NYS Music 2024

Author: Sholome Geldres

  • The Motet Boogies On Through Buffalo Ironworks

    The Motet and opening act The Sideways got Buffalo boogieing down at Buffalo Ironworks on April 16. They all brought contagious energy.

    The Sideways, a popular band in Rochester, started the night off. The band is a fusion of pop, soul and R&B. They played songs from their recently released debut album, Fair Weather. Their sweet sound got the audience’s dancing feet ready for The Motet.

    The Motet, a Denver-based band with a blend of funk, soul, and jazz music, had people jamming and dancing. With the addition of vocalist Sarah Clark only this past fall, it felt like she’d always been part of the band. The way that she interacted with the crowd and carried this contagious energy of fun. Whether she was trying on an audience member’s sunglasses or leading the crowd in song, she kept up the energy all night long

    Both The Sideways and The Motet left the Buffalo audience with their contagious energy and good vibes. I can honestly say that everyone left in such a great mood. I’d be surprised if someone didn’t.

    The Motet will be back in New York on April 27 at Brooklyn Bowl.

  • Juice Brings their Unique Sound to the Rec Room

    Juice is on the final leg of their first North American tour and performed at the Rec Room in Buffalo on Saturday, April 13.

    Juice

    Opener Kevin Spears, a member of the local band Free Music Party, started the night. Kevin performed songs from his latest EP, Me and Marge. This was Kevin’s first time being an opener and performing as a solo artist, performing “Meant to Be,” “Left Alone,” “Little Lies,” and “And I Saw It Happen,” among others. Kevin’s music is a fusion of Indie/Alternative R&B, setting the vibe perfectly for Juice.

    Kevin Spears

    Juice formed in 2013 in Boston and draws influences from Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B, which gives them such a unique sound. Juice performed from their latest EP called Nothing Like a Dream. Songs performed by Juice at Rec Room included “Cruelest Thing,” “Becoming a Stranger,” “Come Alive,” “Temporary Love,” “Playa Delfino,” and “Hard to Feel.”

    To finish out their tour, Juice will perform two more shows on April 26 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and on April 27 in Amherst, Massachusetts.

  • Sammy Rae Brings Camp to Buffalo

    Sammy Rae & The Friends wrapped up their ‘CAMP’ world tour at a newly established venue, Electric City, in Buffalo on Sunday, March 10.

    Sammy Rae

    The night started with a one-hour set from the Montreal-native band FLEECE. They brought an infectious and vibrant energy to the stage, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

    During their set, Sammy Rae & The Friends joined FLEECE on stage to perform a song together, ‘Do You Wanna Party‘. Sammy Rae & the Friends continued the energetic vibe that FLEECE started and carried it throughout their set.

    Sammy Rae

    The night was filled with joy and love, with each song resonating with the audience. Sammy’s lyrics are soulful and emotionally charged, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.

    The group showcased a new song from their upcoming full-length album, David, as well as their previously released singles, ‘Thieves’ and ‘Coming Home Song.’

    Sammy Rae

    From FLEECE to Sammy Rae & The Friends, the night felt like a warm campfire. For three hours, the audience could leave their stress at the door and forget about their worries. The atmosphere was safe and welcoming, allowing everyone to be themselves and have a good time.

    Sammy Rae 2024 Tour Dates

    Oct 30, 2024
    Rialto Theatre -Montreal, QC

    Nov 1, 2024
    Flynn Center for the Performing Arts – Burlington, VT

    Nov 2, 2024
    State Theatre – Portland, ME

    Nov 3, 2024
    Landmark Theatre -Syracuse, NY

    Nov 6, 2024
    The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ

    Nov 8, 2024
    Terminal 5 -New York, NY

    Nov 9, 2024
    Terminal 5 -New York, NY

    Nov 11, 2024
    Ulster Performing Arts Center -Kingston, NY

    Sammy Rae
    Sammy Rae
    Sammy Rae
    Sammy Rae
    Sammy Rae

  • A Coldwave Hits Town Ballroom

    Buffalo band ‘Free Music Party’ hosted their first music festival, Coldwave, at the Town Ballroom on Saturday, March 2. The event featured local, Buffalo-native artists and musicians from surrounding areas.

    Alex Live & Kevin Spears, Free Music Party

    The one-day festival lineup featured a headlining performance from Free Music Party themselves. Additional performers included ProSocial, Johnny and the Man Kids, and Nefatli, among others.

    As all festivals tend to get a bit of a slow start, Coldwave was no exception to this. That didn’t stop each act from giving it their all during their 30-minute sets and the headliner during their hour-long set.

    Kevin Spears, a member of Free Music Party, said of the event, “Cold Wave is a first-year, Western New York-centered music festival hosted by Free Music Party, a Buffalo R&B and Hip Hop act. Under the guidance of Kaylen Price and Max Cambria, Free Music Party gathered some of the freshest and upcoming musical acts from the area, and even a few out-of-town musicians, under the roof of the historic Town Ballroom for a night of music, art, fashion, and community.

    The festival aims to capture the raw, unique, and utter coolness of the artistic movement emerging from Buffalo and the surrounding areas. Free Music Party, dubbed “FMP” by friends and fans alike, being heavily involved in this emerging scene from the beginning. We knew we would be the perfect hosts to be at the forefront of this ‘cold wave’.”

    Alex Live, Free Music Party

    It was incredible to see all of these local acts under one roof. This festival truly gave these artists a platform they might not have had otherwise. It also did wonders to spotlight the Buffalo music scene and its influence in the city.

    For more from Coldwave Music Festival, head to Free Music Party’s social platforms @freemusicparty.

    Nor.th Star
    Sekou
    Stinlo
    Hanarlo
    Miss Cactus
    Mailli
    Rosai
    Nefatli
    Johnny and the Man Kids
    ProSocial
    Alex Live & Kevin Spears, Free Music Party
    Eddy Blanco interacting with the crowd
    Kevin Spears, Free Music Party
    Luno J, Free Music Party
    Eddy Blanco, Free Music Party
    Luno J and Apollo Dollo, Free Music Party
    Eddy Blanco, Free Music Party