Jelly Roll on the Beautifully Broken tour, with openers Alexandra Kay and Warren Zeiders, rolled into Buffalo KeyBank Center on Sunday, October 6th, bringing a night of healing and good old country vibes on a Fall night.
The night started with independent artist Alexandra Kay. Alexandra Kay is from Waterloo, Missouri, about 40 minutes from St.Louis. She has taken the country scene by storm, having collaborated with some of the most iconic names in the music industry, like Randy Travis, Tim McGraw, and Scott Stapp of Creed, just to name a few. When Alexandra Kay came out, KeyBank Center was electric for her. She had tremendous energy and worked the stage to ensure everyone felt connected.
Warren Zeiders followed up Alexandra Kay. Warren is one of country music’s newest up-and-coming stars. He recently was nominated and won his first CMT Award for “Breakthrough Male Video of the Year.” His fans are eating him up, giving him 7.9 million monthly Spotify listens and 1 billion TikTok views. He continued to bring on that high energy that Alexandra brought to his set. Both Alexandra and Warren were such perfect opening acts to get everyone ready for Jelly Roll.
Before Jelly Roll took the stage in Buffalo, he started a countdown just after Warren Zeiders finished his set. When the countdown reached zero, a video started to play. The video welcomed everyone to the tour and let everyone know to come as they are and, most importantly, that “it’s okay not to be okay” and that this show would be healing and a good time. When the video finished, Jelly Roll started his walk to the B stage on the floor of the sold-out KeyBank Center.
Along the way, he shook hands and said hi to the fans. When he got to the stage, he started singing ‘I Am Not Okay.’ During the song, a metal house silhouette came down, hovering above the stage on fire. After the song, Jelly Roll returned to the main stage and performed ‘Halfway to Hell’ and ‘Get By.’
New music venue, The Caz, in Buffalo, celebrates opening weekend Oct 17-20 with some great bands, including Buffalo locals, Johnny Hart & The Mess on Thursday, October 17. October 18 sees NY bands Big Shrimp and Escaper, as well as Buffalo locals, Type Relevant.
The venue features a restored historic listening room and is designed to provide superior sound and visuals for an unforgettable experience. The Caz is proud to be a venue that not only hosts national and international talent but also champions the incredible musical talent found right in Buffalo.
With the venue’s opening celebration on the weekend of October 17, The Caz excitedly hosts plenty of talented performers to kick off the upcoming bonanza. The Caz is redefining the live entertainment scene in the heart of South Buffalo. Savor delicious food from the full-time kitchen, complemented by themed cocktails and a selection of local craft beer and spirits.
Snag your tickets early to secure the best views from our elevated mezzanine and enjoy live performances from top local talent and national touring acts. The Caz is shaping itself up to be the ultimate destination for live shows in Western New York.
Big Shrimp returns with a fresh lineup and an electrifying sound, ready to make waves in the music world. Hailing from Bridgeport, CT, this versatile quartet features long-standing members Jared Sage Cowen and Jager Soss, alongside new talents Max Perrotti and Matt Takesh. Their evolution from a power trio to a quartet has broadened their musical scope, combining bold progressive fusion rock with innovative, polished new elements.
Escaper is a New York City band that blends funky jams with progressive psych-rock to create sci-fi dance parties. Known for the chemistry between Will Hanza and Phil Kadet. Escaper has played major Northeast festivals like Northlands, Great South Bay, and Bear’s Picnic. They have shared the stage with the likes of Jon Fishman (Phish), Karl Denson, and members of the Disco Biscuits, Dopapod, and more. Type Relevant is a Buffalo-based hip-hop collective that has been performing across Western New York for nearly two decades.
Big Shrimp
For more information on The Caz and to purchase tickets to the upcoming shows, click here.
Get ready, Jimkata fans! The Psychedelic super pop jam band is back with a fresh new single, “Off The Rails” that’s set to be the soundtrack of your fall.
Known for their electrifying blend of indie rock and synth-driven beats, Jimkata has been a staple of the indie music scene, and their latest track doesn’t disappoint. The single offers a glimpse into their upcoming album, Running In Place which is released Friday, October 4th and is packed with the band’s signature energy and fresh new vibes.
To celebrate the release, Jimkata is hosting an Album Release Party Friday at Asbury Hall aka Babeville in Buffalo, and you won’t want to miss it! This is your chance to catch them live, hear your favorites plus hits off the new album, and experience the magic that only Jimkata can deliver. Big Something is opening the show.
NYS Music spoke to Jimkata ahead of the show and album release.
NYSMusic: What kind of themes or stories are fans going to hear on this new album? Did anything unexpected inspire you guys this time around?
Jimkata: I think as musicians and individuals we’ve all been navigating our way through a lot of changes and challenges the last few years. We started working on this album as a three piece, sort of doing what we could here and there while touring and Packy and Aaron becoming new fathers, while also trying to fund the process entirely independently. It hasn’t always been easy the last few years but it feels like a “pressure makes diamonds” type of situation. In that time, we added Cooper into the band full time on bass/synths and have been discovering a new sound or really, just advancing it to a new level. It’s hard to sum it up musically or lyrically since I think it’s pretty diverse between songs but I know for sure I pushed myself into some new territory at times while writing and recording this one. There were plenty of unexpected “aha” moments.
NYSMusic: If you could describe the new album in three words, what would they be? What kind of wild ride can Jimkata fans expect?
Jimkata: Full Spectrum Jimkata. We chose to incorporate both studio and live tracks to try to encompass where we’re at right now. It felt natural to end the album with the live stuff since this process began with a lot of isolated sessions, often just one or two of us working on a demo at home or with a producer. Then after playing a bunch of shows on the fall tour, building some chemistry on stage between the four of us, we knew we needed to get all of us in a room to work on the remaining new songs as a band and capture the vibe. I think the emotion of our songs gets amplified at shows because of the energy in the room and we wanted to show what that currently sounds like literally but also channel that into the studio stuff too.
NYSMusic: How do you decide which older songs to include in the setlist alongside the new tracks? Are there any fan favorites you always keep in rotation?
Jimkata: Sometimes it’s by fan request. Someone messages us about wanting to hear a certain song one night and we say, yea lets do it. Sometimes it’s something one of us brings up in a rehearsal. Like, “Hey what about this song?”. Sometimes we feel like we need a certain tempo or vibe at a specific time in a set and there are a few that always seem to do the trick. Its kinda tough because we have so many to choose from now but we’ve been embracing the whole catalog a lot more these days. We definitely know which songs seem to be clicking with the crowd but are always testing out new ideas or further enhancing an old song.
NYSMusic: Any songs on the new album that ended up surprising you or going in a completely different direction than you thought?
Jimkata: Almost all of them but probably the song Running in Place was the big surprise. It came together after a frustrating day in the studio where we seemed to be losing creative steam on a different song. We thought about what kind of song we needed vibe wise to round out the album and it just wasn’t it. Jocko (producer) asked if I had any other demos laying around and I rifled through a bunch of song ideas for them and the immediate reaction to Running in Place (aka ‘Spirals’) from everybody was, “Yea this one!”. We were getting really close, if not already past the deadline we gave ourselves so I went home and finished writing the song over the weekend and sent it around to everybody. We went back in and tracked it in a day and overnight we had this brand new tune that didn’t exist a week ago. Lyrically we felt like this idea of Running in Place resonated with how we felt about life lately- working your ass off trying to keep up with everything and in some ways feeling like you’re moving forward but other times like you’re just running on a treadmill.
The middle section on “Off the Rails” was also an unexpected moment of inspiration. We stumbled into the breakdown section while playing it live in the studio. Then weeks later, I’m driving there to record vocals, listening to the song, and I come up with this vocal idea. It’s almost insane sounding and we wanted to lean into that unhinged character. I really enjoyed yelling like a crazy person in the vocal booth, something I’m not sure I’ve done before but clearly was exactly what I needed to do and is probably a more accurate portrayal of how stressful life has been at times in the last few years for me. “
NYSMusic: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to upcoming and inspiring indie artists trying to find their voice and grow their audience in today’s music scene?
Jimkata: We don’t really know what to tell anyone since it seems like today’s landscape is very different from the one we started with and even the “professionals” are always trying to figure out what the hell is going on. However, we’ve seen a lot of things come and go in a short amount of time and things change, but some things remain true. Obviously social media is important, but I’d say don’t forget to just get out there and play a show, a party, whatever. Get together with friends and jam, go to shows and meet other musicians, other bands. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, suck, mess up in front of people, write songs you might not like later. Just laugh and learn from it. With a world of talented people on a screen in our pockets it can be intimidating and feel like maybe you’ll never be “good enough” to put yourself out there. But music is art, expression. It’s not always about technical ability although that’s important too. It’s about expression and having fun and sharing an experience with others not just on a screen, but in person.”
Roger Bryan and The Orphans is a Buffalo-based rock band that boasts sounds of alternative flare and indie spirit.
They are comprised of vocalist Roger Bryan, drummer Mike Sobieraj, Matt Lavin on bass and Dave Calos on guitar. The band originated in Buffalo in 2008 and have cycled through members before finally finding the core four Orphans.
The name Roger Bryan and The Orphans comes from the idea that the bandmembers were originally parts of other bands, but these groups dissolved, bringing them together as orphans of their past. The band’s sound contains a mix of soft indie and edgy alternative. The combination of this sound does the band well as they use their dynamic sound to express their musicianship over the years.
Over the course of 5 albums, multiple EPâs and singles, they have created a catalog of ragged glory that continues to grow and evolve while managing to keep a heart still stitched on its worn sleeve. Their latest album Days or Nights/That’s Life! combines songs from their 2023 EP That’s Life! along with some recent, polished tracks.
Around seven years in, there were big changes within the band. Mike and Roger found themselves reduced to a duo wondering where exactly to go. Eventually, the duo built it back up with Matt Lavin. Dave Calos was the last to join a couple weeks later.
Since then, Roger Bryan and The Orphans have released many works, each with their own unique sound. The group does not conform to a single sound, they have dynamic songwriting techniques, and a variety of sound to output. That said, the group’s overall tone is recognizable as something of their own.
The band has a couple upcoming shows in October and November, both in Buffalo. On October 11 at Jackrabbit music venue and eatery, Roger Bryan and The Orphans see the stage with Johnny Nobody for a live recording of their catalogue. November 16, at the Cave music venue, the band performs for their label Harvest Sum’s 20th anniversary show.
To learn more about Roger Bryan and The Orphans and to hear their works, head to their Bandcamp by clicking here.
Fall Fest will debut at Buffalo Central Terminal on October 12. Guests can expect everything from live music, awesome activities and various vendors for a day of fall fun.
Fall Fest 2024 features live music and local bands, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, no-mess pumpkin decorating, henna artists and face-painting. Festgoers can also expect carriage rides and photo installations, local vendors for laser engraved products, embellished glassware, clothing, books, syrups, health and beauty care products, and much more.
The musical artists featured for October 12 are Chuckie Campbell and Diyene. Chuckie Campbell is a hip-hop artist who originated in Buffalo. He plans to dazzle audiences with his impressive wordplay and poetry-forward rapping style. Diyene is a funk-soul-pop fusion band based out of Buffalo as well. Their distinctive sound is characterized by heartfelt lyrics and catchy hooks, delivered through powerful performances bursting with energy.
âWestern New Yorkers have a long history of celebrating fall. On Oct. 12, Fall Fest will combine traditional community aspects of events like Oktoberfest with family-friendly contemporary elements for an unforgettable experience for people all ages.”
Monica Pellegrino Faix, Executive Director of the Central Terminal Restoration Corp.
The Fall Fest takes place from 11am to 3pm at 495 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo. For more information on this free event, click here.
Far Trio will embark on a fall tour that will amount to 14 dates across New York through Sep. and Oct. ahead of their new album expected next year.
Far Trio is an “earthy fusion” band from Buffalo that was formed over a decade ago in Fredonia, NY. They are going on tour this fall bringing their unique blend of soul, blues, and singer-songwriter vibes to audiences throughout New York State.
Eamon Rayhn (vocals, bass), Drew Azzinaro (vocals, guitar), and Ethan Fox (drums) form the band which has been a fixture in the regionâs music scene for the past five years. They have performed over 150 shows annually across cities like Buffalo, NYC, the Finger Lakes, Philadelphia, and the Hudson Valley.
Far Trio has played at renowned venues including The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Shakti Lounge, So Far NYC, and major jazz festivals such as The Northwest Jazz Festival and Carnegie Jazz Festival. They have earned critical acclaim for their fresh takes on classic songs by artists such as John Lennon and The Allman Brothers, and their original compelling compositions.
In 2022, Far Trio released their second album, Ordinary Moments, recorded in Woodstock, NY, with legendary producer Scott Petito (James Taylor, Chick Corea, John Scofield). The album features 14 tracks ranging from soulful singer-songwriter tunes to raunchy blues-tinged grooves. This latest work showcases the band’s evolution as a unit, with each member augmenting the othersâ compositions and delivering a diverse sound that captivates a wide audience.
The band has stated that a new project is on the horizon for next year, the band continues to write, experiment, and create music that transcends genres while keeping its soul firmly rooted in the earthy fusion they are known for.
Ithaca trio Pocket Bandits have announced the release of their sophomore single “Midway” and their debut performance in Buffalo on September 27. Listen to premiere of the track below.
Pocket Bandits, the dynamic instrumental organ trio that emerged on the Central New York music scene in the fall of 2023, release “Midway,” on Friday, September 27. The band also makes their Buffalo debut that evening, hitting the stage at Nietzche’s with award-winning Boston soul singer-songwriter Jill McCracken and Buffalo local artist Sara Elizabeth.
Equal parts light and dark, shiny and grungy, melodious and angular, the new single captures all the intensity and fun of the trio. On the heels of their debut release from the spring of 2024, “The Pocket Bandit,” the progressive funk-fusion trio return with another live show favorite. “Midway” deftly splits the difference between inviting danceability and avant-garde exploration, synthesizing the extremes of the three-piece’s identity into one jubilant track.
The track is captivating to the ears of many genre-enjoyers. “Midway” encapsulates every persona and sound that each member possesses. It is dynamic, powerful and diverse in taste. There’s a little something for everyone here, and this is a staple of Pocket Bandits’ style.
They are a modern twist on the old-school organ trio: the power of a big band in a tiny package. The group is also performing a free hometown show that weekend, on the final day of the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival, Sunday, September 29 at 4pm on the Dewitt Park Stage.
With “Midway,” Pocket Bandits expand on “The Pocket Bandit” in their grand ambitions for their new collaboration. With more shows and more music on deck as 2024 moves into 2025, Pocket Bandits invite you to hop aboard and follow along for the ride.
Thrilling your senses and filling the dance floor, the trio engage their audiences with melodic, dynamic original compositions, as well as crowd-pleasers by The Beatles, Chappell Roan, Steely Dan, and even the Super Mario Brothers.
For more information on the Pocket Bandits, their new release “Midway” and to purchase tickets to their show in Buffalo, click here.
Pentatonix have announced the dates for their 2024 holiday tour: Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour. Pentatonix’s holiday tradition returns for the third year with their biggest Christmas tour yet. They will play at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 26, in Albany on Nov. 16, and in Buffalo on Nov. 23.
Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee make up the three-time Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated quintet, Pentatonix. They have announced a 2024 winter tour going from Nov 14 to Dec 22. The group will hit three venues in New York; Madison Square Garden, MVP Arena in Albany, and KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
Since emerging in 2011, the vocal quintet has reached unprecedented rights for an a cappella group. They have sold 10 million albums worldwide and have performed everywhere from The White House and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to The Hollywood Bowl. They have had two albums hit #1 on the Billboard 200—Pentatonix [2015] and A Pentatonix Christmas [2016]. They made history as the first a cappella act to win ‘Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella’ at the Grammys in 2015 and 2016. and again they won a Grammy in the category “Best Country Duo/Group Performance”for their duet with Dolly Parton on her song “Jolene.”
The group has played at many world-renowned venues and for world-renowned people such as The Kennedy Center Honors for Tom Hanks, covering “That Thing You Do” as President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama watched from the crowd. They have also collaborated with Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, and Lindsey Stirling, to name a few.
They played a role in the film Pitch Perfect 2, and in 2023, received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Pentatonix will also star in the upcoming Netflix holiday romcom, Meet Me Next Christmas.
For the third year in a row, Buffalo Jazz Festival will be hosted on the Richardson-Olmsted Campus in Buffalo on Sunday, September 1st from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
JazzBuffalo, a non-profit organization, presents this year’s Buffalo Jazz Festiva, seeking to increase and spread Jazz awareness and appreciation. They also host a variety of events throughout the year such as “Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square,” as well as the “Jazz at Richardson” series, which holds performances both on the lawn and inside the Richardson Hotel.
The Richardson Hotel is also the home of the festival this year. The stage on the south lawn will hold performances throughout the day. The historic hotel was built as a mental asylum by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame,) and housed patients from 1880 until 1974. The campus was deemed a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Attendees this year will experience Salsa, Latin Jazz, as well as timeless jazz classics. The festival will include free salsa and swing dance lessons.
Benny The Butcher looks to make his mark on the summer, returning with Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 just two weeks after releasing Summertime Butch. The new 3-track EP features close collaborator 38 Spesh, along with guest spots from Fabolous and Drake on the songs “Hard Way Freestyle” and “Buffalo Freestyle” respectively.
Artwork for Benny The Butcher 3-song E, Buffalo Butch Vol. 1
Benny Back Again
It’s been just over six months since the Grammy and Emmy nominated Buffalo native released his Def Jam Recordings debut, Everybody Can’t Go. During which he tried his hand at a more commercial sound along with a mainstream album that included several singles and guest spots on popular hip hop adjacent podcasts. While songs like the West Coast influenced “Back Again,” and the uptempo “How To Rap” showed some variance to Benny’s musical approach, his core fans continue to yearn for the gritty street rhymes that Benny and his tone-setting delivery have become synonymous with.
Artwork for Benny The Butcher 10-song EP, Summertime Butch
As a result he returned with Summertime Butch featuring appearances from Black Soprano Family signees Rick Hyde, ElCamino, and Fuego Base. With an additionally cameo from hip hop legend Ed Lover on “Summer 24,” while Harry Fraud and StreetRunner handled the album’s production. Now juts two weeks later he returns with a 3-pack of tracks to close the Summer out strong. As these last two EP’s have seen Benny return to his grimy best. Back are the slow, cinematic beats with street tales galore. Moreover, each song on Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 sees Benny bring the best out of his collaborators, which includes Drake first feature with a rapper of Benny’s pedigree since his much publicized beef with Kendrick Lamar. However, as of right now the Drake feature has been removed from streaming since the project’s release on Thursday night.
