The Music is Art Festival announced its grand return to Buffalo‘s AKG Art Museum after a seven-year hiatus on September 21 at Buffalo State University.
This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of music, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. The Music is Art Festival has always been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural gathering in Buffalo. The festival showcases what the creative and bright community has to offer. The scenic AKG and Buffalo State campus provide a canvas for Buffalo’s artistic prowess and vibrance.
The festival includes various diverse musical performances of many genres, choreographed dances, dazzling art exhibits, and unique, original vendors. The festival also includes theatrics, interactive experiences designed to engage, inspire, and entertain attendees of all ages.
Over 100 bands and acts are set to perform. Hundreds of art exhibits are set to dazzle attendees. Various other games, performances and displays of artisanship look to encapsulate the beauty of multiple art forms at once.
“We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today. AKG Buffalo and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians, and creatives.”
Robby Takac, Festival Founder
For more information about the Music is Art Festival, including how to participate or attend, please visit their website at MusicIsArt.org/festival.
The Dad of dubstep himself, Excision, kicked off his two night event in Buffalo on March 19. Buffalo Riverworks got two shows on the famous Nexus tour which has steam-rolled not only the EDM world, but the mainstream music scene as well due the innovative production quality.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Openers Bring the Heat
When Excision stops into town he is a master when it comes to putting on a performance. He brings out the best of the best openers that help curate that energetic environment he is known for. Night one started off high intensity sets from Jkyl & Hyde followed by LAYZ. LAYZ has been a continuing growing force in the bass music scene with her heavy hitting beats and new age sound.
LAYZ, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Ray Volpe followed up with his set that only continued to fill Riverworks with more energy. Ray Volpe’s highly sought after ID “Laserbeam” is one that immediately gets the crowd raging. Bass music icon Eptic wrapped up the line of openers with his cutting edge baselines and masterwork song structures.
Eptic, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This stacked line-up of openers paved the way for yet again another undeniably jaw-dropping performance from Excision. Of course this festival creator is no stranger when it comes to wowing the crowd. His booming success at Lost Lands each year goes to show his mastery at not only producing music, but producing a high quality show. It’s the reason Excision, also known as Jeff Abel, resides in the epicenter of an ever-expanding realm of bass music.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This DJ legend opened up his set with visuals that outlined his famous “X” symbol as fans signaled out to him in the crowd. The suspense filled the room as the music intensified and Jeff took over the stage.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The bass was booming that night as Excision played his numerous hits including “Name Drop” and “Titans.” He invited humor into his sets for those who are able to catch the memes he cuts into segments of different songs. One famous meme this producer always has in his set is “my name’s Jeff” from the movie 21 Jump Street.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
A New Age for Production
Countless people were head banging, opening up huge mosh pits, and grooving with flow toys. The insane energy at an Excision show can’t be replicated anywhere else. His visuals are are so advanced that even mainstream artists like Kanye are trying to figure out how to replicate the quality.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Excision has implemented 3D visuals into his Nexus tour. This has taken the rave experience to a whole new level and is a must see. On night two he had one segment during his show where Shrek was seen dancing from a distance. Then as the beat dropped Shrek appeared to be popping out of the screen towards the crowd. This had fans wide-eyed and looking towards each other in shock. No one could believe how immersive the projections was.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This made it even more so with Buffalo Riverworks assistance by allowing Excision to use the side screens so more people could relish in this renowned production quality. No other artists at Riverworks utilizes the side screens so it’s safe to say Buffalo holds a special spot for Excision.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Excision may be the king when it comes to dubstep, but he also knows how to get people right in their feels. Every time he performs his collaboration with Illenium titled, “Feel Something,” it does just that. People were seen embracing each other and teary eyed as it played.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Trying to describe an Excision show will never do it justice. So northeast music lovers take that drive to go see a stop on this tour. The Nexus tour has stops at Boston on March 24 and Cincinnati on March 27. Get your tickets here.
Barry Entertainment & Three Chord Bourbon proudly present the 3rd Annual Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival Saturday, April 20, at Buffalo RiverWorks.
This all-day event features the best in national, regional and local blues and roots acts, as well as over 20 local vendors and artisans, food/drinks and more. Some of the acts include Victor Wainwright & The Train, Tas Cru, Miller & The Other Sinners, and more.
The Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival returns for its 3rd year this April. The lineup is hefty with names like Patti Parks, Tonemah, The Growlers, Dave Thurman and more. GRAMMY-nominated Victor Wainwright & The Train see the stage to dazzle and move the audience with their immense soul, and creative fire.
Victor Wainwright & The Train
VIP tickets run for $60, while general admission tickets are selling for $30. For more information on the Blues & Roots Festival and to purchase tickets, click here.
Albany has been ranked as the best place to live in the state, according to a survey by the U.S. News & World Report. Some may also be shocked that New York City ranked fifth in the 2023-24 list of best places to live in the state, behind Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, respectively. What we find less surprising is that all five cities have a large music presence.
The Palace Theatre in Albany is one of the Capital Region’s premier music venues. Credit: Palace Theatre.
Ranked as the #1 best place to live in New York State, the Capital Region is home to several music venues and recording studios. White Lake Music and Post, one of the recording studios on Albany’s roster, has produced, recorded, and mixed multiple Billboard Top 40 singles and provided audio services for clients including Netflix, Discovery, Lifetime, Universal, Disney, Nickelodeon, and HBO. Additionally, the Palace Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1931, has been graced by the presence of musical greats like the Rolling Stones and is home to the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
Central New York’s premier professional theatre, Syracuse Stage. Credit: Syracuse Stage
Ranking second on the list, Syracuse is home to many venues, among them Syracuse Stage, which is approaching its 50th anniversary this year. The premier professional theatre in Central New York, Stage is part of Syracuse University and is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country. America’s leading actors, directors, and designers work and/or have worked at Stage including Tony Award-winners Jason Alexander, Lillias White, Chuck Cooper, and Elizabeth Franz, Emmy recipients Jean Stapleton, Sam Waterston, John Cullum, James Whitmore, and Ben Gazzara.
Drive By Truckers at Water Street Music Hall – photo by Brian Ferguson
Rochester ranks as the third best place to live in New York State. Rochester is home to Water Street Music Hall, the city’s largest and oldest concert venue. Originally opened in 1976 under the name The Country Warehouse, the venue has brought hundreds of large artists including Phish, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Ashanti, David Byrne, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Iggy Pop, Jack Harlow, Sublime, St. Vincent, King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard, Maroon 5, Weezer, and many more.
Shea’s Theatre in Buffalo. Credit: Shea Performing Arts Center.
Coming in fourth is the Queen City of Buffalo, a major music and entertainment region of its own. Buffalo is home to GCR Audio, a recording studio that has worked with Buffalo natives the Goo Goo Dolls, who recorded their self-titled debut album as well as Jed, Hold Me Up, Superstar Car Wash, A Boy Named Goo, Jessie J, and Who You Are at the studio. The city is also home to the nearly 100-year-old Shea’s Theatre, which this year alone has held performances of classic musicals such as Les, Mamma Mia, and in previous years Beetlejuice, Dear Evan Hanson, A Christmas Story: The Musical, The Nutcracker, and Mean Girls: The Musical, among others.
Exterior of MSG – photo by Rob Tellerman
As we know, New York City is the music and entertainment capital of the Empire State, if not the country. With countless music venues such as the Beacon Theatre, Knockdown Center, Brooklyn Bowl and Madison Square Garden, plus dozens of recording studios such as Electric Lady, the Big Apple has earned its title as one of the best cities for music in the world. MSG has hosted more than thousands of sports events and concerts, including upcoming tours by Fall Out Boy and Nicki Minaj. Electric Lady Recording Studio has made music for several big names in the industry such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, as well as New York natives Christina Aguilera and Lana Del Rey.
The state of New York is home to several of the most prestigious and oldest music venues in the country, making it clear to see why the aforementioned cities rank in the top five best places to live in New York State.
Sammy Rae & The Friends wrapped up their ‘CAMP’ world tour at a newly established venue, Electric City, in Buffalo on Sunday, March 10.
The night started with a one-hour set from the Montreal-native band FLEECE. They brought an infectious and vibrant energy to the stage, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.
During their set, Sammy Rae & The Friends joined FLEECE on stage to perform a song together, ‘Do You Wanna Party‘. Sammy Rae & the Friends continued the energetic vibe that FLEECE started and carried it throughout their set.
The night was filled with joy and love, with each song resonating with the audience. Sammy’s lyrics are soulful and emotionally charged, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.
The group showcased a new song from their upcoming full-length album, David, as well as their previously released singles, ‘Thieves’ and ‘Coming Home Song.’
From FLEECE to Sammy Rae & The Friends, the night felt like a warm campfire. For three hours, the audience could leave their stress at the door and forget about their worries. The atmosphere was safe and welcoming, allowing everyone to be themselves and have a good time.
Sammy Rae 2024 Tour Dates
Oct 30, 2024 Rialto Theatre -Montreal, QC
Nov 1, 2024 Flynn Center for the Performing Arts – Burlington, VT
Nov 2, 2024 State Theatre – Portland, ME
Nov 3, 2024 Landmark Theatre -Syracuse, NY
Nov 6, 2024 The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
Nov 8, 2024 Terminal 5 -New York, NY
Nov 9, 2024 Terminal 5 -New York, NY
Nov 11, 2024 Ulster Performing Arts Center -Kingston, NY
Buffalo band ‘Free Music Party’ hosted their first music festival, Coldwave, at the Town Ballroom on Saturday, March 2. The event featured local, Buffalo-native artists and musicians from surrounding areas.
Alex Live & Kevin Spears, Free Music Party
The one-day festival lineup featured a headlining performance from Free Music Party themselves. Additional performers included ProSocial, Johnny and the Man Kids, and Nefatli, among others.
As all festivals tend to get a bit of a slow start, Coldwave was no exception to this. That didn’t stop each act from giving it their all during their 30-minute sets and the headliner during their hour-long set.
Kevin Spears, a member of Free Music Party, said of the event, “Cold Wave is a first-year, Western New York-centered music festival hosted by Free Music Party, a Buffalo R&B and Hip Hop act. Under the guidance of Kaylen Price and Max Cambria, Free Music Party gathered some of the freshest and upcoming musical acts from the area, and even a few out-of-town musicians, under the roof of the historic Town Ballroom for a night of music, art, fashion, and community.
The festival aims to capture the raw, unique, and utter coolness of the artistic movement emerging from Buffalo and the surrounding areas. Free Music Party, dubbed “FMP” by friends and fans alike, being heavily involved in this emerging scene from the beginning. We knew we would be the perfect hosts to be at the forefront of this ‘cold wave’.”
Alex Live, Free Music Party
It was incredible to see all of these local acts under one roof. This festival truly gave these artists a platform they might not have had otherwise. It also did wonders to spotlight the Buffalo music scene and its influence in the city.
For more from Coldwave Music Festival, head to Free Music Party’s social platforms @freemusicparty.
Nor.th StarSekouStinloHanarloMiss CactusMailliRosaiNefatliJohnny and the Man KidsProSocialAlex Live & Kevin Spears, Free Music PartyEddy Blanco interacting with the crowdKevin Spears, Free Music PartyLuno J, Free Music PartyEddy Blanco, Free Music PartyLuno J and Apollo Dollo, Free Music PartyEddy Blanco, Free Music Party
Just in time for Women’s History Month, Ani DiFranco – singer, songwriter, feminist, and author – has graced listeners with her impactful new release, “Baby Roe“.
With this, Ani fearlessly tackles the topic of reproductive freedom in the face of constant threats to women’s autonomy. While being known for her vocal activism, DiFranco believes that the right to an abortion is a basic civil right.
“As a society, it is time to acknowledge that unless a woman is in control of her own reproduction, she is not free, and it is the responsibility of our American government to protect and ensure the freedom of all American citizens”
Ani DiFranco, as told to Huff Post
“Baby Roe” is inspired by Joshua Prager’s book “The Family Roe“. Prager’s book covers the unfolding of events surrounding the Roe v. Wade ruling of the Supreme Court in 1972. DiFranco shines on the life of Norma McCorvey’s adopted adult child, who was born and raised during her fight for the right to an abortion. Despite her historical role, Baby Roe came to grasp her importance as an adult becoming an advocate for a woman’s freedom of choice.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Ani takes center stage in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Hadestown as “Persephone.” This Grammy winner and feminist icon launched her own record label in 1990, helping to kickstart the DIY movement. First known as the “Little Folksinger,” her career has spanned punk, funk, hip hop, jazz, soul, electronica, and more. Later this year, her 23rd album will be released. Ani DiFranco is also notable for opening Babeville, a live music venue in Buffalo.
As “Baby Roe” echoes across the radio, it serves as a call to action while simultaneously being a music masterpiece. Ani DiFranco’s dedication to civil rights, in the vein of a true feminist icon, is a reminder that art can spark social change.
Some of outlaw country’s greatest names have announced a nationwide tour, Outlaw Fest 2024. The tour sees several dates across the country, with four across New York State. Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss are some of the names slated to perform this summer.
The inaugural Outlaw Music Festival made its debut in 2016 in Scranton, PA. The event was so well received that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have developed it into one of North Americaâs biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Neil Young, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Luke Combs have been involved in years past.
âThis year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love.â
Willie Nelson
Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour as well. Artist and audience come together to share unforgettable music memories. Unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping are hosted in Live Nation amphitheaters across the country.
The tour sees legendary talent throughout. Each date in New York will see a stellar lineup of outlaw, country, and rock icons. The tour is set to stop in Syracuse at Empower Amphitheater and in Long Island at Jones Beach Theater. The tour also stops at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel and Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo.
2024 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES:
Friday, June 21, 2024 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA
Saturday, June 22, 2024 -PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC
Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh, NC
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA
Friday, June 28, 2024 – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY
Saturday, June 29, 2024 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Sunday, June 30, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 – Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Sunday, July 7, 2024 – Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA
Monday, July 29, 2024 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
Sunday, August 4, 2024 – Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Boise, ID
Friday, August 9, 2024 – ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA
Saturday, August 10, 2024 – Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
Friday, September 6, 2024 – Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI
Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Sunday, September 8, 2024 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Saturday, September 14, 2024 – The Pavilion at Star Lake, Burgettstown, PA
Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Darien Lake Amphitheater, Buffalo, NY
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m. via OutlawMusicFestival.com. VIP packages will be available, including great seats and exclusive festival merchandise.
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA have announced that they will be teaming up this summer for an extensive 25-date summer tour, coming to Outer Harbor in Buffalo on Aug. 9, Michelob Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s in Big Flats on Aug. 10, and Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on Aug. 12.
Photo by Joshua Davis for NYS Music.
The tour will be supported by GUERILLA TOSS, TOO MANY ZOOZ, and FISHBONE, who will be opening for the headlining acts throughout the summer.PRIMUS has had a busy few years – releasing their first new music in five years with the Conspiranoid EP. The band also completed their extensive “A Tribute To Kings” tour across North America, where they performed Rush’s A Farewell To Kings in its entirety, alongside a set of their music. Comprised of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde, and drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, PRIMUS has been rocking out since 1984.
Most recently, Claypool toured the country with the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade for the first time in 20 years performing Pink Floyd’s Animals in its entirety.
“The music of PRIMUS has had a creative influence on me and it is a huge honor to get to share the stage with them,” says COHEED AND CAMBRIA frontman Claudio Sanchez.
Fans can elevate their night out with PRIMUS as an official VIP this summer with The Fat Bastard and Lucky Bastard VIP Experiences. These include a show ticket, early entry into the venue, an invitation to the exclusive pre-show Q&A, and a signed VIP tour poster. Fans can buy the Fat Bastard Front Row Super VIP Experience for a seat in the front row of the venue. All VIP Experiences will go on sale on Wednesday, February 21 at 10 a.m. local venue time and will require a password for purchase.
Regular tickets go on sale on Friday, February 23 at 10 a.m. local. For more information, visit here.
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA Summer 2024 tour dates:
July 12 – Redding Civic Auditorium – Redding, CA* July 13 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR* July 15 – Mountain America Center – Idaho Falls, ID* July 18 – Marymoor Park – Redmond, WA* July 19 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR* July 20 – Spokane Pavilion – Spokane, WA* July 22 – Kettlehouse Amphitheater – Bonner, MT* July 24 – Denny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, SD* July 26 – The Ledge Amphitheater – Waite Park, MN^ July 27 – McGrath Amphitheatre – Cedar Rapids, IA^ July 28 – The Astro – La Vista, NE^ July 30 – The Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH^ August 1 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN^ August 2 – Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI^ August 3 – Saint Louis Music Park – St. Louis, MO^ August 5 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH^ August 6 – KEMBA Live! – Columbus, OH^ August 8 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA~ August 9 – Outer Harbor – Buffalo, NY~ August 10 – Michelob Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s – Big Flats, NY~ August 12 – Broadview Stage at SPAC – Saratoga Springs, NY~ August 13 – State Theatre Summer Concert Series at Thompson’s Point – Portland, ME~ August 14 – The Anthem – Washington, DC~ August 16 – Virginia Credit Union LIVE! – Richmond, VA~ August 17 – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC~
* with GUERILLA TOSS ^ with TOO MANY ZOOZ ~ with FISHBONE
DJ/Producer Dirt Monkey made a stop in Buffalo for his MYCELIUM SOUND tour on Friday, February 9. This EDM artist completely steam-rolled through Town Ballroom making it a night to remember.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The openers this night were stacked with intricate sound design and deep bass grooves that made it impossible not to get hyped up. Artists Neon Black and Austeria are growing producers in the scene that are paving the way for up and coming dubstep. Last-minute fill in G-Space completely wooed the crowd with his layered mystic sound that blends trap and funk music.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Dirt Monkey took over the stage and immediately brought the vibes even higher. One element that this talented producer has mastered is expanding across multiple EDM sub genres to bring a new sound to fans. From dubstep, to drum and bass, to house and everything in between he is not afraid to go beyond conventional norms. It’s no surprise his devoted following considers him a producer’s producer.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
2023 was the year of releases for Dirty Monkey. He released not one, but two full length albums, MYCELIUM SOUND PT. 1 and MYCELIUM SOUND PT. 2. He performed an array of songs off both albums and even shared unreleased tracks that he’s been working on.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Old School X New School
Dirt Monkey utilizes a reggae sound throughout his drops that gives his music a sense of funk that is addictive to listen to. His visuals match this vibe with intricate geometrical patterns and electric colors.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Despite this being a tour for his new sound, Dirt Monkey still found a way to play his old hits. Some of which include “Gabagool,” “Lift Off,” and “Jack It Up.” He also mixed in other artists tunes while giving them that Dirt Monkey twist. It is a testament to his artistry that he can make even a house music hater question their taste because Dirt Monkey knows how to add that extra flavor to songs.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
There was something different in the air at Town Ballroom that night and Dirt Monkey even shared how he could tell the people in Buffalo really listened to his music. The crowds energy that night made Buffalo a must stop for him and it’s why so many popular EDM artists keep coming back. The western NY EDM scene has reignited shows in a whole new way.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
If you want to be a part of the growing EDM phenomena in Buffalo check out the upcoming shows from SABAI February 23 and Subtronics February 29. Get your tickets here.
