Witness the “Magic” of Larkin Square’s Dual Band Encores [VIDEO]

Words, photo and video by Seamus Gallivan

Goodness gracious, our weekly dual band encores at Live at Larkin have been a blast! Here are videos of the past three for anyone who’s missed them or would like to relive the “magic” - official term explained below. The first is the most recent, when Jony James Band and Dive House Union united to create what in my opinion was the greatest musical moment in Larkin Square history to date, and certainly the loudest ovation we’ve heard there.  Read more

Albrights & Aircraft a “Killer” Combo at Larkin – Next Up, Ragbirds & Doyles [VIDEO]

By Seamus Gallivan

We’re two-for-two with our new feature of a dual band encore at Live at Larkin free Wednesday concerts in Larkin Square - just as Week 1 was a winner with Vinnie DeRosa joining Neville Francis & the Riddim Posse for a couple classics from The Wailers, the Week 2 combo of The Albrights and Aircraft was “killer” – “Psycho Killer,” that is, the Talking Heads hit that was one of four songs performed before a roused crowd as each band took the lead for two. Read more

Live at Larkin Encore Collaborations Continue Good Hood Hallmark

By Seamus Gallivan

Tonight marks Week 2 of Live at Larkin, our 14-week free Wednesday night concert series in Larkin Square (745 Seneca St., 5-8:30pm, all ages), and with it the second round of a fun new twist we’re putting on the popular pairing of Buffalo bands – an encore collaboration between the headlining and opening acts.

In our series kickoff last week – see video below – Vinnie DeRosa joined Neville Francis & the Riddim Posse for a wonderful take on Read more

Herd Fest Hits Tonight – Here Are 3.5 Reasons to See More Than Just Our 7 Bands

By Seamus Gallivan

This weekend marks a potentially big moment for Buffalo’s music scene, as Buffablog’s inaugural Herd Fest hits Allentown for a two-night stands 43 acts across nine showcases in six venues. Envisioned as our own spin on showcase-style music festivals such as SXSW and CMJ, Herd Fest is starting relatively small but has the makings of much more – first, for the quality of acts such as those sampled below, and second, for the spirit of collaboration that is driving much of Buffalo’s rebirth.  Read more

Being Beastie Benefit to Return to DBGB

By Seamus Gallivan

I’ve got redemption on my mind. Back in 2012, at the time of the first Being Beastie benefit in which the public was invited to take on the Beastie Boys song of their choice backed by the band Rhubarb, I wanted in – both to have fun honoring the influence of one of the legendary trio in the wake of the passing of their own Adam “MCA” Yauch to salivary gland cancer, and to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraising effort led by DTR45‘s Tony Caferro and Live for a Cure‘s Damon Bodine, the latter having put the disease in remission. Read more

Move On Up Hits Today – A Look Inside the Minds of Aspiring Musicians

By Seamus Gallivan

Today, we take to the Waiting Room in downtown Buffalo (334 Delaware Ave, 5-9pm, $12) for a showcase of young local bands we’ve dubbed Move On Up – the event benefits both Music is Art, which will receive the proceeds from admission, as well as the performers themselves, who will be offered at the end of the event such opportunities as performance slots at the annual Music is Art Festival, Live at Larkin, and opening for a national act with After Dark Presents, as well as studio time at GCR Audio and an on-air appearance on Alternative Buffalo’s Localized program. Read more