[POP] Jim Brickman is one of the most successful pianists in the contemporary music cannon, boasting hits like “Valentine,” and “Rocket To The Moon.” From high-profile collaborations to rearrangements of Disney classics and Christmas tunes, Brickman’s romantic, pop-flavored compositions soothe the soul.
[FOLK ROCK] The rise of the folk rock artist may be a particularly new phenomenon when it comes to the radio, but there are many who were there before the popular explosion of late. The Avett Brothers, one of the most beloved and sincere modern folk groups out there—comprised of brothers Seth (guitar, vocals) and Scott Avett (banjo, vocals), bassist Bob Crawford, cellist Joe Kwon, as well as a host of touring musicians—have established one of the most consistently honest and emotionally powerful catalogs in modern folk music.
It’s been weeks — months — since we last checked in on Preetsmas.
[EXPERIMENTAL] The WASH Project’s semi-regular experimental, noise, and electronic music showcase, WSADA, returns this Saturday, September 19. This edition will feature two well-known Buffalo artists, Steve Baczkowski and Jack Toft, who will team up to present a combination of rap, horns, and “frankensteined records”—which are vinyl records literally chopped up and reassembled to form strange, new sounds.
[JAZZ] Join jazz singer Gretchen Parlato for a night of soft jazz and sultry sounds at the UB Center for the Arts on Saturday, September 19. In an intimate setting, audiences will be captivated by her unique style and vocal ability. Gretchen will be the first of three artists featured as part of UB’s Jazz series. Tickets are available online through the UB Center for the Arts website or at the box office.
[FOOD] Before the summer season ends, stop by the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence for one last barbeque this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Oinktoberfest is the longest running smoke barbeque competition in the state, which pits local and out-of-state teams against each other for a three-day event full of flavor. Contestants will be judged on chicken, ribs, brisket, and much more. Stick around on Sunday to witness a “whole hog” competition.
[DRINK] Resurgence Brewing Company is hosting their second annual Oktoberfest, which will feature “Stein Hoisting,” and “best lederhosen,” contests, and will also showcase some of their new fall brews. Two new beers are set to join the round up for this season and will be ready for tasting: WNY Oktoberfest, which is made with all local ingredients, and HOPtoberfest. Enjoy music from German bands while sampling treats from Ru’s Pierogi and feasting on an authentic pig roast.
Gilbert Gottfried has been in the standup comedy game for over 30 years. He’s also, for better or for worse, distinctly recognizable by his voice. He’ll perform at at Helium Comedy Club this Thursday, September 17 through Saturday, September 19, but not before we had the chance to speak with him about why he’s happy he’s not starting out now—in the age of social media—and how specific forms of standup now seem fossilized.
Mount Everest? It’s for pussies, says writer-mountineer Jon Krakauer.
OK, he doesn’t actually use that word, but it’s kind of the attitude he takes when comparing it to Mount Meru, in northern India. Specifically, he’s talking about the peak known as the “Shark’s Fin,” 1500 feet of flawless granite that has sent some of the best climbers in the world packing. You can hire Sherpas to carry the packs and take most of the risks on Everest, Krakauer notes. But scaling the shark, you’re on your own.
Deadbeat racist Joe Mascia is laughably still running for the Democratic nomination to represent the Fillmore District on Buffalo’s Common Council. His spokesman most recently mass emailed a plea for $1,000 donations, telling everyone that Mascia deserves our support because he was an FBI informant.