On Saturday, August 3rd, Amyl and the Sniffers performed for a sold-out crowd at Buffalo’s Asbury Hall. As singer Amy Taylor sings in the song “Guided By Angels,” “I’ve got plenty of energy, it’s my currency,” and she shared that wealth with a sold-out crowd at Buffalo’s Asbury Hall.
Amyl and the Sniffers, a pub rock/punk band out of Melbourne, Australia, have been making waves since their formation in 2016. With critical acclaim and awards for “Best Live Act” three years running, they have built a solid reputation on the strength of their high-energy performances. The band has supported major acts such as Foo Fighters, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane’s Addiction, showcasing their explosive stage presence to even larger audiences. Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan once said of Amy Taylor, “This is a true rockstar… She’s one of one.”
From the get-go, the show was an all-out blitz of punk energy. Opening acts Die Spitz, added to the lineup the day of the show, and Lambrini Girls set the bar high with their intense performances, getting the crowd revved up.
The band’s high-energy reputation had the crowd buzzing with anticipation. They didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that started at a 10 and stayed there all night.
When Amyl and the Sniffers took the stage, the energy was off the charts. Amy Taylor was a force of nature, constantly in motion, jumping around the stage, whipping her hair back and forth, punching the air, and throwing up the double biceps. The band’s discography, with its loud, in-your-face choruses, lends itself exceptionally well for live performance and the crowd sang along with every word of those choruses. “Shake Ya” and “Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)” drew some of the biggest reactions from the crowd, igniting even more energy in the room.
Asbury Hall was alive with energy. The night was a nonstop barrage of high-octane music and raw, unfiltered excitement.
As the show wrapped up, the band left the stage, but the crowd’s energy lingered, anticipating more. Their excitement peaked when Amyl and the Sniffers returned for an encore, performing new single, “U Should Not Be Doing That,” followed by the fan favorite, “GFY.” The encore left fans buzzing with adrenaline, eagerly awaiting the band’s next visit to Buffalo.
Setlist: Balaclava Lover Boogie, Freaks to the Front, Security, Capital, I Got You, Choices, Maggot, Shake Ya, No More Tears, Knifey, Control, Facts, Starfire 500, Guided By Angels, Don’t Need a C**t (Like You to Love Me), Hertz, Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)
Northern Ireland’s alternative icons Two Door Cinema Club made a stop at Lewiston’s Artpark on July 29 for their North America tour. This band has provided the anthem for teenage youth throughout the years making their fanbase span from an array of ages.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The indie band Flipturn opened up the night in Artpark with their cinematic sound. This Floridian group are no strangers to the alternative scene. Their slow burn of a rise in stardom is definitely one to watch out for. Their signature guitar riffs and airy vocals pave way for introspective nights. This is especially so with their performance of their hit single, “August.” Flipturn got to play a new song they’ve been working on called, “Juno,” that so many people loved.
Flipturn, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The trio that makes up Two Door Cinema Club is Alex Trimble (singer/guitarist/programmer), Sam Halliday (guitarist/singer), and Kevin Baird (bassist/singer). The group met in school and chose to skip university in order to put full focus into their band. Luckily, that worked out for them. They released an EP in 2009 and numerous singles, but nothing gained huge traction until their debut album Tourist History came out in 2010.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Their album had such a grip on the youth that they were charting numerous Billboard records and being used in soundtracks for films. The way Two Door Cinema Club is able to make the present moment feel nostalgic through their sound is why so many people love them. It’s also why so many people drove out to get a glimpse of their talent on a random Monday night in July.
In summertime feels fashion, Two Door Cinema Club opened with their song, “This Is The Life” off the very renowned album that got them so much traction. They are no strangers to the Buffalo area and their welcome back was legendary. They brought life into the crowd with their humor and electropop sound. Their music so punchy and full of energy it makes just about anyone want to groove to it.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The band played an array of their discography making longtime fans so fulfilled. Songs off of their sophomore album Beacon were performed including, “Next Year” and “Sun.” They took the audience through the years of the 2010s not shying away from any of their bold musical decisions. Of course though they had to finish with the track that everyone knows from Two Door Cinema Club, “What You Know.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This July night in Lewiston was one that took everyone down memory lane and had people in their feels. Artpark is the perfect venue for getting that beautiful sunset show and if you haven’t been then you’re missing out. Upcoming shows at Artpark include, Backroads Blue Festival on August 10 and Stray Cats on August 13. Get your tickets here.
Setlist: This Is the Life, I Can Talk, Sleep Alone, Sure Enough, Changing of the Seasons, Next Year, Do You Want It All?, Something Good Can Work, Costume Party, Bad Decisions, Everybody’s Cool, Come Back Home, Handshake, Lucky, Lavender, Are We Ready? (Wreck), The World Is Watching, Eat That Up, It’s Good for You, Undercover Martyn, Cigarettes in the Theatre, Messenger AD (Intro), Sun, What You Know
Harbor Walk, Liberty Hound, and Jeff Miers Music are teaming up to present the Thursday Night Summer Concert Series “Music Matters.” The series takes place on the New Harbor Walk Facility at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo. Concerts take place on Thursdays at 7 pm, so don’t miss the last few weeks of eclectic performers.
Now in its final weeks, the Music Matters concert series features a wide variety of regional artists and organizations for attendees to enjoy. Local businesses set up their booths all over the boardwalk, offering special creations just for the event. Private special events on the boardwalk are held after each concert for fans who wish the night would never end.
“I’m excited to be teaming with my friend Jason Davidson and the Liberty Hound to present this summer concert series at the new Harbor Walk venue,’” says Music Matters Series co-producer Jeff Miers. “There’s a long history of live music on Thursday nights in the Canalside region, and it feels great to be able to assemble this lineup of incredible Buffalo talent to continue that tradition at one of our city’s most breathtakingly beautiful sites.”
Music Matters brings an incredibly diverse and talented batch of musicians to Harbor Walk every year. This year, a lineup of rock, country, and funk artists take the stage. In its home stretch, bands like Critt (joined by special guest Blaised and Confused), Funktional Flow, and The Strictly Hip, along with a special announcement for the show on August 8, are ready to turn up the funk for Buffalo crowds.
Don’t miss the last few performances of Music Matters, every Thursday starting at 7 pm. More information is available here.
2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the Chautauqua Institution’s founding. The world-renowned institution has become famous for its annual summer programming.
This year is no different, with the 2024 Summer Season featuring a number of lectures, performances, and more to celebrate the anniversary.
The Chautauqua Institution traces its history back to 1874. In that year inventor Lewis Miller alongside Bishop John Heyl Vincent founded the institution. From its start, Chautauqua represented an experimental approach to traditional education. The institution – then known as the Chautauqua Lake Sunday School – sat on 750 acres of lakeside property. At its founding, Chautauqua was a pioneer in “vacation learning,” with people out of school traveling to the site for instruction.
Although it was originally dedicated to religious education, Chautauqua’s programming soon expanded into a number of other fields. In addition to religion, classes on arts, music, and other subjects were soon offered. In 1878, the institution founded the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. This program was intended to provide education to those not fortunate enough to attend university. In addition, Chautauqua used these programs to advocate for morality – which they defined as abstention from activities like drinking, gambling, and dancing. By 1880, Chautauqua hosted over 100 Summer lectures.
Due to the success of Chautauqua’s academic programming, the institution’s musical facilities evolved quickly. In 1875 – one year after its founding – the institution hosted the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The all-African American a capella group broke racial barriers with their performance at the height of the Reconstruction Era. Throughout the years, Chautauqua continued to highlight pioneering African American performers. Legendary singers like Marion Anderson and Paul Robeson performed at the institution in their heydays.
Marian Anderson performing at Chautauqua in 1957
The institution’s musical facilities increased with the installment of the Massey Memorial Organ in 1907. The high-precision organ now performs regular recitals during the summer season. By 1920, symphony orchestras regularly performed on the institution’s grounds. 1929 saw the official founding of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Since its founding almost 100 years ago, the orchestra has grown into one of the institution’s most recognizable features. Housed in the institution’s 4,400-person amphitheater, the orchestra now plays three weekly performances each season.
Marking this full adoption of music, a number of composers and performers began visiting Chautauqua in the 1920s. In 1925, George Gershwin made a Chautauqua practice shack his home while he composed his Concerto In F.
Chautauqua’s embrace of musical programming extended to dance and theater. In 1929, the Chautauqua Opera Company began alongside the orchestra, performing regularly in the art-deco Norton Hall. Nowadays, the aforementioned Amphitheater and Norton Hall, as well as the Bratton Theatre regularly host contemporary and ballet dance performances.
A Tent Chautauqua in Mechanic Falls, Maine
The success of the Chautauqua Institution’s programming led to a nationwide phenomenon. By the early 1900s, “Tent Chautauquas” traveled the country, bringing entertainment and education to places as far as South Carolina and Colorado. However, by the 1930s, these road shows grew out of fashion. As cinema and radio expanded, the need for the Tent Chautauqua exhibitions was seen less and less.
The 1930s also marked an era of hardship for the Western New York institution. Following the stock market crash of 1929, the United States entered the Great Depression. Countless businesses and organizations went bankrupt, putting much of the country out of work. The Chautauqua Institution was no exception to this. In 1933, it entered a period of receivership, unable to handle its debts. The Chautauquan community, however, remained dedicated to keeping the institution alive. They founded the Chautauqua Foundation to raise funds, successfully creating an endowment to fund the institution in 1937.
Since 1937, the institution has persevered as a staple of Western New York’s academic landscape. Throughout its history, Chautauqua has presented lectures and performances by countless famous artists. Legendary bandleaders like John Philip Sousa and Duke Ellington have led performances at the institution. On top of this, the institution has featured pop artists ranging from Toby Keith to Ben Folds. Additionally, six presidents have visited the institution in their lifetimes. Starting with Ulysses S. Grant in 1875, James Garfield, William Mckinley, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, and Bill Clinton have all visited.
Theodore Roosevelt speaking at the Chautauqua Institution
During his visit to Chautauqua, Theodore Roosevelt described the institution, saying “it is a source of positive strength and refreshment of mind and body to come to meet a typical American gathering like this—a gathering that is typically American in that it is typical of America at its best.”
The government has recognized Chautauqua’s importance to education and performance since the 1970s. In 1973, the National Park Service recognized the institution’s campus as a National Historic Place. This was followed by a 1989 designation as a National Historic Landmark District.
As 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the institution’s founding, it will feature a number of special events. Throughout August, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra will perform weekly performances. Each performance celebrates a different legendary composer, highlighting works by Brahms, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and more. In addition to these performances, Chautauqua will host shows by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in the amphitheater August 21-23rd. The institution’s Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall will also host weekly chamber performances each Monday and Saturday.
On top of these instrumental performances, a number of pop groups will perform at the institute’s famous amphitheater. Among these groups is the legendary Jamestown-based alternative group 10,000 Maniacs. The August 19th concert likewise celebrates the groups 40th anniversary that launched them to international stardom. In addition, Indigo Girls, Squonk, Twisted Pine, and more will perform throughout August.
On top of these musical performances, the Chautauqua Institute will host a number of other activities throughout August. These activities include daily interfaith lectures, theater performances, art exhibitions, and campus tours. For more information on the Chautauqua Institution’s upcoming events, visit its website here.
After postponing four recent shows, Slash’s Serpent Festival is back on track with a stop at Artpark in Lewiston, NY on July 30. The tour celebrating the blues features a rotating support cast with the legendary Keb ‘Mo, ZZ Ward, Robert Randolph sharing the stage on this night.
Following the recent passing of his stepdaughter, Slash postponed four shows in the week leading up to the show in Lewiston, leaving others shows to be determined. After resuming the tour the night before, Slash slithered into Western NY and played a killer mix of 13 songs, many from his 2024 release, Orgy of The Damned.
Forming the S.E.R.P.E.N.T festival, Slash wanted to spread positive vibes through music and charity. “Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality, N’, Tolerance” is the acronym. With charitable causes selected by Slash, a portion of every ticket sale on the tour is donated to the chosen groups.
The former guitarist for Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver has taken on the blues genre and gave the middle finger to any ‘traditional’ blues guidelines, creating his own style for others to emulate and build on. So, for those who showed up for covers of “November Rain,” “Night Train,” or “Patience”, I hope you weren’t too upset.
Following a short set from Randolph, ZZ Ward took control of the stage and the crowd with her classic, raspy blues vocals and left the crowd in awe after her brief set. Setlist included an original “Put the Gun Down” and an immaculate rendition of “Grinning in Your Face” from Son House. Finishing her set, she announces she will meet everyone at the merch tent to say hi, as her supporting cast jams out for another minute or so with classic blues chords
Following Ward’s stellar performance, Keb ‘Mo took his shot with the crowd. After a couple songs, he admits he had been drinking all day and casually continued through his set. Fun, classic, and boisterous are three words that accurately describe the set. Having seen him in 2023, this night’s performance was by far the better of the two. He seemed more at ease and loose, which was perfect for the crowd before him, as the fans of an old 80’s hair band quickly learned why Keb has won multiple Grammy’s.
With an appetite for destruction, Slash arrived on stage around 845 and wasted no time in shredding the stage as the Niagara River rages behind the venue. The black top hat, the aviators, the ripped tank top, and skinny jeans. This is the style that most fans of GN’R will know from the late 80s and 90s. Here we are in 2024 and slash still rocks the same look, with the same hair, and he rips the guitar like no other, playing originals and covers with ease.
While the setlist included a large number of tracks from the newest album, Slash blew created a frenzy as he played a rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and continued with T-bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday” and “The Pusher”. Known for jaw dropping solos, Slash did not let the fans down tonight as he went hog wild on “Metal Chesnut” toward the end of the set.
No to be outdone, the supporting cast for Slash proved they were now slouches. Keyboardis/vocalist Teddy Andreadis provided enough sound and entertainment for a show of his own, poking away at the keys and puffing the harmonica, ala John Popper style, all well providing bone chilling vocals throughout the night.
Bassist Johnny Griparic seemed to have the most fun on stage. Solo parts from start to finish, smiling and pointing at fans, and doing his Captain Morgan impressions at stage front.
On the drums, Micheal Jerome sat in back like most drummers and kept pace with every beat and every antic that was going on. Barely breaking a sweat, I might add.
Finally, guitarist Tash Neal provided ample support for Slash, going note for note with one of the greatest guitarists out there. Blistering solos and crisp vocals create a match made in heaven as Neal proves his worth. The onslaught of both smooth and heavy blues are presented flawlessly with this amazing stage of musicians.
Rounding out the night, Slash absolutely crushed a cover of “Stone Free” that would have Jimi dancing in the grave. Following a brief pause, the two-song encore brought back many fans who were already heading the parking lot. “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” and “Shake Your Money Maker” completed a night that began some serious rain but finished with some sweltering blues.
The tour continues with another 11 stops and a rotating guest list that includes “Kingfish” Ingram and Samantha Fish.
Slash setlist: Parchman Farm Blues (Bukka White cover), Killing Floor (Howlinâ Wolf cover), Born Under a Bad Sign (Booker T. & the MGâs cover), Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover), Big legged woman (Freddie King cover), Awful Dream (Lightning Hopkins cover), Papa Was a Rolling Stone (The Temptations cover), Stormy Monday (T-Bone Walker cover), The Pusher (Hoyt Axton), Metal Chestnut, Crossroads (Robert Johnson cover), Stone Free (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover) Encore: It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry (Bob Dylan cover), Shake Your Money Maker (Elmore James cover)
Alice Cooper launched his “Too Close for Comfort” North American headlining tour at the OLG Stage in Niagara Falls, Canada on Tuesday July 30.
It was an unforgettable night that left fans buzzing with excitement. Despite a slight delay in the show’s start, the rock legend wasted no time in proving why he remains a vital force in the world of rock and roll. This was the first time Cooper played this venue in Niagara Falls. The last time he played the area was the fall of 2022 at Sheas in Buffalo.
The moment the lights dimmed, a wave of anticipation swept through the crowd. As the clock ticked past the scheduled start time, murmurs of impatience began to ripple through the audience. However, all was forgiven the instant Alice Cooper stormed the stage and launched into the electrifying opener, “Lock Me Up.” The high-energy performance immediately set the tone for the evening. Cooper’s signature raspy vocals and theatrical stage presence, captivated the audience.
Following the explosive opener, Cooper seamlessly transitioned into “Welcome to the Show,” a fitting anthem for a night that promised rock spectacle at its finest. The band’s tight musicianship and Cooper’s commanding presence turned the venue into a carnival of rock, complete with his trademark macabre flair. The song’s lyrics seemed to invite the audience into Cooper’s world, a blend of horror and rock ‘n’ roll that fans have cherished for decades.
The true highlight of the evening came with the third song, “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” The classic hit had the entire audience singing along, a testament to Cooper’s enduring appeal and the timelessness of his music. As he belted out the chorus, it was clear that Cooper’s voice has lost none of its edge over the years. The performance was infused with a raw energy that transported the audience back to the 1970s, when the song first made its mark on the rock scene.
Throughout the concert, Cooper’s band provided a rock-solid foundation, with blistering guitar solos, pounding drums, and thundering bass lines that kept the energy levels high. The stage production was equally impressive, featuring the elaborate props and dark, theatrical elements that have become synonymous with an Alice Cooper show. The setlist, a mix of classic hits and newer material, was carefully curated to keep fans of all ages engaged and entertained.
The setlist was a thrilling journey through Cooper’s extensive catalog, featuring fan favorites and deep cuts alike. “I’m Eighteen” and “Under My Wheels” kept the momentum going, while “Bed of Nails” and “Billion Dollar Babies” showcased the bandâs prowess. “Hey Stoopid” and “Be My Lover” were delivered with infectious enthusiasm. “Snakebite” and “Feed My Frankenstein” brought a touch of theatrical horror that fans loved.
“Lost in America” and “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” added to the night’s nostalgia, and the crowd roared during “Poison,” which was followed by a powerful drum solo. “Welcome to My Nightmare” and “Cold Ethyl” maintained the eerie atmosphere, while “The Black Widow” and “Ballad of Dwight Fry” were masterfully performed.
Alice Cooper demonstrated why he remains an iconic figure in the music world. Fans left the OLG Stage in Niagara Falls not just satisfied, but exhilarated, having witnessed a true legend in action. If this show is any indication, the rest of the tour promises to be a wild, unforgettable ride.
Once this headline tour ends later this month, Alice Cooper with join up with Rob Zombie for more shows this summer for the ‘Freaks on Parade’ tour. Alice Cooper’s band consists of Chuck Garric on bass, backing vocals, Ryan Roxie an Nita Strauss on guitars, Tommy Henriksen on guitars, backing vocals, and Glen Sobel on drums. Alice Cooper will be back in New York on September4 in Syracuse.
Alt-country superstar Jeff Tweedy has announced a cross-country Autumn tour with for New York dates. Beginning on September 8th, the tour will stop in Woodstock and Buffalo before making its way westward.
Jeff Tweedy has distinguished himself as an icon of the alt-country genre. His musical career began in high school, performing alongside friends. This band soon evolved into Tweedy’s first big project, Uncle Tupelo. During their 7 years of existence, Uncle Tupelo emerged as standouts of alt-country. Their 1990 record No Depression has been labeled one of the best albums of the genre, and the 1990s as a whole.
By 1994, Uncle Tupelo had disbanded, leaving Tweedy to start his next musical project. This band – made of leftover Uncle Tupelo members – named themselves Wilco. Their first two records A.M. and Being There continued to build on Uncle Tupelo’s country stylings. By their third album, 1999’s Summerteeth, the band began to incorporate elements from Psychedelic pop and alternative rock, creating their iconic sound. Many consider the peak of their career as 2001’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which paired their genre-bending experimentations with unforgettable pop hooks. The album is often quoted as not only one of the best indie albums of all time, but one of the greatest albums ever.
Jeff Tweedy has been busy with his work throughout 2024 – both as the frontman of Wilco and a solo artist. In terms of Wilco, the band released their 13th studio album Cousin, with its accompanying Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP. June saw the band take to the live stage at the Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, Massachusetts. In addition to this performance, they have made waves through their live recording of Lana Del Rey’s “Margaret” alongside Bleachers.
On top of this musical work, Tweedy has pursued writing. 2024 saw the release of his third book WORLD WITHIN A SONG: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music. The book recounts fifty songs that changed Tweedy’s life and the memories associated with each of them. Upon its release, the book quickly became a New York Times Bestseller.
To kick off Autumn, Tweedy is launching a cross country tour, beginning on Sunday, September 8th. The tour will start in Tweedy’s home of Chicago, with performances at the Evanston Folk Festival and Chicago Live! Following these two performances, Tweedy will continue on to New York, where he has four scheduled shows.
The New York Leg of the tour will begin with a three-night residency at Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater. The legendary venue dates back to 1989, when it was built to house Bearsville Studios. Since its founding, everyone from Patti Smith to REM has recorded there. The renowned 500-person venue has an intimate atmosphere with near perfect acoustics. Tweedy’s residency will last from Friday, October 11th to Sunday, October 13th.
Immediately following his Woodstock residency, Tweedy will travel to Buffalo to perform at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center. The theater sits at the center of Buffalo State College, housing its stage productions. Since its original opening in 1987, the theater has undergone extensive renovations with state of the art lighting and sound systems and refurbished seating. The 865-person theater hosts over 50,000 people every year across more than 180 events. Tweedy’s concert will take place on Tuesday, October 15th.
Bearsville Theater
Following these New York performances, Tweedy will continue westward throughout October. He will cap off the Autumn tour with a three-day residency at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, California. Tickets go on sale August 2nd at 10am local time. For more information on Jeff Tweedy’s solo tour, visit the Wilco website here.
Jeff Tweedy Tour Dates
Sun. Sept 8 – Evanston, IL @ Evanston Folk Festival, In-Conversation Series
Sat. Sept 21 – Chicago, IL @ Navy Pier / Chicago Live!
Fri. Oct. 11 – Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater
Sat. Oct. 12 – Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater
Sun. Oct. 13 – Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater
Tue. Oct. 15 – Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo State PAC
Wed. Oct. 16 – Columbus, OH @ Southern Theatre
Fri. Oct. 18 – Champaign, IL @ Virginia Theatre
Sat. Oct. 19 – Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
Sun. Oct. 20 – Omaha, NE @ The Admiral
Tue. Oct. 22 – Jackson, WY @ Center for The Arts
Wed. Oct. 23 – Salt Lake City @ Rose Wagner Theater
Fri. Oct. 25 – Grass Valley, CA @ Center for The Arts
Mon. Oct. 28 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre
Tues. Oct. 29 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre
Wed. Oct. 30 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre
Fri. Feb 28 – Miami, St Croix, USVI & St John’s, Antigua @ Cayamo Cruise
Fresh on the heels of their wildly successful Why We Dance Tour and its ongoing follow up tour, The Disco Biscuits are keeping the momentum going and have announced a run of shows in the Fall.
The shows will take place predominantly in the Northeast, but feature a Halloween run at The Caverns in Tennessee. The band will play Brooklyn Steel on November 9 with the next show scheduled for Bearsville Theatre in Woodstock on November 13.
The Fall Tour also includes The Disco Biscuits making return appearances to The Palladium in Worcester, MA on November 15 and the State Theatre in Portland, ME on November 16. The tour also rolls through Connecticut twice with shows in both Norwalk (November 14) and Hartford (November 20-21). And New York continues to get plenty of attention as well as the tour concludes with the final three shows here. The band will play Rome Capitol Theatre for the first time on November 22 before concluding the tour with two shows at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom where the band never seems to disappoint.
Both General Admission and VIP tickets for the Fall Tour go on sale tomorrow at 12 pm ET. The VIP package for this set of shows includes early entry to each venue with early access to merch, a pre-show private soundcheck an group photo with the band as well as a commemorative show ticket instead of the usual poster and a laminate. There’s also still one yet to be announced show for this tour on November 7 that falls between ones at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore and the aforementioned Brooklyn Steel show. For tickets and more information on the band’s 2024 plans, visit discobiscuits.com.
Disco Biscuits Fall Tour Schedule
10/30 – Madison Theater – Covington, Ky. 10/31-11/2 – The Caverns – Pelham, Tenn. 11/3 – French Broad River Brewery – Asheville, N.C. 11/6 – Rams Head Live – Baltimore 11/7 – TBA 11/9 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, N.Y. 11/13 – Bearsville Theatre – Woodstock, N.Y. 11/14 – District Music Hall- Norwalk, Conn. 11/15 – The Palladium – Worcester, Mass. 11/16 – State Theatre – Portland, Maine 11/17 – Paramount Theatre – Rutland, Vt. 11/20-21 – Infinity Hall – Hartford, Conn. 11/22 – Rome Capitol Theatre – Rome, N.Y. 11/23-24 – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, N.Y.
Janelle Bradshaw has wondered, “Why can’t the Finger Lakes be like Nashville?” As a local resident of the Finger Lakes region, Bradshaw has witnessed the sheer volume of talent the area has to offer. The problem was easy access to the region’s music scene. So Bradshaw pioneered a website to promote the various musicians and venues of the Finger Lakes area.
Created by Janelle Bradshaw, FLX Music 247 offers a meticulous planner, containing various artists’ and venues’ schedules throughout the entire Finger Lakes’ area. The website’s homepage hosts a master calendar organized by region, genre, and venue, allowing its users to discover live music without the hassle of scrolling through multiple websites for hours on end.
Janelle Bradshaw, the creator of FLX Music 247 and the co-founder of the Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival.
“The combination of what’s to eat, what’s to drink, and who’s playing the music all influence the decision of where to go out,” the creator of FLX Music 247, Janelle Bradshaw, stated. “If you don’t have all those pieces, you just stay home.” Bradshaw’s innovative website solves this dilemma, making planning effortless, whether it be planning for a night out or for a trip months in advance. The calendar currently promotes events from as recent as the current date to as far as five months in advance in December.
Since its creation in January of 2022, Bradshaw has publicized music from over 400 venues, promoted over 750 musicians, and advertised approximately 40,000 live music events. Around 90% of these events are free and are located within the rural Finger Lakes area. Professional venues, such as CMAC, aren’t included in the statistics, proving that the Finger Lakes area has much to offer.
It’s this sheer volume of musical talent in the Finger Lakes area that makes Bradshaw wonder why the Finger Lakes can’t be more like Nashville. She hopes one day artists will record in studios throughout the rural area, transforming the Finger Lakes into a musical hotspot. Bradshaw hopes her website can be an integral part in elevating the music scene as a whole, consistently presenting better and better music.
To reach this goal, Bradshaw wants to change people’s mindset. When planning a night out, she wants the band to be at the forefront of people’s minds, not the venue. “People get pigeonholed and can’t find new music, because they only go here and there. But would they go somewhere else if they were following a band?” Bradshaw wondered.
Instead of heading to a venue, hoping the music is good, people can head to FLX Music 247 and base their decision of where to go out on the band that’s performing. Bradshaw stated, “If I could see four different bands and they’re all within eight to ten miles of each other, I’m going to hear the band I want to hear, not just go to drink the venue’s beer.” With this new mindset, venues will shift their objective to promoting top-tier music, and in turn, artists will be pushed to perform to the best of their ability.
Janelle Bradshaw talks about the inception of the 1st annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival.
In addition to FLX Music 247, Bradshaw continues to promote the Finger Lakes’ music scene through the Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival, which she co-created with Michael George Gonzalez in 2023. The idea for the festival arose after Bradshaw realized that Philadelphia bassist and leading name in jazz, Christian McBride, was going to perform in Geneva to celebrate the life and legacy of Rocco “Scott” LaFaro. Geneva has previously celebrated LaFaro’s jazz legacy for six years; however, this was the first-time famed jazz bassist and composer McBride would be part of the celebrations. As a jazz enthusiast, Bradshaw wanted to generate a pathway of excitement for McBride’s upcoming performance. It was her passion for jazz and desire to spread this passion that led to the creation of the Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival.
The first annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival took place the week leading up to McBride’s concert. Artists like Jimmy Richmond, the Nancy Kelly Quartet, and Jimmie Highsmith Jr. performed across various venues in the Finger Lakes area. It was such a success that jazz fever told hold of the region. “Two years ago, there was no jazz in Geneva,” Bradshaw stated. “Last year, you could see jazz in Geneva about once a week. And this year, you can see jazz four times a week in the Geneva area.”
View the lineup of artists for the second annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival, which took place April 4-7 of 2024.
Local venues, like Brewery Ardennes and Geneva On The Lake, now host weekly jazz happy hours and jazz brunch. But this isn’t the only way local venues have joined the jazz community. During the second annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival this past April, ten venues hosted various jazz musicians’ performances.
One such venue was Club 86. Although it now acts mainly as a wedding venue, the club was once the spot for jazz legends, hosting the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, and Tony Bennett. Club 86 was brought back to life during the annual jazz festival. Not only did the jazz festival rejuvenate the club but it was also a thrilling experience for the performers. Bradshaw stated, “To be able to say, Hey, I played on the same stage as Ella Fitzgerald, is a cool thing to be able to say.”
Club 86 pictured sometime between the late 1940s and early 1950s when it was at its high of jazz performances.
Bradshaw has already begun planning the third annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival, which is scheduled to take place from April 3-6 in 2025. She hopes the festival will be not only a celebration of the Finger Lakes’ jazz scene but a reminder of the exceptional music the Finger Lakes’ area has to offer. To view all the music the Finger Lakes provides, head to Bradshaw’s website FLX Music 247 or click here.
Tag’s Summer Stage, located in Big Flats, NY, is set for three more concerts in their summer series.
The large Southern Tier venue has hosted an impressive line-up featuring Billy Currington, Rip Moore, Larry Fleet, Brantley Gilbert and more. The rest of the season will feature Primus, Coheed & Cambria, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, and Flo Rida, bringing in a diverse genre of music from country to hip-hop, something for everyone to dance to.
August 10th, 7:00PM – Primus, Coheed and Cambria with Puddles Pity Party
The Mich Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s welcomes cutting-edge rock superstars, PRIMUS with special guests’ progressive rock, & science fiction comic band Coheed and Cambria & America Got Talent Puddles Pity Party. Joining together for a night of unforgettable entertainment
September 8th, 7:30PM – Australian Pink Floyd Show
Selling over 4 million tickets worldwide and described by The Times as “The Gold Standard” and The Daily Mirror as “The Kings of the Genre”, The Australian Pink Floyd Show Performing the music of Pink Floyd with a note for note perfection, this critically acclaimed show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for more than three decades.
Always striving to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen technology, and other special effects. In addition, and in true Pink Floyd fashion, there are several huge inflatables including a giant pig and their own unique Pink Kangaroo.
September 14th, 8:00PM – Flo Rida
Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar known for his party anthems, Flo Rida, brings his high-energy party to Tag’s Summer Stage Series for one electric night on, Saturday, September 14th. Joining Flo Rida is the #1 US Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, with over 100 million records sold worldwide, is MIMS. To get the party started off right a world-class DJ will spin the tunes to keep you dancing the night away. It promises to be one unforgettable evening. We can’t wait to see you all party at “My House”, as we all have a “Good Feeling”, it’s going to be one of the “Wild Ones.”
