It’s clear that Jay Skeese intends to follow the Griselda model of flooding the market. The first signee to Conway The Machine‘s Drumwork Music imprint, Jae Skeese, is set to release his 2nd project of the year, Ground Level, on August 16. The new album comes on the heels of his first project of the year, Testament of The Times, released in March. In light of the new album, the Buffalo native, has gone on to release several singles with a list of exclusive features as part of this underground effort,.
About Ground Level
With this in mind, Jae Skeese teased the upcoming album with the calculated release of a single roughly every2 weeks. Beginning with the project’s lead single and video, “Situated” featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Sauce Walka, to set the tone for Ground Level. He later retuned with the projects second single, the star-studded “Sara Lee.” Featuring Dave East, Jay Worthy and a sultry chorus from r&b singer Lloyd, the record offers an alternative side to Jae Skeese. “Sara Lee” is a vibe that I don’t think you haven’t got from me yet. I wanted to show another side of who I am as an artist and give the ladies something to think about,” Jae Skeese comments.“
The lastest single, “Brick After Brick (Ground Level),” also doubles as the intro track for Ground Level. Featuring thunderous, tone-setting horns, Jae Skeese hopes to set the tone with this into record. Moreover, Skeese takes the next step in his career with Ground Level. After all, he has spent the last three years laying the foundation for his breakthrough — which includes Skeese’s Drumwork debut, Abolished Uncertainties, and his collaborative album with Conway The Machine Pain Provided Profit. Thus, Ground Level‘s release this Friday is a testament to Jae Skeese’s evolution as an artist, as he continues to stack up high-profile collaborations
Country and folk rock band Cowboy Junkies has announced a new tour for the fall of 2024 that will begin with two stops in New York, one in Buffalo and the other in Geneva. The tour is in support of their most recent album, Such Ferocious Beauty, which is the band’s first release of new material in five years.
Formed just over the border in Toronto, Cowboy Junkies have been actively making and performing music for almost 40 years. Comprised of bassist Alan Anton, songwriter/guitarist Michael Timmins, drummer Peter Timmins and vocalist Margo Timmins, the quartet has recorded a total of 16 live albums and five live albums. Moreover, with Michael, Peter and Margo all being siblings, the band’s many years of unwavering togetherness only makes sense.
Cowboy Junkies’ first album, Whites Off Earth Now!!, in 1986, kicked off their careers and was then followed up in 1988 by the now-Platinum The Trinity Season. In a world where many bands chase whatever sounds are trending, the Junkies have stayed their course, maintaining the low-impact excavation of melody and evocative language that gave them so many fans in the first place.
About Cowboy Junkies
The band’s newest outing, Such Ferocious Beauty, is vintage Cowboy Junkies and another dimension from the lo-fi Canadian band comprised of, well, family. As a result the album is a tangle of sonic textures, ruminating on aging, losing parents, facing mortality and creating space for one’s life in the midst of the ruin that comes from merely living. “Mike has never shied away from the darker, harder and sometimes uglier realities of our human condition,” Margo Timmins explained of the band’s singular focus, “nor has he shied from its beauty. Thankfully, with one comes the other.”
Michael Timmins, the oldest, is the chief architect, songwriter and guitarist, who works with Margo on sculpting the emotional planes and vocal performances before bringing in younger brother Peter on drums and lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass to create the soundscapes that have made Cowboy Junkies a band that defies categories. Alternative? Rock? Americana? Roots? Perhaps the answer is a simple “yes.” Hence, the churning beauty builds on all those things, evoking the best of a group that’s evolved over three and a half decades. Michael adds, “This record is connected to All That Reckoning. I see our recent work in a cycle: Reckoning, Ghosts and Such Ferocious Beauty. They were all done in very violent and tumultuous times. The violent side is so much a part of our society now—not just the physical, but the way we relate to each other. It’s hard to escape.”
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Inside The Band
Whether drawing on a pop culture reference like a quote culled from Mike Tyson or mining Greek mythology, there’s an ease and fluidity to how Michael draws songs together. For the sinewy “Mike Tyson (Here It Comes),” he employs a high-plains spaghetti Western tension that marries a nervy acoustic strum and tympani rolls to a creeping bassline, while “Circe & Penelope” deploys a wheezy fiddle and an acoustic guitar with its strings more flicked than strummed.
“I love the blunt reality of this song,” Margo offers. “I love the two women’s strength and realistic view of the situation. They have a great love for their men, but also this discontent. The image of these two women waiting for their men to return but getting on with the work that needs to be done and living their lives as strong women is truly empowering and reflects upon many of the women I know today.”
“The expectations and responsibilities of what we all do—it’s a big part of this. We’re still amazed that we’re doing this, but the longer [we have], the more fun it’s become. We don’t take it for granted,” said Michael. “We do what we do,” Margo agrees, “and it feels right for all of us. After 30-plus years of playing together, the band and its music are more important to us than ever. The music we make brings each of us a great sense of contentment, a knowing of place and a sense of doing what we were meant to do.”
To catch Cowboy Junkies on tour and watch them perform Such Ferocious Beauty, visit their website for tickets and information. Additionally, see below for a written list of the tour dates and locations.
Buffalo Outer Harbor, Terminal B hosted legendary Primus, Coheed and Cambria with special guest Puddles Pity Party on August 9, 2024.
Puddles Pity Party, the melancholy clown songster from America’s Got Talent, lured the crowd in with their deep golden voice and creative renditions of classics ranging from “My Heart Will Go On” to “Stairway to Heaven” with borrowed words from other famous songs like the Gilligan Island’s theme Song. Puddles’ interactions with the crowd were as much a part of the show as the music itself and the crowd enjoyed piecing together lyrics as Puddles sang several familiar tunes. As a result his memorable performance rocked the Terminal B crowd and set the stage for Coheed and Cambria.
Coheed and Cambria began the show with their hit song “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” which brought a different kind of intensity to the evening than Puddles Pity Party could offer. The band’s ability to create an emotional connection with their audience was next level, and fans passionately joined in on tracks like “A Favor House Atlantic” and “The Crowing” their voices rising in unison with the music creating a cathartic concert going experience. They closed with “Welcome Home” which seemed appropriate as they mentioned during the set that Buffalo has felt like home for the band throughout their years of touring and being hosted at people’s Buffalo homes throughout the years.
Les Claypool interacted with the audience to perform their hit and rare song at the encore, and they played “Jellikit” as the fans requested. Primus said goodbye with “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver”, leaving the audience in awe, although Primus didn’t promise to come back to Buffalo as portion of the audience repeatedly chanted “Primus Sucks.”
The largest outdoor jazz festival in Western New York returns to Center Street in Lewiston, NY on Friday, August 23, and Saturday, August 24 with the 2024 Northwest Jazz Festival. Get ready for an unprecedented celebration of the Great American Songbook on the Main Stage during the two days of the festival.
The Northwest Jazz Festival begins at 5pm on Friday, August 23rd through 10:30pm, and again on Saturday, August 24th from 12:00pm – 10:30pm. The historic village will come alive with live music, food/beverage vendors, jewelry tent and more with five stages throughout the festival grounds. The festival is free to attend (no coolers or carry-ins) with a limited number of tickets available for preferred seating at the Main Stage, for up-close viewing, beginning at 6pm.
In addition to the Main Stage, the festival highlights musicians from Western New York and throughout the country. Swing Buffalo will present Friday Night Dance with the Anderson Big Band at the Center Street Friday night. Local vocal group, Harmonia Vocal Ensemble will perform Saturday as well as local favorite Janice Mitchell and Jim Beishline Trio.
The Main Stage will feature hometown favorite, Pete Malinverni. Since leaving his hometown of Lewiston, NY, Pete has become a prominent figure in New York City’s jazz community since the early 1980s. He has consistently honed his craft, exploring the rich repertoire of the Great American Songbook, including compositions by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Leonard Bernstein, alongside his original works. Alongside selections from the Great American Songbook, Malinverni also draws inspiration from a variety of sources, offering a sincere reflection of his identity as both an artist and an advocate of spreading joy through music. Join us for an evening of welcoming home Pete Malinverni and enjoying Pete’s incredibly entertaining jazz.
Saturday evening will continue with a creative program by the Jazz at the Ballroom organization, which has presented special programs on the Great American Songbook. The ensemble will also feature bassist Dylan Shamat, vocalist Olivia Chindamo, vocalist Vanessa Perea, vocalist Wyatt Michael, trombonist Rob Edwards, saxophonist Adrian Cunningham, and more.
The festival’s Great American Songbook Celebration will end with a Grand Finale presented by the Jazz at the Ballroom all-star ensemble on Saturday, August 24th at 8:30 pm. Look for the silver lining, walk on the sunny side of the street, and dance cheek to cheek with a swinging lineup Inspired by Bing Crosby’s 1944 hit “Accentuate the Positive.” The Grand Finale will be a night of memorable music that kept people company through the ups and downs of the 1920s to 1940s. These timeless classics will live on forever.
Friday, August 23, 2024 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Comienzos – Frontier House Stage 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm | Pete Malinverni Trio – Main Stage 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Matt’s Music Vocal Performance Team – Center Street Stage 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm | Rick Strauss – DiCamillo Courtyard 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Simon Fletcher Duo – Peace Garden 7:45 pm – 9:15 pm | Will Holton – Frontier House Stage 8:15 pm – 9:45 pm | Swing Buffalo presents Friday Night Dance ft. Anderson Big Band – Center Street Stage 8:30 pm – 10:15 pm | Anaïs Reno with the Pete Malinverni Trio & Special Guest Peter Bernstein – Main Stage
Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | UB Zodiaque Dance Company – Main Stage 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm |Jonathan Hughes Quartet – Frontier House Stage 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Harmonia Vocal Ensemble – Center Street Stage 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Wazmopolitan Duo – Peace Garden 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm | Elliot Sneider Duo: Gershwin Songbook – Main Stage 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Stu Weissman – DiCamillo Courtyard 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm | Donny Frauenhofer Trio – Frontier House Stage 3: 45 pm – 5:15 pm | DeeAnn DiMeo Quintet – Center Street Stage 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Jazz at the Ballroom Presents “Get out of Town” – Main Stage 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm | Stephen Guerra Duo – Peace Garden 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm | Walt Sopicki – DiCamillo Courtyard 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Wes Lewis Group – Frontier House Stage 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble – Center Street Stage 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm | Jazz at the Ballroom Presents “Flying High” – Main Stage 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm | Ann Mitchell Trio – Peace Garden 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Dave Hill – DiCamillo Courtyard 7:45 pm – 9:15 pm | John Bacon Quintet – Frontier House Stage 8:15 pm – 9:45 pm | Janice Mitchell and Jim Beishline Trio – Center Street Stage 8:45 pm – 10:15 pm | Jazz at the Ballroom Presents “Accentuate the Positive” – Main Stage
Comedian Kevin Hart has announced two New York shows as part of his 2024-2025 “Acting My Age” tour. This tour will see Hart perform at Buffalo’s Shea’s Performing Arts Center and Manhattan’s Radio City Music Hall.
Philadelphia’s Kevin Hart is one of the biggest names in comedy today. Following years of local shows, Hart shot to fame with his 2009 I’m a Grown Little Man tour. After years of standup performances, Hart made the jump to the big screen, starring in 11 number one box office films. Now, Hart is viewed as one of the most influential figures in Hollywood, grossing over $4.2 billion through his movies. 2024 marks a special year for Hart, with him winning the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Comedy from the Kennedy Center.
As part of this monumental year, Hart will launch his “Acting My Age” tour in late August. This marks Hart’s ninth comedy tour, following his award winning 2022 “Reality Check” and 2020 ““Zero Fu**ks Given” shows. As part of this tour, Hart seeks to create an intimate environment where he can connect with audience members. Due to this, the shows will be phone-free experiences.
Kevin Hart’s “Acting My Age” tour will begin on Friday, August 23rd in Seattle, Washington. Following this, Hart will snake his way across the country, playing everywhere from Phoenix to Boston. Following 37 dates, the first leg of the tour will conclude with two nights in Philadelphia on December 4th and 5th.
In addition to these dates, Hart has announced an additional ten dates for early 2025. Among these performances are two New York dates. On Friday, January 24th, Hart will perform at Buffalo’s Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Shea’s opened in 1926 as a silent movie theater near the heart of Buffalo. Since its opening, the theater has hosted countless touring artists, including Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, and Jerry Seinfeld. The theater’s modern sound and lighting equipment is paired with its original intricate decor, making it one of Buffalo’s premier concert venues.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Photo source: visitbuffaloniagara.com
Following his Buffalo date, Hart will travel down to New York City to perform at Radio City Music Hall on March 7th. Radio City, also known as “The Showplace of the Nation,” sits at the center of Manhattan’s live music scene. Since its opening in 1932, Radio City has become famous for housing the annual Christmas Spectacular and Late Night with David Letterman show. In addition, the 5,960-person theater has hosted everyone from the Grateful Dead to Liberace.
Ticket sales begin on Wednesday, August 7th. General on-sale will follow on Friday, August 9th at 10am. For more information, visit Kevin Hart’s website here.
KEVIN HART 2024 UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
8/23 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
8/23 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater – LATE SHOW
8/24 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
8/25 – Spokane, WA – ONE Spokane Stadium
8/31 – Coachella, CA – Spotlight 29 Casino
9/1 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Las Vegas
9/6 – York University, ON – The Bowl at Sobey’s Stadium
9/13 – Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
9/14 – Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
9/15 – Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
9/20 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
9/21 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
9/22 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall
9/22 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall – LATE SHOW
9/27 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
9/28 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
9/29 – Norfolk, VA – Chrysler Hall
9/29 – Norfolk, VA – Chrysler Hall – LATE SHOW
10/05 – Denver, CO – Bellco Theatre
10/06 – Denver, CO – Bellco Theatre
10/11 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
10/12 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
10/13 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
10/18 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
10/19 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
10/20 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
10/25 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
10/26 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
10/26 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre – LATE SHOW
10/27 – Sacramento, CA – Hard Rock Live
11/08 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
11/09 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
11/10 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
11/15 – Cleveland, OH – KeyBank State Theatre
11/16 – Cleveland, OH – KeyBank State Theatre
11/17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
11/17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre – LATE SHOW
12/04 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
12/05 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
KEVIN HART 2025 TOUR DATES – JUST ADDED:
1/03 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
1/10 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
1/17 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
1/24 – Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Exploring the music scene in Western New York reveals a spectrum of venues that reflect the region’s cultural diversity. From venerable theaters with a storied past to more intimate establishments pulsating with contemporary sounds, the musical landscape in Western New York is both rich and varied.
Whether your musical taste gravitates towards soulful jazz, the energetic rhythms of rock, or the harmonious melodies of folk and blues, Western New York caters to a wide range of preferences. This list serves as a guide, offering insights into iconic theaters and lively pubs (RIP Broadway Joe’s) that collectively contribute to shaping the vibrant and diverse musical culture of Western New York.
Artpark, situated at 450 S 4th Street, Lewiston, is a seasonal concert venue offering indoor and outdoor options. From summer through early autumn, the Amphitheater and Main Stage showcase national acts across a diverse range of musical genres.
Since 1958, the African-American Cultural Center at 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo, has been a vibrant hub for live music and cultural events. Renowned for organizing the annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion at MLK Park, it is also the proud home of the Kakilambe Dance & Drum Company.
Babeville, located at 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is a 19th-century church famously preserved and revitalized by folk-rock star Ani DiFranco. Within its walls, Asbury Hall, The Ninth Ward, and Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Centerâs cinema host a mix of national and local bands.
Formerly known as Darcy McGeeâs, The Banshee Irish Pub at 257 Franklin Street, Buffalo, is a cozy, traditional spot with a focus on Celtic music. Its stage features a full schedule of live, local bands during weekends.
A cozy venue with great seats and acts continually, Bears Den at Seneca Niagara Casino brings in local talent as well as national acts. Watch the series Inside the Bearâs Den for a look at past performances at the venue.
One of the oldest museums dedicated to modern art, Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) is the sixth-oldest public art institution in the United States, founded in December 1862 as the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy. Now renovated, the museum hosts weekly Thursday Night Live performances, M&T First Fridays with live music, the Buffalo Chamber Players at AKG, and the seasonal outdoor concert Rockin’ at the Buffalo AKG.
Located at 49 Illinois Street, Buffalo Iron Works is a mid-sized music venue housed in a former factory. With a lively room, great sound, and vibrant atmosphere, it proudly features local and national bands, adhering to its motto: “Funk, Soul, Rock & Jam Spread Daily.”
At 59 Ganson Street, Buffalo Riverworks stands as a post-industrial marvel, boasting a big two-story barroom/restaurant, expansive patios, and a large stage for live music. It hosts the annual Music is Art festival, a multi-stage extravaganza produced by Robbie Takac and volunteers.
Situated on the campus of Buffalo State College, Buffalo State Performing Art Center features an exquisite and acoustically perfect auditorium. Primarily showcasing ensembles from the college, it also presents the ongoing Great Performers Series.
Each summer, Chautauqua Institution comes alive with a mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities, a true variety of the arts. For nine weeks, the more than century old institution welcomes more than 100,000 people who participate in programs, classes and community events designed for all ages, all at an historic lakeside village.
40 minutes east of Buffalo and 55 minutes from Rochester, one of the two summer shed amphitheaters in Western New York, Darien Lake Amphitheater, opened in 1993, replacing Lakeside Amphitheater. With a capacity of 21,600, this Live Nation venue welcomes national tours all summer long.
Duende, situated at 5 Silo City Row, is a captivating venue in the transformed Silo City. Offering three stages for live music, along with a restaurant and a popular outdoor seating area, Duende has become a safe space for art and music enthusiasts.
The former Tralf Music Hall, Electric City has been open since early 2024 with a capacity of 750, taking its name as an homage to Buffaloâs history in early electric lighting. Electric City is fully redesigned, with enhanced acoustics and improved sight lines, plus VIP experiences, spacious bars and enhanced concert enjoyment.
Set in the heart of Niagara Falls, Evening Star Concert Hall hosts a variety of musical performances and events for the local community, while providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents in a unique and intimate setting for music lovers.
The Heron Farm and Events Center hosts the annual Great Blue Heron Music Festival, as well as concerts, retreats, and other events. In addition you’ll find camping and lodging to relax and enjoy the surrounding and music found on this Chautauqua County this quintessential New York destination.
The home to the Buffalo Bills also serves as a venue for concerts. It hosts a handful of annual concerts, primarily featuring rock superstars like the The Rolling Stones.
Jack Rabbit on Buffaloâs Elmwood Strip, located at 1010 Elmwood Avenue, hosts a diverse array of live music, drag shows, and performances in its front room and upstairs piano lounge.
KeyBank Center, is the stage for major acts such as Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and the Eagles. Known for its excellent sound, attendees are advised to wear earplugs for an enhanced sonic experience.
Designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, Kleinhans Music Hall is an architectural masterpiece. Home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, it is hailed as an acoustically perfect venue, hosting a variety of musical ensembles and the Buffalo Chamber Music Society.
Knox Farm is a 600+ acre State Park located in the Erie County village of East Aurora. The former country estate of the Knox Family of Buffalo, Knox Farm hosts Borderland Fest each fall, as well as a variety of other events.
Located at 745 Seneca Street, Larkin Square is the heart of the Larkinville neighborhood of Western New York. Along with hosting Food Truck Tuesdays and KeyBank Live at Larkin on Wednesdays, it presents free outdoor concerts during the season.
Located in the former Buffalo Grill and Ale House, Luna Lounge opened in 2023 as music venue, bar, and restaurant in Cheektowaga, with a variety of hip hop and EDM artists performing here.
Mohawk Place features a delightful long wooden bar leading to a back room for rock and roll shows. The venue proudly displays decades of touring band flyers and photographs.
Located on the Daemen College campus, MusicalFare Theatre offers a season of musicals in its 136-seat main theater and cabaret concerts in the spacious, ninety-seven-seat lobby.
With a view from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino has 5,000 seats, has been ranked #1 in Canada and #10 in the world among similar sized rooms, featuring state of the art technology and outstanding acoustics.
As the only lakeside music venue in Western New York, Public House on the Lake at 914 Lake Shore Road in Hamburg features both indoor and outdoor stages.
The Rapids Theatre offers a prime concert venue within an ornate former 1920s-era movie house. It has hosted many national acts. (The venue has recently closed its doors.)
Originally opened in 1923 as the Palace Theatre in Jamestown, the venue hosted films, vaudeville acts, stage shows and the premiere of hometown legend Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz’s film Forever Darling. By the 1980s, the venue fell into disrepair but thanks to philanthropists Reginald and Elizabeth Lenna, who provided a great deal of funding towards the renovations, the venue was renamed for them as the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. The venue, nicknamed “The Showplace of the Chautauqua Region,” has now been open consistently for the past decade, aside from the pandemic in 2020.
Situated on bustling Hertel Avenue, Revolution Gallery opened in 2016. It hosts art exhibitions, wine tastings, and a popular performance series featuring diverse acts, from electric Irish punk to “crime jazz.”
This is a brand new venue and private event space in Buffalo’s historic Black Rock neighborhood. Riff City was opened by partners from Jack Rabbit and is an event-driven music venue, with wood-fired pizzas during live music events and plans for a full menu and sit down dining on tap.
Built in the 1920s as a Vaudeville and movie house, the Riviera Theatre is a busy concert venue hosting touring artists performing original or tribute-focused music.
Kurt Johnson opened Shawbucks in 1995, naming it after his great uncle who had the nickname ‘Shawbuck’ while working as a logger. Johnson opened a second bar in the building next door, connecting the two buildings to have two bars in one location, starting in 1996, and moved into the Journal Press building where it is now located, serving food, drinks and hosting occasional shows.
Originally built in 1911 as a movie theater, the Showplace Theater experienced a revival in 2019. It serves as a vibrant music venue, bringing life back to its historic space.
Built in 1868, one of Jamestown’s oldest churches has since been repurposed as a center for the arts. The Spire hosts regular theatrical programming; serves as a home to entrepreneurs, artists, performers, groups, churches, and organizations; and hosts Chautauqua’s Got Talent competition, concerts, comedy, and more.
A haven for roots music, Sportsmenâs Tavern features Americana, blues, rock, and big band performances. It also owns and operates The Cave, providing a diverse musical experience.
Opened in spring 2024, Terminal B at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor was closed to the public since 1967, but after an infusion of resources, a permanent, $13 million amphitheater has been built right on the banks of the Outer Harbor. The 100,000 square foot open air event center has a canopied stage for concert performances, non-for-profit events, and cultural organizations that features a sloped lawn in a natural setting, plus an overlook deck facing Lake Erie. What was once contaminated land now has a deep concert schedule has been bringing folks back to the shores of the Outer Harbor. The venue officially opened with an announcement from Governor Hochul on April 8, the day of the most recent solar eclipse, serving as a viewing location on the site.
Built as The Town Casino in the 1940s, Town Ballroom was a lounge and cabaret hotspot. Today, it showcases the best contemporary talent across various musical genres.
With venues including the Mainstage Theatre, Drama Theatre, Black Box Theatre, and Screening Room, the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts hosts live music events, featuring national touring acts and other performances on campus.
The West Falls Center for the Arts is a charming space that hosts live music throughout the year. With a various shows per month, it showcases both local and national bands, spanning genres like blues, folk, acoustic, Americana, and gentler rock & roll, fostering an intimate vibe.
Listed as “temporarily closed” with no recent shows of note, The Willow Bay Theater, formerly know as The Crown Theatre, is a 500-seat venue located at the top of the Willow Bay Building on 3rd Street in downtown Jamestown.
The headliner for the day for Will Holton a smooth jazz saxophonist from Buffalo. He had a special guest come out and join him, Billboard Chart topping artist Judah Sealy. The played long after the sun set to end a great day of music.
Rochester-based alt-pop artist Boy Jr. will release a new single titled “Still Be Friends” on August 7th. This single comes in the leadup to Boy Jr.’s third LP I Love Getting Dumped releasing in late 2024.
Boy Jr. is the musical project of Ariel Allen-Lubman from Rochester. Lubman has used their professional musical training to make a versatile, genre-crossing brand of DIY pop. Through a mix of bedroom pop, indie, and hyperpop, Boy Jr. creates a sound that is equally experimental and catchy.
Boy Jr. emerged onto the music scene with their 2020 debut Starter Pack. Lo-Fi rock tracks like “Just Wanna Go To Bed” drive the album. On these tracks, Boy Jr. took Strokes-esque indie rock and infused it with youthful oddball energy. The album also features Allen-Lubman’s takes on some classic tracks. Standout covers include a distorted electronic version of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and a downtempo minimalist take on the Strokes’ “Last Nite.”
Their second album Pay Attention to Mee marked a drastic change in sound. On this record, Boy Jr. leaned more heavily into pop and electronic elements. Bubbly synths and a groovy bass line propel standout track “Meet Me In The Middle.” Despite these new pop flourishes, the record still retains some of the distorted edge of Boy Jr.’s debut. As their first two records show, Boy Jr. defies genre, and makes music that could only be defined as … well Boy Jr.
Just prior to their new release, Boy Jr. released their album’s lead single “Bullying Myself.” The track continues Boy Jr’s trend of musical experimentation, blending a funky bassline with hyperpop synths throughout. These elements help back up Allen-Lubman’s vocals discussing being too hard on yourself. They sing on the pre chorus “I’ve been bullying myself. Think I need a little help. I’ve become my own worst enemy.”
“This is a song to listen to when you are fed up with how mean you’ve been treating yourself. I find myself repeating a lot of the same unkind thoughts when I’m going through something, but if anyone ever said these things to me or a friend, I’d be pissed! So instead of letting it rot on the inside, I’m airing it out and releasing it outside.”
– Boy Jr.
Instrumental flourishes build on these lyrics making the track a true alt-pop anthem. Whether it’s the group vocals during the chorus, or distorted staccato guitar solo immediately after, each new element aids in the song’s atmosphere. With other artists, the disparate musical elements might sound out of place, but for Boy Jr., they feel surprisingly natural. One standout part of the track is the electronic breakdown towards the end, with the track growing more and more distorted. This pop experimentation recalls some of the greatest albums of the decade, like Charli XCX’s How I’m Feeling Now.
Boy Jr. has returned following the June 26th release of “Bullying Myself,” with their second single, titled “Still Be Friends.” This track is much more toned down than its predecessor, building off a repeated electronic loop. This loop, while relaxed, is still engaging, with snappy percussion and a groovy electronic bassline driving the track forward. Boy Jr. continues their lyrical explorations on this track, discussing the aftermath of a relationship.
Unlike many songs discussing the topic, Boy Jr. acknowledges that they were the bad guy in the situation. They sing “I crushed all your trust, pulverized your hopes into dust, but I hope we can still be friends.” The track grows increasingly satirical, with the narrator’s wrongdoings getting more and more severe. The reasons for the breakup turn into crashing a car into an ex’s house and stealing their money, making the plea to be friends more ridiculous. In all this track is really catchy, and uses its satirical lyrics to strip down the complicated topic of breaking up with someone.
These tracks come in the leadup to Boy Jr.’s new album I Love Getting Dumped, which will release in late 2024. For more information on Boy Jr. and their releases, visit their Bandcamp here.
While the origin of Phish is firmly rooted in Vermont, the band’s history in neighboring New York runs almost as deep. The band made the slow and natural progression from private parties and gigs at frat houses, to small clubs and theaters, later graduating to full scale amphitheaters, to now selling out Madison Square Garden on a regular basis. Phish may have been born and raised in the Green Mountain State, but its more recent history is firmly entrenched in the Empire State.
photo by Dave Decrescente
It took a few years after the band’s inception, but Phish finally waded into New York waters in 1987 with a now-legendary show at Ian McLean’s Farm in Hebron, NY on August 21, 1987 with three sets of music that included the first known performance of their cover of “Hold Your Head Up.” Phish would continue to make New York a regular part of their touring schedule in the early ’90s, with 1992 featuring more NY shows than any other year to date.
Lower show totals would follow in the late ’90s and early aughts as the band started to tour globally and play shows all throughout the country. But the “3.0” era of Phish has seen an influx of NY shows, primarily due to the renovations done to Madison Square Garden which has made The World’s Most Famous Arena the band’s preferred choice for multiple night New Year’s Eve runs. And the modern day pinnacle was set in 2017 with Phish’s legendary Baker’s Dozen Run of thirteen shows over three weeks which served as the foundation for “17 (shows) in ’17” at MSG which also included a 4-night New Year’s run.
In 2023, Phish came fairly close to matching this number with 14 shows spread throughout New York State which included another 11 at MSG. To date, Phish has played 288 total shows in The Empire State, so NY show #300 is certainly on the horizon.
Photo via Marshall Chasan, frame via phrames.com
To showcase this long-standing and still evolving relationship between Phish and New York, NYS Music presents our own reference guide, a map of every show the band has played in the Empire State. In the same vein as our Grateful Dead Map, this will link to each and every article published here with our own take on the show or appearance.
Big thanks to Alex Grosby of the Phishsonian Institute for helping us map out all of the New York venues and locations you see below.
Kingdom Bound is in its 37th year bringing the best in Christian Music to Western New York. The festival ran from Monday, July 29th through Wednesday, July 31st at Darien Lake over three days on four stages and over 50 artists.
Kingdom Bound had Gospel Music royalty here on Monday night, Miss Cece Winans. She has garnerned 15 Grammy Awards, the most for any female gospel singer, 31 GMA Dove Awards, 17 Stellar Awards, 7 NAACP Image Awards, and 1 Billboard Music Award. As well that night was Mac Powell formerly of Third Day.
The festival is attended by folks up and down the East Coast as well as Canada. They camp on site, rent a room in the lodge, as well as commute to the festival daily.
The final day of the festival was led off at the Gazebo stage with independent hip hop artists like Brea Miles from Virginia, Psalt-e from Syracuse and many more. Ending up at the main stage to close out the festival were the sister duo Renee and Cain with the closing act being The father/son band of We The Kingdom.
Dates for 2025 are already set for July 28-30 and one of the headline acts will be Skillet.
