served as a place of community engagement and marketing. Originally built following the reconstruction of Corning’s historic downtown in the wake of a flood in 1972. Today, the district is home to over 250 businesses, galleries, museums, and a full schedule of events throughout the year.
We are thrilled to partner again with Williams Toyota to present the Summer in Downtown event series. Their tremendous passion for this community is evident in the many ways they help us provide free entertainment and wonderful memory-making experiences for area residents and visitors alike.
Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of Corning’s Gaffer District
Summer in Downtown Series Events
Community Nights
Home to vendors, live music, and kid-friendly activities, Gaffer District will be holding two Community Nights. The first, “Crusin’ Community Night” is on July 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will feature the bands Chasing Neon as well as Blue Eyed Soul. The second, “Bites on Bridge Community Night” in on Aug. 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will include the band Double Barrel.
Storytime in the Square
Every Tuesday from June 13 to Aug. 22 is at 10:00 a.m. at the Centerway Square stage for an hour. Each day has a different theme, from “In the Good ol’ Summertime” to “Christmas in July.”
Corning Farmers Market
At the Riverfront in Corning on every Thursday from June 1 to Oct. 26 is the Corning Farmers Market. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., local farmers and vendors will be there to sell their wares. A community favorite, Ella’s Acres food truck, will be there all summer long to serve locally-sourced cuisine.
Northside Music Series
All events for the Northside Music Series are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. This Corning Summer in Downtown will feature the following artists:
Can’t Count Trio – July 11
Sandra Esparza – July 18
Payton Clark – July 25
Dragonfly Acoustic – Aug. 1
3’s a Crowd – Aug. 8
Pat Comstock – Aug. 15
Jeremy James – Aug. 22
Tremayne Harer- Aug. 29
Music in the Square
All events for the Music in the Square series are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. This series will feature the following artists:
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.
