NYS Music 2024

Category: Buffalo

  • “Buffalo Rock City” Box Set Slated for December 25 “KISSMas” Release

    Buffalo-based KISS Tribute band Kiss This! has announced the release of Buffalo Rock City box set slated for KISSmas – December 25.

    kissmas

    Performing a full KISS tribute show (with makeup and costumes) under the guise of KISS THIS! – The Starchild, Kevin Blakita – lead guitar/vocals, The Space Ace, John Jeffrey – lead guitar/vocals, The Catman, Billy Eberts – drums/vocals, and the Demon, Taylor Stursa – bass/vocals; bring all of theatrics and bombast of a classic KISS show to fans all around the country. The Buffalo-based tribute band presents their Buffalo Rock City box set which releases on KISSMas – December 25.

    A limited pressing of 100 copies of the “Buffalo Rock City” Boxed Set, and the entire “BRC” collection being made available digitally for the first time. “Not the Originals” is a 4-album collection featuring the 2 studio albums, the live recording, “Buffalo Rock City ALIVE! (Music Is Art & More),” plus a fourth bonus disc, “Solo Obsession.” “Solo Obsession” features 12 previously unreleased covers, specifically crafted for and exclusive to the Boxed Set.

    While the first two “Buffalo Rock City” albums both featured recordings of songs done by the co-writers of the tracks they helped create, Boxed Set producers John Jeffrey, Dave Comer & John Peace decided that In addition to working with other great Western New York musicians, they wanted to push the envelope once again, and this time, actually recruit original performers who had played on some of the original tracks, to recreate their parts for “Solo Obsession.”

    For more information on the upcoming release of the box set and to purchase digitally, click here.

  • An Intimate Night with Lucinda Williams at The Town Ballroom

    Lucinda Williams & Her Band opened up their twelve-day Nor’easter tour at The Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Friday, November 8th.

    It was an intimate evening at the Ballroom. Normally the pit and first landing areas are standing room only GA. Tonight was a little different with reserved seating replacing those areas.

    As the lights went down the packed room was ready, and absolutely erupted when the band took the stage. After a 13-year absence from the area, they let the band know they were missed. And take notice they did, with some big smiles on their faces, Lucinda Williams and her band jumped right in with “Let’s Get the Band Back Together.” From the first song to the last, they were on point, and I’m sure as the tour continues, it will only get better.

    Setlist: Let’s Get the Band Back Together, Can’t Let Go, Car Wheels, People Talkin’, Protection, Stolen Moments, Lake Charles, Juke Box, Fruits of My Labor, Where the Song Can Find Me, Are You Down, Rock N Roll Heart, Bleeding Fingers, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, You Can’t Rule Me, Out Of Touch, Righteously

    Encore: Hard Time Killin’ Floor Blues, Joy

  • Shakti Lounge kicks off 2024-25 Live Music Series

    In Buffalo on Saturday, November 9, the Shakti Lounge’s 2024-25 monthly Concert Series kicksoff with a performance by the Walter Kemp 3.

    Shakti Lounge

    The Shakti Lounge is a collaboration between Shakti Yoga (Michelle Gigante) and Lavender Haze Collective (Ellen Pieroni). The monthly concert series provides musicians with space to show their skills and art to the community, and a comfortable environment for the audience to hear innovative music. Shakti creates a salon-like setting offering guests the unique experience of reclining on its heated floor with cushions or taking a seat in a chair. All are welcome.

    This year’s selection features a diverse group of artists performing across a wide variety of genres such as jazz, folk, classical, and world music. The musicians are mainly local to Buffalo, with the exception of Nicholas Mycio Trio (jazz guitar from New York City) and Haunted Continents from Connecticut, featuring Buffalo-based cellist Katie Weissman.

    Bandleader Walter Kemp 3, (piano, Rhodes, and Viscount organ) grounded by the roots of swinging, soulful syncopation, will open the series with an existential, extraterrestrial, performance of meditative music. The group features Alec Dube on vibes, Dave Phillips on drums, and Ben Levitt on bass. The ensemble will deliver a one of a kind listening experience. Complimentary refreshments will be available.

    Other acts featured in the 2024-25 lineup are alt-jazz guitarist Adam Bronstein & ABtrio, (Feb. 8) and talented string quartet fra/ctured (Mar. 8). Both of those groups are making a return from last year’s series. Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams: a world jam trio consisting of sitar, drums, and bass will also make an appearance on May 10. A special benefit concert on 1/11 for the Sara Rogers Foundation, will feature a talented crew of musicians who knew, loved, and shared the stage with Sara.

    Learn more and purchase tickets here.

  • Alt-Rockers Badfish Announce 2025 ‘Gimme the Gold Tour’, 3 NY Dates

    Alternative/Reggae group Badfish have announced the “Gimme the Gold Tour 2025” which sees dates in Buffalo, Saratoga and Brooklyn in February.

    For nearly 25 years, Badfish have channeling the music and live performance of reggae/punk/ska legends Sublime with a reverence to the ingenuity of Sublime’s songs – and a vibe all their own. Sublime is arguably one of the most influential and enduring acts of their generation. In 2001, Rhode Island-based Badfish was formed as a fun project with one goal: to perform the Sublime songs they knew and loved for fans who shared that love. It didn’t take long for this “fun project” to develop into a full-time touring endeavor that persists to this day. 

    Badfish regularly tallies over a hundred shows per year, performing at large-scale festivals and headlining theaters across the US. Now after two decades of celebrating the music of Sublime, Badfish is ready to kick into another gear with the release of some exciting new original tracks on Ineffable Records. Badfish recently released its second new track – the anthemic “F You Pay Me” (featuring Grieves) – as the follow up to the band’s first single “High With You” (featuring Little Stranger). The crowd’s enthusiastic response to these new songs makes them feel right at home alongside Sublime staples in the Badfish set.

    Harnessing this new creative energy, Badfish is set to gear up for their 2025 “Gimme the Gold Tour.” The tour takes the boys around the country where they’ll surely keep the vibes high for some familiar faces and many new ones as well. Badfish’s tour sees three dates in NY on this tour. Firstly, in Buffalo at Town Ballroom on February 2, next in Saratoga Springs at Putnam Den on Feb 20, and lastly on Feb 21 at Brooklyn Bowl in NYC.

    Badfish 2025 Gimme the Gold Tour Dates

    1/23: Ardmore, PA | Ardmore Music Hall
    1/24: New Haven, CT | Toad’s Place
    1/25: Sayreville, NJ | Starland Ballroom
    1/29: Charlottesville, VA | Jefferson Theater
    1/30: Falls Church, VA | State Theater
    1/31: Virginia Beach, VA | Elevation 27
    2/1: Charlotte, NC | Amos Southend
    2/2: Charleston, SC | Charleston Pour House
    2/5: Oklahoma City, OK | Tower Theater
    2/6: Tulsa, OK | Cains Ballroom
    2/7: St Louis, MO | The Pageant
    2/8: Fort Wayne, IN | The Clyde Theater
    2/12: Columbus, OH | Newport Music Hall
    2/13: Pittsburgh, PA  | Thunderbird Music Hall
    2/14: Buffalo, NY | Town Ballroom
    2/15: Cleveland, OH | House of Blues
    2/16: Wyandotte, MI | District 142 
    2/19: Killington, VT | Pickle Barrel
    2/20: Saratoga Springs, NY | Putnam Den
    2/21: Brooklyn, NY | Brooklyn Bowl
    2/22: Boston, MA | Paradise Rock Club

    For more information on Badfish and to purchase tickets to their upcoming 2025 “Gimme the Gold Tour,” click here.

  • Justin Timberlake and The Tennessee Kids Danced through Buffalo

    Justin Timberlake and The Tennessee Kids rolled into Buffalo on October 21st and performed at the KeyBank Center for a night filled with dancing and singing.

    justin timberlake
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

    DJ Andrew Hypes kicked off the evening, energizing the crowd with a mix of songs that had everyone singing and dancing. He played hits like “Don’t Stop Believing,” “This Is How We Do It,” and classic *NSYNC tracks to get everyone excited for Justin.

    As soon as Justin Timberlake took the stage at the sold-out KeyBank Center, the arena erupted with excitement. The intro for “Memphis” began playing, accompanied by a video montage of Justin and soundbites playing in the background of Justin’s career. The montage culminated in Justin singing a portion of “Memphis.” When he reached the line, “I’m everything you thought I was, it was everything I thought I was,” he rose to the center stage alongside The Tennessee Kids. He quickly transitioned into “No Angels.” From the get-go, Justin showcased his impressive dance moves and maintained constant engagement with the audience throughout the show, utilizing the entire stage.

    About 30 minutes into the performance, after singing “Cry Me A River,” Justin took a moment to read some signs held by fans and interact with the crowd. He even took a selfie with a fan’s phone while wearing a Bills hat. The energy in the arena was electric, thanks to Justin, The Tennessee Kids, and the enthusiastic audience.

    justin timberlake
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

    At the halfway point of the show, Justin and The Tennessee Kids moved to the B stage to connect with fans at the back of the arena. They performed several songs, including “Suit and Tie,” “Until The End of Time,” an acoustic version of “Selfish,” and “What Goes Around…Comes Around.” Justin then made his way back to the main stage, performing “Can’t Stop The Feeling” on his way and ending the set with “Rock Your Body” and “Sexy Back.”

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

    One notable absence from this Buffalo show was the floating platform/wall that Justin had at previous performances, which displayed graphics throughout the concert. During the encore song “Mirrors,” he typically would be strapped into some wires and appear atop this floating platform. However, the lack of this feature did not hinder his performance in Buffalo at all; you would never have known if you weren’t aware of its presence at other shows.

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

  • Buffalo to Celebrate Birthday of “Over the Rainbow” Composer Harold Arlen

    On Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 at Kleinhans Music Hall of Buffalo, the 120th birthday of legendary composer Harold Arlen will be celebrated.

    Harold Arlen

    Presented by JazzBuffalo in collaboration with Kleinhans Music Hall, a special 120th birthday celebration and concert will pay tribute to one of Buffalo’s most legendary musical icons, Harold Arlen, in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall.

    Born on Feb. 15, 1905, Arlen was the composer behind some of the most beloved songs in the Great American Songbook such as, “Stormy Weather,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Get Happy,” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow.” The latter is of course the iconic song from The Wizard of Oz that earned him an Academy Award and is frequently hailed as the greatest song of the 20th century.

    Since passing away in 1986, Arlen’s compositions have left a mark on American music, shaping the landscape of jazz and popular music for generations.

    This concert aims to highlight Arlen’s Buffalo roots by exploring where he grew up, performed, and began his illustrious career. From his early days playing piano on the S.S. Canadiana to his rise as a Broadway and Hollywood composer, Arlen’s Buffalo upbringing was integral to his success, and the event will honor the city’s role in shaping his career.

    The concert will be headlined by acclaimed jazz pianist and Western New York native Pete Malinverni, who has made a name for himself as a composer, arranger, and educator based in New York City. Joining Malinverni will be internationally renowned violinist Julie Kurtzman and rising star jazz vocalist Anaïs Reno. Together, they will bring new life to Arlen’s cherished songs, including “Over the Rainbow” through fresh arrangements and performances, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the music of this Buffalo-born legend.

    Early bird ticket pricing is available throughout Oct. at $35 and tickets are priced at $40 afterward. Purchase tickets here.

  • Lucinda Williams Announces Run of Shows in Port Chester, Buffalo, and NYC

    Revered alt-country singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is bringing her acclaimed live show on the road for four dates in New York State. The tour begins on October 11 in Fort Worth, TX and wraps up on February 28, 2025, in Miami, FL.

    Lucinda Williams’ tour sees 18+ dates across the US, including four dates in NY. Williams plays Town Ballroom in Buffalo on November 8, The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on November 9, and the legendary Beacon Theatre in NYC on December 1 and 2. Williams’ shows at the Beacon Theatre include a benefit for rock artist Jesse Malin who has suffered a rare spinal cord stroke in 2023 leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

    William’s 2023 memoir, Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets I Told You, was released to wide critical acclaim and debuted at #5 on the New York Times Bestsellers. This memoir is the subject of a few of her upcoming tour dates. Over the past two years, her music has been the force driving her recovery from a debilitating stroke she suffered on November 17, 2020, at age 67.

    Her masterful, multi-Grammy-winning songwriting has never deserted her. To wit, her stunning, sixteenth studio album, Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart, brims over with some of the best work of her career. And though Williams can no longer play her beloved guitar – a constant companion since age 12 – her distinctive vocals sound better than ever.

    Lucinda Williams 2024-2025 Tour Dates:

    Oct 11, 2024 – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall – Fort Worth, TX – with special guest Kelsey Waldon

    Oct 12, 2024 – The Guthrie Green Tulsa, OK – FREE SHOW

    Oct 17, 2024 – Kia Forum Inglewood, CA – Life is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson

    Nov 8, 2024 – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY

    Nov 9, 2024 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY

    Nov 10, 2024 – White Eagle Hall – Jersey City, NJ

    Nov 12, 2024 – Chevalier Theatre – Medford, MA

    Nov 14, 2024 – State Theatre – Portland, ME

    Nov 15, 2024 – Veterans Memorial Auditorium – Providence, RI – Lucinda Williams and her band, A “Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets” Show with stories, songs, & visuals

    Nov 16, 2024 – Garde Arts Center – New London, CT

    Nov 19, 2024 – Lincoln Theatre Washington, DC – Lucinda Williams and her band, A “Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets” Show with stories, songs, & visuals

    Nov 20, 2024 – The Paramount Theater – Charlottesville, VA – Lucinda Williams and her band, A “Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets” Show with stories, songs, & visuals

    Nov 22, 2024 – McCarter Theatre Center – Princeton, NJ – Lucinda Williams and her band, A “Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets” Show with stories, songs, & visuals

    Nov 23, 2024 – Ocean City Music Pier – Ocean City, NJ

    Nov 24, 2024 – The Grand Opera House – Wilmington, DE

    Dec 1, 2024 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY – JESSE MALIN BENEFIT

    Dec 2, 2024 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY – BENEFIT FOR JESSE MALIN

    Feb 22, 2025 – Feb 28, 2025 – Outlaw Country Cruise – Miami, FL

    To learn more about Lucinda Williams’ tour, and to purchase tickets to her upcoming shows, click here.

  • Disturbed The Sickness 25 Anniversary Tour with Two Shows in NY

    Multi-platinum rock band Disturbed has announced “The Sickness 25 anniversary tour” that will hit Madison Square Garden on Mar. 21 and KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Apr. 4.

    Disturbed

    Disturbed’s debut album, which launched the band into public consciousness, has reached its 25 anniversary and with it, the band has announced an anniversary tour that will hit 34 cities across the US from Feb. 25 until May 17.

    Each night will feature two sets of music, opening with Disturbed playing the five times platinum The Sickness in full, followed by a full set of greatest hits. The first half of the tour will feature support from special guests Three Days Grace, featuring the return of original singer Adam Gontier, and opener Sevendust, and the second half will feature special guests Daughtry with opener Nothing More.

    On Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 10 am, tickets and VIP will be available in the artist pre-sale. Fans can pre-register for pre-sale tickets and dates in the UK and Europe will be announced soon.

    Since The Sickness was released in 2000, the album was certified five times platinum by the RIAA, spent a total of 106 weeks on the US Billboard 200 chart, and Revolver named it one of “Top 25 Debut Hard Rock Albums.” Billboard said of the title track upon release: “‘Down With The Sickness’ is, of course, the quintessential Disturbed song, harnessing all the band’s seethe and its now-famous tribal beat and guitar chug into three and a half minutes of alt-metal mayhem. It’s menacing, it’s rhythmic, it’s rebellious.”

    Full Tour Dates:

    Feb 25             Nampa, ID                               Ford Idaho Center Arena*

    Feb 27             Denver, CO                              Ball Arena*

    Mar 02            Saint Louis, MO                       Enterprise Center*

    Mar 04            Milwaukee, WI                        Fiserv Forum*

    Mar 06            Minneapolis, MN                    Target Center*

    Mar 08            Chicago, IL                               United Center*

    Mar 10            Detroit, MI                              Little Caesars Arena*

    Mar 12            Louisville, KY                           KFC Yum! Center*

    Mar 14            Boston, MA                             TD Garden*

    Mar 17            Washington, DC                      Capital One Arena*

    Mar 19            Montreal, QC                          Centre Bell*

    Mar 21            New York, NY                          Madison Square Garden*

    Mar 29            Cincinnati, OH                         Heritage Bank Center^

    Mar 31            Cleveland, OH                         Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse^

    Apr 02             Philadelphia, PA                      Wells Fargo Center^

    Apr 04             Buffalo, NY                              KeyBank Center^

    Apr 05             Pittsburgh, PA                         PPG Paints Arena^

    Apr 07             Toronto, ON                            Scotiabank Arena^

    Apr 09             Indianapolis, IN                       Gainbridge Fieldhouse^

    Apr 12             Charlotte, NC                          Spectrum Center^

    Apr 14             Raleigh, NC                             Lenovo Center^

    Apr 16             Birmingham, AL                      Legacy Arena at The BJCC^

    Apr 18             Sunrise, FL                               Amerant Bank Arena^

    Apr 23             Duluth, GA                              Gas South Arena^

    Apr 25             San Antonio, TX                      AT&T Center^

    Apr 26             Fort Worth, TX                        Dickies Arena^

    Apr 28             Oklahoma City, OK                  Paycom Center^

    May 05            Seattle, WA                             Climate Pledge Arena^

    May 07            Portland, OR                           Moda Center^

    May 09            Sacramento, CA                      Golden 1 Center^

    May 10            San Francisco, CA                    Chase Center^

    May 13            Inglewood, CA                         Kia Forum^

    May 15            Phoenix, AZ                             Foot Print Center^

    May 17            Las Vegas, NV                          MGM Grand Garden Arena^

    *with special guests Three Days Grace and opener Sevendust

    ^with special guests Daughtry and opener Nothing More

    Learn more here.

  • Jelly Roll Beautifully Broken Tour Rolled Into Buffalo

    Jelly Roll on the Beautifully Broken tour, with openers Alexandra Kay and Warren Zeiders, rolled into Buffalo KeyBank Center on Sunday, October 6th, bringing a night of healing and good old country vibes on a Fall night. 

    The night started with independent artist Alexandra Kay. Alexandra Kay is from Waterloo, Missouri, about 40 minutes from St.Louis. She has taken the country scene by storm, having collaborated with some of the most iconic names in the music industry, like Randy Travis, Tim McGraw, and Scott Stapp of Creed, just to name a few. When Alexandra Kay came out, KeyBank Center was electric for her. She had tremendous energy and worked the stage to ensure everyone felt connected. 

    Warren Zeiders followed up Alexandra Kay. Warren is one of country music’s newest up-and-coming stars. He recently was nominated and won his first CMT Award for “Breakthrough Male Video of the Year.” His fans are eating him up, giving him 7.9 million monthly Spotify listens and 1 billion TikTok views. He continued to bring on that high energy that Alexandra brought to his set. Both Alexandra and Warren were such perfect opening acts to get everyone ready for Jelly Roll.

    Before Jelly Roll took the stage in Buffalo, he started a countdown just after Warren Zeiders finished his set. When the countdown reached zero, a video started to play. The video welcomed everyone to the tour and let everyone know to come as they are and, most importantly, that “it’s okay not to be okay” and that this show would be healing and a good time. When the video finished, Jelly Roll started his walk to the B stage on the floor of the sold-out KeyBank Center.

    Along the way, he shook hands and said hi to the fans. When he got to the stage, he started singing ‘I Am Not Okay.’ During the song, a metal house silhouette came down, hovering above the stage on fire. After the song, Jelly Roll returned to the main stage and performed ‘Halfway to Hell’ and ‘Get By.’

  • Buffalo Music Venue “The Caz” Celebrates Opening Weekend October 17-20 with Help from Local Favorites

    New music venue, The Caz, in Buffalo, celebrates opening weekend Oct 17-20 with some great bands, including Buffalo locals, Johnny Hart & The Mess on Thursday, October 17. October 18 sees NY bands Big Shrimp and Escaper, as well as Buffalo locals, Type Relevant.

    The venue features a restored historic listening room and is designed to provide superior sound and visuals for an unforgettable experience. The Caz is proud to be a venue that not only hosts national and international talent but also champions the incredible musical talent found right in Buffalo.

    With the venue’s opening celebration on the weekend of October 17, The Caz excitedly hosts plenty of talented performers to kick off the upcoming bonanza. The Caz is redefining the live entertainment scene in the heart of South Buffalo. Savor delicious food from the full-time kitchen, complemented by themed cocktails and a selection of local craft beer and spirits.

    Snag your tickets early to secure the best views from our elevated mezzanine and enjoy live performances from top local talent and national touring acts. The Caz is shaping itself up to be the ultimate destination for live shows in Western New York.

    Big Shrimp returns with a fresh lineup and an electrifying sound, ready to make waves in the music world. Hailing from Bridgeport, CT, this versatile quartet features long-standing members Jared Sage Cowen and Jager Soss, alongside new talents Max Perrotti and Matt Takesh. Their evolution from a power trio to a quartet has broadened their musical scope, combining bold progressive fusion rock with innovative, polished new elements.

    Escaper is a New York City band that blends funky jams with progressive psych-rock to create sci-fi dance parties. Known for the chemistry between Will Hanza and Phil Kadet. Escaper has played major Northeast festivals like Northlands, Great South Bay, and Bear’s Picnic. They have shared the stage with the likes of Jon Fishman (Phish), Karl Denson, and members of the Disco Biscuits, Dopapod, and more. Type Relevant is a Buffalo-based hip-hop collective that has been performing across Western New York for nearly two decades.

    Big Shrimp

    For more information on The Caz and to purchase tickets to the upcoming shows, click here.

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