Buffalo NY Best of WNY Band, Music and Entertainment Event News

New Year, New Beginnings, New You

2012-01-10T22:50:00.002-05:00

Learn about a new healthy weight loss solution that guarantee's results in as little as 10 days or your money back. Guest speaker is Body Coach Mike Page. The cost of this seminar is ZERO, you have nothing to lose but weight! Thursday January 19, 2012 at Avezzano's, 204 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Afterwards enjoy a little networking & an adult beverage or 2. Complimentary hor d' oeuvres, cash bar. RSVP by 8:00pm Monday 1/16/12 to BfloVemma@gmail.com or John 566-8976. Reserve your seat today & bring a friend! (Registration 6:30, Program 7:00 - 7:45, Q&A 7:45 - 8:00)

Grace & John

Buffalo.Vemma.com

Grace (716) 536-3824

John (716)566-8976

Back II Back & 97 Rock Presents: Bret Michaels

2011-12-12T21:11:00.003-05:00

Thursday December 15, 2011
Bret Michaels
@ The Rapids Theatre

Tickets $30.00 in Advance
With Special Guests:
Hit N Run

Tickets available at any Ticketmaster retail outlet, Charge by phone 1-800-745-3000, or ticketmaster.com

Save Blues Radio In WNY

2011-12-05T13:09:00.001-05:00

Live Free Concert & Support Rally
Save Blues Radio in WNY
Sunday December 11th, 2011
Door at Noon - Showtime at 1:00PM

THE FORVM Maple Entertainment Complex
4224 Maple Rd Buffalo, NY

Entertainmnet by Blues Hounds, 12 Pack Jack, Electras, Rusty Fisher Band, Harvey & The Hurricanes, Bravuras, Mr Conrad and Many Others!

Appearance by Jim Santellas; Host for the Blues Saturdays on WBFO.

WNY Singer To Perform in October 14 Tralf Concert

2011-10-11T16:00:00.005-04:00

American Idol Singer Returns Home For CD Debut Launch

WNY Singer To Perform in October 14 Tralf Concert

Buffalo, NY— Tanya Diona, a Buffalo gal who has earned national renown as an award-winning vocalist with a “Grand Canyon-sized voice,” has come home to take center stage at The Tralf for the launch of her debut CD, Nothing to Prove… Something to Say. Diona is returning following triumphant appearances on Season 10 of American Idol, where she performed as one of the professional background vocalists with the Idol house band, Ray Chew Live. The gifted songstress acknowledges the significance of this moment in her career.

“I have been so blessed to have been a part of such prestigious and historic musical events, and to have had the honor of performing with such incredible world-famous artists and musicians,” Diona said, “but truly, there is no place like home. I am absolutely overjoyed to return to Buffalo and perform for the people of Western New York. It’s going to be an incredible night of music along with some stage time for local performers as well. I can’t wait!”

Diona’s CD Launch Concert will kick off at 8pm with an unusual opening act--- WNY performers who want to jump onstage and sing in an open mic setting. Sign-up for the open mic will take place at 7pm. Musical accompaniment will be provided by Diona’s writing partner and husband, Russell Graham, whose résumé includes keyboard and guitar responsibilities on American Idol, Showtime At The Apollo, the BET Awards, and BET Honors. Diona is also expecting a well-known musician and personal friend to be in attendance.

“I am thrilled that American Idol Music Director Ray Chew is planning to be our guest for the evening,” Diona said. “It’s really an honor to have him present for the show and it’s a dream come true to be able to showcase Buffalo talent. I’ve been telling colleagues for years about the wealth of musical talent in my hometown. So it’s exciting to be able to showcase that talent firsthand to someone of Ray Chew’s musical genius and achievement and whose support has been instrumental to my career.”

On Nothing to Prove... Something to Say, Diona has collaborated with her husband and with industry veteran Joey Diggs (vocalist and vocal arranger for Rick James) to craft a collection of songs that draw upon her Western New York roots, her Buffalo-area musical upbringing, and her New York City real-life experiences. The music features solid writing and powerhouse vocals that deliver an emotional punch, in a highly musical, groove-driven, r&b and funk style, but with a modern-pop sensibility. On Pandora radio (http://www.pandora.com/) Diona’s music is linked with such artists as Chaka Khan, Nikki Jean, Jazmine Sullivan, Faith Evans, and Sam Moore.

The October 14th Tralf show will fuse Diona’s stunning blend of songwriting and vocal performances with the amazing talents of prominent Buffalo musicians Kenny Hawkins (Rick James, Teena Marie) on guitar, “Big Mike” Porter (Rick James, Joe Public) on drums, and Joey Diggs and Sharon Banks on supporting vocals. Concert tickets are $20 in advance, $24 at the door and can be purchased at Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/) or at the Tralf box office (622 Main Street, Buffalo, NY / 716-852- 2860).

About Tanya Diona: Tanya was born in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area and began her professional singing career when she joined a reggae group in Buffalo. Soon she was singing a variety of styles of music with numerous bands from the WNY area, eventually leading her own band and being honored twice as the Buffalo Music Awards’ “Best R&B Female Vocalist.” It wasn’t long before Tanya headed to New York City where her popularity continued as she became a well-respected performer at music institutions like the Apollo Theater, where she won numerous competitions. Tanya and her husband and writing partner Russell Graham have enjoyed the unique privilege of both performing at a number of high-profile events including the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the 2009 Neighborhood Ball for President Obama’s inauguration (broadcast on ABC-TV), the 2009 European broadcast of the Save The World Awards concert from Austria, NBC’s hit television show The Singing Bee, and American Idol. As a member of Ray Chew's organization, Diona has been privileged to perform behind renowned recording artists including Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Tom Jones, TLC, Jennifer Lopez, Constantine Maroulis, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Shakira, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, Barry Manilow, The Village People, Deborah Harry, Taylor Dayne, Tony Basil, Jermaine Jackson and The Pointer Sisters. http://www.tanyadiona.com/

About Russell Graham: Russell Graham has been studying piano since age 4, and began playing music professionally in the New York City area in his early teens. He has played keyboard and guitar for Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson, Nile Rodgers, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, and countless others, and most recently was part of Ray Chew’s band for Season 10 of American Idol. In his capacity as the Keyboard II / Guitar II “Utility” Musician with Ray Chew, Russell has had the unique opportunity to perform with an unusually diverse list of artists, on such shows as Showtime at the Apollo, The Singing Bee, the BET Awards and BET Honors, and President Obama’s inaugural Neighborhood

Ball; including Yolanda Adams, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Chick Corea, Kirk Franklin, Gloria Gaynor, Al Green, Tom Jones, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Lopez, Teena Marie, Michael McDonald, Ne-Yo, Prince, Shakira, Sting, James Taylor, Vanessa Williams, and Stevie Wonder. Russell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Harvard University. http://www.russellgraham.com/

About Ray Chew: Ray Chew has performed at the helm of award winning musical events – live and televised – with artists across every genre including Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Prince, James Taylor, Anita Baker, Queen Latifah, Barry Manilow, Ludacris, Smokey Robinson, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones. In addition to being an industry staple for prime time musical events, Ray Chew has served as music director for Fox’s American Idol, bandleader and personality for several network television series including NBC’s The Singing Bee, BET’s Sunday Best, and the longest running syndicated television series - It’s Showtime At the Apollo. Ray’s vast recording career with top selling artists and scoring for film and television includes diverse recordings ranging from timeless artists like Diana Ross and Donny Hathaway to such current Grammy award-winning artists as Alicia Keys. http://www.raychew.com/

Picture Your Walls & Winter Gallery "Open House"

2011-10-11T10:33:00.000-04:00

Picture Your Walls & Winter Gallery
OPEN HOUSE

November 11 –November 13, 2011

Fri. 3 – 9; Sat. 10– 5; Sun 1 - 5

Agreat place for you to choose or create

somethingspecial for that someone special

DailyDrawing during Open House Weekend to win a $25 gift certificate

Custom Matting &Framing

Preservethat one of a kind picture, that one of a kind memory

We canhelp you choose that perfect frame, mat, and glass

Artwork from localartists

MargaretHixson, Judith Hartke and

thephotography of Jim Schwabel and Brian Schmitt

Exclusive Home for Thelma Winter’s Remaining Collection

Now Offering

Professional WallDécor Service

Byappointment for your office or business

992-9147

8260 E. Eden Rd.,Eden - just 4 miles from Hamburg Village center

contact@pywwny.com

www.pywwny.com

www.thelmawinter.com

Upcoming Stone Row dates:

2011-09-26T14:27:00.002-04:00

Upcoming Stone Row dates:

Sunday October 2nd: Falling Leaves Festival Jefferson Street Park Salamanca NY 3:00-5:00 PM www.salamancachamber.org

Friday October 14th: Buffalo Irish Center
245 Abbott Road
Buffalo NY
9:00-1:00
825-9535
www.buffaloirishcenter.com

Sunday October 23rd: Fundraiser for Cancer Research Macaroon’s
576 Dick Road
Cheektowaga NY 14225
681-7197
www.macaroonsniteclub.com
Times TBA

Friday November 4th: Shannon Pub
2250 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Tonawanda NY 14150
8:30-12:30
743-9348
www.shannonpub.com

Log on to www.stonerow.com for details.

See you out on the tiles,

Glenn
Jayson
Nick
Katie
Dave
Stone Row

American Repertory Theater of WNY - Floyd Collins

2011-09-26T13:40:00.000-04:00

American Repertory Theater of WNY
Presents
FLOYD COLLINS
Music and Lyrics by
Adam Guettel
Book by
Tina Landau

BUFFALO EAST
1410 Main Street
Buffalo NY 14212

Directed by Jeffrey Coyle
Musical Direction Allan Paglia

Featuring
Steve Copps, Courtney Weather, JF Finan, Pamela Rose Mangus, Adam Yellen, Gary Darling, Dudney E Joseph, Steven C Sitzman, Victor Morales, Josh Snyder, Rich Kraemer, Erin Brignone, Christopher Andreana

BUFFALO, NY--The American Repertory Theater of WNY continues its outstanding run of the Americana musical FLOYD COLLINS, with music and lyrics by Tony Award winner, Adam Guettel and book by Tina Landau. The true story of caver Floyd Collins desperate attempts to free himself from underground is compelling, moving and present a unique challenge to audiences unfamiliar with contemporary American musicals.

FLOYD COLLINS closes on Oct 2nd.
SHOW DATES AND TIMES
Sept 28th-Oct 1st, 7:30 PM
Oct 2nd, 3:00 PM

Prices $20 General/$15 Students & Veterans

For ticket information visit www.artofwny.org or call 716-634-1102 (9 am to 4:30 pm)

Local Listings for ESI Artists 9/16 - 9/25

2011-09-16T14:06:00.001-04:00

9/16 - 10pm - Old Skool @ The Buck (formerly Buckin' Buffalo) (Rock)

9/16 - 8pm - Penelope @ Salvatores Italian Gardens (Standards/Variety)

9/16 - 830pm - Scott Celani @ 800 Maple (Acoustic/Pop)

9/17 - 10pm - Joe Squared @ Center Street Smokehouse in Batavia (Acoustic/Pop)

9/17 - 9pm - Party of 7 @ Salvatores Italian Gardens (Pop/Rock/Variety)

9/17 - 10pm - Strictly Hip @ The Buck (Rock)

9/17 - 10pm - Kick Start Rumble @ Trattoria Aroma on Bryant st. (Rock/Pop/Rockabilly)

9/17 - 10pm - Murphy's Law @ Dwyers (Rock)

9/18 - Noon - Murphy's Law @ Spring Lake Winery (rock)

9/23 - 10pm - Maria Sebastian & The Visitors @ The Brickyard (Pop)

9/23 - 10pm - 10 Below @ The Buck (Rock)

9/23 - 10pm - Jeremy Hoyle Trio @ Transit (Rock/Acoustic)

9/24 - 9pm - Timmi and Amuso @ Creekview Restaurant (Acoustic/Pop)

9/24 - 9pm - Kick Start Rumble @ Center Street Smokehouse in Batavia (Rock/Pop/Rockabilly)

9/24 - 9pm - Murphy's Law @ Taboo (Rock)

9/24 - 930pm - Roar 84 @ The Aud (Tribute/Specialty/Pop)

9/24 - 10pm - The Good Life @ The Buck (Rock)

9/24 - 10pm - J-Ride @ Trattoria Aroma (Pop/Acoustic)

9/24 - 10pm Strictly Hip @ Shenanigans (rock)

9/24 - 10pm - Suckerpunch @ Crazy Jakes (Rock)

9/25 - Noon - Strictly Hip @ Spring Lake Winery

*********LISTINGS BY VENUE*************

THE BUCK (FORMERLY BUCKING BUFFALO)
9/16 - 10pm - Old Skool
9/17 - 10pm - Strictly Hip
9/23 - 10pm - 10 Below
9/24 - 10pm - The Good Life

SALVATORES ITALIAN GARDENS
9/16 - 8pm - Penelope
9/17 - 9pm - Party of 7

TRATTORIA AROMA ON BRYANT
9/17 - 10pm - Kick Start Rumble
9/24 - 10pm - J-Ride

800 MAPLE
9/16 - 830pm - Scott Celani

CENTER STREET SMOKEHOUSE IN BATAVIA
9/17 - 10pm - Joe Squared
9/24 - 9pm - Kick Start Rumble

SHENANIGANS
9/24 - 10pm Strictly Hip

THE BRICKYARD
9/23 - 10pm - Maria Sebastian & The Visitors

THE AUD
9/24 - 930pm - Roar 84

DWYERS
9/17 - 10pm - Murphy's Law

Local Listings for ESI Events

2011-08-26T14:04:00.000-04:00

9/1 - 7pm - Jeff Elliott @ Cabana Sams (Dance/Acoustic/Pop)

9/2 - 830pm - Steve Amuso @ 800 Maple (ACoustic/Pop)

9/2 - 9pm - Kate & Corey @ Center Street Smoke House in Batavia (Acoustic/Pop)

9/2 - 9pm - SpeakEasy Three @ TAboo (Acoustic Trio/ Pop)

9/2 - 10pm - Strictly Hip @ The Lighthouse Bar and Grill in Olcott NY (Rock)

9/3 - 9pm - A-List Band @ Wilson Boat House (Rock/Pop/VarietY)

9/3 - 10pm - Vinnie DeRosa @ Trattoria Aroma (Pop/Rock)

9/3 - 8pm - Strictly Hip @ Youngstown (ROck)

9/3 - 10pm - Carl Motyka Band @ Dwyers (Pop/Variety)

9/4 - 3pm - Zach Ward @ The Lighthouse Bar and Grille (Acoustic/Pop)

9/4 - 7pm - Tom Sartori @ Cabana Sams (Acoustic/Pop)

9/4 - 10pm - Strictly Hip @ Sunset Bay Beach CLub (rock)

9/7 - 7pm - Joe Squared @ Crazy Jakes (Acoustic Pop)

9/9 - 7pm - Party of Nine @ FrogHair (Pop/Rock/Variety)

9/9 - 10pm Strictly Hip @ Sunset Grille (Rock)

9/9 - 10pm - Kickstart Rumble @ Center Street Smokehouse in Batavia (Pop/Rock)

9/10 - 830pm - KickSTart Rumble @ Creekview Restaurant (Pop/Rock)

9/10 - 9pm - Carl Motyka Band @ Finnan's (Pop/Variety)

9/10 - 9:30pm - Strictly Hip @ The Aud (Rock)

9/10 - 10pm - Murphy's Law @ Shennanigans (Rock/Pop)

9/10 - 10pm - Off The Cuff @ Lighthouse Bar and Grille (ACoustic/Pop)

9/10 - 10pm - Square Circle @ Trattoria Aroma (Rock/Variety)

9/11 - 3pm - SpeakEasy Three @ The Lighthouse Bar and Grille

**********LISTINGS BY VENUE*********************

LIGHTHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE IN OLCOTT NY
9/2 - 10pm - Strictly Hip
9/4 - 3pm - Zach Ward
9/10 - 10pm - Off The Cuff
9/11 - 3pm - SpeakEasy Three

TRATTORIA AROMA ON BRYANT STREET
9/3 - 10pm - Vinnie DeRosa
9/10 - 10pm - Square Circle

CABANA SAMS BEACH CLUB
9/1 - 7pm - Jeff Elliott
9/4 - 7pm - Tom Sartori

800 MAPLE
9/2 - 830pm - Steve Amuso

SUNSET BAY BEACH CLUB
9/4 - 10pm - Strictly Hip

WILSON BOAT HOUSE
9/3 - 9pm - A-List Band

CENTER STREET SMOKE HOUSE IN BATAVIA
9/9 - 10pm - Kickstart Rumble

DWYERS
9/3 - 10pm - Carl Motyka Band

CREEKVIEW
9/10 - 830pm - KickSTart Rumble

SUNSET GRILLE
9/9 - 10pm Strictly Hip

FINNANS
9/10 - 9pm - Carl Motyka Band

THE AUD
9/10 - 9:30pm - Strictly Hip

SHENANIGANS
9/10 - 10pm - Murphy's Law

FROGHAIR
9/9 - 7pm - Party of Nine

Rapids Theatre Events

2011-08-26T14:01:00.003-04:00

AUG 27th - All Time Low w/ Cartel, The Cab, and We Are The In Crowd (Doors @ 6 pm)
SEPT 7th - 103.3 THE EDGE Presents: Stone Temple Pilots w/ Special Guests (Doors at 6:30 pm)
SEPT 23th-24th - Ray of Hope Inc. Presents: Youth With a Vision! Workshop and Concert starring Coffey Anderson (7 pm Friday nightand 10 am Saturday morning)
OCT 5th - Mac Miller w/ Casey Veggies and The Come Up (Doors @ 7 pm)
OCT 14th - Brantley Gilbert w/ Special Guests (Doors @ 7 pm)
OCT 15th - Fran Cosmo (Former Lead Singer of Boston) & Hurtsmile (Featuring lead singer of EXTREME Gary Cherone,
formerly of Van Halen) w/ Special Guests Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent Band) and The Queen City All-Stars (Doors @ 6 pm)
NOV 2th - Colt Ford w/ Special Guests (Doors @ 7 pm)
NOV 11th - Phil Vassar w/ Special Guests (Doors @ 7 pm)
NOV 30th - City and Colour w/ Hacienda (Doors @ 6:30 pm)
DEC 3th - Easton Corbin w/ Special Guests (Doors @ 7 pm)

For more information please go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rapids-Theater-Niagara-Falls-USA/184354421517

American Rep Theater of WNY Presents FLOYD COLLINS

2011-08-26T11:24:00.001-04:00

Music & Lyrics by Adam Guettel
Book by Tina Landau

Sept 16th through Oct 2nd

Buffalo East
1410 Main Street
Buffalo, NY

Featuring Steve Copps; James R Finan; Courtney Weather; Pamela Rose Mangus; Adam Yellen; Gary Darling; Josh Synder; Victor Morales; Dudney E Joseph; Erin Brignone; Christopher Andreana; Richard Kraemer; Steven E Sitzan

Directed by Jeffrey Coyle
Musical Director Allan Paglia

Buffalo, NY--As part of the Curtain Up! celebration and kicking-off the 2011-12 season, American Rep Theater of WNY proudly presents the musical FLOYD COLLINS from September 16th to October 2nd at Buffalo East, 1410 Main Street, Buffalo. With music and lyrics by Tony Award winning composer, Adam Guettel and book by Tina Landua, this true American story brought to life through music is compelling, uplifting and intense as patrons witness the events surrounding "The Greatest Cave Explorer Ever" attempts to find fortune, glory and "no more ploughing a hard-gravel field" luck.

Director Jeffery Coyle described FLOYD COLLINS as being "a show, at it's core, about dreams and family relationships. It is at times touching, funny, and exciting. It is a local premier and an excellent example of what modern musical theatre is." An BFA graduate in musical theater from UB and no stranger to WNY stage, FLOYD COLLINS marks Jeffrey Coyle's debut as a director. "Besides acting, I have stage managed, worked behind the scenes, and recently wrote and produced my own stage work," said Coyle, "FLOYD COLLINS marks my first journey into professional theatre direction. It is my first time behind the wheel, so to speak, and I couldn't ask for a more beautiful, exciting piece to cut my teeth on."

The true story of Floyd Collins begins in the Mammoth Caves of Kentucky where Collins set-out to discover and easier way of entering these caves from his family owned Crystal Cave tourist attraction. On his way out he became trapped in a narrow-passage and after numerous attempts to rescue him was cut-off from rescue after the cave collapsed. After 17 days of failed rescued attempts, Floyd Collins died as a result of exposure and starvation.

The rescue attempts became an overnight media sensation and with this a circus-like tourist attraction setup around the cave's entrance. Steve Copps, who portrays Collins in the musical, explained that "the story of Floyd Collins is actually one of the most noteworthy news stories of the (early) 20th century behind WWI, WWII, and Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic." Copps said. "Audiences should expect some beautiful music, charm and charisma from the actors, and even some laughs. FLOYD COLLINS is truly the great, American (story) musical."

Copps, embracing the challenging role of Collins explained that "whoever is fortunate enough to play Floyd has a dream role put into his hands. It's very 'meaty' as they say and has a lot to it as far as emotional range, depth, and singing go." As for producing FLOYD COLLINS as a whole, Copps highlighted that "the biggest challenge facing any production of FLOYD COLLINS is the fact that it's set in a cave. It's almost like doing an improv scene in a fishbowl (I've had to do that), you can't go anywhere! It really makes you put your thinking cap on. I think designers are free to explore realistic sets or go for the abstract. Either way, something great is allowed to come from that."

In 1979, cave-explorer and author Roger Brucker wrote TRAPPED! THE STORY OF FLOYD COLLINS. This novel inspired playwright Tina Landeu and Adam Guettel to produce FLOYD COLLINS at NYC's Playwrights Horizons in 1996. The musical went on to win the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and a 1995-96 Obie Award for Best Book. "Floyd Collins is a dynamic mix of folk and classical music."Show director Jeffrey Coyle explained. "Every member of the cast needs a solid background and understanding in how music works, how to meet the high demands of it, and of course, come across like they are sitting around the camp fire making it up on the spot."

Copps added "much like THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (Guettel's 2005 Tony winning monster) this show has some really great ensemble songs. There is something for everyone on the cast/creative side. And the songs are truly beautiful. Guettel has written some of the most haunting, pretty music I've ever heard."

FLOYD COLLINS marks the first production in American Rep Theater of WNY diverse 2011-12 season. Patrons can purchase tickets online by visiting www.artofwny.org or by calling 716-634-1102 (Mon-Fri 9 am to 4:30 pm & Sat 11 am to 4 pm). ART reminds patrons that the Curtain Up! performance and the following Saturday production begin at 8 pm.

SHOWDATES
Sept 16th-17th, 8 pm; Sept 18th, 3 pm
Sept 22nd-24th, 7:30 pm; Sept 25th, 3 pm
Sept 28th-Oct 1st, 7:30 pm; Oct 2nd, 3 pm

TICKET PRICES
General Admission $20
Student & Military $15

LOCATION
Buffalo East
1410 Main Street
Buffalo, NY

The World Readers Book Club Book Swap

2011-07-25T14:54:00.001-04:00

The World Readers Book Club Book Swap is an annual free event open to the public. It will take place on August 14th, 2011 from 11am to 5pm on the lawn of the Lafayette Presbyterian Church at 875 elmwood ave in buffalo.

To be held rain or shine. Please bring old books, textbooks, novels, kids books, paperbacks, anything with pages to be swapped. If you don't have anything to trade, you can still come and get free books!

THEATRE OF YOUTH IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON!!

2011-07-25T14:52:00.002-04:00

PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL
Sponsored by: yRoswell

JUNIE B. JONES IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS
Sponsored by: Fisher-Price

BEN FRANKLIN's APPRENTICE

A WRINKLE IN TIME
Sponsored by: Hodgson Russ LLP

CHARLOTTE'S WEB
Sponsored by: EduKids, Inc.

In 1972, Theatre of Youth (TOY) was founded with the ambitious goal of giving the children of Western New York a theatre of excellence. In those years since, TOY has given over a half million children the very personal experience of watching deeply meaningful stories come to life. During its lifetime, TOY has told these stories in many spaces, but none as beautiful or awe-inspiring as its current residence at the historic Allendale Theatre. Right now, inside the Allendale, the staff of TOY are busy at work preparing for an amazing celebration in honor of a wonderful 40 years!

The season begins when TOY rolls out the PINK carpet on Friday, September 16, 2011 for Curtain Up! - Buffalo's nationally recognized event celebrating the official opening of the theatre season. While theatres across Western New York are holding black-tie events, TOY is inviting children and their families to attend a one night only pink-tie event surrounding TOY's opening performance of PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL. Pinkalicious is the critically acclaimed literary and musical sensation about a girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink! TOY will be putting on the biggest main stage event we've ever had with pink champagne for the adults, pink lemonade for the kids, pink cupcakes and pastries, a glamorous pink carpet, the Allendale lobby dressed all in pink, the most imaginatively designed pink set on stage, photo opportunities with Pinkalicious actors, and more... it is going to be PINKTASTIC!!! Parents, boys, and girls of all ages; come out dressed in pink for a night of theatre you will never forget!

For the holidays, bring the whole family to TOY when we visit Room One with JUNIE B. JONES IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS. When she draws Tattletale May for her secret Santa, zany but sensitive Junie B. must learn yet another important lesson about friendship and sharing.

After ringing in the New Year, TOY will delve into American history to tell the story of a young boy, a nation's founding father, and their daring attempt to control the power of lightning in BEN FRANKLIN'S APPRENTICE.

Come late March, TOY's next adventure will similarly begin on a "dark and stormy night" with A WRINKLE IN TIME. In this very theatrical performance, TOY follows Meg and her brother Charles Wallace as they embark on an impossible mission to rescue their father through space and time.

Finally, TOY will end its 40th Anniversary Season with the family favorite CHARLOTTE'S WEB, a classic story for all ages about the value of an unlikely friendship.

Season subscription packages offered for TOY's 40th Anniversary Season are available now by clicking here! http://www.theatreofyouth.org/box_office/season_tickets.html

Taylor Made Jazz in Concert Thursday July 28th

2011-07-24T13:58:00.000-04:00

Building a Movement: A Nickel City Film Series

2011-06-29T13:18:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, July 13th - 7pm-10pm
Heart of the City’s Film Series: “Welcome to Shelbyville”
The Theatre of Youth (203 Allen Street, Buffalo)
“A documentary by Kim A. Snyder looks at how a small southern town’s longtime African American and white residents are challenged with how best to integrate with a growing Latino population and the more recent arrival of hundreds of Muslim Somali refugees.” (2009)
This screening is part of Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc.’s “Building a Movement: A Nickel City Film Series”
For more information on this event, please visit http://www.hocn.org/ or find us on Facebook.

Wednesday, July 20th - 7pm-10pm
Heart of the City’s Film Series: “Waiting for Superman”
The Theatre of Youth (203 Allen Street, Buffalo)
“A documentary by Davis Guggenheim that explores the tragic ways in which the American public education system is failing our nation's children, and explores the roles that charter schools and education reformers could play in offering hope for the future.“ (2010)
This screening is part of Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc.’s “Building a Movement: A Nickel City Film Series”
For more information on this event, please visit http://www.hocn.org/ or find us on Facebook.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VBS FREE EVENT

2011-06-27T14:48:00.001-04:00

Free kids entertainment including games, crafts, snacks, songs, and stories in a loving environment. Kids will explore the Bible with some favorite characters that they will be able to take home! It's Pandamania...and of course tons of fun to learn about God. Ages 4 to 11. Call for more information 716-689-9944.

Date July 25 to July 29
Time 615-9pm

Creekside Assembly of God
2625 Tonawanda Creek Road
Amherst, NY 14228
http://www.CreeksideAssemblyofGod.org

TAJ MAHAL TRIO

2011-06-24T13:37:00.000-04:00

Support: Dr. Z and The Blues Remedy

Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NY

Date: Friday, August 12th, 2011

Time: 7pm Doors / 8pm Show

Ticket price: $34.50 advance / $38 Day of Show
On sale date: On Sale Now

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-3000 716-852-2860 www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office

Composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. Though his career began more than four decades ago with American blues, he has broadened his artistic scope over the years to include music representing virtually every corner of the world – west Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Hawaiian islands and so much more. What ties it all together is his insatiable interest in musical discovery. Over the years, his passion and curiosity have led him around the world, and the resulting global perspective is reflected in his music.

Born Henry St. Claire Fredericks in Harlem on May 17, 1942, Taj grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. His father was a jazz pianist, composer and arranger of Caribbean descent, and his mother was a gospel singing schoolteacher from South Carolina. Both parents encouraged their children to take pride in their diverse ethnic and cultural roots. His father had an extensive record collection and a shortwave radio that brought sounds from near and far into the home. His parents also started him on classical piano lessons, but after only two weeks, young Henry already had other plans about what and how he wanted to play.

In addition to piano, the young musician learned to play the clarinet, trombone and harmonica, and he loved to sing. He discovered his stepfather's guitar and became serious about it in his early teens when a guitarist from North Carolina moved in next door and taught him the various styles of Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed and other titans of Delta and Chicago blues.

Springfield in the 1950s was full of recent arrivals, not just from around the U.S. but from all over the globe. "We spoke several dialects in my house – Southern, Caribbean, African – and we heard dialects from eastern and western Europe," Taj recalls. In addition, musicians from the Caribbean, Africa and all over the U.S. frequently visited the Fredericks home, and Taj became even more fascinated with roots – the origins of all the different forms of music he was hearing, what path they took to reach their current form, and how they influenced each other along the way. He threw himself into the study of older forms of African-American music – a music that the record companies of the day largely ignored.

Henry studied agriculture at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the early 1960s. Inspired by a dream, he adopted the musical alias of Taj Mahal and formed the popular U. Mass party band, the Elektras. After graduating, he headed west in 1964 to Los Angeles, where he formed the Rising Sons, a six-piece outfit that included guitarist Ry Cooder. The band opened for numerous high-profile touring artists of the ‘60s, including Otis Redding, the Temptations and Martha and the Vandellas. Around this same time, Taj also mingled with various blues legends, including Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Lightnin' Hopkins and Sleepy John Estes.

This diversity of musical experience served as the bedrock for Taj's first three recordings: Taj Mahal (1967), The Natch'l Blues (1968) and Giant Step (1969). Drawing on all the sounds and styles he'd absorbed as a child and a young adult, these early albums showed signs of the musical exploration that would be Taj's hallmark over the years to come.

In the 1970s, Taj carved out a unique musical niche with a string of adventurous recordings, including Happy To be Just Like I Am (1971), Recycling the Blues and Other Related Stuff (1972), the GRAMMY®-nominated soundtrack to the movie Sounder (1973), Mo' Roots (1974), Music Fuh Ya (Music Para Tu) (1977) and Evolution (The Most Recent) (1978).

Taj's recorded output slowed somewhat during the 1980s as he toured relentlessly and immersed himself in the music and culture of his new home in Hawaii. Still, that decade saw the well-received release of Taj in 1987, as well as the first three of his celebrated children's albums on the Music For Little People label.

He returned to a full recording and touring schedule in the 1990s, including such projects as the musical scores for the Langston Hughes/Zora Neale Hurston play Mule Bone (1991) and the movie Zebrahead (1992). Later in the decade, Dancing the Blues (1993), Phantom Blues (1996), An Evening of Acoustic Music (1996) and the GRAMMY®-winning Señor Blues (1997) were all commercial and critical successes.

At the same time, Taj continued to explore world music, beginning with the aptly titled World Music in 1993. He joined Indian classical musicians on Mumtaz Mahal in 1995, and recorded Sacred Island, a blend of Hawaiian music and blues, with the Hula Blues in 1998. Kulanjan, released in 1999, was a collaborative project with Malian kora player Toumani Diabate (the kora is a 21-string west African harp).

In 2000, Taj released a second GRAMMY®-winning album, Shoutin' in Key, and recorded a second album with the Hula Blues, Hanapepe Dream, in 2003.

Taj joins the Heads Up International label in the fall of 2008 with the worldwide release of Maestro: Celebrating 40 Years. As the title suggests, this twelve-track set marks the fortieth anniversary of Taj's rich and varied recording career by mixing original material, chestnuts borrowed from classic sources, and songs written by a cadre of highly talented guest artists. This anniversary gala includes performances by Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj's music and guidance.

"The one thing I've always demanded of the records I've made is that they be danceable," he says. "This record is danceable, it's listenable, it has lots of different rhythms, it's accessible, it's all right in front of you. It's a lot of fun, and it represents where I am at this particular moment in my life. This record is just the beginning of another chapter, one that's going to be open to more music and more ideas. Even at the end of forty years, in many ways my music is just getting started."

ESI CALENDAR LISTING 6/16 - 6/24

2011-06-14T14:18:00.000-04:00

6/16 - 6pm - Joe Marohn @ Wilson Boat House (Acoustic/Pop)

6/16 - 8pm - CULTS @ The Ninth Ward (Babeville) (National Pop/Rock)

6/16 - 830pm - Scott Celani @ Finnan's (acoustic/pop/rock)

6/17 - 7pm - Party of 9 @ Frog Hair (pop/rock/party/variety)

6/17 - 830pm - Off The Cuff @ 800 Maple (Rock/Pop/Acoustic)

6/17 - 9pm - Kick Start Rumble @ Center Street Smokehouse (batavia) (Rock/Pop)

6/17 - 930pm - Roar84 @ Cheers (Pop/Tribute/Specialty)

6/17 - 10pm - Dr. Dirty John Valby @ Sunset Bay Beach Club (Rock/Specialty)

6/17 - 11pm - Suckerpunch @ Macaroons (Rock/Variety)

6/18 - 830pm - Luke & Ange @ Creekview Restaurant (acoustic/pop)

6/18 - 10pm - Big Sauce Trio @ The Lighthouse Bar and Grill (Olcott) (Rock/Pop/Acoustic)

6/18 - 10pm - Carl Motyka Band @ Dwyers (Pop/Rock/Variety)

6/18 - 10pm - Murphy's Law @ The Buck (Formerly Buckin' Buffalo) (Rock/Variety/Pop)

6/19 - 7pm - Mo Porter @ Crazy Jakes (Pop/Rock)

6/19 - 7pm - Tom Sartori @ Cabana Sams (pop/rock)

6/20 - 8pm - Committed (From NBC's "The Sing Off") @ The Tralf Music Hall (a cappella)

6/23 - 6pm - Steve Amuso @ The Wilson Boat House (acoustic/pop)

6/23 - 8pm - Murphy's Law @ Crazy Jakes (rock/pop/variety)

6/23 - 9pm - Joe Squared @ Finnans (Acoustic/Pop)

6/24 - 8pm - RAVEN Returns @ The Tralf Music Hall (Blues/Rock) - two night show - 6/25 @ 8pm as well

6/24 - 8pm - Scott Celani @ The Wilson Boat House (Acoustic/Pop)

6/24 - 830pm - Square Circle @ 800 Maple (acoustic/pop/rock)

6/24 - 930pm - Night and Day @ Center Street Smoke House (Pop/Rock)

6/24 - 10pm - Strictly Hip @ The Buck (Rock/Tribute)

6/24 - 10pm - Innocent Bystander @ Sunset Bay Beach Club (Rock/Pop)

6/24 - 10pm - Suckerpunch @ Finnans (rock/Tribute)

6/24 - 10pm - Murphy's Law @ Sunset Grille (Rock/Pop/Variety)

6/25 - 8pm - RAVEN Returns @ The Tralf Music Hall (Blues/Rock)

6/25 - 830pm - Scott Celani @ Creekview Restaurant (Acoustic/Pop)

6/26 - 7pm - Scott Sartori @ Cabana Sams (Pop/Rock)

************EVENTS BY VENUE**********************

THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
6/20 - 8pm - Committed (From NBC's "The Sing Off")
6/24 - 8pm - RAVEN Returns
6/25 - 8pm - RAVEN Returns

THE NINTH WARD (INSIDE BABEVILLE)
6/16 - 8pm - CULTS

WILSON BOAT HOUSE
6/16 - 6pm - Joe Marohn
6/23 - 6pm - Steve Amuso
6/24 - 8pm - Scott Celani

THE BUCK (FORMERLY BUCKIN BUFFALO)
6/18 - 10pm - Murphy's Law
6/24 - 10pm - Strictly Hip

CABANA SAMS
6/19 - 7pm - Tom Sartori
6/26 - 7pm - Scott Sartori

SUNSET BAY BEACH CLUB
6/17 - 10pm - Dr. Dirty John Valby
6/24 - 10pm - Innocent Bystander

SUNSET GRILLE
6/24 - 10pm - Murphy's Law

CREEKVIEW RESTAURANT
6/18 - 830pm - J-Ride
6/25 - 830pm - Scott Celani

CENTER STREET SMOKEHOUSE (BATAVIA)
6/17 - 9pm - Kick Start Rumble
6/24 - 930pm - Night and Day

800 MAPLE
6/17 - 830pm - Off The Cuff
6/24 - 830pm - Square Circle

FINNANS
6/16 - 830pm - Scott Celani
6/23 - 9pm - Joe Squared
6/24 - 10pm - Suckerpunch

LIGHTHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE (OLCOTT)
6/18 - 10pm - Big Sauce Trio

DWYERS
6/18 - 10pm - Carl Motyka Band

Garden Earth Exhibition at Roger Tory Peterson Institute

2011-06-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

“Walking Garden Earth,” a collaborative exhibit by five noted local artists, will be presented at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI) in Jamestown, NY from June 18 – July 10. An opening reception for the artists will take place Saturday, June 18 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. All are welcome to attend the reception free of charge; donations are appreciated.

Works by Thomas Annear and James Hoggard from Fredonia, Robert John Holland from Arkwright, Tom Malinoski from Forestville, and Sara Baker Michalak from Dunkirk reflect each artist’s personal connection to the Earth, especially when experienced as a garden. The exhibit allows viewers to walk that garden and gain a sense of the magnificence that surrounds us.

Annear is a plein-air (outdoor) painter. His rich landscapes explore his family’s relationship with local food sources. Hoggard, an avid outdoorsman, is a large-format photographer whose work features ancient landscapes and wild places. Holland’s multi-disciplinary art reflects a deeply felt symbiotic connection to the environment.

Malinoski’s ethereal paintings, populated with rocks and trees, capture the spiritual essence of nature and provide glimpses of sacred spaces. Michalak’s mixed media works are comprised of found objects, often enhanced with colorful threads, arranged to express relationships between natural and constructed worlds.

Gardens capture the essence of nature, and provide food, beauty and tranquility. Gardens ultimately reveal to us the deep connections we have to Earth. From five different points of view, the artists have generated a collection of unique artworks that explore the limitless possibilities of our wondrous “garden” Earth. According to Mark Baldwin, RTPI's director of education, "The message of this exhibit is a perfect complement to RTPI’s goal for people to come to know and appreciate the natural world. My hope is that the nature-inspired art of Walking Garden Earth will motivate people to go outdoors themselves and help them see and experience nature in new ways."

“Walking Garden Earth” was first exhibited in December, 2010 at the Patterson Library’s Octagon Gallery in Westfield. New works by each artist will be incorporated into the show at RTPI. Bringing the show to a nationally known cultural institution is a great opportunity for the artists, and they are honored to have been invited to present their work there.

RTPI is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. They are closed Monday.

“Walking Garden Earth” is made possible in part by funding from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County. For more information, contact Roger Tory Peterson Institute at 716-665-2473, or visit the exhibit website at www.WalkingGardenEarth.com.

Juneteenth Festival Sunday June 19th

2011-06-09T17:57:00.001-04:00

Juneteenth Festival

Sunday June 19th

Best Street and Fillmore Avenue

Special guest D.A.V.I.D. and Kingdom Krump Dance Squads.

Performances by Gospel Music Recording Artist Sharifah of Tate Music Group, J. Spence of DMC Records, Josh Schohn, DJ Issachar, Shaddie Swag, VEXT The MC, Khente Koram of Blood Bath Bath Vol III, and Inspirational Inner Spirits.

Gospel Music Recording Artist Sharifah along with Back To Basics Outreach Ministries and United Mens Fashion of Buffalo, NY will be honoring the fathers with an essay contest on "Why My Dad is the Greatest".

The Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, NY is an important component of summertime events in the Buffalo-Niagara region which is held at Martin Luther King Park in Buffalo Annually.

Here Come The Mummies at The Tralf Music Hall

2011-06-03T13:44:00.001-04:00

Did you ever miss a show where the next day you read the review or friends tell you what a great concert you missed? We've all done it so here is your forewarning not to miss the upcoming show at The Tralf with Here Come The Mummies. Continue reading below for the low down on this hot and not to be missed show.

The Tralf Music Hall
622 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14202
7 pm Doors/ 8 pm Show
Tickets $20.00 advance/$22.00 day of show

If you believe their biography, Nashville-based funk band Here Come The Mummies has been playing together since the time of the ancients, cursed to wander the earth and perform as punishment for sullying the Pharoah's daughters. While a bit of a tall tale, Here Come The Mummies will rock your socks off.

The group indeed performs in full mummy regalia (not to be confused with the 90's San Francisco-based garage rock band of the same name), and they keep their true identities hidden. It is speculated that their membership includes a number of well-respected Nashville musicians, and that the occasional superstar artist will drop in as a guest to perform with the band while on the road (rumors circulated of Neil Diamond among others). All of this, is of course, conjecture (perhaps to keep other record deals in place), but Here Come The Mummies stir up a raucous, often bawdy set of funk, R&B and rock 'n roll. With songs such as "Libido Knievel" and "Fenk Shui", Here Come the Mummies clearly have mastered the art of double entendres. If you don't believe it, just check out their holiday greeting, "Carol of the Belts" which features a chorus line of mummies. well, cow-belting out the carol (http://www.herecomethemummies.com/cowbelt).

Their live shows are legendary - an unforgettable evening of non-stop, high energy party music . As one fan recently posted, "[Here Come The Mummies are] brilliantly funny, somewhat insane, just dirty enough to make you feel a little naughty for loving them so much.". Don't miss this night of "terrifying funk from the grave"!

American Tribal Style Bellydance Open House

2011-06-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

Sunday May 22, 2011 - 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Seven Tigers Academy
3015 Genesee Street
Buffalo NY 14225

$15.00 and if you bring a friend they get in at $10.00!

Come get to know the strength, beauty and grace of American Tribal Style Bellydance. During this 90 minute session, you will have a chance to learn the history, music, costuming and the core principles of ATS! And if you love it as much as we know you will, you'll have a chance to register for upcoming classes!

For more info: euphraxiadance@gmail.com

Hard Rock Cafe Saturday at the Falls

2011-06-01T12:34:00.001-04:00

ESI Calendar Listing 6/1 - 6/14

2011-05-27T11:43:00.001-04:00

6/1 - 8pm - Murphy's Law @ Crazy Jakes (Rock/Pop/Variety)

6/2 - 8pm - Zoe Keating @ The Ninth Ward (inside Babeville) (National act/cello)

6/2 - 930pm - Black Widow @ Finnans (Rock)

6/3 - 8pm - Todd Snider (The Story Teller) @ The Tralf Music Hall (National Act / Acoustic / Rock)

6/3 - 830pm - Wakos @ Sonoma (Acoustic/Pop)

6/3 - 830pm - Scott Celani @ 800 Maple (Acoustic/Pop)

6/3 - 10pm - West of the Mark @ The Buck (Formerly The Buckin Buffalo) (Country/Rock)

6/4 - 8pm - Robin Trower @ The Tralf Music Hall (National Act/Classic Rock)'

6/4 - 10pm - KickStart Rumble @ Trattoria Aroma - Bryant (Rockabilly/Rock/Pop)

6/4 - 10pm - Walk of Shame @ The Buck (Rock/Country)

6/4 - 10pm - Roar84 @ Finnans (80's Tribute/ Specialty)

6/5 - 7pm - Vinzent Massi & The Revelation @ The Tralf Music Hall (Rock Opera)

6/5 - 3pm - Steve Amuso @ The Lighthouse Bar and Grille -Olcott NY (Acoustic)

6/7 - 730pm - The Strictly Hip @ Ft. Erie Race Track (Rock/Tribute/Variety)

6/7 - 8pm - The Heavy Pets @ The Tralf Music Hall (Rock/Pop)

6/8 - 830pm - Off The Cuff @ Crazy Jakes (Rock/Pop)

6/9 - 930pm - Big Sauce Trio @ Finnans (rock/pop)

6/10 - 8pm - Here Come The Mummies @ The Tralf Music Hall (Funk/Pop/National Act)

6/10 - 830pm - Brother 2 Brother @ 800 Maple (soul/acoustic/pop)

6/10 - 10pm - Off The Cuff @ Lighthouse Bar and Grille - Olcott (Acoustic/Pop)

6/10 - 10pm - The Strictly Hip @ Westbys Pub (formerly Jt Wheatfields) (Rock/Tribute/Pop)

6/10 - 10pm - Murphy's Law @ Foley's Irish Pub (Rock/Pop/Variety)

6/11 - 9pm - Suckerpunch @ Crazy Jakes (Rock)

6/11 - 830pm - Nightshift @ Salvatores Italian Gardens (rock/pop/variety)

6/11 - 10pm - Push Button Theory @ The Buck (rock)

6/11 - 10pm - Vinnie DeRosa @ Trattoria Aroma - bryant (Pop/Soul/Funk)

6/11 - 10pm - Scott Celani @ Lighthouse Bar and Grille (Acoustic/pop)

6/12 - 3pm - Mo Porter @ Lighthouse Bar and Grille (Acoustic/pop)

6/14 - 8PM - Lower Dens @ The ninth Ward (national act/pop/indie)

************LISTINGS BY VENUE***********************

THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
6/3 - 8pm - Todd Snider (The Story Teller)
6/4 - 8pm - Robin Trower
6/5 - 7pm - Vinzent Massi & The Revelation
6/7 - 8pm - The Heavy Pets
6/10 - 8pm - Here Come The Mummies

THE NINTH WARD (INSIDE BABEVILLE)
6/2 - 8pm - Zoe Keating
6/14 - 8PM - Lower Dens

FINNANS (Lockport)
6/2 - 930pm - Black Widow
6/9 - 930pm - Big Sauce Trio

TRATTORIA AROMA (BRYANT ST)
6/4 - 10pm - KickStart Rumble
6/11 - 10pm - Vinnie DeRosa

CRAZY JAKES
6/1 - 8pm - Murphy's Law
6/8 - 830pm - Off The Cuff
6/11 - 9pm - Suckerpunch

THE LIGHTHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE - OLCOTT NY
6/5 - 3pm - Steve Amuso
6/11 - 10pm - Scott Celani
6/12 - 3pm - Mo Porter

800 MAPLE
6/3 - 830pm - Scott Celani
6/10 - 830pm - Brother 2 Brother

THE BUCK (FORMERLY THE BUCKIN' BUFFALO)
6/3 - 10pm - West of the Mark
6/4 - 10pm - Walk of Shame
6/11 - 10pm - Push Button Theory

FOLEYS IRISH PUB
6/10 - 10pm - Murphy's Law

WESTBYS PUB (FORMERLY JT WHEATFIELDS)
6/10 - 10pm - The Strictly Hip

SONOMA BAR AND GRILLE
6/3 - 830pm - WakoS

SALVATORES ITALIAN GARDENS
6/11 - 830pm - Nightshift

FORT ERIE RACETRACK
6/7 - 730pm - The Strictly Hip

3rd Annual BBQ Blues Bash

2011-05-27T11:42:00.001-04:00

Buy your tickets now! Join us for the 3rd Annual BBQ & Blues Bash on Friday, June 17 from 5 - 9 p.m. The "Welcome the Summer" party with a purpose will take place outside W.J. Morrissey Irish Pub & Benchwarmers Sports Bar & Grill, located at 30 Mississippi Street in Buffalo’s historic Cobblestone District, near HSBC Arena.

Attendees of this year’s event will enjoy unlimited beverages provided by Labatt Blue & Passport Wine and Spirits as well as delicious BBQ cuisine. Music will be provided by 90 West.

Pre-sale tickets to the summer kick-off party can be purchased now online for $20.00 per person at www.BBQBluesBash.com, or by calling (716) 783-3356. Day-of-event tickets will cost $30.00 per person. Tickets include unlimited BBQ & brews!

The event will go on rain or shine. Free and secure parking will be available.

More than 1,000 supporters attended last year’s fun-filled event, which raised $50,000 to support the at-risk children, youth and families served by Gateway-Longview.

See you at the BBQ & Blues Bash!

Music is Art

2011-05-27T11:32:00.001-04:00

Music is Art is trying to spread the word on two events this weekend. We are kicking off our summer instrument drive in Niagara Falls on Friday, May 27th at the Old Falls St. Battle of the Bands for high school students. The Battle at the Falls starts at 8 p.m. and is a free, outdoor event. Music is Art will be there to collect instruments for local Niagara schools.

Music is Art will also be at Green Options Buffalo Community Bike Workshop on Sunday, May 29th to provide the day's soundtrack and collect instruments. The bike workshop is held at 98 Colvin Ave. in Buffalo from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

RAVEN (Returns)

2011-05-21T12:07:00.000-04:00

Headliner: RAVEN (Returns)
Support: Mick Hayes & Bella Buscarino
Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NY
Date: 2 Nights June 24th and 25th 2011
Time: Doors at 7pm Show at 8pm
Ticket price: $25 Presale $28 Day of show
On sale date: On sale now

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-3000 716-852-2860 www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office

Not officially Raven anymore, Tony Galla, Gary Mallaber and Jimmy Calire will reprise some of the Raven hits and bring back old memories for scores of Buffalo fans. All working musicians, these powerhouses were favorites of audiences and fellow musicians--with the band and on their own.

As seen here on Raven's former manager Marty Angelo's website, the band was endorsed by Jimi Hendrix - who got them a Manhattan booking - and the late George Harrison offered to produce them under Apple Records.

Those of you who were here in the 60s don't need to be sold, those of you who weren't should know that there's a limited number of tickets left for the performance, with special guest appearances by Bella Buscarino and Mick Hayes - Abridged from Elena Cala Buscarino’s article for Buffalo Rising

For additional information, to schedule interviews, or for review tickets, please contact me at 716-835-3500 or Nick.Schwartz@esievents.com

Walt Wilkins @ The Sportsmen's Tavern June 17th, 2011

2011-05-14T12:34:00.003-04:00

Walt Wilkins makes a rare return to Buffalo on Friday, June 17 at 9:30 to The Sportsmen's Tavern & Music Hall.

Along with his Texas super group, the plugged in, amped up, hippie-tonk Mystiqueros, Walt will be joined by his wife and national recoding artist Tina Mitchell - Wilkins. Her latest CD will be out this summer.

Walt's Bio:
http://www.waltwilkins.com/?page_id=27

Walt's site:
http://www.waltwilkins.com/

Reverb Nation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/themystiqueros

Hands-On Therapeutic Massage Health & Wellness Open House

2011-05-13T16:18:00.003-04:00

ESI Events Listings for May 2011

2011-05-06T16:19:00.002-04:00

5/12 - 8pm - Mo Porter @ Crazy Jakes (rock/pop/variety)

5/13 - 8:30pm - Chris Lubeski @ 800 Maple (acoustic/pop)

5/13 - 9pm - Scott Celani Duo @ Center Street Smokehouse in Batavia (Acoustic/Pop/Variety)

5/13 - 10pm - Jeremy Hoyle and The Strictly Hip @ The Buck (formerly Buckin' Buffalo) (Tribute/Rock/Variety)

5/14 - 8pm - Tom Stahl & The Dangerfields @ The Tralf Music Hall (rock)

5/14 - 830pm - Joe Squared @ Creekview Restaurant (Acoustic/pop)

5/14 - 845 - Murphy's Law @ Wingstock (rock/pop/variety)

5/14 - 10pm - Big Sauce Trio @ Trattoria Aroma (Bryant) (Rockabilly/Pop/Variety)

5/14 - 10pm - Danny Tanner Orchestra @ The Buck (rock)

5/15 - 2pm - Gretchen Schulz @ The Glenn Park Tavern (acoustic)

5/19 - 9pm - Steve Amuso @ Finnans (pop/acoustic)

5/20 - 830pm - Kick Start Rumble @ 800 Maple (Rock/Pop)

5/20 - 9pm - Big Sauce Trio @ Taboo (Rock.Pop)

5/20 - 10pm - Roar 84 @ Crazy Jakes (Tribute/Variety)

5/20 - 10pm - Hair Nation @ The Buck (Rock)

5/21 - 8pm - An Evening with Molkie Cole @ The Tralf Music Hall (Rock/Buffalo)

5/21 - 830pm - Kick Start Rumble @ The Creekview Restaurant (Acoustic/Rock)

5/21 - 9pm - Tim Britt & Steve Amuso @ Center Street SmokeHouse (acoustic)

5/22 - 2pm - Scott Celani @ Glenn Park Tavern (acoustic)

---------------LISTINGS BY VENUE-------------------

THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
- 5/14 - 8pm - Tom Stahl & The Dangerfields
- 5/21 - 8pm - An Evening with Molkie Cole

THE BUCK (Formerly BUCKIN BUFFALO)
- 5/13 - 10pm - Jeremy Hoyle and The Strictly Hip
- 5/14 - 10pm - Danny Tanner Orchestra
- 5/20 - 10pm - Hair Nation

800 MAPLE
- 5/13 - 8:30pm - Chris Lubeski
- 5/20 - 830pm - Kick Start Rumble

THE GLENN PARK TAVERN
- 5/15 - 2pm - Gretchen Schulz
- 5/22 - 2pm - Scott Celani

THE CREEKVIEW
- 5/14 - 830pm - Joe Squared
- 5/21 - 830pm - Kick Start Rumble

TRATTORIA AROMA (BRYANT ST)
- 5/14 - 10pm - Big Sauce Trio
-

CRAZY JAKES
- 5/12 - 8pm - Mo Porter
- 5/20 - 10pm - Roar 84

FINNANS
- 5/19 - 9pm - Steve Amuso

TABOO
- 5/20 - 9pm - Big Sauce Trio

CENTER STREET SMOKE HOUSE (BATAVIA)
- 5/13 - 9pm - Scott Celani Duo
- 5/21 - 9pm - Tim Britt & Steve Amuso

Welcome BackBeat'64 Fans

2011-04-28T15:03:00.002-04:00

We return on Saturday May 21, 2011 for a fundraiser event in which you are all invited to come out and help the cause. Proceeds of this event go to help "WINGS Flights of Hope", Lackawanna D.A.R.E. and local charities. This is event is sponsored by the South Shore Rotary Club of Blasdell Lackawanna. The event is a Chinese Auction, a $25 donation is required for admission and that will include food, beer and wine. Call Kevin Georger at 716.848.3823 or Gene Paolini 716.824.7078 for ticket information. The event will be held at The Matthew Glab Post, 1965 Abbott Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218 from 7pm to 11pm.

Please visit www.BackBeat64.com for up to date information.

SENECA CASINOS UNVEIL ‘SUMMER RUSH’ FOR 2011

2011-04-23T16:18:00.004-04:00

NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Seneca Casinos will deliver an unprecedented level of excitement this summer to the Western New York, Southern Ontario, and Northern Pennsylvania and Ohio regions with “Summer Rush” – a package of world-class entertainment, promotions and special events during June through August.

Summer Rush takes place at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo and the new Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston. Just some of the many offerings include blockbuster concerts by Daughtry, Steve Miller Band, Melissa Etheridge, Martina McBride and more; expanded hours at the casino restaurants; and eye-opening promotions such as a cruise-a-day giveaway in August.

“The phrase ‘Summer Rush’ captures the compelling combination of activities throughout the Seneca properties,” said Jim Wise, senior vice president of marketing, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “We are the place to be for entertainment, action and excitement in the region, and I think we have a lineup that matches the fun of the summer months and will get people talking.”

- Entertainment -
Summer Rush features more than two dozen performances at the Events Center and Bear’s Den Showroom at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls as well as the Events Center at the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca.

Summer Rush debuts with Aretha Franklin’s return to the stage on Memorial Day weekend at the Seneca Niagara Events Center. Additional star-studded performers at the venue include Daughtry, Steve Miller Band, Paul Rodgers, Martina McBride and Jeff Foxworthy (two shows). The excitement also takes place at the Seneca Allegany Events Center this summer with The Guess Who, Kenny Rogers, Tom Arnold, Melissa Etheridge, Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson, and Ronnie Dunn. Each Events Center location seats up to 2,400 people with no seat further than 100 feet of the stage.

Entertainers at the Bear’s Den Showroom include Patti Austin, Tonic, Oh What a Night – A Tribute to Frankie Valli (two shows), Ninety Miles, Dave Mason, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, John McDermott, Daryl Stuermer Band, Leon Russell, The Association and Johnny Winter. The intimate venue seats up to 440 people with no seat further than 40 feet of the stage.

Tickets for shows at Niagara go on sale at 10 AM on April 28 (June shows), May 5 (July shows) and May 12 (August shows), while tickets for shows at Allegany go on sale at 10 AM on April 29 (June shows), May 6 (July shows) and May 13 (August shows). Starting prices for seats range from $20 to $65. Tickets will be available at all Seneca Casino box offices, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

- Promotions and Events -
Promotions during June include a boat and trailer giveaway at Seneca Allegany Casino, a $50,000 summer slot tournament with a $10,000 grand prize at Seneca Niagara Casino, and the Seneca Summer Shopping Spree at both casinos – offering guests the opportunity to purchase some of the summer’s hottest items and new technology using gaming points.

To kick off July, Seneca Allegany will host its extravagant fireworks display on Friday, July 1. The following evening, an equally-spectacular fireworks display will take place at Seneca Niagara. In addition, Seneca Niagara Casino will host a backyard makeover promotion with $30,000 in prizes throughout the month, such as patio sets, grills and Home Depot gift cards. On July 30, the Seneca Allegany Casino will offer a giveaway for two Sea-Doo watercrafts and a trailer. And throughout the month at all Seneca Casino properties, baseball fans will have opportunities to win fun promotional items and tickets to see games in Buffalo, New York and Boston.

The month of August features an unprecedented promotion throughout all three casinos: cruise giveaways. There will be a winner each day at Seneca Allegany and Seneca Niagara; a winner will be drawn each Sunday at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.

- Special Offerings -
To match the expected high demand of food during Summer Rush, the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel will operate its new Tim Hortons and Cold Stone Creamery co-branded dining outlet 24 hours a day, and its popular Asian restaurant Koi will be open for dinner seven days a week instead of five.

Golf fans who want to stay overnight at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and play at Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course can enjoy a new package with discounted hotel rates. The course is enjoying its first full season of golf and was recently ranked No. 6 Best New Public Course in the U.S. by Golf magazine. Golfers will enjoy a just-opened clubhouse and restaurant.

Fans of Summer Rush should be on the lookout for an upcoming coupon book with $200 of savings toward retail, dining, golf and spa services. In addition, Seneca Casinos will be rolling out a partnership with nearby hotels throughout the regions that will provide hotel guests with casino vouchers, as well as a new savings card for use at Seneca Casino retail shops and at the Fashion Outlets in Niagara Falls.

And finally, amidst the adrenaline of Summer Rush, the 26-story hotel tower at Seneca Niagara Casino will quietly undergo its first renovation since opening on December 31, 2006. Each of the nearly 594 AAA Four Diamond Award-winning deluxe guest rooms and corner suites will receive a full cosmetic makeover with rich, warm and colorful contemporary accents for improved presentation, as well as new furniture and amenities. Construction will take place two floors at a time beginning in July and is slated for completion at the end of the year.

About Seneca Gaming Corporation
Seneca Gaming Corporation operates Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, NY, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, NY, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo, NY and Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston, NY on behalf of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Since opening Seneca Niagara Casino in 2002, Seneca Gaming Corporation has grown to employ more than 3,500 people at its three casino operations. The company operates world-class facilities offering more than 6,500 slot machines, 140 table games, 800 AAA Four Diamond Award-winning hotel rooms, a championship golf course and other related amenities. For more information, visit http://www.senecacasinos.com/.

SUMMER RUSH CONCERT SERIES AT THE SENECA CASINOS

Previously Announced

Aretha Franklin - May 28th - 8:00PM - SNC Events Center SOLD OUT

Patti Austin - June 4th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $50

Dave Mason* - July 2nd - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $35
*rescheduled from March 11

On Sale April 22 at Noon

The Guess Who - June 4th - 7:00PM - SAC Events Center Starting at $20

On Sale April 28 at 10 AM

Tonic - June 10th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $45

Oh What a Night! June 18th - 3:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $25
A Tribute to Frankie Valli

Oh What a Night! June 18th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $25

Daughtry June 23rd - 8:00PM - SNC Events Center Starting at $65

Ninety Miles June 25th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $25

On Sale April 29 at 10 AM

Kenny Rogers - June 19th - 5:00PM - SAC Events Center Starting at $25

On Sale May 5 at 10 AM

Steve Miller Band - July 9th - 8:00PM - SNC Events Center Starting at $65

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy July 16th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $35

Paul Rodgers July 22nd - 8:00PM - SNC Events Center Starting at $35

John McDermott July 23rd - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $40

Daryl Stuermer Band July 29th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $35

On Sale May 6 at 10 AM

Tom Arnold July 2nd - 7:00PM - SAC Events Center Starting at $20

Melissa Etheridge July 16th - 7:00PM - SAC Events Center Starting at $30

On Sale May 12 at 10 AM

Leon Russell Aug. 6th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $50

The Association Aug. 13th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $45

Martina McBride Aug. 19th - 8:00PM - SNC Events Center Starting at $65

Johnny Winter Aug. 20th - 8:00PM - SNC Bear’s Den Starting at $35

Jeff Foxworthy Aug. 27th - 7:00PM - SNC Events Center Starting at $30

Jeff Foxworthy Aug. 27th - 10:00PM - SNC Events Center Starting at $30

On Sale May 13 at 10 AM

Big & Rich Aug. 6th - 7:00PM - SAC Events Center Starting at $65
with Gretchen Wilson

Ronnie Dunn Aug. 28th - 5:00PM - SAC Events Center Starting at $35

Tickets are available at all Seneca Casino box offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com/, all Ticketmaster locations, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

echo: Art Fair

2011-04-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

First-Of-Its-Kind Contemporary Art Fair in Buffalo, NY To Be Held At Buffalo’s Central Terminal Buffalo, NY, April 13, 2011: echo: Art Fair, a new juried contemporary art event focused on emerging artists, is now accepting applications from galleries, nonprofits, and artists without gallery representation. The Art Fair will take place on July 9th, 2011 in Buffalo’s historic New York Central Terminal, an architecturally significant building that dates to 1929. Submission guidelines are available on the echo website, www.echoartfair.com/submission-guidelines.html. The deadline is midnight on Friday, May 13th and acceptances will be sent out by June 10, 2011. The mission of echo: Art Fair is to connect both first time and experienced art collectors with artists and galleries from Buffalo and beyond. The event will feature a wide selection of painting, photography, sculpture, print, works on paper, video and combined-media work. All works will be priced below $3,000. echo: Art Fair will be curated by a team of art experts and scholars, including: Cori Wolff, curator from Buffalo Arts Studio, Louis Grachos, Director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Nina Freudenheim of Nina Freudenheim Gallery, Steven Biltekoff, collector, Sean Donaher, Executive Director & Curator of CEPA Gallery, Gerald Mead, collector and Frits Abell, founder of the Buffalo Expat Network (BEN). echo will be marketed to artists and art lovers alike living in Buffalo and neighboring cities such as Cleveland, Toronto, Rochester and Pittsburgh, as well as to those in New York City. Guests will be invited back for a dance party at the Terminal. The coordinators of echo: Art Fair include the Buffalo Expat Network (BEN), The Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo (ELAB), HandsOn Greater Buffalo and Hallwalls. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organizers of echo and the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation. “Buffalo is an amazing city with deep roots in the fine arts. The organizers of echo are excited to bring additional commercial opportunities to artists from Buffalo and beyond, and to provide a pioneering event for those who love fine art” said Frits Abell, founder of echo. “This will be a truly unique event.” echo: Art Fair seeks sponsors and partners for this event. For more information on echo: Art Fair, visit www.echoartfair.com or echo: Art Fair on Facebook.

"Christine" is our newest Lewis and Klark video from the studio

2011-04-12T08:47:00.000-04:00

"Christine" is our newest Lewis and Klark video from the studio. Featuring Bob Luterek on a Taylor T5 using a Roland Synth and Rich Kallay on a Martin steel string guitar. Visit http://www.lewisandklark.com/ for more music samples.

Reverend Horton Heat The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

2011-04-05T19:44:00.001-04:00

Venue: The Tralf Music Hall Venue address: 622 Main Street Buffalo NY Date: Thursday April 28th Time: doors at 7:00 p.m. / show at 8:00 p.m. Ticket price: $20.00 advance / $23.00 day of show On sale date: Available Now Tickets available at: www.ticketmaster.com 1-800-745-300, all ticketmaster locations, The Tralf Box office 852-2860 Venue website: www.tralfmusichall.com / www.esievents.com Reverend Horton Heat Recently, the Reverend Horton Heat, aka Jim Heath, had something along the lines of what he calls an epiphany. He's a little tired of being taken so seriously-well, maybe not seriously, exactly, but you get the idea-and lately he's noticed that some of his funnier, country-tinged songs were his biggest crowd pleasers. Besides, being entertaining is what this is all about, right? So, ladies and gents, roll your smokes up in your sleeve and hold on to your cowboy hats, it's time to take a trip back to a time before slick, over-produced country became the norm-a time when outlaws wrote songs about being without a pot to piss in-or at least about psycho exboyfriends and deadbeat girlfriends that spend your paycheck faster than you can say Lone Star. Welcome to Laughin' and Cryin' with the Reverend Horton Heat a record full of country-heavy tunes about bad habits, well-meaning but clueless husbands, ever-expanding beer-guts and, well, Texas. It wouldn't be a Reverend Horton Heat record without a song or-in this case, two-about the Lone Star State. And, while Laughin' and Cryin' marks a detour from the hard driving punkabilly of the Rev's last record, 2004's Revival, this time tending toward honk, there's still some shit-kickers ["Death Metal Guys"] to let you know that Heath and crew still mean business. "I really wanted to capture the feelings of recordings of the late '50s, early '60s," Heath said of the songs on the new record. Exhibit A: Beer Holder, a honky-tonker about a guy who finds the table by his chair a bit too far of a stretch-so he opts for a new "beer holder," his growing gut. While this guy finds his solution genius, his woman thinks otherwise. The problem once they got in the studio, however, "we wouldn't get that far because the guys were just laughing so hard. It was really kind of ridiculous." Without a doubt, the mighty Reverend has won a cult following around the world these past 20+ years with a nearly endless touring ethic and musical style that's equally as rooted in tradition as it is in breaking it. He's one of the lynchpins of the neoroots movement and responsible for moving the genre forward and garnering it a whole new generation of fans. Mix that with a mythic stage presence and you've got a live act that turns rock clubs into psychobilly tent revivals across the country 300 days a year. Heath, who personally loves good old, mid-20th century country music, cautions that the record was not born out of a desire to introduce his audience to a new set of influences-it's just meant to have a little fun. Besides, he warns, his next record may just be a set of "avant-garde versions of Swahili folk songs done on homemade instruments." "Never say never," Heath said. The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band may technically only be comprised of three people, but their name is no misnomer. Although the family-based act—which is comprised of fingerstyle guitarist Reverend Peyton, his wife and washboard player Breezy Peyton and drummer/brother Jayme Peyton—have only been around for three years, in that time period these country-blues aficionados from rural Indiana have played more than 250 shows annually and logged more miles on their van than most acts who have been around for a decade. “We end up playing with a lot of punk rock bands and any kind of roots acts from bluegrass to alt-country to rockabilly to you name it,” the Reverend himself answers when asked what a typical Big Damn Band performance is like, “we’ll play with anyone, really.” “His playing style melded the delicate elements of Mississippi John Hurt’s music, the vocal anguish and slash-and-burn acoustic slide styles of Charley Patton and Son House, the rebelliousness and everyman storytelling of folk icon Woody Guthrie, and a hint of Americana rock of the kind performed by Scarecrow era John Mellencamp, also an Indiana native.” -Will Romano, BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE While many bands in the country and traditional genres like to talk about their authenticity, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band have proved it by sacrificing everything in order to make the group a success. “We sold everything we owned in a big yard sale and just hit the road,” Peyton explains in his deep Hoosier drawl when asked how the band got rolling. “We started out doing just local stuff, then it started growing before we knew it, we’d sold five thousand copies of our demo record just out of our van,” he continues. “Then we made [2006’s] Big Damn Nation and thought, ‘Hell, let’s just do it and start traveling and see what happens’… and it’s been working. It’s a hard way to go, but I think that in this day and age it’s the way you gotta get your music out to people. Radio ain’t going to be playing us, you know what I mean?” Ironically, despite the fact that the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band are influenced by country blues legends like Son House and Furry Lewis, they got a big break when the Irish rock act Flogging Molly decided to take them out on the road. “We played with Flogging Molly at a festival and they liked our set and told us they wanted to take us out on tour. I thought, ‘Oh man, they’re probably just pulling our leg or being nice to us,’ but they ended up taking us out with them. They said that they do to Celtic roots music the same thing that we do to old country blues: Write songs about things that are happening now and people we know, but kind of kick it up a little bit, you know?” This analogy is evident when listening to the band’s new full-length The Whole Fam Damnily, which was recorded at a church in Bloomington, Indiana, just down the road from where the band live. From the rowdy and rancorous opener “Can’t Pay The Bill” to melodic, slide-guitar-driven barnburner “Walmart Killed The Country Store” and heartfelt fingerstyle ballad “What’s Mine Is Yours,” the album is a timeless collection of songs that defies age and era—and pays homage to the band’s influences without imitating them. “We come from the same tradition that Charley Patton and Furry Lewis came from; they just took off with their instruments and went out into the world to see what would stick,” Peyton elaborates. “They sang about what they were going through in their time and we’re doing the same thing in ours.” Lyrically, The Reverend Peyton isn’t big on metaphor and symbolism, preferring to let people know exactly how he feels, whether he’s singing about being too poor to afford health insurance of just missing Mama Peyton’s fried potatoes. “All the songs I write are 100 percent true, I don’t make stuff up and I never have,” Peyton explains. (For instance, “Your Cousin’s On Cops” is about Breezy’s cousin being arrested near the Indianapolis 500.) “I feel like I got to directly be involved in a song,” he adds. “Maybe if I played a different genre of music I’d feel like I could get away with [making stuff up], but this style of music is too honest; you can’t lie to people because they’ll see right through it.” However above all, the stripped-down songs on The Whole Fam Damnily are meant to be performed live—and the band’s raucous shows have become the stuff of legend, with Breezy wearing clean through stainless steel washboards, the Reverend furiously picking like his strings are on fire and Jayme firing up the tempos with his kick and snare drum. “When folks go to see a band perform, they want to come out to see a show and that’s nothing new,” Peyton explains. “Charley Patton was playing with his teeth and behind his head in 1930; now people say that’s punk rock, but they’ve been doing that for a hundred years,” he summarizes. “I think country blues was the first punk rock if you ask me.”

ESI Event Listings for April 2011

2011-04-01T18:32:00.003-04:00

THE TRALF MUSIC HALL 4/8 - 8pm - Greg Brown 4/9 - 6pm - UB's Spectacle of Sound THE BUCK (Formerly Buckin Buffalo) 4/8 -10pm - Jeremy Hoyle & The Strictly Hip 4/9 -10pm - Jeremy Hoyle & The Strictly Hip THE NINTH WARD (BABEVILLE, Lower Level) 4/7 - 8pm - Yukon Blonde 4/10 - 8pm - Morning Teleportation w/ The Tins CREEKVIEW RESTAURANT 4/9 - 830pm - Steve Padin 4/16 - 830pm - Vinnie DeRosa CENTER STREET SMOKEHOUSE 4/8 - 930pm - Steve Padin GLENN PARK TAVERN 4/10 - 3pm - Gretchen Schulz 4/17 - 2pm - The Doyle Brothers (of More Than Me) HARD ROCK CAFE 4/8 - 10pm - SuckerPunch MACAROONS 4/9 - 10pm - Suckerpunch SHENNANIGANS 4/9 - 10pm - Murphy's Law CRAZY JAKES 4/9 - 9pm - The A-List Band TABOO 4/8 - 10pm - Carl Motyka Band

Roswell Park & Tops Markets 5K/10K

2011-03-25T17:40:00.000-04:00

What: Roswell Park & Tops Markets 5K/10K
When: August 27, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: 6363 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221

Join Roswell Park and Tops Friendly Markets as they team up on Saturday, August 27, at 9:30 a.m., for the 4th annual Tops 5K/10K Run/Family Walk!

The Tops 5k/10k is a celebration of community support for Roswell Park Cancer Institute and its core mission to understand, prevent and cure cancer.

The day is filled with prizes, basket raffles, an award ceremony, and music happening all day! Make sure to join us for the best post-race party in WNY, catered by Joe’s Deli.

New for 2011, we are offering a special $10 registration fee for students! Regular registration is $20. Register online at www.TeamCureChallenge.com.

Remember all the money raised will directly benefit cancer research and patient care programs at Roswell Park.

Free Henry!: On To Boston, Help Send Them To The UK

2011-03-25T17:38:00.001-04:00

On Thursday March 11, 2011, Free Henry! performed a live concert in front of their most loyal fans as well as top music industry professional judges at Niagara Falls, NY's Hard Rock Cafe to compete in this years Battle of the Bands.

Their first round performance won them a chance to move on to compete in the final live battle against 2 other bands from the WNY area; all seeking a chance to represent the Greater Buffalo Niagara region and ultimately win a performance at the 2011 Hard Rock Calling festival in London's Hyde Park.

On March 11th, the judges votes were tallied, and the announcement came that Free Henry! would represent Niagara Falls, NY in this years contest and also perform live at the famous Hard Rock Cafe in Boston, MA.

The concert date will be announced within the next few months. The band's video will be sent to the Hard Rock Cafe International corporate offices for final judging by a distinguished panel of judges.

There are a total of 19 bands internationally that have made it to this point and on April 12, 2011 the Hard Rock Cafe will announce the top 10 list at Hard Rock Battle of the Bands. All voting will take place online. The top four bands with the most Internet votes will win a trip to perform alongside with international superstars Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi.

Last year's Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls winners, More Than Me, went on to win the national contest and opened for Sir Paul McCartney. The café is looking for a repeat in 2011.

Free Henry! has also been producing and recording their next studio album. “We're definitely in a real groove and this upcoming record is undoubtedly a confident, deliberate plunge into something entirely special and sonically rejuvenating", said lead singer Bob Buckley.

The album is being recorded at the acclaimed GCR Audio owned by Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls. "The depth of what we've achieved through the expertise of the engineering staff at GCR is something to be sanctified by any band looking to take their step onto the national stage and that is truly our passion", said Buckley of Free Henry!

What we need to do as music lovers and musicians is connect to Free Henry! at their website, join their mailing list there, follow them on Twitter and Facebook and on April 12, vote as much as we can online to send our local musicians, four hard working guys that deserve every break they get, to the UK. This is their chance to bring their music: outstanding, healing, rock, blues and soul, global. They need us to help them get there.

Free Henry! Productions, LLC
www.freehenryband.com info@freehenryband.com

Guitar Events at The Tralf Music Hall

2011-03-25T17:35:00.001-04:00

Sunday, March 27th - ESI Events Presents
Walter Trout & the Radicals @ The Tralf Music Hall
6:00pm Doors / 7:00pm Show
$23.00 presale $25.00 day of show
Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000

"Walter Trout isn't just a great guitar player...he works from the heart with a flawless and fiery edge. When Walter Trout plays, he owns you." - David Wilson/The ToneQuest Report. Whether an improvisational jam or a carefully arranged song, Walter Trout's thirst for musical satisfaction is seemingly unquenchable.-Equally capable of spontaneous serendipity as well as pre-planned perfection, this guitarist is truly in the midst of an all-encompassing love affair with the music he creates-

For Fans of... Coco Montoya, Albert Cummings, and The Free Radical

Thursday, March 31st - ESI Events Presents
David Lindley @ The Tralf Music Hall
7:00pm Doors / 8:00pm Show
$20.00 presale $23.00 day of show
Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000

Recognized through his collaborations with artists such as Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder Henry Kaiser, Lindley’s acoustic and electric guitar work is unparalleled. Ben Harper has even cited Lindley’s slide guitar playing as influential on his own playing.-- encyclopedic knowledge of music, his indomitable arsenal of stringed instruments

For Fans of...Jackson Browne, El Rayo X, and Warren Zevon

Saturday, April 2nd - ESI Events Presents
John Mayall @ The Tralf Music Hall
7:00pm Doors / 8:00pm Show
$26.50 presale / $29.50 Day of Show
Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000

The blues doesn't get much more exciting than this! John Mayall is of course a pioneering English blues singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His musical career spans over fifty year.

For Fans of... The Bluesbreakers, Peter Green Splinter Group, and Coco Montoya

ESI Events Present:

2011-03-22T18:06:00.000-04:00

Mountains @ Big Orbit's SoundLab
w/ The Skull Defekts, Gnome
Saturday, April 2nd
9:00pm Doors / 10:00pm Show
$10.00 Presale / $12.00 Day of Show
Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000

Brooklyn-based ambient/experimental rock duo Mountains formed in Chicago around the talents of long-time friends Brendon Anderegg and Koen Holtkamp. The pair founded their own label, Apestaartje, in 1999 while attending the Art Institute of Chicago which became a vehicle for collaborations, individual projects, and eventually live performance. Mountains recorded two albums of experimental ambient music before relocating to New York City in 2008 to record the follow-up. The resulting album, Choral, an ethereal hybrid of electronic and acoustic instrumentation was released on Thrill Jockey in 2009.

“While the label press release namechecks Fennesz and Brian Eno, there is something far less minimal and far more intricate going on here. Mountains lists everything from acoustic and electric guitars to accordion, cello, pianos, organs, and voices, to synths, melodicas, books, metal bowls, electronics, and even field recordings. [Choral] was recorded live in front of an audience with a few (literally) overdubs added later to add a more "choral" like effect to some tracks.” – AllMusic.com http://www.thrilljockey.com/artists/index.html?id=11985

Cults @ Big Orbit's SoundLab
w/ Magic Kids
Tuesday, April 5th
9:00pm Doors / 10:00pm Show
$12.00
Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000

Pitchfork.com declared, “There's more information on the wrapper of a candy bar than there is on the Internet about Cults.” The band’s website is mysteriously vague. Their bandcamp site lists tour dates and three tracks. With a bit more digging, it’s unearthed that Cults consist of a pair of Californian film students transplanted to New York, named Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin.

Which may explain their sound. On the surface, it’s sunny and sweet girl-pop a la the Shangri-Las. But there is something underneath – the opening line of their first single, “Go Outside” is a quote from Jonestown cult leader Jim Jones. Cults obviously take the best of both coasts – the surf pop of the West Coast and the dark seedy underbelly of the Big Apple – and make it uniquely their own.
http://cultscultscults.com/
http://cults.bandcamp.com/

WALTER TROUT AND THE RADICALS

2011-03-08T19:25:00.001-05:00

Place - THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Date - SUNDAY MARCH 27th, 2011
Time - Doors @ 6pm Show @ 7pm
Price - $23 Adv. $25 Day of Show

"Walter Trout isn't just a great guitar player...he works from the heart with a flawless and fiery edge. When Walter Trout plays, he owns you." - David Wilson/The ToneQuest Report
Stylistically hard to pigeonhole - - Is Trout's music too blues for rock - or too rock for blues? -- to label Walter Trout's music is to limit it. With more than 35 years of touring and recording under his belt, this New Jersey native has been "loved and hated, accused and vindicated, packaged and presented for everyone to see," as his autobiographical song ‘Welcome To The Human Race' details.

Being in the studio with Trout approaches temporary insanity - the excitement, the unknown, the experimentation. Truly tantalizing sounds on par with those infamous Eric Clapton licks and Stevie Ray Vaughan riffs, are testament to Trout's talent. His music speaks to your soul, warms your heart and has your foot tapping. Trout brings the blues to life and invigorates rock in a manner all too rare these days.

Whether an improvisational jam or a carefully arranged song, Walter Trout's thirst for musical satisfaction is seemingly unquenchable. Equally capable of spontaneous serendipity as well as pre-planned perfection, this guitarist is truly in the midst of an all-encompassing love affair with the music he creates.
This is a must see event for anyone who loves stunning axe work, powerful singing, and an all around incredible performance sure to blow you away!

Please welcome to The Tralf Music Hall: Friday, April 16th, 2010: Rick Knapp - bass, Michael Leasure - drums, Sammy Avila - Keyboards and WALTER TROUT - lead vocals and guitar!

Buffalo's R&B Club Legends

2011-03-07T17:47:00.002-05:00

March 12, 2011
Doors Open at 7:30pm - Show Starts at 8pm

The Metropolitan Entertainment Complex
1670 Main Buffalo NY

U.S.T. Topaze ( Reunion) & The Exoutics
Hosted by The Fabulous
DJ Eric Martin
Special Guest DJ Slim

Partial Proceeds to Benefit the Family of Marvelous Marvin Valentine
$20 in advance $25 at the Door
For Info Call Doris Records 883 2410
Eric Martin 308 3328 Ron Walker 310 6221
www.Taylormadejazz.com

Steak & Cake Records celebrates their debut release on March 2nd

2011-03-07T17:47:00.001-05:00

Steak & Cake Records celebrates their debut release on March 2nd with Bb's self-titled EP. This record, along with all S&C releases, kindly features a "pay whatever you damn well please" download option for all us starving artists.

Born out of a variety of local collaboration, Bb is the solo project of Casey Backus, a well versed collaborator in the Buffalo music scene. Classically trained on piano at SUNY Fredonia and empowered by the sultry sound of glitch-beat-overload, her music carves out its own home in a genre over-saturated by female vocal supported beats. Her melodies are a twisted kind of retro pop layered amidst spastic break-beats and keep even the attention deficits at bay.

This album marks the start of Steak&Cake's "Cincinnati-triology" series which is set to feature follow up with releases from Jacob Levin's lo-fi rock masterpiece CAVES as well as a collaborative project between these two artists called Pets! Personified. And for the real cherry, these two separately talented people are actually a happy couple patiently awaiting their first born in a few weeks!

The Buffalo Shuffle @ The Tralf Music Hall

2011-03-07T17:42:00.000-05:00

featuring Billy McEwen, Barbara St. Clair, Mick Hayes, and Bella Buscarino

Event: "The Buffalo Shuffle"- Defining the Buffalo Sound
Event Date: SATURDAY MARCH 12TH, 2011
Event Time: 7pm Doors 8pm Show

Like many other aspects of the Queen City, Buffalo has always been under-appreciated as a music city. To a certain extent, it can’t be helped. The nerve centers of the music industry are elsewhere, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville. And then there’s the Buffalo Mentality; that secondary market syndrome that contends that something or someone from out of town is better than something or someone from here (except for Chicken Wings, and occasionally the Sabres and Bills).***

Fifty some odd years ago, a Rock and Roll, boogie woogie blues style band called Stan and the Ravens started playing the local bar circuit with a sound influenced by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Ray Charles . Many local musicians worked with the pianist and band leader, Stan Szelest, following his pounding left hand. When Stan and the Ravens broke up, bassist Tommy Calandra and drummer Gary Mallaber joined a band called The Rising Sons with vocalist Tony Galla, guitarist John Weitz, and pianist/keyboardist Jimmy Calire. This line up became Raven.

Many Musicians have followed in the footsteps of these players, all recognizing the feel, the sound, and the energy that is The Buffalo Sound. Sometimes referred to as the Buffalo Shuffle, the drum beat is a shuffle best described by drummer Gary Mallaber:
“If you boil a shuffle down to something you go to a Jimmy Reed record. That’s what I go to, or I go to the song Honkey Tonk by The Bill Dogget Quartet. Between those two, anything Jimmy Reed does and “Honkey Tonk,” you have the absolute shuffle the way it should be. If you play it the right way, that's Buffalo and it’s gusty, earthy.

There’s a geography, it’s true to itself. There’s a Texas shuffle. There’s a Chicago shuffle. There’s a New York City way of playing a shuffle. There’s almost a California way of playing the shuffle. However, much like our signature food, we as Buffalonians refer to it as a chicken wing, the rest of the country calls it a “Buffalo Wing.” This is about rediscovering another identity that is truly our own.

“The Buffalo Shuffle” every Monday night at The Tralf Music Hall will showcase the development and foundation of the Buffalo style of traditional rhythm and blues. We welcome musicians young and old to take part in the ongoing development of the Buffalo Sound. The house band each Monday will be featuring local Buffalo Musicians Doug Yeomans, Mick Hayes, Pete Holquin, Jim Ehinger, Steve Sadoff, and Al Monti with special guest musicians weekly. (More detailed information on individual musicians below)

***Patti Meyer Lee & Gary Lee - “Don’t Bother Knockin’...This Town’s a Rockin’” Buffalo Sound Press. Buffalo, NY 2001

The Buffalo Shuffle @ The Tralf Music Hall

2011-03-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

Featuring Billy McEwen, Barbara St. Clair, Mick Hayes, and Bella Buscarino

Event: "The Buffalo Shuffle"- Defining the Buffalo Sound
Event Date: SATURDAY MARCH 12TH, 2011
Event Time: 7pm Doors 8pm Show

Like many other aspects of the Queen City, Buffalo has always been under-appreciated as a music city. To a certain extent, it can’t be helped. The nerve centers of the music industry are elsewhere, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville. And then there’s the Buffalo Mentality; that secondary market syndrome that contends that something or someone from out of town is better than something or someone from here (except for Chicken Wings, and occasionally the Sabres and Bills).***

Fifty some odd years ago, a Rock and Roll, boogie woogie blues style band called Stan and the Ravens started playing the local bar circuit with a sound influenced by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Ray Charles . Many local musicians worked with the pianist and band leader, Stan Szelest, following his pounding left hand. When Stan and the Ravens broke up, bassist Tommy Calandra and drummer Gary Mallaber joined a band called The Rising Sons with vocalist Tony Galla, guitarist John Weitz, and pianist/keyboardist Jimmy Calire. This line up became Raven.

Many Musicians have followed in the footsteps of these players, all recognizing the feel, the sound, and the energy that is The Buffalo Sound. Sometimes referred to as the Buffalo Shuffle, the drum beat is a shuffle best described by drummer Gary Mallaber:

“If you boil a shuffle down to something you go to a Jimmy Reed record. That’s what I go to, or I go to the song Honkey Tonk by The Bill Dogget Quartet. Between those two, anything Jimmy Reed does and “Honkey Tonk,” you have the absolute shuffle the way it should be. If you play it the right way, that's Buffalo and it’s gusty, earthy.

There’s a geography, it’s true to itself. There’s a Texas shuffle. There’s a Chicago shuffle. There’s a New York City way of playing a shuffle. There’s almost a California way of playing the shuffle. However, much like our signature food, we as Buffalonians refer to it as a chicken wing, the rest of the country calls it a “Buffalo Wing.” This is about rediscovering another identity that is truly our own.

“The Buffalo Shuffle” every Monday night at The Tralf Music Hall (www.tralfmusichall.com) will showcase the development and foundation of the Buffalo style of traditional rhythm and blues. We welcome musicians young and old to take part in the ongoing development of the Buffalo Sound. The house band each Monday will be featuring local Buffalo Musicians Doug Yeomans, Mick Hayes, Pete Holquin, Jim Ehinger, Steve Sadoff, and Al Monti with special guest musicians weekly.

Buffalo’s R&B Club Legends

2011-03-01T13:28:00.000-05:00

March 12, 2011
Doors open at 7:30 - Show at 8pm
Metropolitan Entertainment Complex
1670 Main Street
Buffalo NY

U.S.T. Topaze ( Reunion) & The Exoutics
Hosted by The Fabulous
DJ Eric Martin
Special Guest DJ Slim
Partial Proceeds to Benefit the Family of Marvelous Marvin Valentine
$20 in advance / $25 at the Door

Info Call Doris Records 883 2410
Eric Martin 308 3328 Ron Walker 310 6221

www.Taylormadejazz.com

BUFFALO QUICKIES CELEBRATES 20TH SEASON

2011-03-01T13:27:00.001-05:00

THE ENSEMBLE of BUFFALO QUICKIES 2011 features:

Sheila Connors, Kate Olena, Andréa Andolina, Jerry Hudson, Andy Herr and Michael Starzynski.
Schedule: March 3-19, 2011. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM.

Tickets: $25/general admission; $13/students, available with no service charges online at alleyway.com or at the box office 30 minutes before each performance. A Pay-What-You-Can Performance will be offered on a rush basis only Thursday, March 10th. Group rates available.

Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo’s Historic Theatre District will present BUFFALO QUICKIES the 20th annual festival of new one-act plays, March 3-19, 2011. This year, the festival will be directed by Joyce Stilson and, once again, feature world premieres of recent finalists and one-act winners of the Maxim Mazumdar New Play Competition.

Buffalo Quickies 2011 is the fifth production of Alleyway Theatre’s thirty first season dedicated to new works. Always a smorgasbord of tasty theatrical tidbits flavored with the spice of life, this year the festival boasts seven new plays. Rewriting history, making history and changing history are prevalent themes in this year’s collection of quirky short plays. Suitable for adult/teen audiences.

THE LINEUP

IN THE BEGINNING by Rebecca Ritchie

A long awaited documentary on the life of Adam Adamovich will feature his widow Eve, but is interrupted by his first wife Lilith. Will Her-story finally be told? IN THE BEGINNING is the first winner of the Alleyway Theatre 1992 Mazumdar New Play Competition and received its premiere performance in the first year of the BUFFALO QUICKIES festival.

GAME DAY by Steve Guiteirrez

Today the US-Mexican Border has moved into America and into Dan’s garage and he’s going to do something about it. GAME DAY is the winner of the 2010 Maxim Mazumdar New Play Competition one act category. World premiere.

LIKEWISE by Judy Klass

Boy and girl meet. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy and girl move in… and then out. But who gets the cat? Buffalo premiere.

THE SECOND ACT PROBLEM by Carey Lovelace

Bryneth has writer’s block and it’s not her fault! How can she finish her second act, get the rewrite to the actors and stay out of jail? Buffalo premiere.

JUMP 2: CONCLUSIONS by Larry Smith

A beautiful girl sits on the ledge of a building at a party waiting for some company… can Jonesy talk her down? Or will he join her?

THERE’S A 200 FOOT COWBOY IN ISTANBUL by Mike Folie

Marketing has evolved over the years… Twitter and Facebook are the rage, but sometimes the old standbys are best, especially for standby products like cigarettes. Buffalo premiere.

3rd Annual Hamburg Music Festival

2011-03-01T13:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday, April 30, 2011

We are selling wristbands this year instead of lanyards.
Buy/Wear your wristband early and show your support.

WRISTBAND:
Outside: Hamburg Music Festival 2011
Inside: if not you, who? … if not now, when?
$10 /ea.

What do you get when you purchase a wristband?
· 19+ bands / 19 venues
· Admission to The Palace Theatre for the student band showcase
· Transportation on the “Music Bus” around the village (21+ only)
· The satisfaction of knowing you are supporting music and the arts in our schools and community (along with LOCAL businesses the day/night of the Festival). The Village looks GREAT!

Thanks to your past support the Hamburg Music Festival has provided:
· 3 College Scholarships
· 3 Guest Artist concerts and student workshops
· 2 Community outreach donations for music related projects for a local nursery school & a west side Buffalo Public School
· 7 Grants for various student music related activities
· Establishment of a long term endowment to fund future projects

To purchase a wristband contact:

Patrick McKee – pmckee@hamburgmusicfestival.com
Mary Jo Duggan – peacemaryjo@yahoo.com

Also available at Buffalo Street Grill www.buffalostreetgrill.com and Meridia Credit Union locations on Buffalo Street (Village), Southwestern Blvd & Hamburg High School.

*WE ARE LOOKING FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR FOR THE 2011 FESTIVAL. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FOR SPONSORSHIP DETAILS. CALL OR EMAIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS. Sponsorship deadline in MARCH 4th.

Hamburg Music Festival Board of Directors: Mary Jo Duggan, Patrick McKee, Luke Mumbach & Alison Pipitone.

** Check out our new website coming March 11th. www.hamburgmusicfestival.com

There’s always something happening at the Hard Rock Cafe - Niagara Falls USA

2011-03-01T13:20:00.001-05:00

March 3 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: Battle of the Bands (Coterie of Stern, David Nolf Band, Free Henry!, The Innocent Bystanders)

March 4 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Hair Nation

March 10 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: Battle of the Bands Finals (Colors in the Air, Ransomville & Winner of Round 3 –TBA, also a special performance by More Than Me)

March 11 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Murphy’s Law

March 17 – Live Music 9 PM
Featuring: Irish Wake

March 18 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: The Rockaz

March 24 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: 90 West

March 25 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Mick Hayes

March 31 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: West of the Mark

April 1 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Mama Kin (Aerosmith Tribute)

April 2 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: Strictly Hip (Tragically Hip Tribute)

April 7 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: Whiskey River

April 8 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Suckerpunch

April 14 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: Everett Lee & Underground Stampede

April 15 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Blues Hounds

April 21 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: Copperhead Road

April 28 – Live Music 8 PM
Featuring: East of Eden

April 29 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Caitlin & the Jamie Moses Band

May 6 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Supercharger

May 13 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Mookie Blaylock (Pearl Jam Tribute)

May 20 – Free Music Friday 8 PM
Featuring: Cheshire Cat

ESI Events Presents:

2011-02-25T19:36:00.000-05:00

David Lindley
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Tralf Music Hall
622 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14202
7 pm Doors/ 8 pm Show
Tickets $20 advance/$23 day of show

The answer to this question can be found out on Thursday, March 31 when Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist David Lindley brings his wide array of acoustic and electric instruments to the Tralf Music Hall for a riveting evening of music on Thursday, March 31.

Recognized through his collaborations with artists such as Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder and Henry Kaiser, Lindley’s acoustic and electric guitar work is unparalleled. Ben Harper has even cited Lindley’s slide guitar playing as influential on his own playing.

While best known to Western audiences for his work in rock, Lindley’s live shows combine elements of American folk, blues, and bluegrass with African, Arabic, Asian, Celtic, Malagasy, and Turkish traditional music. Lindley incorporates an incredible variety of stringed instruments including Kona and Weissenborn Hawaiian lap steel guitar, Turkish saz and chumbus, Middle Eastern oud, and Irish bouzouki. The eye-poppingly clad "Mr. Dave's" uncanny vocal mimicry and demented sense of humor make his onstage banter a highlight of the show (music geek fact: Lindley sings the falsetto line on the live version of Jackson Browne’s “The Load Out/Stay”). David Lindley consistently gives one of the most unique concert experiences available to adventuresome music listeners.

Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office 716-852-2860
www.tralfmusichall.com
All Ticketmaster locations 1-800-745-3000

Upcoming Events for the Francophile Community in Buffalo and WNY

2011-02-25T19:31:00.002-05:00

Sunday, February 27, 4pm @ Sportsmen's Tavern
French Gypsy Guitarist Stéphane Wrembel
Stéphane grew up in Belleville in Paris, studied jazz at Berklee College in Boston, is based in NYC, scored the music for Woody Allen's Vicky Christina Barcelona, his newest cd is entitled Terre des hommes. An incredible player, he is taking gypsy jazz to a new level while being true to the spirit of Django Reinhardt. $10.

Thursday, March 10, 7pm @ The Screening Room
Northtown Plaza, 3131 Sheridan Drive
The Beau Fleuve Spring Movie Festival
3.10: LA VIE EN ROSE
4.14: AMÉLIE
5.15: MICROCOSMOS (2PM!)
6.9: LES CHORISTES (THE CHORUS). $5/$7, series $15/$21

Tuesday, March 15th, 7:30pm @ Burchfield Penney Art Center
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Internationally acclaimed, award winning French acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and singer
PIERRE BENSUSAN will come back to Buffalo as part of his current US tour in support of his new album VIVIDLY and perform a concert in the brand new auditorium at the BURCHFIELD PENNEY ART CENTER in Buffalo
Admission is: $15 for students with HS or college ID / $20 general / $22.50 day of the concert
Getting tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended. You can purchase them at the Gallery Ticket desk or on-line by clicking on the following link: https://secure2.ticketguys.com/burchfieldpenney/
Hutch Tech's Gypsy Jazz Guitar Ensemble SIX STRING CIRCUS will open.
Also check out Pierre's website: www.pierrebensusan.com

Thursday, March 3rd, 6:30 - 9:30pm @ Dick & Jenny's
Love Rd at Baseline, Gd. Island

Wednesday, March 9, 7 - 9pm @ 2nd Cup Café
36 Broadway at Ellicott
Downtown café jazz musette misfits trio Payazzo - Mardi Gras festivities trioPayazzo plays a mix of jazz and latin standards as well as a number of French tunes by Django, Edith Piaf, Michel Legrand et al. Free.

American Rep Theater of WNY Presents A Mardi Gras Celebration

2011-02-22T17:50:00.000-05:00

March 8th (Fat Tuesday) 7-11 pm
Buffalo East, 1410 Main Street

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffalo, NY--In keeping with its mission statement of presenting works that celebrate the American story, American Rep Theater of WNY is hosting a Mardi Gras Celebration on March 8th (Fat Tuesday). Featured readings of famed Louisiana literature include segments of Longfellows' classic story of Arcadian lovers, Evangeline, and humerous passages of Mardi Gras, Cajun Werewolves, gambling and Baby Dolls featured in the Pelican State's rich folklore book, Gumbo Ya Ya.

This literary event tastefully celebrates the heritage and culture of Louisiana with the revelry associated with Carnival. "After living several years in Louisiana, you begin to appreciate the meaning of Mardi Gras." American Rep Theater of WNY Artistic Director, Matthew LaChiusa says in describing the March 8th event. "Its not about the beads and booze. Its about celebrating the centuries old heritage of Louisiana Carnival. That's what this event is aiming to do while all are eating some gumbo, tapping feet to fais do-do music and sipping on Hurricanes."

The first New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration dates back to 1857 as revelers organized a parade in the French Quarter. After Louisiana declared it a state holiday in 1875, Mardi Gras has been a relatively constant celebration in New Orleans. "The roots are based in the Catholic Shrove Tuesday brought over by the French settling the region." LaChiusa said. "It got Americanized and the rest is rich history worth celebrating."

The evening's celebration also features a gumbo taste-off with makers vying for the "Best Gumbo Crown" and a cash prize for being the best pot of gumbo. Music, Hurricanes and a Tarot card reader will keep the evening entertaining as all Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mardi Gras Celebration
March 8th
7-11 pm
Buffalo East, 1410 Main Street
$10
$8 Online Presale

For further information on the evening or those interested in registering their gumbo, please contact 884-4858 (9 am to 4:30 pm) or visit www.artofwny.org.

Buffalo's own Willie Nile Returns

2011-02-15T21:19:00.000-05:00

Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NY
Date: March 5th, 2011
Time: 7pm Doors 8pm Show

Ticket price: $24 presale $29 Day of Show
On sale date: On Sale Now

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-3000 716-852-2860 www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office

Nile is a songwriters’ songwriter. No less a personage than Lucinda Williams has said of him, “Willie Nile is a great artist. If there was any justice in this world, I’d be opening up for him instead of him for me.” And he’s never been more eloquent than he is here. Lou Reed hails Streets of New York as “a great album,” while Graham Parker calls it “a real gem—stirring melodies, passionate vocals, intriguing lyrics…every track a winner.” Says Ian Hunter, “Willie’s from the big-hearted downtown alleyways of NYC (New York commitment). Well done!” Little Steven adds, “Willie Nile is so good I can’t believe he’s not from New Jersey!”

Nile grew up in Buffalo, New York, part of a bustling Irish Catholic family with what he calls “an open-door policy.” For as far back as Willie can remember, his parents welcomed house guests from around the world for extended stays, and “the cosmopolitan nature of the world kind of rubbed off,” he says. (Willie will be playing with local musicians who happen to be friends and family on March 6th.) After studying philosophy at the University of Buffalo, he headed for Greenwich Village, determined to make a name for himself as a latter-day troubadour. That he did throughout the ’70s, becoming a fixture in the Village folk and rock scenes and getting tabbed as the next big thing to come out of that long-thriving artistic community. Writing in The New York Times, the great rock critic Robert Palmer called him “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.”

He made his recording debut in 1980 with his acclaimed self-titled LP on Arista Records, following it a year later with Golden Down. He also opened the Who’s North American tour at the personal request of the band. In 1982, he signed to Geffen Records but got caught in record-biz limbo and didn’t manage to release another record until 1991, when Columbia issued Places I Have Never Been. With the EP Hard Times in America in 1992, which became a cult favorite throughout Europe, Nile finally managed to jump off the major-label hamster wheel. Gathering together his resources over time, he managed to put out his first self-released album, Beautiful Wreck of the World, just before the end of the century.

Willie, his youthful energy unflagging, and he’s never sounded more committed to the themes he’s tackled. Please welcome Willie Nile to The Tralf Music Hall, Saturday March 6th, 2010!

Lewis and Klark New Video!

2011-02-10T15:45:00.005-05:00

Lewis and Klark have a new video release of their song "Where Do We Go From Here". Where Do We Go From Here is an instrumental about looking back and moving forward.

You can check out Lewis and Klark at http://www.lewisandklark.com
or at http://www.reverbnation.com/lewisandklark

4th Annual Music is Art Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam

2011-02-08T18:01:00.003-05:00

March 4th, 2011 at 7:00PM
"Cajun Man with the Blues" - Tab Benoit to headline March 4 show at The Tralf

Music is Art announced the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Jam, part of The Big Easy in Buffalo music education and concert series. Headlining the March 4, 2011 concert will be Tab Benoit, "A Cajun Man with the Blues". The concert will take place at The Tralf Music Hall in Buffalo. Tickets are $23 in advance and $25 at the door, are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at 716-852-2860, and are on sale now. All proceeds benefit Music is Art, a not for profit cultural organization founded by Buffalo native and Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac.

Joining Tab Benoit will be New Orleans singer/guitarist "7th Ward Griot" Carl LeBlanc, Buffalo "booze infused blues & Americana" band The Heavenly Chillbillies, and the winner of a student battle of the bands.

"The mission of The Big Easy in Buffalo series is to bring some of the best musicians from Louisiana to Buffalo so our community and local students get a chance to experience this unique and important culture," said Music is Art Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk.

From southern Louisiana, Tab Benoit fuses electric blues guitar with a Cajun sound, and is an environmental activist through "Voice of the Wetlands". Carl LeBlanc has worked with such greats as Sun Ra, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Fats Domino, and is a master guitar player with a laid back style. He performed a solo set opening for Preservation Hall Jazz Band last year, and due to popular demand has been brought back - this time with his band.

Prior to their public performance, both Benoit and LeBlanc will work with local students, including the winners of the Music is Art Big Easy in Buffalo student battle of the bands.

"It's so incredible to give local kids the chance to learn from some top quality, world touring musicians, while at the same time opening their minds to music they might not otherwise hear," Music is Art Founder and President Robby Takac added. The Mardi Gras Jam brings The Big Easy to Buffalo, and we can't wait for people to party with us on March 4.

The 4th Annual Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam is a presentation of Music is Art, along with "Big Chief" sponsors The Buffalo News, New Era Cap Co., and the Niagara Erie Regional Coalition.

Benefit to help the family of Jazlene Judy Hardy

2011-01-28T18:15:00.000-05:00

Time: Sunday, February 6th · 3:30pm - 9:30pm

Location: The Sportsmans Tavern
326 Amherst St.
Buffalo, NY

This benefit is to help the family of Jazlene Judy Hardy (Mr. Conrads granddaughter) who passed away at 4 1/2 months from heart defects. Please tell all your friends and come to help the family and enjoy a day of great rythmn and blues and rock'n'roll...

Featuring the music of:
- The Excellos
- The Electras
- Cruizin' Deuces w/ Johnny Soul and Denzel Ward
- ... The Patty Parks Band
- The Willies
- Billy Mcewen and Barbara St.Clair
- Lee Ron Zydeco
- Big Wheelie and The Hubcaps
- Mark Winsick Band
- Doug Morgano and Gretchen Schultz Duo
- Special guests-Sam Guarino and Nick Salamone and Shrimp Daddy

There will be a cash bar and the kitchen will be open too!
The show starts at 3:30pm.
$15.00 at the door.
Thank you for your support.

3rd Annual Hamburg Music Festival

2011-01-27T18:38:00.000-05:00

Saturday, April 30, 2011.

We are selling wristbands this year instead of lanyards.
Buy/Wear your wristband early and show your support.

WRISTBAND:
Outside: Hamburg Music Festival 2011
Inside: if not you, who? … if not now, when?
$10 /ea.

What do you get when you purchase a wristband?
· 19+ bands / 19 venues
· Admission to The Palace Theatre for the student band showcase
· Transportation on the “Music Bus” around the village (21+ only)
· The satisfaction of knowing you are supporting music and the arts in our schools and community (along with LOCAL businesses the day/night of the Festival). The Village looks GREAT!

Thanks to your past support the Hamburg Music Festival has provided:
· 3 College Scholarships
· 3 Guest Artist concerts and student workshops
· 2 Community outreach donations for music related projects for a local nursery school & a west side Buffalo Public School
· 7 Grants for various student music related activities
· Establishment of a long term endowment to fund future projects

To purchase a wristband contact:

Patrick McKee – pmckee@fsllc.us
Mary Jo Duggan – peacemaryjo@yahoo.com

Also available at Buffalo Street Grill. www.buffalostreetgrill.com

*WE ARE LOOKING FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR FOR THE 2011 FESTIVAL. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FOR SPONSORSHIP DETAILS. CALL OR EMAIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. SPREAD THE WORD.

Patrick McKee
Hamburg Music Festival
716-870-9686

Hamburg Music Festival Board of Directors: Mary Jo Duggan, Patrick McKee, Luke Mumbach & Alison Pipitone.

Western New York Guitar Show & Swap Meet

2011-01-18T20:59:00.001-05:00

Hundreds upon Hundreds of New, Old, Vintage Guitars, Guitar Parts, Handmade Guitars, Guitar Teachers, availible for BUY-SELL-TRADE

Sunday April 3rd, 2011
Hearthstone Manor
333 Dick Road
Depew, NY 14043 h/c access, $
www.wnyguitarshow.com
716-868-6961

Hard Rock Cafe Live Entertainment for January 2011

2011-01-08T13:50:00.003-05:00

January 7 – Free Music Friday 8PM
Featuring: A-List

January 14 – Free Music Friday 8PM
Featuring: The Strangers

January 20 – Live Music 8PM
Featuring: Bruce Wojick

January 21 – Free Music Friday 8PM
Featuring: Carl Motyka

January 27 – Live Music 7:30PM $5 cover
Featuring: Funktroversy also The Feast

January 28 – Free Music Friday 8PM
Featuring: Powertrain

COUNTRY ARTIST SEAN PATRICK MCGRAW TO PERFORM IN YOUR AREA

2011-01-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (January 7, 2011) – Country music artist Sean Patrick McGraw brings his “zietgeisty brand of country-rock” to The Gin Mill, Sprague Farm & Brew Works, Eden Country Jam and Lakeview Hotel.

February 4 @ The Gin Mill in Ellicottville, NY
February 5 @ Sprague Farm and Brew Works in Venango, PA
February 19 @ Eden Country Jam in Eden, NY
February 20 @ Lakeview Hotel in Mayville, NY

This is an exciting time for Sean Patrick McGraw as he has most recently performed at the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas, been on the Jagermeister Tour with fellow country singer, Eric Church, participated in the ACM Chairman’s Ride, and performed at BamaJam Festival and several packed shows at CMA Music Fest. McGraw’s song, “Drink With Hank,” was featured in the June 13th episode of HBO’s “True Blood” and another one of his songs entitled “Anyone But Me,” was also featured on the popular vampire series on June 20th.

Last year was a highly successful one for Sean Patrick McGraw. He hit the road with Toby Keith and Trace Adkins playing 25+ shows on the “America’s Toughest Tour.” He made his national television debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and was the subject of a two-page feature in Country Weekly magazine titled “Running Tough.” ESPN prominently featured his song, “My So Called Life,” in their NASCAR coverage and he was booked for a week-long stint in Vegas as part of the PBR (Pro Bull Riding) Finals in November.

Once hailed as the hardest working unsigned touring acts in the U.S. putting over half a million miles on pick-up trucks and SUV’s in the last ten years alone, McGraw is now signed to Little Engine Records with plans to release a new album this year. He made his CMT debut in 2009 with his video for “Dollar Ain’t Worth A Dime.” Written over two years ago, the song proves timely in today’s economical climate. Tune in or log on to CMT to watch the video.

What the Critics Are Saying:
- L.A. Times: His tenor is strong and befitting of the bar-brawler ruckus that so many of his younger peers are working in right now.
- MusicIsMusic: I found McGraw and his band to be a refreshing surprise. They were very tight. The songs were meaty and rockin'. These guys sounded like they have been on the road forever.
- Jacksonville Sun: Solid country-rock band
- St. Petersburg Times: Newbie opener Sean Patrick McGraw radiated star power…

About Sean Patrick McGraw:
Hailing from a small steel industry town about 50 miles outside of Buffalo, New York, McGraw was raised on Hee-Haw and rough games of hockey and football. Small for his age and showing little athletic promise, he gravitated towards music and at 13 started a band. After high school, McGraw moved to Los Angeles developing his own hard-core hillbilly sound. It soon became evident that Nashville was where he belonged, so McGraw made the move, signed a publishing deal with Liz Rose and made an impacting appearance on the second season of “Nashville Star.” Along with numerous headlining club dates, McGraw has opened for Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless and Pat Green, among others.

Roswell Park-Team Cure Challenge Info Session

2011-01-06T15:22:00.000-05:00

4685 Transit Road, Buffalo, NY 14221, January 10, 2011, 6-9PM

Roswell Park’s Team Cure Challenge program trains individuals to compete in local and national athletic events across the country (throughout the year) on behalf of cancer patients. All the money raised through this program stays local. To learn more stop by Tri-Spot Multi Sports on 4685 Transit Road. We'll be there January 10, from 6:00pm-9:00 pm. We'll be giving away prizes!! Help us create a world without cancer!

6th Annual Winter Fest at Evangola

2011-01-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

Friends of Evangola State Park a not for profit corporation & a public charity dedicated to improving the park & supporting new activities host the 6th Annual Winter Fest at Evangola.

FEBUARY 19 & 20, 2011 - 11AM-4PM - Hot Food & Drinks served in the eatery.

Free Activities: Hay Rides, Snow Sculpting Contest, Snowmobile Sleigh Rides, Marshmallow Roasting, Cast Iron Cooking Demonstrations, Kids fossil dig - kids take home a 380 million year old fossil, and bring in your fossils, rocks, and minerals for identification by Penn Dixie. Tours of the Ice Volcanoes & Snowshoes Loaned 1P-4P. Guided Cross-County Ski Tour 11AM & Firefighter Winter Rescue Competition 2P on 19th.

549-1802 or www.evangolastatepark.com for more info.

Take Interstate 90 to the Silvercreek exit #58. Follow the signs down Route 5 for 4 miles to Evangola.

Wine Tasting Benefit for the Amanda Hansen Foundation

2011-01-03T13:18:00.001-05:00

On Saturday February 26th, 2011 a Wine Tasting Benefit will be held with proceeds to benefit the Amanda Hansen Foundation. The benefit will consist of various wine tastings, appetizers and a theme basket raffle. The event will take place at Seneca Hose Fire Hall from 7-9 p.m.

In January 2009, Amanda Hansen died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective furnace while at a sleepover at a friend's house. Since her death, New York State has enacted "Amanda's Law," which requires a carbon monoxide detector in every home.

In an effort to prevent such a tragedy from happening again, the Amanda Hansen Foudation was formed. The foundation's mission is to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure that every home has a carbon monoxide detector.

We are asking for donations for our Theme Basket Raffle. It is our hope that your donation will enable us to continue this effort. We are looking forward to hearing from you and thank you for considering this request. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ken Hansen at (716) 380-1468 or email khansen@msn.com

2010 World Bubble Hockey Championships

2010-12-28T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hockey Towne USA Fan Fest

2010-12-28T13:17:00.000-05:00

Local Rockers Take Center Stage at World Junior Hockey Championship

2010-12-28T13:13:00.000-05:00

BUFFALO, NY - Buffalo's own, The Pillagers will be playing a special New Year's Eve Concert at HSBC Arena from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. as part of the World Junior Hockey Championship, organizers announced this week.

The Pillagers' New Year's Eve concert is an all ages, free concert and will be followed by U.S.A. vs. Switzerland, which will require separate admission. Gary Zoldos, lead vocalist for the Pillagers, issued the following statement, "We are proud to represent the United States, the National Hockey League, the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Sabres. We love our Country, we love our Sabres, we love hockey, but most importantly, we love this great City of ours. It is an honor to be thrust onto the Center Stage during this World Showcase. We are looking forward to rocking all of you and we have lots of surprises planned. We'll be onstage from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM and our concert is free and for all ages".

For additional information, please visit www.thepillagers.com or visit The Pillagers Facebook page.

Shemekia Copeland @ The Tralf!

2010-12-21T17:12:00.000-05:00

Headliner: SHEMEKIA COPELAND
Support: TBA
Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NY
Date: WEDNESDAY MARCH 2ND 2011
Time: 7PM DOORS 8PM SHOW
Ticket price: $22 ADVANCE $24 DAY OF SHOW
On sale date: DECEMBER 23, 2010

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-3000 716-852-2860 www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office

At a young age, Shemekia Copeland is already a force to be reckoned with in the blues. While still in her 20s, she’s opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and numerous festivals around the world, scored critics choice awards on both sides of the Atlantic (The New York Times and The Times of London) and shared the stage with such luminaries as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Taj Mahal and John Mayer. Heir to the rich tradition of soul-drenched divas like Ruth Brown, Etta James and Koko Taylor, Copeland’s shot at the eventual title of Queen of the Blues is pretty clear. By some standards, she may already be there.

Copeland’s passion for singing, matched with her huge, blast-furnace voice, gives her music a timeless power and a heart-pounding urgency. Her music comes from deep within her soul and from the streets where she grew up, surrounded by the everyday sounds of the city – street performers, gospel singers, blasting radios, bands in local parks and so much more.

Born in Harlem, New York, in 1979, Copeland actually came to her singing career slowly. Her father, the late Texas blues guitar legend Johnny Clyde Copeland, recognized his daughter’s talent early on. He always encouraged her to sing at home, and even brought her on stage to sing at Harlem’s famed Cotton Club when she was just eight. At the time, Shemekia’s embarrassment outweighed her desire to sing. But when she was fifteen and her father’s health began to fail, her outlook changed. “It was like a switch went off in my head, and I wanted to sing,” she says. “It became a want and a need. I had to do it.”

At only 19, Shemekia stepped out of her father’s shadow with the Alligator release of 1998 debut recording, Turn the Heat Up!, and the critics raved. The Village Voice called her “nothing short of uncanny,” while the Boston Globe proclaimed that “she roars with a sizzling hot intensity.” A year later, she appeared in the Motion Picture Three To Tango, while her song “I Always Get My Man, was featured in the film Broken Hearts Club.

Her second album, Wicked, released in 2000, scored three Handy Awards (Song of the Year, Blues Album of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year) and a GRAMMY nomination. Two years later, New Orleans R&B legend Dr. John stepped in to produce her third recording, Talking To Strangers (2002), which Vibe called “a masterful blend of ballsy rockers and cheeky ballads.”

Copeland released The Soul Truth in 2005. The album was produced by legendary Stax guitarist Steve Cropper (who also played on the CD), and featured generous doses of blues, funk and Memphis-flavored soul.

She joined Telarc International for the February 2009 release of Never Going Back. This new chapter in the Shemekia Copeland story represents a crossroads on her ongoing artistic journey – a place where numerous new avenues are open to her. While she will always remain loyal to her blues roots, Never Going Back takes a more forward view of the blues, and in so doing points her music and her career in a new direction.

“I’ve had success in my career, and I’m happy with that,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to continue to grow. In order for an artist to grow – and for a genre to grow – you have to do new things. I’m extremely proud to say I’m a blues singer, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only thing I’m capable of singing, or that’s the only style of music I’m capable of making.”

She adds: “I want to keep growing. My main goal when I started this was that I was going to do something different with this music, so that this music could evolve and grow. I got that idea from my father. He didn’t do the typical one-four-five blues. He went to Africa and worked with musicians there. He was one of the first blues artists to do that. I want to be the same way. I want to be innovative with the blues."

THE WIZARDS OF WINTER PERFORM A TRANS-SIBERIAN MIRACLE

2010-12-17T17:19:00.001-05:00

Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NY
Date: DECEMBER 27TH
Time: 7PM DOORS / 8PM SHOW
Ticket price: $15
On sale date: ON SALE NOW

The Wizards are coming!! and not Harry and friends but New Jersey based TSO tribute
band “The WIZARDS of WINTER”

Featuring some of New Jerseyʼs best progressive rock artists including Scott Kelly
former keyboardist and Michael Clayton Moore former frontman of critically acclaimed
“Contrarian” and current founding member of “Alchemy X “ bassist Steve Ratchen, the
band plays and fathfully recreates the music and unique experience that is “Trans
Siberian Orchestra”.

Performing TSO classics such as Sarjevo, Wizards in Winter, Old City Bar and
Christmas Canon Rock the band tells a family friendly Christmas story thru music and
narration.

They also perform music from Savatage and at select shows will be performing other
progressive and classical rock favorites by bands such as Styx,Deep Purple and
Kansas.

Band members include a backup guitarist for TSO and a violinist that studied with TSO
string player Mark Woods as well as many outstanding vocalists and musicians.
Start your Holiday season off with a celebration of music and lights!
Come see The WIZARDS of WINTER.

For information go to http://www.thewizardsofwinter.com/home.cfm

Will Holton's Soulful Christmas Affair

2010-12-14T19:42:00.002-05:00

ESI EVENTS is pleased to announce the following show…POPA CHUBBY

2010-12-04T14:41:00.001-05:00

Support: w/ Wanted by the FBI
Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NY
Date: JANUARY 28TH, 2011
Time: 7PM DOORS 8PM SHOW
Ticket price: $14.50 PRESALE $17 DAY OF SHOW
On sale date: DECEMBER 7TH, 2010

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-3000 716-852-2860 www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office

“The Fight Is On”, classic Bluesrock from New York City's bad boy coming at you Feb 2010 . Get Knocked Out!!!! Tour dates will begin in March with shows in all major European and U.S. markets.

Popa Chubby has had a prolific career spanning several decades. From the break out early 90's hit “Sweet Goddess of Love and Beer” from the Tom Dowd produced “Booty And The Beast” to his inspired interpretations of Jimi on “Electric Chubby land” he continues to output a steady stream of fire and brimstone. February 2010 will see the release of his first release in almost 2 years with “The Fight Is On”.

Popa Chubby speaks from his Hudson Valley New York studio nestled in the hills, “This is Bluesrock for the people, I set out with some cool riffs and a house full of vintage guitars. I sat down and played and tried to come up with classic sounds. I called on my friends to help me and we started recording between tour dates. Then we'd take it out to the people and if they went wild we knew we had it!” This is evident from the first drum hits of the title track “The Fight Is On” A killer detuned Zeplike rocker followed by the anthemic “We Got Some Rockin' To Do” this record does not let up. Halfway through the recording Popa visited longtime mentor and friend Jerry Williams ( Bad Brains Producer) in his Joshua Tree California lair.

“We hiked deep into the desert in the middle of the day. As I sat something shifted and the weight of the cosmos passed before me, Time was no longer valid and all I did not need died in an instant.” Say's Popa as he shifts in his seat. “I was shattered and restored in an instant and something changed in my playing forever” We started to hike back and I followed Jerry like a Sherpa. The noon soon was relentless and I came close to dying before making it back to New York and recording the Power Ballad “Locked In A Memory.” I think this is my best guitar playing to date and I'm extremely proud of the searing Les Paul Solo in this song.” “N.Y.C. 1977” till… celebrates the glory of Rock And Roll while” “Rock and Roll is My Religion” proclaims the true faith! The record ends with Popa's killer rendition of Motorheads “Ace Of Spades” live from the 2008 tour.

Critical Praise for Stealing the Devil's Guitar:

"Excitement doesn't come cheap, and Popa Chubby gets it every way he can in these 13 eclectic songs. The New York City singer/axe-mangler keeps things rolling at a heart-thumping pace by one-upping Satan on "Slide Devil Man Slide" and the jazz-inflected instrumental "The Devil's Guitar," running drugs in "Smuggler's Game," and cranking the steel-on-steel peal of six-string slide to the max. But he makes time for soul, too, plunging into the funky old-school R&B of "Back in My Baby's Arms" and covering Mississippi hill country matriarch Jessie Mae Hemphill's prayerful "Lord, Help the Poor and Needy" (retitled here "In the World"). Toss in the blues-rocker "Long Deep Hard and Wide" and the acoustic bluegrass thriller "Buffalo Chips"--where Chubby blazes through a sweet and breezy melody on mandolin, Dobro, and guitar--and you've got the full profile of an artist whose talent is even bigger than his considerable girth."
- Ted Drozdowski

Critical Praise for "The Good, The Bad, and The Chubby"

"No one could accuse Popa Chubby of being a blues purist - his songs are way too adventurous for that - but, with his soulful playing and explosive tones, Chubby wears that raw, funky, urban vibe like a badge of honor."
- Art Thompson, Guitar Player

"... Somebody Let The Devil Out, is a killer fusion of stone blues, psychedelic rock and trip-hop that may be the best 9/11 inspired song out there." * * * *
- Ted Drozdowski, Pulse!

"...if Chubby's blues were food, they'd be the kind that stay crispy in milk. The Good, The Bad, And The Chubby is his most confident effort yet."
- Genevieve Williams, Blues Revue

"Truly a bluesman for the new millennium - purists may cringe at that thought - Popa Chubby (born Ted Horowitz) has an abiding affection for the tradition but uses it only as a springboard for his distinctive style. With The Good, the Bad and the Chubby, the rotund New York guitar-slinger has created his most compelling artistic statement yet." ***1/2
- Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

"If you don't already know Popa Chubby, he's a funkier version of John Popper, with incredible guitars added to an arsenal of harmonica and unique vocals that fall somewhere between Big Rude Jake and Ray Charles. Chubby's guitar talents are versatile, ranging from slide-guitar blues to electric riffs on "No Trouble No More" (which is reminiscent of vintage Aerosmith)."
- Paul Baretta, CMJ

ESI Entertainment Upcoming Shows 12/3 - 12/31

2010-11-26T19:59:00.001-05:00

12/3 - 830pm - Intuition @ Salvatores Italian Gardens (rock, variety)

12/3 - 8pm - SCOTT CELANI, THE CORRECTIONS, AND FILTER KINGS @ TRALF MUSIC HALL - 622 MAIN ST. - (ROCK)

12/3 - 930pm - Suckerpunch @ Finnans (Lockport) (Rock)

12/3 - 830pm - Joe Marohn @ 800 Maple (Pop/Rock)

12/4 - 10pm - Vinnie DeRosa @ Trattoria Aroma (Bryant) ( Rock, Variety, Pop, Soul)

12/4 - 8PM - BEATLEMAGIC HOLIDAY SHOW @ THE TRALF MUSIC HALL - 622MAIN ST - (ROCK/TRIBUTE/HOLIDAY)

12/4 - 830pm - Christopher Joel @ Creekview (rock)

12/8 - 8PM - ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BAND @ THE TRALF MUSIC HALL - 622 MAIN ST. (ROCK/SOUL)

12/9 - 8pm - J-Ride @ Crazy Jakes (Rock)

12/9 - 930pm - The Doyle Brothers @ Finnans (Rock/Variety/acoustic)

12/9 - 8pm - Joe Marohn @ 800 Maple (Rock/Acoustic)

12/10 - 930pm - Carl Motyka @ Finnans (Rock)

12/10 - 8PM - 'COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS' FEATURING DEBRAH KILGORE AND JOHN MAHADY @ THE TRALF MUSIC HALL

12/11 - 10pm - Big Sauce Trio @ Trattoria Aroma (Bryant) (Rock/Acoustic/Variety)

12/11 - 8PM - TOM STAHL AND THE DANGERFIELDS @ THE TRALF MUSIC HALL

12/14 - 8PM - ROCKIN' FOR TOTS (CHARITY EVENT FEATURING SUCKERPUNCH, STRICTLY HIP & MICK HAYES) @ THE TRALF MUSIC HALL

12/16 - 930 - J-Ride @ Finnans (Rock)

12/16 - 8pm - Shawn Duchscherer @ 800 Maple (rock/variety/acoustic)

12/17 - 10pm - Big Sauce Trio @ Taboo (Rock/Acoustic/Variety)

12/17 - 930pm - Scott Celani @ Center Street Smoke House (batavia) (Rock/Acoustic)

12/17 - 830 - Joe Marohn @ 800 Maple (rock)

12/18 - 830pm - Joe Squared @ Creekview (Rock/Acoustic/Variety)

12/18 - 8PM - CHRISTMAS WITH THE MANIACS - GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE - @ THE TRALF MUSIC HALL

12/18 - 830 - NightShift @ Salvatores Italian Gardens (rock/variety/dance)

12/18 - 830pm - Mo Porter @ Paddock Grille - golf dome (Rock/Variety)

12/19 - 9pm - Strictly Hip @ Finnans (Rock)

12/23 - 8pm - Carl Motyka @ Crazy Jakes (Rock/Variety)

12/23 - 8pm - Steve Padin @ 800 Maple (Acoustic/Variety)

12/29 8PM - JOSEPH WOOTEN (OF THE WOOTEN BROTHERS) @ THE TRALF MUSIC HALL

12/30 - 8pm - Scott Celani @ 800 Maple ( Acoustic/Variety)

12/30 - 930pm - Murphy's Law @ Finnans (Rock)

12/31 - 9pm - Kick Start Rumble @ Center Sreet SMoke House - New Years Party - (rock)

Local Business Owner Continues Annual Tradition and Doubles Goal to Feed 256 Families in Need This Thanksgiving Holiday

2010-11-19T19:46:00.001-05:00

Buffalo, New York – November 12, 2009 – Following the advice of his mentor nine years ago, Outer Limit Recording Studio owner Ken Rutkowski began a tradition of providing a Thanksgiving feast to a local family in need.

Beginning as a small, simple act of kindness toward one family, the program has doubled the number of families provided for every year since its inception in 2002. This year, Ken, through St. Adalbert's Response To Love Center in Buffalo, will provide Thanksgiving dinner to 256 families within the local community. These meals have consisted of a huge turkey, stuffing, potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce, corn, mixed vegetables, dinner rolls, butter, pies, whipped topping, juice, milk, coffee, tea… everything needed for a bountiful Thanksgiving meal. He now calls this the “ThanksgivingGiving.”

Close friends and family, along with studio clients and a handful of corporate sponsors like Tops Markets, Rich Products, and Dunkin Donuts, continue to make the “ThanksgivingGIVING” a success year after year. “The community has been really receptive to the program in terms of donating and helping out,” Ken says. “It's extremely rewarding to know that 256 families in true need this season will be able to enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal, thanks to The Response To Love Center and everyone who has been generous to help out with food, money, or time.”

For almost twenty years, Outer Limit Recording Studio has been the preferred choice for musicians throughout Western New York, Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. Having worked with Grammy Award winning artist Eminem D-12, Raheem DeVaughn, as well as an impressive roster of other national and local artists, Ken is one of the most sought-after engineers and producers in the region.

The purpose of this annual Thanksgiving GIVING is all about the POWER of giving, especially when you don’t have much to give. It has become a moving experience for so many people who depend on it now for nourishment, holiday spirit, and faith in the kindness of others, ability to not have to turn anyone away and most of all for those who seek a sense of goodwill. You get when you give… and Ken hopes to have that this become contagious for all of us in Buffalo, NY .
For more information about the “Thanksgiving GIVING” or to make a donation, please contact Ken at (716) 886-0554.

For more information, questions or interviews please call 716-886-0554, email ken@outerlimitrecordingstudio.com, or visit us at www.outerlimitrecordingstudio.com

Outer Limit Recording Studio,
1313 Walden Ave
Buffalo NY 14211

Check out Lewis and Klark Guitar Duo - No.1 Jazz/Buffalo on Reverb Nation

2010-11-16T22:08:00.002-05:00

Tralf Music Hall Upcoming Dates

2010-11-12T15:39:00.001-05:00

11/17 - 9pm - J-Ride @ Dwyers - (Rock)

11/18 - 9pm - J-Ride @ Finnans (Rock)

11/18 - 10pm - Joe Marohn @ 800 Maple (Variety)

11/19 - 10pm - Big Sauce Trio @ Sonoma (Rock)

11/19 -9pm - Christopher Joel @ 800 Maple (Variety)

11/20 - 9pm - Nightshift @ Salvatores Italian Garden (Rock, Blues, Variety)

11/20 - 9pm - Night & Day @ Sonoma Grille (Acoustic)

11/20 - 10pm - The Doyle Brothers (of More Than Me) @ Trattoria Aroma - Bryant St. (Rock)

11/20 - 9pm - Joe Marohn @ Creekview Restaurant in Williamsville (Acoustic)

11/24 - 9pm - Strictly Hip @ Crazy Jakes (Rock)

11/26 - 9pm - Mo Porter @ Center Street Smoke House - Batavia (Rock)

11/27 - 9pm - Kick Start Rumble @ Sonoma Grille - (Rock)

Christmas on the Farm

2010-11-04T17:44:00.000-04:00

Finally, a true agricultural show, about the farm, for children and families!
Elizabethtown Fair PA 2010

In his inspiring capacity as Singer and Storyteller, "Tiger" Tom Walsh springs his Stories and Songs to life in a rich and unique celebration of Childhood Merriment and Good Old Fashion Holiday FUN Down on the Farm!

For the past 20 years, Tiger Tom Walsh has entertained and delighted audiences with Children and Family Entertainment Programs for Fairs and Festivals.

Theme programs include: "Christmas on the Farm", Everyone joins in the fun as I tell tall tales and sing silly songs about my life on the farm.

Tiger Tom's show also includes:
Action and Silly Songs
Storytelling
Audience Participation
Movement
Props
Stage back drops
Laughter
Sing-a-long
Learning
Hula Hoop games, activities and contests, are available, and everyone is a winner
Hand Clapping
Singing games
- And much more!

Show length 40 minutes

Shows can accommodate Stage, Large Groups, Family events, and are age appropriate.

See a Video sample of Singer and Storyteller Tiger Tom Walsh on Youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCQfw--WIag

Variation: Children and Families can interact in either a sitting or standing position for all songs and stories.

Singer and Storyteller Tiger Tom Walsh
For performance cost and availability
e-mail tigertomwalsh@yahoo.com
or call 716-400-1755.
www.tigertomwalsh.com
MAIL: P.O. Box 72, E. Amherst NY 14051

Song includes:
Classic Holiday song along and more!

Old Joe Clark- Clap, stomps, and dances at appropriate times during the song.

Hokey pokey - My own version of this classic song gets the whole crowd moving, young and old alike!

On a farm (original song) - Children and Families pretend to be, or make the sounds of the different animals on a farm. The kids love this song!

Hop high children- Skip as if riding a horse, and hop at suggested times in the song. Pretend that you are swinging a lasso during the verse and Jump up every time you sing, "Hooray!"

Jim along joesy- A singing game we play on the farm and we all clap, stomps, and dances at appropriate times in song.

Put your finger in the air- Place your finger in the air, on your shoe, and on your chin.

Built my lady a fine brick house- Singing game with advanced body motion to the word of the song, such as; build, house, dig, jump

Johnny works with one hammer- Children pretend to be working with their hands, feet, and head.

The snow came down on the farm- Children add words to the song.

Angel in the meadow- Children pretend to be Angels and used their Angel wings.

Wheels on the bus- A classic.

The Goony Bird - Children pretend to be this rear bird found on my farm.

If you're happy- We all love this classic.
- And much more!

Stories include:
The World's Loudest Holiday Farm - Children and Families pretend they are the animals of the farm and other quests that arrive to the farm and act out the actions along with the sounds and props.

The World's Largest Strawberry - A story of a family outing in which I go in search of the World's Largest Strawberry. This story gets real funny and fast.

Along with the sing a long and storytelling I can include, upon request, a group activity with the use of hula hoops which is GREAT FUN and full of laughter for children and families.

Music Concerts are also available including Folk, Roots, Traditional American, Celtic, and Originals songs.

The University at Buffalo Jam Club and The Buffalo/Niagara Just Plain Folks present:

2010-11-02T19:29:00.000-04:00

"Producing & Selling Music III
Marketing and Networking

We are pleased to announce that this workshop will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at the University at Buffalo's North Campus Student Union Theatre.
Thanks to the generosity of the organizations sponsoring this event, it is presented at no charge.
Building off of the success of the February 2009 and April 2010 “Producing & Selling Music” seminars, this workshop will dig deeper into some of the most important issues facing musicians today, with specific, practical advice that will help you reach your goals. There will also be an interactive Q&A session where you will be able to get advice surrounding the issues you are facing in your career.

The workshop will be led by:
Susan Marie: A Freelance Journalist, Public Relations Executive as well as a Radio Producer, Engineering Technician, and published author. Susan’s work includes connecting artists with venues, business with community and people, as a whole, together to bridge the gap between all cultures through media.

http://www.susanmarie.info/

Joseph Wooten: Joseph is a 3-time Grammy nominated artist who has played for the past 18 years as keyboardist for The Steve Miller Band. He has produced a CD of all original music titled “Joseph Wooten, Hands Of Soul” and is currently working on his 2nd album. Joseph was featured in the international publication of Keyboard Magazine, 2010 edition and is keyboardist for his brother, 5 time Grammy award winning bassist, Victor Wooten.

http://www.handsofsoul.com/

Alex Foote and Derek Presti from “Free Henry!”: Free Henry! is a free-flowing rock n' roll jam-band that captures the spirit of pioneering and evocative jazz rhythms and melds it with their descriptive lyrics that catapults their listener into a unique experience. Within the past year this Buffalo, NY band has expanded from the Western New York music scene by playing the areas most famous outdoor music festivals and venues. They were recently named "Best Original Rock Act" by the 2009 Buffalo Music Awards and "Best Rock Act", "Best Original Music Act", and "Best Male Vocalist" by the 2010 Artvoice Best Of Buffalo Music Awards.

http://www.freehenryband.com/

Topics will include:
Recognizing the Right Promoters
Practical Networking Advice
Building a Fanbase for Success as an Independent Artist
Using Technology to Your Advantage
Being Noticed in the Digital Age
Distribution Channels That Work
Finding a Niche in the Music Scene
Getting Paid for Your Music
Website Do’s and Don’ts
MySpace: Must-Have or Don’t-Bother

More on the November 14, 2010 seminar, “Producing & Selling Music III” can be found at our website:

http://www.producingandsellingmusic.com/

Sincerely,
John Kloberdanz
Chapter Coordinator, Buffalo/Niagara Just Plain Folks
http://www.jpfolks.com/

Jay Jerose
President, University at Buffalo Jam Club

ROCKERS TO THE RESCUE AS THE BILLS ABANDON BUFFALO FOR TORONTO ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7th!!

2010-10-29T19:12:00.002-04:00

NIAGARA FALLS, U.S.A. --The RAPIDS THEATRE in conjunction with the Back II Back Entertainment Group are proud to Partner with ROBBY TAKAC’S MUSIC IS ART to bring Former BOSTON Vocalist FRAN COSMO & Former BOSTON Guitarist ANTHONY COSMO to the newly renovated State of the Art RAPIDS THEATRE on Main Street in Niagara Falls, NY on Sunday November 7th, 2010.

Joining COSMO will by Very Special Guest Guitarist DEREK ST. HOLMES the Voice of the TED NUGENT Bands Classic Rock Hits “Just What the Dr. Ordered”, “Hey Baby”, “Stranglehold”, “Cat Scratch Fever” & many more which will be performed on this Special Evening.

ST. HOLMES will join forces with the QUEEN CITY ALL-STARS led by Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductees Guitarist MICHAEL HUND (Widow Maker) & Bassist GUY NICHOLS (Hit ‘n’ Run). Joining the Jam for this Very Special One Time Performance will be HEADSTONES Drummer DALE HARRISON along with MIKE McQUIRE (Wunderland),The Voice of Legendary LED ZEPPELIN Tribute Band Coda.

Opening the Benefit Concert will be the Pride of Niagara THE BRASS MONKEEZ winner of this Years RAPIDS THEATRE Battle of the Bands Competition.

Don’t be MiA on Sunday November 7th for an Unforgettable Evening of Classic Rock to Benefit MUSIC IS ART as these Artists give back to the struggling Programs that helped each of them realize their Dreams as Aspiring Musicians.

Doors Open at 4pm tickets are only $20 dollars with portions of the proceeds being donated to MUSIC IS ART. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, Wal-Mart & the RAPIDS THEATRE Box Office.

Please Be Sure to Visit:
http://www.musicisart.org/
http://www.rapidstheatre.com/
http://www.biibent.com/

For More Information Contact:
RAPIDS THEATRE
1711 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
716-205-8925

Headliner: DONNA THE BUFFALO

2010-10-28T18:46:00.001-04:00

Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN ST. BUFFALO NY
Date: NOVEMBER 19, 2010
Time: . 7PM DOOR 8PM SHOW
Ticket price: $26.50 PRESALE $29.50 DOS

Tickets available at: www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com 1-800-745-3000, 716-852-2860, all ticketmaster locations and at the Tralf Box Office
Also, in case you need it, I have posted their current bio and weblinks:

Donna the Buffalo's eclectic and often socially conscious music has it's base in traditional mountain music and is infused with elements of Cajun/ zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country. The group’s core are vocalists Tara Nevins, who plays fiddle, guitar, accordion, and scrubboard, and guitarist Jeb Puryear. Keyboardist Dave McCracken, bassist Kyle Spark, and drummer Vic Stafford complete the ensemble.

Donna the Buffalo represents one of the most respected brands in the world of touring roots acts. For 21 years DTB has performed feel good, infectious music that often moves listeners physically and spiritually. In the words of a longtime fan, "Their songs are well known to contain lyrics offering poetry and sage commentary on the attractions and struggles with love and politics in this life. Their magnetic musical mix has often been described as dance music, and, for sure, there is everything from foot-tapping to get-up-and-feel-ecstatic moving in their sound; but there is also some deeply satisfying solace in what DTB has to say and how they say it. The dynamic songwriting tandem of Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins have penned over 140 songs in their collaboration with DTB."

Their fervent fan base, self-named The Herd, follows the band with zeal and has created a unique and supportive community online and at DTB shows across the nation. As an extension of this community and the band's own dedication to live roots music, Donna started, and are still the driving force behind, the Finger Lakes Grass Roots Festival of Music and Dance in Trumansburg, NY. 2010 marks the festival's 20th year. Stemming from its success, a second Grass Roots Festival was started in Silk Hope, North Carolina in 2002: the now biannual Shakori Hills Grass Roots Festival.

Over the years, Donna the Buffalo has had the opportunity to collaborate and/or record with musicians such as Jim Lauderdale, Preston and Keith Frank, Bela Fleck, Mamadou Diabate, Claire Lynch, David Hidalgo, The Duhks and Amy Helm, just to name a few. In 2009, Nevins also toured with former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann's band BK3.

The band's 2008 release Silverlined, on Sugar Hill Records, rose to #8 on the Americana Music Chart. With a twenty-one year tenure to celebrate, hundreds of gigs ahead of them, and an ever-evolving grassroots sound; it looks like Donna the Buffalo is riding a cloud that is truly Silverlined.

WNY / Niagara Frontier Singles Meetup

2010-10-23T12:46:00.002-04:00

Thursday, Oct. 28 2010 - 6pm - 8pm
Singles mingle at
Cozumel Mexican Bar and Grill
153 Elmwood, Buffalo, NY 14201

Business attire, Halloween or nice-looking casual dress

Come and enjoy Happy hour drink specials and free hors d'oeuvres and meet other singles.

Entrance $5 per person.

Friends are welcome as long as they are single and they mingle
and meet other people. We want everyone to meet others. All ages welcome with most atendees in the 25-45 range
RSVP to sandybeachlocal@gmail.com
"Vamos a Cozumel!"

Website: http://www.meetup.com/WNY-Buffalo-Singles/

The Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund Cordially Invites You To…

2010-10-19T20:33:00.002-04:00

The 2010 Annual Fall Musicale
Sunday, October 24, 2010 - 7:00PM

Parkside Lutheran Church
2 Wallace St.
Buffalo, NY

Love, Hope & Prayer in Opera
Featuring - Danielle DiStefano, Soprano
Accompanied by - Paul Hartley, Pianist

Reception will follow the performance
Promote Opera in Western New York!
Help build an Arts Center for opera and ballet.

Tickets - Donations accepted ($20.00 suggested)
RSVP encouraged

For information & reservations - call 884-2477

Mail donations - Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund Musicale/Concert
PO Box 566, Buffalo, NY 14207-05
Hope to see you there!

JAMESTOWN SAVINGS BANK ARENA HOSTS COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN

2010-10-12T20:40:00.000-04:00

WWW.COLGATECOUNTRYSHOWDOWN.COM

The Jamestown Savings Bank Arena and Jamestown’s Country music station, 101.9, WHUG, My Country, will host the New York State Finals of the 29th Annual Colgate Country Showdown, America’s largest country music talent search. The show will be held in the Arena Club; Saturday, October 16th doors open at 7pm, and show 8:00 p.m.

Jamestown’s WHUG, My Country, 101.9, local winner, Emily Arnold will compete with other New York State Final contestants representing radio stations 98.1theHawk of Binghamton, Y93.9 of Dansville, 99.5 of WOKN Elmira, Thunder102 of Liberty, Big Dog103.5 of Newark, Bee104.7 of Syracuse and KZ 102 of Wellsville for a prize of $1,000 and the opportunity to compete in one of five regional events. Regional winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the National Final in Nashville, TN to compete for $100,000 and the coveted title of “Best New Act in Country Music.”

Doug Yeomans and Lo Blue Flame will perform as the backup band. The judge’s panel includes Jillene Crause, Ed Smith, Matt Maloof and Sean Patrick McGraw!!!

“This is a proud addition to our lineup of arena events”, states Mike Ferguson, General Manager of the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. “And everyone with a paid ticket will have the chance to win an authentic LeAnn Rimes autographed Gibson acoustical guitar. The guitar is currently on display in our Arena lobby.”

Past local, state and regional winners include Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, and Billy Ray Cyrus. For more information about the Colgate Country Showdown visit colgatecountryshowdown.com

For more information visit whug.com and to purchase tickets call the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena at 716.484.2624 or visit jamestownarena.com.

Upcoming Stone Row Gigs:

2010-10-08T19:34:00.000-04:00

Friday October 1st: Shannon Pub
2250 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Tonawanda NY 14150
743-9348
8:30 PM-12:30 AM
www.shannonpub.com

Sunday October 24th: Benefit Concert
Gotta Kiss Cancer Goodbye
Elkdale Country Club
4676 RR 353
Salamanca NY 14779
645-5553
www.elkdalecc.com
www.gottakisscancergoodbye.com
Multiple bands and more!
Stone Row plays at 3:30 PM

Saturday October 30th: Fitzgerald's Pub
Halloween Party! Costumes, prizes and more!
392 Ohio Street
Lockport NY 14094
990-0444
8:00 PM-12:00 AM

Saturday November 13th: Shannon Pub
2250 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Tonawanda NY 14150
743-9348
8:30 PM-12:30 AM
www.shannonpub.com

Saturday November 20th: Fitzgerald's Pub
392 Ohio Street
Lockport NY 14094
990-0444
8:00 PM-12:00 AM

Friday November 26th: Buffalo Irish Center
245 Abbott Road
Buffalo NY
825-9535
9:00-1:00
www.buffaloirishcenter.com
The BIC is having a tough time. If you want to continue to have
entertainment at this great venue, please make a point of coming out!

Friday December 3rd: Shannon Pub
2250 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Tonawanda NY 14150
743-9348
8:30 PM-12:30 AM
www.shannonpub.com

Saturday December 4th: Private Party

Thursday December 9th: Live on the air WBNY 91.3 FM
On the evening show with Greg Burt
Also listen online at: http://www.buffalostate.edu/wbny/webradio/

Friday December 31st: Fitzgerald's Pub
New Year's Eve Party!
392 Ohio Street
Lockport NY 14094
990-0444
Times TBA

Log on to www.stonerow.com/calendar for other upcoming dates.

The Tralf Calendar Listings 10/14 - 10/30

2010-10-05T19:56:00.001-04:00

10/14 - 930pm - Joe Squared @ Finnans

10/15 - 930pm - Kick Start Rumble @ 800 Maple

10/16 - 10pm - Joe Squared @ Trattoria Aroma (Bryant)

10/16 - 8pm - Gretchen Schulz and Doug Morgano @ Paddock Grille

10/16 -830pm - Nite & Day @ Sonoma Grille

10/21 - 930pm - Off The Cuff @ Finnans

10/22 930pm - Carl Motyka @ Dwyers

10/22 - 930pm - Joe Squared @ 800 Maple

10/23 - 8pm - Nite & Day @ Paddock Grille

10/23 - 830pm - Gretchen Schulz @ Sonoma Grille

10/23 - 10pm - Scott Celani @ Trattoria Aroma (Bryant)

10/23 - 830pm - A-List Band @ Salvatores Italian Gardens

10/27 - 930pm - Off The Cuff @ Dwyers

10/28 - 930pm - J. Ride @ Finnans

10/29 - 930 - Scott Celani @ Dwyers

10/30 - 830 - Joe Squared @ Sonoma

10/30 - 10pm - Vinnie DeRosa @ Trattoria Aroma (bryant)

10/30 - 8pm - Strictly Hip @ Crazy Jakes

10/30 - 930pm - Roar84 @ Finnans

10/30 - 8pm - Bilson @ PAddock Grille

TOWER OF POWER

2010-10-05T19:55:00.001-04:00

Venue: THE TRALF
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET BUFFALO NY
Date: OCTOBER 18, 2010
Time: 6:30 DOORS 7:30 SHOW & 9:00 DOORS 9:30 SHOW
Ticket price: $27.50 PRESALE $30 DAY OF
On sale date: ON SALE NOW

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations www.ticketmaster.com www.tralfmusichall.com 716-852-2860 1-800-745-3000 The Tralf Box Office

A true favorite in Buffalo, NY ,For over 40 years, Tower of Power has been creating their own kind of soul music. Since 1968, Tower of Power has delivered their unique brand of music to their fans, appearing before sold out crowds as they tour the world each year. Tower’s sound can be hard to categorize, but the band's leader and founding member, Emilio Castillo, has labeled their sound as "Urban Soul Music."

Tower's rhythm section lays down a groove like no other band. The band’s horn driven sound is unique, and the way they approach everything, from writing and arranging to mixing and performing, is totally their own. Combine all of that with an outstanding lead vocalist and you have one of the most dynamic groups of musicians to ever hit the stage. Since the beginning, Tower of Power has never stopped touring and recording. Always in demand, the band never fails to entertain and amaze their fans. Tower is truly blessed to have a dedicated following that often travels to see the band, and in many cases fans will plan their vacation or work schedule around an appearance of TOP.

Each year Tower of Power tours the United States, Japan and Europe, playing to sold out crowds all over the world. 2009 will see the release of the “Great American Soulbook”, a collection of classic soul tunes, and the 40th Anniversary Concert DVD. Tower has never been busier or more in demand. New generations of fans come to see the band perform as their timeless music continues to excite fans of all ages. We hope you enjoy this new website, which will be growing and evolving continually to include more band history, information on alumni members, and regular updates on Tower of Power

Please welcome Emilio Castillo, Stephen ("Doc") Kupka, Francis Rocco Prestia, David Garibaldi, Larry Braggs, Roger Smith, Tom E. Politzer, Adolfo Acosta, Mark Harper, Mic Gillete to The Tralf Music Hall: Monday, March 22, 2010 : TOWER OF POWER

FREE GUITAR WORKSHOP with Mir Ali

2010-10-05T19:54:00.001-04:00

Saturday October 9
1:00 to 3:00 PM

To benefit both the beginner and the experienced musician. Mr. Ali will cover many aspects and approaches to playing the instrument and will demonstrate some of his amazing techniques

“Note-worthy” Music Students to Receive Scholarships at “Concert from the Heart” from Buffalo Music Hall of Fame

2010-10-02T15:57:00.001-04:00

Buffalo, New York: No doubt you’ve heard of Buffalo’s 27 year-old Music Hall of Fame. They’re most noted for inducting professional regional musicians who have achieved success in the music industry, often on an international scale. This year, however, BMHOF is increasing its community outreach efforts by doubling the number of scholarships given to outstanding music students in Western New York.

Michael Tumiel, 16, of Cheektowaga, is the winner of the $500 First Place for his performance on clarinet and guitar. Julie Sonne, 18, of East Bethany, has been named recipient of the $250 second scholarship for her performance on cello. The announcement was made today by Rick Mathews, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame President, and will be presented September 26th at the BMHOF-sponsored “Concert from the Heart” at Kleinhans Music Hall. Proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Western New York. “Scholarship applicants submitted essays,” explained Mathews, “and all were scored without judges’ knowledge as to the applicants’ names. We received a record number of applicants, so we are especially pleased to be able to increase our funding for future musicians.”

Michael Tumeil was first exposed to clarinet when, he explained: “Our elementary school band director and a few high school students walked into my third grade classroom to recruit students for band the following year. I didn’t think I’d be interested... but as soon as the clarinet began to play, I looked up, listened intently, and watched her fingers. I knew then that I did want to play, join the band, and play the clarinet.”

That was Michael’s enthusiastic start. Two years later, in fifth grade, he was accepted into the school band, the jazz band, and his first All-State competition. The next year, he discovered guitar. “Today in my house,” he added, “there are eight guitars, a ukulele, a mandolin, harmonicas in various keys, a drum kit, an alto flute, bass clarinet, my beloved B-flat clarinet, a sousaphone (that drives my mother crazy) and a piano.” Guess who pays them all. Well. Michael aspires to attend the Eastman School of Music and to becoming a professional clarinetist in an orchestra.

Julie Sonne is a classically trained musician who began her studies at age 3. An admirer and student of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki whose philosophy that anyone at any age can learn the universal language of music, Julie put Suzuki’s teaching to work at age 6 when she traveled to Japan. There, although she attended a class of mostly Japanese children with a Japanese-speaking teacher, she was able to participate without any trouble. Her music had become, indeed, a universal language!

Julie has played with the Buffalo Youth Orchestra, Buffalo Suzuki Strings and other musical groups, and has traveled with the Buffalo Suzuki String Ensemble to Italy in 2006, Spain in 2008, and will tour in Argentina in 2011. “In the future, I want to take the stage and solo with orchestras around the world,” stated Julie. “Performing exhilarates me; it is something I have dreamed of for a long time. I also envision using the stage to somehow better the world through music.”

“It’s particularly fitting that Michael and Julie will receive their presentations during our ‘Concert from the Heart’,” added BMOH 1998 Hall-of-Famer, Van Taylor of Taylor Made Jazz. “In March, 2009, the local 92 American Federation of Musicians, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, BMHOF and Taylor Made Jazz featured a first-time Spotlight ‘Concert from the Heart’. It was at this time that we were able to present our first scholarship in an outreach concert that combined the Philharmonic with some of the area’s greatest jazz musicians. We’re going to do that again on September 26th, but more musical genres and musicians than ever before!” he added.

“Concert from the Heart” tickets are $25.00 with lower prices available for groups. Sponsorships are available at the Presenter, Titanium, Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels that range from $10,000 to $250. “Angel” sponsorships to purchase individual tickets are encouraged to help attendees who might not otherwise be able to attend, and/or for those who may have never heard a Philharmonic Orchestra perform.

General ticket Information is available through the Philharmonic Ticket Office at 716-885-5000. For Corporate Sponsorships, contact BMHF President, Rick Mathews at 716-400-8934. Checks should be made payable to “Concert from the Heart, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. P.O. Box 256, Buffalo, NY 14205.

For Group Tickets, contact Ron Daniels at 716-912-1365. Checks should be made payable to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra c/o Kleinhans Music Hall, One Symphony Circle, Buffalo NY. 14201

Angel Sponsors should contact Van Taylor at 716-855-1754. Checks should be made payable to: “Concert from the Heart, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.” P.O. Box 256, Buffalo, NY 14205.
Induction to the 2010 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Gala will be held on October 7, at 7PM at the Tralf, 622 Main Street, Buffalo. Tickets for this event are available by calling 852-2860.

El DeBarge at THE TRALF MUSIC HALL

2010-10-02T15:54:00.000-04:00

Headliner: El DeBarge
Support: support TBA
Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
Patron info number: 716-852-2860
Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NY
Date: OCTOBER 8, 2010
Time: 7pm Doors 8pm Show
Ticket price: $29 Presale $34 DOS
On sale date: NOW!!!
View image on Bing

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-3000 716-852-2860 www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office

The bi-racial family group DeBarge had the looks, the vocal talent and the backing of Motown that vaulted it quickly to the top of the Pop and Soul worlds in 1982. However, its label as a "teen act" made DeBarge only as durable as its most recent hit, and the group disappeared in the mid 80s nearly as quickly as it came.

Formed in conservative Grand Rapids, Michigan, the five member group (consisting of sister Bunny and brothers James, Mark, Randy and Eldra) was signed by Motown in 1981, thanks in part to older brothers Bobby and Tommy, who were part of the popular Motown group Switch ("There'll Never Be," "I Call Your Name"). The quintet was quickly groomed as heir to the family group throne occupied by the Jackson 5 a decade earlier, and its second Motown album, 1982's All This Love, appeared to deliver on the promise. Boasting two top ballads, the title cut and "I Like It," All This Love featured smooth group harmonies behind El DeBarge's attractive first tenor and light Pop/Soul arrangements.

DeBarge's next album, In A Special Way, continued the string, with "Love Me In A Special Way" and the pretty "Time Will Reveal" topping the Soul and Adult Contemporary charts, and 1985's Rhythm of the Night became the group's biggest yet, as its dance-oriented title cut went gold, and the follow up single, "Who's Holding Donna Now," hitting top 10 Pop and Soul. However, like the Jackson 5 ten years earlier, the group found itself with a shallow fan base and a singles-oriented popularity that would necessarily limit its longevity.

By 1986, El DeBarge was clearly becoming the first among equals in the group, and he recorded solo the upbeat main cut from the movie Short Circuit, "Who's Johnny." The cut went to number one, and he soon left the group to begin a solo career. His eponymous debut later that year was a solid disc and featured compositions by a number of the biggest Pop and Adult Contemporary writers of the time. The album included "Who's Johnny" but consisted mostly of very listenable ballads and mid-tempo numbers such as "Love Always" and "Lost Without Her Love."

El's three subsequent albums were far less popular than his debut (none hit the Soul top 20), and his solo recording career stopped after 1994's Babyface production, Heart, Mind and Soul. He found moderate success serving as a guest vocalist on the albums of other artists, especially on the sultry ballad "The Secret Garden" from Quincy Jones' Grammy Award winning Back On The Block and a cover of Marvin Gaye's "After the Dance" with Fourplay.

Without Eldra at the lead and with its teen fan base aging, DeBarge the group disintegrated pretty quickly. Bunny left the group soon after El and recorded one album, 1987's "In Love," which was largely ignored. Then a reformulated group, consisting of four of the DeBarge brothers, signed with Striped Horse Records and released the dance album Bad Boys in 1988 before breaking up. Brother Chico also gained some notoriety as a solo singer, but his career was interrupted by a conviction for drug-related offenses. Sadly, several family members similarly ended up in trouble with the law, with four DeBarges (including El) being arrested for various offenses.

As the 1990s arrived, a number of DeBarge family members reunited for a single, well made Gospel album (The DeBarge Family) that served as the coda for a talented but only briefly popular family act.

In mid-2010, following his release from prison for drug-related offenses, El DeBarge began his own personal rehabilitation, performing on The Brian McKnight Show and beginning work on his first album in 16 years, Second Chance. Slated for Fall release on Geffen Records, the disc has an all-star cast of producers, including Jam & Lewis and Babyface.

A Salute to the Golden Age of American Television TWILIGHT ZONE REDUX

2010-10-02T15:52:00.000-04:00

AMERICAN REP THEATER OF WNY Presents
A Salute to the Golden Age of American Television
TWILIGHT ZONE REDUX
Adaption by Drew McCabe

Oct14th through Oct 30th
Buffalo East, 1410 Main Street, Buffalo

TWILIGHT ZONE REDUX
Adapted by Drew McCabe

Featuring
Jeffery Coyle; Jacob Albarella; Lisa Dee; Lindsay Salamone; Brian Patrick Stoyle; Lauren Cichon
And Darryl Hart as Rod Sterling

Directed By
Drew McCabe
Kristin Bentley

Buffalo, NY--Proud to be entering a fourth season, American Rep Theater of WNY is saluting the Golden Age of American Television with a theatrical rendition of the classic TV Sci-Fi meets Morality Play series, Twilight Zone. Adapted for stage by Drew McCabe, Twilight Zone Redux takes a fresh look at three stories from the mind of Rod Serling with McCabe's careful attention to both the underlying pathos of characters and the unique style of writing which made this series and Serling legendary.

Three stories to be feature include "Nick of Time", "Denton on Doomsday" and the timeless "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet".

"Nick of Time" features a newly-wed couple stuck in the middle of nowhere when their car breaks down. Their stay at a local diner with badly burnt cheese-sandwiches turns more bizarre when the couple discovers a fortune-telling machine that becomes strangely accurate.

"Denton on Doomsday" presents us with a wash-up cowgirl with aspirations to make something of herself. After she encounters the odd whistling Dr. Fate and receives a mysterious potion, she becomes the fastest gunslinger in the West.

Perhaps the most well-known and most intense story (that featured in the original TV program William Shatner) "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" has a salesman, Bob Wilson, recovering from a nervous breakdown who finds himself on a plane face to face with terror.

American Rep Theater of WNY is excited about the season and will be working in a new space as the company partnerships with Buffalo East. Matthew LaChiusa, Executive/Artistic Director had this to say about the alliance. "Working with Verneice Turner owner of Buffalo East, will provide stability to ART as we enter into our 2010-11 season." LaChiusa continued. "The vision in which Ms. Turner has for Buffalo East and the path ART is following are similar and through this we hope to build upon in seasons to come." American Rep Theater of WNY plans to have two more productions in the space throughout the 2010-11 season.

Scheduled Dates for Twilight Zone Redux
Oct 14th, 15th & 16th; Oct 21st, 22nd & 23rd; Oct 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th.

All Showtimes are 8 PM

For further information on tickets or show information please call 716-884-4858 (9 am- 4:30 pm) or please visit the website at www.artofwny.org. For further information about ART you may also visit the blog at http://artdirectorsnotes.blogspot.com/

Celebrating PINKTOBER Women that Rock

2010-10-02T15:48:00.002-04:00

HARD ROCK CAFE - NIAGARA FALLS, USA

This week’s Free Music Friday Celebrating PINKTOBER Women that Rock With music by Gretchen Schulz and Doug Morgano - Friday, October 1 at 8PM

Friday, October 8th at 8PM - JOYRYDE
Friday, October 15th at 8PM - THE ALISON PIPITONE BAND
Friday, October 22nd at 8PM - THE KATE ENGLER BAND
Friday, October 29th at 8PM - THE DIVA SHOW

Five For Fighting with Special Guest Tone Damli
Also Featuring More Than Me
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Living Ribbon at 7PM
Free Outdoor Concert at 8PM

Concert on Old Falls St. adjacent to Hard Rock Cafe - Rain or Shine. International Pinktober® Living Ribbon Demonstration on the Rainbow Bridge spanning Niagara Falls. Benefiting the American & Canadian cancer societies.

For more information or to register for the Living Ribbon, visit hardrock.com/niagarafalls

Also on October 16 at 8 PM an All Ages Show
THE PRETTY RECKLESS
$10 presale/$15 at the door.
Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or at the HRC Rock Shop

Hard Rock Cafe- Niagara Falls, USA

2010-09-14T20:13:00.000-04:00

September 9 - Hard Rock Calling Video Premier 8 PM
Featuring: More Than Me (Hard Rock’s Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands Winners)

Blues Month featuring the WNY Blues Society
September 10 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: The Patti Parks Band

September 17 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: JJ Moscato & Blue Avenue

September 24 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: Blues Hounds

Pinktober – Women that Rock
October 1 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: Gretchen Schulz & Doug Morgano

October 8 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: Joyryde

October 15 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: The Alison Pipitone Band

October 22 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: The Kate Engler Band

October 29 – Free Music Friday 8 PM-Midnight
Featuring: The Diva Show

October 28 – PINKTOBER EVENT
Featuring: Five for Fighting

ESI EVENTS is pleased to announce the following show

2010-09-10T17:06:00.000-04:00

Headliner: KIM MITCHELL

Venue: THE TRALF MUSIC HALL

Patron info number: 716-852-2860

Venue address: 622 MAIN STREET BUFFALO NY

Date: NOVEMBER 27, 2010

Time: 7PM DOORS 8PM SHOW

Ticket price: $26 PRESALE $29 DAY OF SHOW

On sale date: SEPTEMBER 4th

Tickets available at: All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-3000 716-852-2860 www.tralfmusichall.com www.ticketmaster.com The Tralf Box Office

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/officialkimmitchell#ixzz0yIO5BzgA

Benefit for Ned Wood and Family

2010-09-10T16:22:00.000-04:00

Click on Poster for Larger View

CELEBRATE STARLIGHT!

2010-09-10T16:20:00.001-04:00

Friday, October 1, 2010
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

STARLIGHT STUDIO & ART GALLERY
340 DELAWARE AVENUE
BUFFALO, NY 14202
716.842.1525

A Program Created by Learning Disabilities Association
www.starlightstudio.org

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Come celebrate the 5th anniversary of Starlight
Studio and Art Gallery. 5 years of individuals
developing themselves as creative artists.

This is a FREE event featuring the sounds of Free Henry,
SB Reeves and his Outfit and Fredonia Jazz Trio as well as
food from Globe Market and a silent art auction.

Preview Event: Friday, September 24, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
View the beautiful artworks up for auction on this evening while also seeing
Bruce Adams’ installation, Divine Beauty, as part of the
Beyond/In Western New York 2010 exhibition.

16th Annual Bosom Buddies Walk To benefit the WNY Breast Resource Centerat Roswell Park Cancer Institute

2010-09-02T17:14:00.000-04:00

Saturday, September 18, 2010
East Aurora Middle School
Dedicated to Doreen Mortimer, Co-Founder of the Bosom Buddies Walk for Roswell

Founded in 1993 as a breast cancer support group, the Bosom Buddies have raised more than $600,000 for the Western New York Breast Resource Center since the first walk in 1995. Last year 500 walkers participated to support the WNY Breast Resource Center.

The Breast Resource Center, created in 1997, assists breast cancer patients and their families as they travel the unfamiliar journey of diagnosis and treatment. It offers a wealth of information and personal support that is available for not only the patient, but also their spouse, siblings, and children, including the youngest members of the family dealing with the treatment of a mother, grandmother, relative or friend. The center is free, open to the public and is a place where anyone can find hope.

The Western New York Breast Resource Center is a vital asset to the community. We hope you participate in the Bosom Buddies Walk for Roswell this year to ensure the center’s services are available for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer in WNY.

For additional information about the walk, call the Special Events Office at (716) 845-8788.

For information about the WNY Breast Resource Center at (716) 845-4432.

Date: Saturday, September 18, 2010
Location: East Aurora Middle School
430 Main Street
East Aurora, New York 14052
Routes and Start Times: Route Registration Start Time
5-mile 9:30 AM 10:00 AM
3-mile 10 AM 10:30 AM
1.5-mile 10 AM 10:30 AM

Fees: $10.00 pre-registration fee
$15.00 registration fee on day of event
$25.00 minimum pledges to participate

Monthly Coffee House with Open Mic

2010-09-02T16:54:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 17, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Featuring Erin Sydney Welsh and friends at 7:30
Open Mic at 8:45
$2 cover, 12 and under free

St. Peter's United Church of Christ
1475 Orchard Park Road
West Seneca NY 14224
674-1233
www.st-petersucc.org

Benefit for a Beat-Maker

2010-09-02T16:52:00.000-04:00

Friends of Upbeat Local Celebrity Count on the Good Nature of Western New Yorkers
and Fans At-Large to Help Fight ALS

Musicians, outdoor and animal enthusiasts, family members, church, and local media
work together to present a benefit event for Joel Thomas, and his fight against ALS, on Sunday, September 19th, from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at the American Legion Stephen Sikora Post, 950 Payne Avenue in North Tonawanda, N.Y.

Musician, sportsman, author, raconteur, and radio/TV celebrity Joel Thomas is well-known throughout the Buffalo and Western New York area. Musicians and fans know him as the bassist for the internationally acclaimed Blues and Roots band Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars, as well as for his former position as “Jumpin’ Joel” with Buffalo icons Big Wheelie & The Hubcaps. Those interested in all things wildlife-oriented (conservation, outdoor sports, and wildlife preservation and rehabilitation), as well as local radio and television audiences, know Joel as “that animal guy,” the SPCA of Erie County’s resident expert on everything from the deer population to bear behavior, from chipmunks to turtles to copperheads, capuchin monkeys, exotic lizards and everything in between. And soon, literary audiences will know him as the author of Creature Comforts, a tome full of information, stories, and inspired-wisdom regarding interactions between people and animals.

What most Western New Yorker’s don’t know is that Joel is currently fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Joel Thomas is many things—a great friend to some, a cherished loved one to others, a band mate, hunting partner, a man of faith, and source of endless knowledge about wildlife for others still. There's one thing about Joel that we all share in common: He's always been there for us. Now he could use our help.

The benefit will feature some of Western New York’s premier musical entertainment, including talents such as JJ Moscato & Blue Avenue, Big Wheelie, Guy Nirelli and Patti Parks of the Patti Parks Blues Band, Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars, Paul Weisenburger and Tim Wright (formerly of The Dooleys), and The Meatsticks.
Food, beverages, raffles, auctions, a “kid’s korner,” massage therapy, and other activities and displays will be available throughout the day. Joel will also have copies of his new book available for sale.

Adult tickets are $20.00 pre-sale ($25.00 at the door/day of show). Tickets for children under 12 are only $10.00 ($15.00 at the door). Tickets are available at Mighty No-Stars performances through September 18th (www.MightyNoStars.com), as well as through www.JoelThomasBenefit.com (PayPal and major credit cards accepted), or by contacting Susan Fischer at (716) 444-3398, or JoelThomasBenefit@roadrunner.com. Donations of basket or auction items are greatly appreciated.

For more information, visit JoelThomasBenefit.com, or contact Susan Fischer at (716) 444-3398.

Chrisfest VII 2010

2010-08-31T13:47:00.003-04:00

ICEHOUSE - 512 Third Street - Niagara Falls, NY

Tickets $10.00 Presale / $15.00 At the Door

Click Poster for Larger View

ESI Events Upcoming Calendar Listings 9/3 - 9/28

2010-08-31T12:11:00.000-04:00

9/3 @ 6:45pm - DISCO DUCK @ The Dock at the Bay

9/3 @ 6pm - THE A - LIST BAND @ Templeton Landing

9/3 @ 10pm - STRICTLY HIP @ Sunset Bay Beach Club

9/4 @ 10pm - BAREBACK JACK @ Buckin Buffalo Saloon

9/4 @ 10pm - CARL MOTYKA @ The Falcons Club

9/4 @ 10pm - STRICTLY HIP @ Sunset Grille

9/10 @ 10pm - STRICTLY HIP @ Buffalo Sports Garden

9/10 @ 10pm - SUCKERPUNCH @ Desiderio;s on Broadway

9/11 @ 10pm - RANSOMVILLE @ Buckin Buffalo

9/11 @ 8pm - MARK HUMMEL'S BLUES HARMONICA EXPLOSION @ The Tralf Music Hall

9/11 @ 10pm - CARL MOTYKA @ Dockside

9/11 @ 8pm - THE DEFTONES @ The Rapids Theatre

9/12 @ 8pm - VINZENT MASSI AND THE REVELATION @ The Tralf Music Hall

9/13 @ 9pm - THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS @ The Rapids Theater

9/17 @ 8pm - CAVO @ The Tralf Music Hall

9/17 @ 10pm - PARTY OF NINE @ Froghair

9/18 @ 10pm - WEST OF THE MARK @ Buckin Buffalo

9/18 @ 10pm - KINGS OF GONZO @ Buffalo SPorts Garden

9/18 @ 10pm - SUCKERPUNCH @ Macaroons Nightclub

9/23 @ 9pm - ZEE AVI @ The Ninth Ward (Ani DiFranco Church)

9/24 @ 8pm - GRACIOUS FEW @ The Tralf Music Hall

9/25 @ 10pm - 90 WEST @ Buckin Buffalo

9/25 @ 8pm - NAJEE'S SMOOTHER SIDE OF SOUL @ The Tralf Music Hall

9/28 @ 8pm - THE ALLAN HOLDSWORTH TRIO @ The Tralf Music Hall

Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout

2010-08-21T12:55:00.002-04:00

An Evening with Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout starring Magic Dick, Billy Branch & James Harman with Steve Freund on guitar.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2010
THE TRALF MUSIC HALL
622 MAIN STREET BUFFALO, NY
7PM DOORS 8PM SHOW
$23 PRESALE $25 AT THE DOOR

Tickets available at: http://www.ticketmaster.com/ All Ticketmaster Locations 1-800-745-300 http://www.tralfmusichall.com/ 716-852-2860 The Tralf Box Office

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT MARK HUMMEL

"Every time a list of the world's best living harp players comes out, West Coast harpist Mark Hummel makes the top five. Incorporating jazz and swing into a blues format, Hummel has developed a style that, while sounding laid back, is loaded with improvisational virtuosity."
Grant Britt/Independent Weekly

"Hummel and his swinging brand of blues are a match made in heaven"
Living Blues

"... is, in just about everyone's estimation, one of the top 3 to 5 living harp blowers"
West Coast Blues Revue

"Mark Hummel is simply one of the best harmonica players working today!..."
Huey Lewis

Check out this Impressive Line-Up!

Mark Hummel has been playing blues Harmonica, performing & recording for 40 years. A specialist in the West Coast blues, he's a seasoned showman who knows more then a thing or two about how to please an audience.

Magic Dick has been with the J. Geils Band since their inception in 1967. J. Geils Band has re-united & are playing select concert again. Dick recorded on ALL their major hits like CENTERFOLD (number 1 for six weeks & going double platinum), FREEZE FRAME, LOVE STINKS, MUST HAVE GOT LOST, GIVE IT TO ME & of course Magic's WAMMER JAMMER! He's performed in Mick Jagger's solo band, recorded with Deborah Harry, Patty Smyth & the Del Fuegos.

Billy Branch is the Grammy winning Harp blower out of Chicago. Branch also appeared & played harp in movies like "Roadhouse" & "Adventures in Babysitting".

James Harman- James has won Blues Music Awards in the last two decades & remains one of the top entertainers in the blues world, plus a world class songwriter, singer & harp player. He's recorded and appeared with ZZ TOP.

Steve Freund- Chicago blues guitarist extraordinaire has recorded with Boz Scaggs, Koko Taylor, Snooky Pryor, Luther Allison & many others.

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame “Concert from the Heart” To Benefit Food Bank of WNY

2010-08-19T12:41:00.002-04:00

From Bop to Barbershop and Beethoven!

If this sounds like an unlikely combination of musical genres, “You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet!” The 26 year-old organization, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, has arranged a Spotlight Concert that combines (would you believe?!) the unexpected (and very exciting!) Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra with Buffalo’s cross-genre musical greats: Lance Diamond, Taylor Made Jazz, the Old School B Boys, and more — all with the Food Bank of Western New York as major beneficiary.

Hall of Famers named the performance “Concert from the Heart,” and in one incredible evening, September 26, 2010, concert-goers will hear more musical genres than have ever been performed like this in the history of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra! The setting is Buffalo’s acoustically magnificent Kleinhans Music Hall, One Symphony Circle, Buffalo. Groups will perform under the baton of BPO Conductor, Paul Ferrington. Pre-concert musical surprises will start in the lobby at 6:00 PM followed by one jammin’ concert on the Main Stage from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
“Musicians who don’t usually perform the same types of music and don’t necessarily perform together will combine talents in this Musical First,” explained Buffalo Music Hall of Fame President, Rick Mathews. “Imagine hearing Barbershop, Classical, Film Music, Film/Theater Music, Classic Jazz, MoTown, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Dance, Pop, and Cross-Over music by groups that you could never hear together anywhere else! This is a concert with more than regional interest.”

The list of the evening’s performers is drawn primarily from the vast talent pool at the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and includes the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BMHOF Class of 1999), George Scott Big Band (representing the Historic Colored Musicians Club, BMHOF Class of 2005), Lance Diamond (BMHOF Class of 1992), Taylor Made Jazz (Van Taylor, BMHOF Class of 1998), with special guest appearances by Mark Mazur and the Little Big Band, Old School B Boys, and a few surprises!

Proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Western New York. Michael Billoni, Marketing and Public Relations Director of the Food Bank stated: “This concert is an imaginative musical outreach to fight hunger. Buffalo is ranked as the third poorest city in the nation. The need for our services has risen by 20% during the economic challenges of this past year alone.” Contributions of as little as one dollar will deliver 7 pounds of food needy to families in 385 agencies in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame was created for the cultural enhancement and enrichment of Buffalo and Western New York. Inductees in the well recognized Music Hall of Fame have achieved success is the music industry on a national and often an international scale and are chosen by a formal nomination process. Nominees are rated in several different categories including longevity in Western New York, performances, community service in music, and musical versatility. This year’s Hall of Fame Gala will take place on October 7th at the Tralf in downtown Buffalo.

“Concert from the Heart” tickets are $25.00 with lower prices available for groups. Sponsorships are available at the Presenter, Titanium, Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels that range from $10,000 to $250. “Angel” sponsorships to purchase individual tickets are encouraged to help attendees who might not otherwise be able to attend, and/or for those who may have never heard a Philharmonic Orchestra perform.

General ticket Information is available through the Philharmonic Ticket Office at 716-885-5000. For Corporate Sponsorships, contact BMHF President, Rick Mathews at 716-400-8934. Checks should be made payable to:”Concert from the Heart, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.” P.O. Box 256, Buffalo, NY 14205.

For Group Tickets, contact Ron Daniels at 716-912-1365. Checks should be made payable to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra c/o Kleinhans Music Hall, One Symphony Circle, Buffalo NY. 14201.

Angel Sponsors should contact Van Taylor at 716-855-1754. Checks should be made payable to: “Concert from the Heart, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.” P.O. Box 256, Buffalo, NY 14205.

For more information on the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame visit http://www.buffalomusic.org . The Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is seeking new members, volunteers, and those interested in sponsorship opportunities. Interested parties should contact Rick Mathews 716-400-8934 or email at: rickmathews@bmhof.org .