NYS Music 2023

Tag: buffalo

  • Los Angeles Company SaveLive to Open New Concert Venue in Buffalo

    The Los Angeles-based company SaveLive has announced it is opening a new concert venue in Buffalo titled Electric City, at the former site of the Tralf Music Hall. Many are pleased with the prospect of a new venue, but some are worrisome about an outsider corporation coming in and taking over this historic venue.

    Electric City Buffalo

    The Tralf Music Hall opened in 1982 at 622 Main St, next to Shea’s Performing Arts Center, closing for good in 2022. The new Electric City venue, opening February 23, has a capacity of 750, with a few bars to the right and left when you walk in, and a stage in the back. It will also include a mezzanine level for an added VIP experience. Completely reimagining the old venue, it will include state-of-the-art equipment and is a nod to Buffalo’s role in the early use of hydroelectricity.

    “There is really a demand for more shows, more music,” Marketing Manager Michele Riggi told WIVB. “So, we’re really looking forward to that. In our opinion, a rising tide raises all ships. So, if we can bring more venues to the area, bring more opportunity for artists to play, more tours will stop here.”

    On the other hand, Buffalo music journalist Jeff Miers feels that bringing new venues to the equation might not be a good thing.

    The Buffalo music scene is already saturated with venues that each have their own unique offering, at an independent level. These venues include The Town Ballroom, just down the street from Electric City, offering a rich diet of EDM, indie and alternative, hip-hop, and more, Rec Room with indie-focused acts, Mohawk Place with metal and rock, Iron Works with jam bands and up-and-comers, and more. The question Miers asks in his article is “What vacant niche is SaveLive hoping to fill with its new venture?”

    Electric City Buffalo savelive

    SaveLive was co-founded by Marc Geiger, former global leader of the William Morris Endeavor Music Division from 2003 until 2020, and co-founder of Lollapalooza. The company began by seeking to acquire 51% ownership of financially hard-pressed independent music venues after the pandemic began. This Buffalo venture is the first venue the company has redone from the ground up.

    While much of the local press is overall speaking positively about the buyout, Miers’ article focuses on how the independent venues that did not compete with one another now have this layer of competition, having to go against a corporate venue. Some pros of this venue are that more acts that may not be seen at the other venues in Buffalo may be booked, bringing more visitors to the area.

    Whichever box you fall into, this new venue will arrive in February with new music and a revamped venue. Hopefully, Electric City doesn’t push out other iconic venues in the area and brings in more exciting acts to the area.

    Different opening concerts at Electric City have been announced, including DJ James Kennedy on Feb. 23, Meshell Ndegeocello on March 12, Hippie Sabotage on April 17, Living Colour on May 16, and Echo & the Bunnymen on May 22. Also announced were Sammy Rae and the Friends on March 10, Kitchen Dwellers on April 3, Yachtley Crew on April 11, Larry Fleet on April 13, Dying Fetus on May 5, the Chats on May 7, and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes on May 18.

    For more information about Electric City Buffalo and to purchase tickets to upcoming shows, visit here.

  • Benny The Butcher Drops Scintillating New Single And Music Video Ahead of New Album

    Benny The Butcher continues to ramp things up in anticipation of his Def Jam debut, Everybody Can’t Go. His latest drop, the thumping new single “One Foot In,” features frequent collaborator Stove God Cooks and sees Benny The Butcher continue his evolution into the mainstream.

    Benny The Butcher "One Foot In" covert art

    Accompanied by a scintillating music video, Benny The Butcher and Stove God exchange bars on life in the streets. Meanwhile, the hook illustrates this duality as Benny examines a life with one foot in the streets and one in the rap game. In like manner, the music video illustrates the parallels between life and the streets and life as a successful rapper. Coupled with more digestible production, the uptempo street anthem offers to fill the void of authentic street records that littered hip hop of yesteryear. However, despite the uptick in production budget, the Buffalo native has maintained his raw and descriptive style, with lyrics full of vivid imagery.

    And this one for the hustlers I was handing ounces. Now look at God, I wrote this in my Grammy outfit.

    – Benny The Butcher

    After all, “One Foot In” follows the release of Benny’s previous single, “Big Dog,” featuring Lil Wayne, who is no stranger to hard-hitting, lyrical bangers. Correspondingly, the record has already amassed 3.2 million Spotify streams and counting, with the music video tracking an additional 2.5 million views. With Everybody Can’t Go slated for a January 26 release, Benny continues to build anticipation for what could be a trajectory defining-album.

  • Avenged Sevenfold To Kick Of North American Tour In Buffalo

    Avenged Sevenfold announced the third leg of their North American “Life Is But A Dream… Tour,” set to kick off in Buffalo on March 6. Featuring special guests Poppy and Sullivan King, the tour includes 16 shows across the country for an exciting new leg of the tour.

    Avenged Sevenfold tour poster

    Avenged Sevenfold formed in 1999 in Huntington Beach, CA, and have released seven studio albums and sold over 8 million copies since their beginnings. Now consisting of M. Shadows (vocals), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Johnny Christ (bass), and Brooks Wackerman (drums), the group is promoting their most recent full-length release, Life Is But a Dream…

    Avenged Sevenfold Photo Credit: Steve Thrasher
    Photo Credit: Steve Thrasher

    The third leg of the Life Is But A Dream… Tour kicks off on March 6 with a show at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. The band will make stops in Toronto, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh, before finishing off with a show at Newark, NJ’s Prudential Center on March 31. 

    General onsale for tickets will begin on December 1 at 10AM. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale. More information is available at avengedsevenfold.com and LiveNation.com.

    AVENGED SEVENFOLD LIFE IS BUT A DREAM…NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES LEG 3: 

    Wed Mar 06 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center 

    Thu Mar 07 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena 

    Sat Mar 09 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 

    Mon Mar 11 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena 

    Wed Mar 13 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center 

    Fri Mar 15 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena 

    Sat Mar 16 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena* 

    Mon Mar 18 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena at The Mark 

    Tue Mar 19 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse 

    Thu Mar 21 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena

    Sat Mar 23 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena 

    Mon Mar 25 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena 

    Tue Mar 26 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena 

    Thu Mar 28 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson–Boling Arena 

    Fri Mar 29 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena 

    Sun Mar 31 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

    *Without Sullivan King, Featuring Support from Vended

  • Catch Holiday Jazz in Buffalo All Season Long

    This holiday season, Buffalo’s local venues Seneca One and The Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center will host a variety of Christmas festivities with holiday jazz for all. The events feature A Charlie Brown Christmas presented at both venues for a total of three shows, as well as the “In The Christmas City” Jazz Concert, featuring rising jazz vocalist Corinne Mammana.

    A Charlie Brown Christmas

    Seneca One will present A Charlie Brown Christmas on December 2 at 7:30PM and December 3 at 2PM. The Ed Croft Trio will perform the beloved soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi. Ed Croft will lead the performance with story anecdotes between songs, celebrating the adored holiday classic movie. Tickets are available for December 2 and December 3.

    Corinne Mammana
    Corinne Mammana

    Seneca One will follow with a holiday jazz concert titled “In The Christmas City” on December 8. The show stars rising jazz vocalist Corinne Mammana, combining jazz with timeless holiday traditions. Mammana has not just vocal skills, but is also a songwriter, arranger, recording artist, and bandleader sure to deliver a wonderful performance. Tickets are available here.

    Finally, The Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center will also present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on December 13 led by the Ed Croft Trio. The Trio consists of Ed Croft, Ivan Docenko, and Dave Wasik. Presented by JazzBuffalo and Canterbury Woods, the classic soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas is a perfect holiday event for Buffalo. Tickets are available here.

  • Grammy Award Winner Ani DiFranco to Make Broadway Debut as ‘Persephone’ in Hadestown

    In a groundbreaking announcement, producers Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy revealed that Grammy Award®-winning music icon Ani DiFranco will embark on her Broadway debut as ‘Persephone’ in the Tony® and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical, Hadestown, at the Walter Kerr Theatre starting February 9, 2024.

    DiFranco’s association with Hadestown dates back to 2010 when she extended an invitation to Anaïs Mitchell to release the original studio album on DiFranco’s label, Righteous Babe Records. Having originated the role of ‘Persephone’ on the album, DiFranco’s return to the character marks a significant moment in the evolution of the show.

    Expressing her excitement, Ani DiFranco stated, “I could not be more thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown. It’s like I get to rewind to my New York youth and follow the road not taken.”

    Mitchell added, “I can’t really overstate the influence of Ani’s music and example on me as a young songwriter. Poetic, bold, radically emotive and FUN, she simply has been a mythic figure in my life, and I can’t think of anything more beautifully full circle than Ani playing the role of ‘Persephone’ on Broadway. Grateful and awestruck.”

    Widely acknowledged as a feminist icon, Ani DiFranco pioneered the DIY movement, establishing her own record label in 1990. Beyond her reputation as the “Little Folksinger,” her music spans genres from punk and funk to hip hop and jazz. Her recent works include the 2021 album Revolutionary Love and the 25th-anniversary reissue of Little Plastic Castle in June 2023, both released on her label Righteous Babe Records. In addition to her musical endeavors, her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream became a New York Times Top 10 best seller in May 2019, and she recently released her debut children’s book, The Knowing.

    Hadestown’s current cast features Betty Who as Persephone (through February 4), Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Tony Award winner Lillias White as Hermes, Phillip Boykin as Hades, and Solea Pfeiffer as Eurydice. The production, with its unique blend of modern American folk music and New Orleans-inspired jazz, has earned critical acclaim for reimagining the ancient tale and providing audiences with a captivating theatrical experience.

    In addition to her musical achievements, Ani DiFranco has left an indelible mark in her hometown of Buffalo. Renaming the 19th-century Gothic church she bought and renovated, the venue, originally dubbed The Church, is now known as Babeville. This multifaceted space houses her music label, Righteous Babe Records, and the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. A proud Buffalo native, DiFranco continues to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of her hometown.

    Tickets for Hadestown are available at www.seatgeek.com/hadestown-tickets or by visiting the Walter Kerr Theatre box office. Don’t miss the chance to witness Ani DiFranco’s Broadway debut in this transformative and resonant production.

  • Benny The Butcher Snags Lil Wayne Feature With New Album On The Way

    Benny The Butcher has graced fans with a prolific new single from his forthcoming album, Everybody Can’t Go. Featuring the legendary Lil Wayne, “Big Dog” is the first new music from Benny since 2022’s Tana Talk 4 broke inside the Top 25 on the Billboard 200 album chart last year, and notably his first release for Def Jam Recordings, who he signed with after his contractual obligations to his cousin Westside Gunn’s Griselda imprint ended.

    Cover art for the new Benny The Butcher single "Big Dog."

    Co-produced by famed hip hop producer, Alchemist, “Big Dog” sees Benny The Butcher try his hand at another lyrical back-and-forth with a platinum selling rapper. His last effort, “Johnny P’s Caddy” — featuring J. Cole — peaked #14 Hot Rap Songs hit. Moreover, it was Benny’s first single to break inside the Hot 100. Furthermore, the Buffalo native was able to earn his first gold record and the first for any Griselda affiliate.

    “Big Dog”

    The new single is a change of pace for Benny The Butcher as the sped-up production departs from his usual laid-back, soulful, or sample heavy beats. What remains the same is his fervor, as he perfects his aggressive, braggadocios, grimy style. Backing him up is a looping classically inspired beat full of urgency. In like manner, Benny attacks the beat with the same intensity as if he was rapping about bricks on the table over a Daringer beat. Rather, Benny follows a formulaic song structure. While his subject matter remains close to home, the production and flow is a nice change of pace. Likewise, Lil Wayne continues to prove that he remains a rapper to be reckoned with, delivering a prolific verse in his own right in the duo’s first collaboration since “Timeless” from Benny’s 2020 album, Burden of Proof.

    Over the last year, Benny has spent time promoting his Black Soprano Family artists including Fuego Base and Rick Hyde. However, the first quarter of 2024 will see Benny release his new album, Everybody Can’t Go.

  • Drake Announces KeyBank Center and UBS Arena Shows On 2024 ‘It’s All A Blur Tour’ with J.Cole

    Four-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum-selling Canadian rapper Drake announced his 2024 US Tour “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What” with American rapper and producer J.Cole featuring two stops at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Wednesday, Feb. 28 and two in Belmont Park at UBS Arena on March 14 and 15.

    drake tour

    Drake is a Canadian born hip hop artist who first emerged in the music industry in 2009 when he debuted his EP So Far Gone, named the hottest mixtape of the year by MTV and selling over 650,000 copies. Since his emerging success Drake has focused on his development and creation of music, leading to some of his most praised work. Drake embraces the hip-hop culture while integrating R&B and pop to create a languid, grandiose sound. Some of his fan favorites include “Nice For What”, “God’s Plan”, “One Dance (with Wizkid and Kyla)”, “Controlla” and many other record breaking hits.

    The upcoming tour follows Drake’s successful return to the stage after his 2023 “It’s All A Blur” Tour, which saw Drake perform 50 sold out area shows across North America throughout the summer and fall. Most recently, Drake released his eighth studio album For All The Dogs featuring ten collaborations with top charting artists SZA, Bad Bunny, J.Cole and more.

    Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, November 15, followed by general tickets on Friday, November 17. For more information please visit here.

    DRAKE ‘IT’S ALL A BLUR TOUR – BIG AS THE WHAT?’ 2024 TOUR DATES:

    Thu, Jan 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena +

    Fri, Jan 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 

    Mon, Jan 22 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

    Thu, Jan 25 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center 

    Mon, Jan 29 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Tue, Jan 30 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center 

    Fri, Feb 02 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena 

    Wed, Feb 07 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Thu, Feb 08 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Mon, Feb 12 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

    Fri, Feb 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena 

    Tue, Feb 20 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Wed, Feb 21 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center 

    Sat, Feb 24 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 

    Tue, Feb 27 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center 

    Wed, Feb 28 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

    Sat, Mar 02 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center 

    Tue, Mar 05 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum

    Sun, Mar 10 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena 

    Thu, Mar 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Fri, Mar 15 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Mon, Mar 18 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center

    Sat, Mar 23 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena

    Wed, Mar 27 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at BJCC

  • Hearing Aide: Ian McCuen “What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone”

    Ian McCuen’s sixth album and the longest by far, What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone is a melancholy, transcendent record. It opens with the repeated line, “Funny how it feels like an art, the way things always fall apart. But eventually, so it goes, we all die alone.” With this air of self-aware critique, McCuen crafts a soothing, yet gut-wrenching depiction of truly what it means to be young, sad, and alone.

    What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone

    Based in Buffalo, Ian McCuen’s first album came in 2017, with three volumes of Songs of Fleeting Permanence over the next few years. They operate relatively solo, writing, composing, and arranging all their own tracks across a wide range of instruments. What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone includes over nine unique instruments, including a harmonica, saxophone, mandolin, banjo, and the ever-present electric guitar.

    Ian McCuen

    The full record, boasting an impressive 20 tracks and amassing 80 minutes, follows a distinct style both musically and lyrically. McCuen creates an ethereal soundscape, with delicate vocals that are whispering and soothing. 

    The first track on the record, “A Reprise For The Lonely,” acts as an introductory point, both sonically and lyrically, for the rest of the record. However, it creates a strong introduction. The organ-like keyboard commands attention, and the backing vocals and whisper-like spoken word are sad, yet hypnotising. 

    Another song to pay attention to, “Checkerboard Purgatory,” comes as the 11th track on the record. Halfway through the massive tracklist, it easily gets lost among the masses, but it distinguishes itself with a catchy guitar track. 

    The 19th track on the record, “Vicissitude (So It Goes),” is an impressive 8 and a half minutes. Its vocals are subtle, whispering, and generally mellow, but the melody takes a minor shift halfway through. 

    Overall, What It Means To Be Young, Sad, and Alone is truly overwhelmingly sad. However, as a self-described “purveyor of sorrow,” this is exactly what McCuen aims to produce. For those that can indulge in the intense emotional experience of their monumental album, it’s a soothing display of poetry and ambient musicianship.

  • Armani Caesar Shines as First Lady of Griselda

    The reach of Griselda Records remains immeasurable. From murals translated across continents to ritualistic celebrations in concert, people appreciate those who stamp their legacy in a way that could never be replicated.

    The Liz by Armani Caesar

    Griselda grew organically and through a brilliant scheme devised by Westside Gunn. Armani Caesar, first lady of Griselda, serves as a cornerstone to their rise and continual ascension.

    Buffalo: the Queen City

    Armani Caesar often embodies the lavish aesthetic. Her mixtapes consistently revolve around street couture. Mixtapes named after Liz Claiborne, Miss Elizabeth [WWE] and Elizabeth Taylor showcase the lane and luxurious vibes she provides. She dropped out of college the minute she learned how to sell Iceberg and other apparel items discussed in Marketing class at North Carolina Central University. “Hip-Hop in Context 1973-1997” taught by Kid N Play and 9th Wonder at this HBCU changed Armani’s perspective immensely.

    Armani Caesar poses beneath spiral stairs while donning a ‘Buffalo Kids’ necklace

    This artist expresses herself in an uninhibited and nonchalant manner. Treating hip-hop as competition runs in the veins of any Griselda artist. Yet, Armani makes it seem like she only conquers hip-hop to generate an additional stream of income. That type of disposition adds to the overall appeal of the artist. Additionally, her fashion expertise continues to create many satisfied customers at Armani’s Closet.

    Producer Over Consumer

    With an entrepreneurial mindset – Armani remains steadfast in all of her endeavors. In 2020, she signed to Griselda and began to cement her legacy as the first lady on the roster. She joined GxFR during quite the pinnacle of musical production for her and her Griselda teammates. Upon rapping over a legendary DJ Premier beat, her abilities began to sharpen quickly. 

    Liz 2 by Armani Caesar

    The way that Westside Gunn reignites and branches individuals together proves why Griselda’s reach will stand the test of time for generations to come. The amount of individually talented people comprise quite the collective of ambitious people who push the genre forward. Armani Caesar could quite possibly be the flyest emcee of the bunch and will continue to elevate her skillset down the line. 

    AC could tour in 2024 so make sure you stay tuned to see where she might perform.

  • San Holo Brings Existential Dance Music to Buffalo 

    Producer San Holo made a stop at Buffalo Riverworks October 21 for his latest tour. The Existential Dance Music tour invited a night full of emotion and mystical imagery. 

    san holo Existential Dance Music
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Openers ZWAAN, OddKidOut, and DROELOE opened up the night for Buffalo. Through lush instrumentation and grit, they gave room for a night full of soothing sounds. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    San Holo stage presence invites an innovative take towards weaving personal journey through a live show experience. He is constantly running around stage, creating beats from scratch and layering on top of his guitar riffs. He utilizes his punk and alt-rock roots in adding a seamless grunge aspect to his music. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This musician’s concert performance is nothing short of an emotional experience. All of the colorful imagery, projections, and use of a huge curtain captured the navigation through life’s highs and lows. His opening montage utilized a curtain that projected symbols depicting the turbulences that life takes us through. With the drop of the curtain, San Holo stood invoking the audience on a journey. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    San Holo mostly played songs off of his recently released album EXISTENTIAL DANCE MUSIC. This included his hits “DON’T LOOK DOWN” and “…BRING BACK THE COLOR.” His artistry shines through his candid songwriting and ability to translate that effortlessly on stage. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This night in Buffalo forged room for an intimate connection with fans. This is especially so when he performed his fan favorite song “LIGHT.” The crowd appeared mesmerized and connected throughout. His shows speak to that existential thinking and allow people to move through that with dance. A new movement that is building in the electronic music scene. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    If you’re looking for more electronic music in Buffalo you are in for a stacked few months! Must Die! comes November 3 and Tape B performs November 4. Get your tickets here.