[ELECTRONIC/DANCE] The weird EDM sounds of Montreal-based producer Snails have jokingly earned his style the nickname “vomitstep.” Not because the music is gross or disgusting, because it’s not, it’s all quite well produced, but more so because Snails kind of throws in everything and the kitchen sink into his dubby left field bass productions. In the past year he’s collaborated with the likes of Jack U and Big Gigantic, and released music on Skrillex’s Owsla Records label.
[EXPERIMENTAL] Psychedelic drone rock band Acid Mothers Temple have shifted and morphed through several phases since they formed in Japan in 1995. The band is currently, officially, known as Acid Mothers Temple & the Melting Paraiso U.F.O, but have released records under a mass of alternative names. Led by guitarist Kawabata Makoto, the band shifts persona based on the rest of the line up.
[FUNDRAISER] One of our favorite small organizations here at The Public is holding a tasty party Wednesday inside Allen Street Hardware Café. The Public Accountability Initiative is a watchdog research organization that is committed to revealing how systemic corruption operates behind the closed doors of business and politics, both locally and nationally. Don’t miss your chance to wash that all down with a drink and piece of pie or two.
[BLUES] Since the mid-nineties, Tommy Castro has been touring the world, dishing out his Southern soul-drenched, funk-tastic gritty city blues. He’s become one of the most renowned blues performers, beloved for his compelling songwriting, scorching guitar work and electric live show energy. His 2015 release, “Method To My Madness” proves that in nearly 20 albums, Castro’s well of raw, impassioned blues tunes has yet to run dry.
[ROCK] To the initiate, Kurt Vile may seem like a guy with a mop of hair who rolled out of bed, smoked a bowl and dragged himself onstage, but underneath his unkempt mop of hair is a brilliant mind with keen songwriting skills for churning out 1970s-soaked rock and lyricism that’s constantly maturing. When it comes to Vile’s albums, listeners come for the chilled-out vibe, but they stay for their philosophically realist worldview. That outlook comes in full on his latest album, b’lieve i’m goin down, as does a fresh, yet recognizable sound.
[COMEDY] Ron Funches may look like a huggable goofball, but make no mistake; the Undateable star has a flair for jokes that are funny, yet poignant. “I mean you no harm; so please don’t come at me…That’s become the slogan of Black History Month.” His jokes don’t always focus on race—his material is expansive, from strange neck tattoos to the fact that he’s not Quest Love.
[LIT] Miguel Syjuco fled his Filipino homeland and political family for America in hopes of becoming a writer. He worked a few odd jobs before earning praise for his debut novel, Ilustrado, which won the Palanca Award—his home country’s highest literary honor—amongst other awards. In Ilustrado, the expatriate paints a complex and compelling narrative that explores chaotic Philippine political scene. Don’t miss Miguel Syjuco at Hallwalls on Wednesday, March 30.
The Spring Vernal Equinox
March April 2016
This is a profoundly beautiful part of the year. Humans and other life forms on planet earth celebrate and thrive much in part due to evolutionary adaption to the cycle of seasons. This transitional cycle, the Vernal Equinox, is the archway from winter into spring.
“All for ourselves, and none for other people” is what Adam Smith called the “vile maxim of the masters of mankind.” In this 2015 documentary directed by Peter D. Hutchison, Kelly Nyks, and Jared P. Scott, the erudite and unflappable Noam Chomsky delivers what amounts to an hour-long lecture on income inequality in the US, the diminishment of democracy, and the corrosive effects of both on our society.
[INDIE] Columbus, Ohio’s Digisaurus will crush their way into Nietzsche’s this Saturday as part of his spring solo tour. A synthpop artist with influences in funk, rock, and R&B, Digisaurus released their debut EP No More Room For Love last year, and has been compared to a unique set of artists ranging from Joywave to Scissor Sisters.
[RECORDS] Are you one of those people who get excited upon finding the most unique knick-knack at a thrift shop or a flea market? Then get ready, because this Sunday is your day, as Buffalo’s Record Pop Culture Expo is held in Lackawanna. Promising to have vintage, rare, and hard to find music (in all it’s different formats), comics, toys, memorabilia, and more, this pop culture show will be a great time for those looking for that one specific thing, or those who might just be browsing.
[TRIBUTE] The always phenomenal Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will once again have the chance to show a different side when they pay homage to the late David Bowie this Wednesday, March 30 at Kleinhans Music Hall. A happy hour will take place before the show from 5pm to 6:30pm, with Buffalo News rock critic Jeff Miers leading a panel discussion about Bowie’s life at 6:30pm.
Each week, Buffalo lifestyle blog and brand Rise Collaborative scour Insta
As part of its weekend matinee series, the North Park will be showing Matinee, the 1993 comedy that deserves to acquire a cult following. Here’s a review of it I wrote for the Buffalo News back in the day: