NYS Music 2023

Tag: buffalo

  • Luke Combs Adds Buffalo Dates to 2024 “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour”

    Reigning two time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs will perform 25 U.S. stadium shows next year with his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour,” including two shows in Buffalo. Special guests for the Friday night shows include Cody Jinks, The Avett Brothers, Charles Wesley Godwin, Hailey Whitters and The Wilder Blue, while the Saturday shows will feature Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Drew Parker and Colby Acuff.

    The 2024 dates follow Combs’ massive World Tour, which runs through this fall including upcoming sold-out shows in Australia and Europe. With 44 shows across 3 continents and 16 countries, the tour is the largest ever for a country artist and has broken records across the globe.

    We got an opportunity to do two shows in some U.S. markets on the World Tour, but when I found out we were going to be able to do two shows for most all of the cities on the 2024 tour, I decided I wanted each show to have their own unique set up of openers, as well as my own unique setlist. I thought this would give people an opportunity to come to both nights if they want, but see two completely different shows. With Country music being such a wide genre and being a huge fan of it all myself, I wanted to open up my stage to acts that lean into Outlaw, Americana and Red Dirt on Friday nights, as well as having a night with people I have toured with in the past, who are more contemporary country. I’m super excited to have both groups be out on the road with me for the Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour!

    Luke Combs

    The performances add to yet another triumphant year for Combs, whose new version of Tracy Chapman’s Grammy-winning song, “Fast Car,” has spent five consecutive weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. This is Combs’ 16th consecutive #1 single at country radio, yet another historic feat. The song was also recently certified 2x Platinum, has garnered over 435 million global streams, and is currently #1 on the Hot AC chart and #2 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart. With these achievements, “Fast Car” is the first song by a male solo artist to ever top both the Hot AC and Country Airplay charts.

    Additionally, Combs recently earned 22 new RIAA certifications including for his albums This One’s For You (6x Platinum), What You See Is What You Get (4x Platinum), Growin’ Up (Platinum),  Gettin’ Old (Gold), and other hits.

    Luke Combs is currently celebrating the release of his new album, Gettin’ Old—a companion to his acclaimed 2022 record, Growin’ Up. Receiving critical acclaim, The New York Times said that it is, “…grounded in country, complete with fiddle fills, but it’s also pointed toward a wide pop audience” while Billboard proclaims, “his electrifying-yet-earthy voice soundtracking this time in his life as a husband, father and entertainer at the top of his game.” Produced by Combs, Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, Gettin’ Old is Combs’ fourth full-length album following Growin’ Up, 2019’s What You See is What You Get and This One’s For You. 

    A Grand Ole Opry-member and 8x CMA, 3x ACM, 3x Billboard Music Award-winner, Combs has also partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open a massive multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville, expected to open summer 2024. 

    Tickets for Luke Combs’ “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour” will be available for pre-sale starting Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 4:00 pm local time with general on-sale following Friday, Aug. 25 at 10:00 am local time. Combs’ official fan club, The Bootleggers, will once again have early access to tickets through fan pre-sale starting Wednesday, August 23 at 10:00 am local time. Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets starting Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10:00 am through 10:0 0pm local time via Citi Entertainment. Complete details can be found at www.citientertainment.com.  

    Luke Combs Tour

    August 16—Sydney, Australia—Qudos Bank Arena* (SOLD OUT)

    August 17—Sydney, Australia—Qudos Bank Arena* (SOLD OUT)

    August 19—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena* (SOLD OUT)

    August 20—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena* (SOLD OUT)

    August 23—Adelaide, Australia—Adelaide Entertainment Centre* (SOLD OUT)

    August 26—Perth, Australia—RAC Arena* (SOLD OUT)

    September 30—Oslo, Norway—Spektrum Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 1—Stockholm, Sweden—Avicii Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 4—Copenhagen, Denmark—Royal Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 6—Hamburg, Germany—Barclays Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 7—Amsterdam, Netherlands—AFAS Live (SOLD OUT)

    October 8—Paris, France—La Cigale (SOLD OUT)

    October 10—Zurich, Switzerland—The Hall (SOLD OUT)

    October 11—Brussels, Belgium—Ancienne Belgique (SOLD OUT)

    October 13—Dublin, Ireland—3Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 14—Belfast, N. Ireland—SSE Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 16—Glasgow, Scotland—OVO Hydro Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 17—Manchester, England—AO Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 19—London, England—The O2 Arena (SOLD OUT)

    October 20—London, England—The O2 Arena (SOLD OUT) 

    April 12, 2024—Milwaukee, WI—American Family Field†

    April 13, 2024—Milwaukee, WI—American Family Field‡

    April 19, 2024—Buffalo, NY—Highmark Stadium+

    April 20, 2024—Buffalo, NY—Highmark Stadium‡

    April 27, 2024—University Park, PA—Beaver Stadium‡

    May 3, 2024—Jacksonville, FL—EverBank Stadium§

    May 4, 2024—Jacksonville, FL—EverBank Stadium~

    May 10, 2024—San Antonio, TX—Alamodome§

    May 11, 2024—San Antonio, TX—Alamodome‡

    May 17, 2024—Santa Clara, CA—Levi’s® Stadium§

    May 18, 2024—Santa Clara, CA—Levi’s® Stadium~

    May 31, 2024—Phoenix, AZ—State Farm Stadium§

    June 1, 2024—Phoenix, AZ—State Farm Stadium~

    June 7, 2024—Salt Lake City, UT—Rice-Eccles Stadium§

    June 8, 2024—Salt Lake City, UT—Rice-Eccles Stadium‡

    June 14, 2024—Los Angeles, CA—SoFi Stadium+

    June 15, 2024—Los Angeles, CA—SoFi Stadium~

    July 14—Craven, Canada—Country Thunder Saskatchewan

    July 19, 2024—East Rutherford, NJ—MetLife Stadium§

    July 20, 2024—East Rutherford, NJ—MetLife Stadium‡

    July 26, 2024—the Washington D.C. area (Landover, MD)—FedExField+

    July 27, 2024—the Washington D.C. area (Landover, MD)—FedExField‡

    August 2, 2024—Cincinnati, OH—Paycor Stadium§

    August 3, 2024—Cincinnati, OH—Paycor Stadium‡

    August 9, 2024—Houston, TX—NRG Stadium§

    August 10, 2024—Houston, TX—NRG Stadium‡

    *with special guests Cody Johnson and Lane Pittman, †with special guests Cody Jinks, Charles Wesley Godwin and The Wilder Blue, ‡with special guests Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Drew Parker and Colby Acuff, +with special guests The Avett Brothers, Charles Wesley Godwin, Hailey Whitters, The Wilder Blue, §with special guests Cody Jinks, Charles Wesley Godwin, Hailey Whitters, The Wilder Blue, ~with special guests Jordan Davis, TBA, Drew Parker, Colby Acuff

  • JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown Steam-rolled Buffalo’s Town Ballroom 

    Iconic rappers JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown have left zero crumbs on their stops through the east coast on their SCARING THE HOES tour. Their show in Buffalo Aug. 1 was no exception to this as they performed for a sold out crowd at the Town Ballroom. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Opener DJ_Dave brought her experimental production to Buffalo by performing her music using code. She combines her electronic pop music and love for tech to create a newfound fluidity to the industry. Her visuals go beyond just cool tech symbols because she is live coding on stage, refereed to as algorave which is both impressive and entertaining to watch.  

    DJ_Dave, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Later on JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown took over the stage. Their presence can not be taken lightly because they had fans going crazy from start to finish. They began the night introducing themselves and immediately going into their track “Lean Beef Patty.” With just 30 seconds in the energy was insane. The rappers were spraying water into the crowd, climbing on top of the barricade, and interacting with fans nonstop. 

    JPEG, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This tour is in honor of the two rappers’ joint album SCARING THE HOES which released earlier this year. After much anticipation it was especially satisfying for fans to get to see the collaborative talent of these two in action. Even with many songs of theirs being together they still took the time to perform a section of the show by themselves. 

    JPEG, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    JPEGMAFIA performed fun covers of songs by Carly Rae Jepsen and Denzel Curry. Fans especially got pumped up when he rapped his hit “1539 N. Calvert.” Danny Brown then came back on stage with JPEG, then gave the audience a solo show. The crowd got even more excited for this and couldn’t stop chanting his name. 

    Danny Brown, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Danny performed his popular song “Really Doe” that features Kendrick Lamar. This track had people immediately riling up and opening up the pit for mosh pits. It’s so impressive to watch both Danny and JPEG rap in person because there is no gimmicks. Neither of the artists use a backing track. This means every word you hear them rap live is them actually rapping live, and if they mess up it becomes 10x more obvious to the audience watching.

    JPEG, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The two finished off the night with “SCARING THE HOES” and “Fentanyl Tester.” The packed in crowd was lit with rage and sweat from the non-stop party. Something about Danny Brown finally being back in Buffalo after all these years and visuals that paid homage to old-school video games gave a nostalgic feel.    

    Danny Brown, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    If you missed this dynamic duo in Buffalo, fear not because more NY dates are on the horizon. The SCARING THE HOES tour will be making stops in NYC at both Pier 17 on Aug. 9 and Terminal 5 on Aug. 11. Upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom can be found here.  

    Danny Brown, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Setlist: 

    JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown: Lean Beef Patty, Burfict!, Steppa Pig, Garbage Pale Kids

    JPEGMAFIA: Jesus Forgive Me I Am a Thot, 1539 N. Calvert, BALD!, Baby I’m Bleeding, Call Me Maybe (cover), VENGEANCE | VENGEANCE (cover)

    JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown: Run the Jewels, God Loves You, Shut Yo Bitch Ass Up / Muddy Waters, Hermanos

    Danny Brown: Really Doe, When It Rain, Dip, Monopoly, Tantor, Ain’t It Funny 

    JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown: Guess What Bitch, We Back Hoe!, SCARING THE HOES, Fentanyl Tester

    Danny Brown, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

  • Pawns and Kings Tour: A Triumphant Night of Rock in Buffalo

    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.

    Mammoth WVH

    Sevendust

    Lajon Witherspoon

    Alter Bridge

  • Rick Hyde Tabs Benny The Butcher for ‘Streets Ain’t The Same’ With New Album Set for August 4

    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!”

    Rick Hyde, Benny The Butcher and EL Camino team up for "Streets Ain't The Same."

    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.

  • JazzBuffalo Hosts Third Annual Jazz On The Plaz! At Seneca One Tower

    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

    August 4: Dave Hill Group

    August 11: Hot Club of Buffalo

    August 18: Larry Salter Soul Orchestra

    August 25: Brass Machine

  • Party on the Portico Returns to The Buffalo History Museum

    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.

    Party on the Portico 2023 Lineup

    June 16 – Sunday Reign and tuesday nite 

    July 21 – Rabbit Jaw and Falconeers 

    August 18 – Damon Jackson Outcome and Smac! 

  • Country On Tour continues for Luke Bryan at Darien Lake

    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.

    To learn about this rising star, click here Alana Springsteen

    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

    Photos by JM Photography

    Young fan waiting for Luke to take the stage
    Chayce Beckham
    Chayce Beckham
    Chase Beckham
    Alana Springsteen
    Alana Springsteen
    Alana Springsteen drummer
    Tyler Braden
    Tyler Braden
    Tyler Braden
    Tyler Braden

  • Marina Laurendi Releases Groovy Single With Deeper Meaning, “Silver Lining”

    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.”

    marina laurendi silver lining

    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.

    Listen to “Silver Lining” here.

  • 4 Years Later and Young The Giant Returns to 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

  • Neighborhood Heroes: Billie Essco, Buffalo Pioneer

    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.

    Billy Essco
    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. 

    Billy Essco's brand Cafe is here to stay.
    -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.