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Looking Backward: Caption This, circa 1960

Every now and then, a photograph pops up without any information attached. No inscription is included on the back, no date is known, and the intent of the photograph is lost to history. But a little context and imagination can fill in potential blanks. This photograph, from the archives of the Buffalo Courier Express on file at the Butler Library, was likely snapped around 1960. Four finely attired men point in the direction of something, perhaps toward the site of a future project. Behind them is a four block area of Lower Main Street that Erie County Executive B.

The Wake

[PARTY] Wakes have a special place in Irish culture and literature, so fittingly every year Irish Classical Theatre Company throws a big party for their annual fundraiser.

Pop Evil

[ROCK] In their press release, hard rock band Pop Evil describe a dystopian (or maybe utopian?) present in which the music business is dismantled, large chain stores go bankrupt, music videos are nowhere to be found on cable TV, and “thick headedly bubblegum pop” has become prevalent. Despite this, they say, Pop Evil, a good old fashioned blue collar hard rock band, thrives. The band, led by front man Leigh Kakaty, formed in Michigan in 2001 and has released several albums since their 2008 debut,  Lipstick on the Mirror.

Maceo Parker

[FUNK] Maceo Parker is the self-proclaimed “funkiest saxophonist on the planet” and he’s adopted that title, arguably, since James Brown discovered him. In his book, appropriately titled 98% Funky Stuff the now 74-year-old musician talks about how the Godfather of Soul discovered him and his brother, drummer Melvin Parker in a North Carolina nightclub in 1963. This launched Maceo Parker’s illustrious career as sax player for Brown, as well as Parliament Funkadelic, Prince, Dave Matthews Band, Ani DiFranco, De La Soul, 10,000 Maniacs and many others.

Ganja White Night

[ELECTRONIC/DANCE] Electronic music band Ganja White Night from Belgium will be at Showplace Theater this Wednesday, March 1. Touring for the past decade all over Europe and the U.S. the duo have diversified their music, incorporating hip hop, dance, trap, and bass music. Revamping their sound with the release of their fourth album, Addiction in 2014, was only the beginning.

Thieves of Sunrise

[ROCK] Sharp, groovy rock band Thieves of Sunrise bless the stage at Buffalo Iron Works this Saturday, February 25. Originally from Texas, this rock n’ roll quintet combines blues, soul and rock to get feet stompin’ and bodies moving. Featured on radio stations all across the world, the band is known for their southern swagger.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest Concert

[INDIE] Several years ago, NPR launched a series of live video performances by well known bands in intimate spaces that they called Tiny Desk Concerts (presumably because you’d likely be watching or listening to the concert while at your desk at work). These Tiny Desk Concerts came from artists like Neko Case, Yo La Tengo, Run the Jewels, Weird Al Yankovic, and many more. A couple of years ago, NPR decided to open up this opportunity to unsigned, independent artists from all over the country.

Just Good Business

[TRIBUTE] JGB – Just Good Business or Jerry Garcia Band? In this case, both. A new addition to the Western New York grateful fold, they debuted last summer (as the Jerry Garcia Brunch) at Buffalove Music Festival – you can check out the set on YouTube. Meanwhile, if you’ve got a request for their show at the Tralf Music Hall on Saturday, February 25, head on over to the Just Good Business Facebook page. 

Rainbow Skate

[FUN] The family that (big gay) sings together also (big gay) skates together—and it looks to be a butt-load of fun! Presented by the fine folks at Canalside with support from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY, there’s plenty to do down by the frozen water on Friday, March 3, whether you like to ice skate or would just rather watch.

Head North

[INDIE] To hear local quartet Head North’s most recent single, “God (Bring it Back),” you likely wouldn’t guess that just a couple years prior they were mired in more emo-y tones. As a precursor to the delayed new full-length, The Last Living Man Alive Ever In The History Of The World, the tune is a tightened, more concise presentation of the band’s assets, leaving front man Brent J. Martone’s spazzy-but-infectious vocalizing the only real remnant of the past.

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