Events

[FUNK] Buffalo’s Canalside Concert Series has already been a huge hit, packing fans in the (now) beautiful scenery of the restored Buffalo waterfront. This Thursday, July 16 the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Buffalo’s All-Star Tribute to Stevie Wonder. The legendary artist’s career was honored at this year’s Grammy Awards. His legacy has influenced just about everyone who has come up through soul, pop, R&B, funk, and more. Immediately following the show, the Brooklyn-based Turkuaz will take the stage at Buffalo Iron Works. The band holds Wonder in high regard. When asked about the influence Stevie Wonder has on the band, lead singer/guitarist Dave Brandwein said: “Well, it’s hard to play any kind of funk or soul music without being directly influenced by Stevie Wonder, I’d say, so he’s definitely a huge influence on our music. Also, we’re good friends with Eric Crittenden, who is playing at the All-Star Tribute, and if he can make it over, he might sit in on a tune or two.” Buffalo’s own Michelangelo Carubba holds this funk powerhouse to a tight line on drums. When his band is in his hometown, he makes sure to show them around. Says Brandwein, “We get some awesome food when we’re in town—La Nova’s, Just Pizza, and a little beef on weck if we can handle it. Our bellies are pretty full most times we leave Buffalo.” As for music, the band just released a four-track, all analog EP, Stereochrome, and is on the verge of their full-length being released. When Brandwein was asked about the still yet-to-be-released album, he said that Digitonium is coming out in late September. “We’re very excited about. We’ll be announcing a lot more about it really soon and probably putting out some singles and videos between now and then. We’ll be hitting the road really hard from September all the way through Thanksgiving in support of it.”