NYS Music 2024

Category: Western NY

  • “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.

  • Beloved Rochester Venue Anthology To Reopen Doors

    Rochester fan-favorite live music venue Anthology has announced its official reopening with two upcoming shows following their surprise closure in 2022.

    Anthology

    Opened in 2015, Anthology quickly grew to be one of Rochester’s favorite concert halls. With names including but not limited to Bleachers, Anthrax, Bad Suns, Twiddle, and Andy Frasco & the U.N.  gracing their stage, Anthology brought in fans from local units and big names alike while cultivating a uniquely sophisticated yet down-to-earth live music environment.

    Known for their intimate show atmosphere despite having the room to house a few hundred concertgoers, Anthology’s reputation as a venue was generally one of upscale but not snobbish attendee experience with a gorgeous interior to boot all the way up to its closure.

    With little to no fanfare, Anthology closed its doors in the summer of 2022- much to the local community’s surprise and dismay. 

    While there were never any formal announcements posted to the venue’s website or social media accounts, any and all posts that indicated as such have been wiped from their pages following the groundbreaking announcement made on November 12- Anthology’s doors will open once again.

    Anthology

    Anthology veterans and indie rock unit Joywave seem to be in thanks for Anthology’s return. In conversation with CITY Magazine, Joywave member and vocalist Daniel Armbuster explained that their search for a venue to house a homecoming show for their fall tour led to the fateful conversation with owner and operator, Phil Fitzsimmons.

    “I said, ‘hey, how about you reopen Anthology? We need it.’ He listened. Horrible lesson for me. I’ll be walking around town making suggestions forever now. The Irondequoit Bay Bridge should be open year round. Please tell the county executive for me.”

    – Phil Fitzsimmons

    Joywave’s hometown shows and Anthology’s victorious return comes in the form of “JOY 2 THE WORLD: A Two Night Event Featuring Joywave”. The Christmas spirit will be in full effect over the band’s doubleheader on December 20 and 21. 

    Anthology

    For more information on how to attend and celebrate the return of one of Rochester’s beloved concert venues, check out Anthology’s Facebook post for the event here. 

    To keep up to date on everything Anthology and future shows, be sure to check out the venue’s official website here.

  • Jam for Tots Shows Announced Across New York, Benefit Kids Most in Need

    The 2024 holiday season is upon us, and along with a spirit of giving and supporting those most in need in our local communities. Jam for Tots will once again be held at venues across New York State, bringing live music fans together for great shows while collecting toys to brighten the spirits of children statewide.

    jam for tots 2024

    For more than 10 years, Jam for Tots has been held across New York State and the Northeast, where fans are encouraged to bring along with an unwrapped toy for a child (under 13) to drop in the donation box. These toys will be brought to local charities within the venue’s community, to ensure that these toys brighten the day of children within the local area.

    Shows for the 2024 holiday season will be hosted by multiple venues, including Funk ‘n Waffles Syracuse, Lark Hall, Putnam Place, Stewart House, The Strand Theatre Hudson Falls, Bearsville Theatre, The Pub (Philmont), Hibernian Hall in Albany and The Waterhole. We gratefully thank these venues for their support of this worthy cause.

    Things kick off at Hibernian Hall in Albany on November 15 with One Heart Band. See below for the full lineup of 2024 Jam for Tots shows across New York State (chronological order).

    Friday, Nov. 15 – One Heart Band – Hibernian Hall, Albany

    Saturday, Nov. 16 – Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room – The Strand Theatre – Hudson Falls

    Thursday, Dec. 5 – Open Mic Jam hosted by John Pinder – The Stewart House, Athens

    Friday, Dec 6 – The Warped Tour Band – The Waterhole, Saranac Lake – Benefitting Saranac Lake Holiday Helpers

    Friday, Dec. 6 – Across the Pond (Beatles tribute) – The Strand Theatre, Hudson Falls

    Saturday, Dec. 7 – Lespecial – Lark Hall, Albany

    Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Luke Weiler and Josh Anderson – The Pub, Philmont

    Thursday, Dec. 12 – Mihali – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

    Saturday, Dec. 21 – Chris Maxwell, Amanda Parsley – Bearsville Theater, Woodstock

    Sunday, Dec. 15 through Dec 22 – Tato for Tots – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

  • 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.

  • Mikaela Davis Announces Intimate Acoustic Solo Tour

    Rochester born singer-songwriter, producer, and harpist Mikaela Davis has announced a solo and acoustic tour throughout the northeast, including four stops in New York State. 

    Mikaela Davis Solo

    Multi-talented vocalist, producer, songwriter, and harpist Mikaela Davis has been making waves since her initial release Delivery in 2018. Graduating from the Crane School of Music with a degree in harp performance, Davis bends the rules of genre and sound to her will with each release as she melds her classical training with 60s pop melodies, psychedelia, and driving folk rock.

    Since her debut in the industry, Davis has shared the stage with the likes of Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive, and Circles Around the Sun alongside her band members Alex Coté, Cian McCarthy, Shane McCarthy, and Kurt Johnson.

    photo by Daniel Bocchino

    Mikaela’s upcoming endeavor, however, takes on a less explored and much more personal shape- she has announced a series of six shows throughout the northeast that will feature John Lee Shannon of Circles Around the Sun on the guitar, herself, and her harp. The stripped-back series of six evenings on some of the northeast’s most beloved stages will allow for Davis’ harp background to shine even brighter. 

    Experimenting with new ideas as well as reimagining some old, she will be making appearances in Albany, Homer, Kingston, and Rochester over the course of the tour’s run in a string of special shows that fans new and old will not want to miss.

    Mikaela Davis Solo

    Tickets for Davis’ upcoming tour are on sale now, including shows at Ophelia’s in Albany on November 19, the Center for the Arts of Homer on November 20, Senate Garage in Kingston on November 23, and ARTISANworks in Rochester on November 24. For more information and ticket sales, visit her website here.

    Mikaela Davis Solo Tour Dates

    November 19: Ophelia’s – Albany, NY

    November 20: Center for the Arts of Homer – Homer, NY

    November 21: The Parlor Room – Northampton, MA

    November 22: The Lamp Shop – Burlington, VT

    November 23: Senate Garage – Kingston, NY

    November 24: ARTISANworks – Rochester, NY

  • 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.

  • Foreigner Extends Farewell Tour Due to High Demand – Includes Stop in Hamburg

    Legendary rock band Foreigner has announced the extension of their two-year farewell tour to include several more dates across the US. One of the added dates is August 7, 2025, in Hamburg, NY at the Erie County Fair.

    With more Top 10 hits than Journey, as many as Fleetwood Mac, and ten multi-Platinum albums, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” Foreigner still rocks the charts almost 50 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard “Top 200” album success. Streams of FOREIGNER’s hits are over 15 million per week. 

    Foreigner has decided to extend its Farewell Tour and include a celebration of the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Original band members will join them at select shows starting with Foreigner’s sold-out three-week fall residency at the Venetian, Las Vegas. Both Rick Wills and Al Greenwood, who are frequent guests of Foreigner, will sit in with the band they helped create for the entire residency. Discussions are in hand to include Lou Gramm as Foreigner moves toward its 50th Anniversary in 2026. The band’s performances are still so sought after 50 years later that the farewell tour had to be extended – the demand was overwhelming.

    Foreigner Farewell Tour dates announced so far:

    2024 – Oct 25 – Nov 9      Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian

    2025

    Mar 13         Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live @ Seminole Hard Rock

    Mar 15         Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound

    Mar 16         St. Augustine, FL – Saint Augustine Amphitheatre

    Jun 11         Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater

    Jun 14         Scottsdale, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Pool

    Jun 20         Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort & Casino

    Jun 21         Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live – Sacramento

    Jun 27         Arnolds Park, IA – Arnolds Park Amusement Park

    Jun 29         Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s Stir Cove

    Jul 4            Windsor, ON – Colosseum at Caesars Windsor

    Jul 5            Battle Creek, MI – FireKeepers Casino

    Jul 12          Chippewa Falls, WI – Northern Wisconsin State Fair

    Jul 24          Columbus, OH – Ohio State Fair

    Jul 25          West Bend, WI – Washington County Fair Park

    Jul 26          Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

    Aug 7          Hamburg, NY – Erie County Fair

    Aug 8          North Lawrence, OH – Neon Nights Country Music Festival

    Aug 28        Vancouver, BC – The Fair at the PNE

    Aug 30        Palmer, AK – Alaska State Fair

    Sep 11        Tulsa, OK – The Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort

    Sep 13        Wright City, MO – Cedar Lake Cellars Winery

    Sep 21        West Springfield, MA – The Big E – Arena

    Oct 3 & 4     Durant, OK – Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater

    Oct 10 & 11 Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

    Foreigner Live in 1978

    For more information on Foreigner’s Farewell Tour and to purchase tickets to any of the dates, 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)

  • The OSFL Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series in Elmira Opens November 1 with the Lyric Sounds of Flute and Piano

    The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) presents its opening concert in the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series, The Lyric Sounds of Flute and Piano, on Friday, November 1 at North Presbyterian Church in Elmira.

    Jeanne Sperber on FLute

    An evening of elegance and musical mastery awaits as OSFL’s Principal Flute Jeanne Sperber and acclaimed pianist Michael Salmirs share the stage to perform some of the most beautiful and introspective works ever written for flute and piano. This performance will explore a wide spectrum of colors and moods, as the duo trades melodies back and forth between the flute and piano. The program includes music from C.P.E. Bach’s Hamburg Sonata, Jake Heggie’s Soliloquy, Pierre Sancan’s Sonatine, and César Franck’s Sonata.

    Sperber, a renowned flutist and educator, has been a beloved figure in the Southern Tier for over twenty years. She has performed in legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Weill Hall, and has toured South America and Cuba twice as a concerto soloist. This event promises to be a delightful experience for music lovers of all ages. The concert is sponsored in part by Dick and Judy Sphon and the OSFL Chamber Music Society.

    This event is part of OSFL’s 30th concert series. A stellar show with supreme talent like this is one not to miss. The OSFL offers four regular season full orchestra concerts, a Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, concerts by the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, and educational programs for children. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for college students with ID, and FREE for attendees under 18 with a ticketed adult.

    Michael Salmirs

    For more information on the opening concert in the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series, and to purchase tickets to the show, click here.