Buffalo’s Young Preservationists and friends spent last weekend giving some much-needed love and attention to buildings around Buffalo that are at risk of being lost.
Now in its third year here in Buffalo the Heart Bomb movement has spread to almost 20 cities including Cleveland, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, St. Paul, Wheeling, and even as far as Texas.
[CLASSICAL] The line between folk and classical chamber music is easily toed by Boléo. Featuring violinists Lazara Nelson and Miranda Scoma, cellist Katie Weissman, and Moshe Shulman on violin, viola, and bandoneon, the group captures the feeling of Renaissance chamber music, while casting a new light on the genre.
[ROCK] In 2014, hard rock band Flyleaf returned with their fourth studio album, Between The Stars; their first since original singer Lacey Sturm was replaced with Kristen May, formerly of Vedera. Despite the line-up change, the record picks up where the band’s 2012 record, New Horizons left off.
[FUNK] Though not an original member of Parliment Funkadelic—the legendary funk band headed by George Clinton—singer and actress Kim Manning has been an indispensable figure for the group, adding beautiful soul vocals to P-Funk’s already soulful and funky sound. She says she joined the group shortly after a random encounter at a live show. Clinton brought her up on stage and “baptized” her in front of the crowd.
[FILM] On Thursday, February 12 REEL Queer Film Series is screening Matthew Warchus’ 2014 feature film Pride at Hallwalls. Pride is based on actual events set in Thatcher’s England when a group of lesbian and gay activists raised money to assist with families affected by 1984’s miners’ strike. A foundational moment both for Britain’s gay community and the labor movement. After the screening, a paneled discussion will take place including the Buffalo News’ Colin Dabkowski, UB’s Dr.
[ART] Generously coinciding with many local schools’ mid-winter break, the Albright Knox Art Gallery is offering free admission this week. County Executive Poloncarz put it this way in a press release: “A week of free admission to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is reason for families to celebrate and make plans to come out and see the world-class art treasures that are housed here.” Indeed, a perfect time to catch up with an old friend, one who keeps the temperature at a perfectly archival 68 degrees.
[ROCK] Railroad Earth is a band some may not be familiar with, but the group has been steadily gaining popularity with the rise of bluegrass and its many dedicated festivals that have been cropping up in recent years. This isn’t your grandfather’s bluegrass though, as the band brings in other elements, rounding out their sound with a mix of Celtic, rock, jazz, and a good dose of improv.
Sparklebomb – Bring in the Night (EP)
Recommended If You Like: Burial, Dan Deacon, horror movie soundtracks
[FUNK] Funk is making its way back into the mainstream with artists like Bruno Mars and others bringing that feel-good vibe to the forefront. Average White Band has been around since the 1970s and are one of those acts that everyone knows. They’re actually one of the most sampled groups in history, so even if you don’t know they’re songs directly, you’ve probably heard them through other artists like the Beastie Boys or Nas.
[CAJUN] Music from New Orleans has always been well received here in Buffalo over the years. Whether it’s the music’s melding of the blues or just the way it makes us move through the winter, various acts have had good turnouts on their way through the Queen City. This Friday, February 13, the 8th annual Mardi Gras Jam will happen at Sportsmens Tavern.
[RAGTIME] The already romantic decor of Grant Street’s Gypsy Parlor will host a Valentine’s Day party featuring a five course aphrodisiac dinner menu and the music of Buffalo’s ascendant ragtime band, The Fredtown Stompers. A set by DJ LoPro will follow into the night. Dinner reservations recommended by calling 551-0001.
[FUNK] Some funk will definitely be brought to Milkie’s on Valentine’s Day this year, compliments of our local soul-pop six-piece, Lady Lush and The Vinyls, featuring live beat-boxing from Shawn Romero and co-ed vocals from Raphael Santos and Sophie Howes. Also on hand will be Pam Swarts with her buddy RockNutz for some neo-hip-hop, Casiophonic shenanigans.
[SKATE PARTY] Themed for the couple’s choice skaters on Valentine’s Day, Red Rovers Roll is calling for skaters from every side of the city to roll to dance-heavy beats of DJ Reazon and Sike.
[FOLK] Berkley has made some local headway with his backing band, Atlanta Falcons, but lately he’s been launching a number of side projects that showcase his oddball sense of humor and knack for melancholy melodies. A set of holiday tunes surfaced late last year entitled Put Some Records On While I Pour performed by Alex & Kayleigh—worth it for the tune “Frosty vs.
[FUNK] Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan are making their way to Buffalo this weekend for a free show on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14 at Buffalo Iron Works. We got the chance to talk to Beau about his new band, their sound, and his love of Buffalo:
How did you settle on the band name?