|
The
Best time to
be in WNY is:
|
|
|
Feature
Web Site
|
ELLICOTT
MANOR
16 Ellicott Place
Depew, New York 14043
(716) 684-5404
A Family owned and operated restaurant
serving the WNY area with pride since
1967.
|
|
Featured
Buffalo
Bars
& Night Clubs
|
The
Tralf Music Hall
622 Main Street
Buffalo
& WNY's top music venue featuring the best
bands & entertainment around. |
CLUB
PARADISE
3950
McKinley Parkway Inside the Clarion
Hotel Formerly the McKinley Park Inn
Buffalo and WNY's Number One Music and Dance Night
Club |
ELLICOTT
MANOR
16 Ellicott Place
Depew, New York 14043
(716) 684-5404
A Family owned and operated restaurant serving
the WNY area with pride since 1967.
|
THE
IRISH ROSE
418 Main Street
Youngstown, NY
(716) 745-9938
The Irish Rose offers
some of the finest and freshest high quality food. |
THE
SUNSET GRILLE
3 O'Connell Island Wilson, NY
One of
the finest restaurants in WNY offering harbor
side dining. |
GRIFFINS
IRISH PUB
81 Abbott Rd
The Emerld
on Abbott Road. The place to hang out with good
friends in a great atmosphere. |
|
TUDOR
LOUNGE
335 Franklin St.
Proud
Supporter of Buffalo's Independent Bands &
Music
|
THE
SPORTSMAN
RESTAURANT
located on Alleghany Rd. Sunset
Bay NY/U.S.A.
The best
Chicken Wings around can be found at the one and
only Sportsman Restaurant. |
SPORTSMENS
TAVERN
One of the
best places to see live music in WNY. |
MOHAWK
PLACE
check out some of the upcoming
shows at the Mohawk Place. |
THE
LAFAYETTE TAP ROOM
Bringing you the finest local and
national Blues acts. |
BROADWAY
JOE'S
3051 Main St.
(Under New Ownership) |
.
Best of WNY Gear Click
Here
Best of WNY.com
T shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, steins, mouse pads,
shorts, hats and more...
Best
of WNY |
BUFFALO/WNY
MOVIE TIMES AND THEATERS
|
WNY EVENTS, FAIRS AND
FESTIVALS
|
Allentown
Art Festival
June
13 - 14, 2009
11:00am - 6:00pm
Historic
Allentown District |
Attica
Rodeo
50th
Annual Rodeo
August
7 - 9, 2009 |
Buffalo
Irish Festival
August
28 - 30,
2009
The Hamburg Fairgrounds |
Buffalo
Niagara Guitar
Festival
Various
sites throughout Buffalo Niagara
845-7156 |
|
Buffalo
River Fest
Father
Conway Park
Between Ohio & Louisiana Streets
|
Burgerfest
July
18th, 2009
Hamburg, NY |
Canalfest
July
19 - 26, 2009
Erie
Canal Banks, NT |
Children
First Festival
August
15 - 16, 2009
Ellicottville, NU
1-888-856-9298 |
Eden
Corn Festival
August
6 - 9, 2009
Eden
Legion Grounds
992-9141 |
Ellicottville
Jazz Festival
Throughout
the Village
Ellicottville, NY 14731 |
|
Elmwood
Ave. Festival of the Arts
August
29 - 30,
2009
Elmwood
Ave. (between West
Ferry & Lafayette)
|
Erie
County Fair
August
12 - 23, 2009
Hamburg Fair Grounds
5600
McKinley Parkway
649-3900 |
32nd
Annual Falling Leaves Festival
October 2 – 4, 2009 |
Friendship
Festival
Riverside
Park, Buffalo |
Genesee
County Fair
July
21 - 25, 2009
Batavia,
New York |
German
Heritage Festival
September
5 - 6, 2009
Cheektowaga Town Park |
Greek
Heritage Festival
June
5 - 7, 2009
Hellenic
Church of Annunciation |
Gus
Macker Tournament
Jun
27 - 28, 2009
Niagara Square, Buffalo |
Historic
Lewiston Jazz Festival
August
28 - 29, 2009
476
Center St. Lewiston |
Italian
Food & Heritage Festival
Jul
16 - 19, 2009
Hertel
Ave. Buffalo |
Juneteenth
Festival
Jun
6- 14, 2009
Martin
Luther King Jr. Park
Best
& Fillmore, Buffalo |
Kingdom
Bound Christian Music Festival
August
2- 5, 2009
Darien
Lake Theme Park
1-800-461-4485 |
Lewiston
Artfest
August
8 - 9, 2009
Church
Street, Lewiston |
Music
is Art Festival
Erie
County Fair Grounds |
|
National
Buffalo Wing Festival
September
5 - 6, 2009
Coca-Cola Park
275 Washington St. Bflo.
|
Orleans
County 4-H Fair
July
27 - August 1, 2009
Route 31
Knowlesville,
NY |
Pirate
Fest
JULY
25 - 26, 2009
EVANGOLA STATE PARK |
Polish-American
Festival
Cheektowaga
Town Park
Harlem
Rd. Cheektowaga
668-3938 |
Polish
Heritage Festival
May
29 - 30, 2009
Hamburg Fairgrounds |
Rally
in the Valley
August
21 - 23, 2009
Bradner Stadium, Olean, NY |
Roycroft
Summer Festival
June 27 - 28, 2009
Roycroft Campus, Main St., East Aurora |
Scottish
Festival & Highland Games
3755
Tonawanda Creek Rd.
Amherst
689-1440 |
Shakespeare
in Delaware Park
Delaware
Park, Buffalo
515-3960 |
Sterling
Renaissance Festival
July
4 - August 16, 2009
10:00am - 7:00pm
Located 1 hour north of Syracuse in Sterling,
NY |
Summer
Festival of the Arts
Jul
3 - 5, 2009
Village
of Ellicottville and
Holiday Valley Resort |
Taste
of Buffalo
July
11 - 12, 2009
Delaware
Ave and Niagara Square |
|
Taste
of Ellicottville
Aug
8 - 9, 2009
Throughout the Villiage
Ellicottville, NY
|
Thursday
at the Square
Lafayette
Square
Main & Court St. Buffalo |
Toyfest
East
Aurora, NY |
Weekend
on the Niagara
Niawanda
Park
June
6-7, 2009 |
Williamsville
Old Home Days
July
7- 10, 2009 |
Quaker
Arts Festival
September 19 - 20, 2009
Orchard Park Middle School |
Register
Your Domain
|
Entertainment
In WNY
Tralf Music Hall - 622 Main St. - 716-852-2860
ext.1#
Sign
up for our Newsletter
and receive the BMA results.
|
|
|
CONCERT REVIEWS
By
Bob Silvestri
|
|
The
Smithereens
-Bear's Den-Seneca-Niagara Casino
-Niagara Falls, NY 1-29-10-
|
|
Concert
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 As
long as the Rock Hall of Fame in Cleveland continues
to induct "rock" artists such as ABBA
and leaves The Smithereens on the doorstep,
the Hall will have no credibility as far as
I'm concerned. The Smithereens are without a
doubt the greatest power pop band of all time-
bar none. Take that you Cheap Trick and Big
Star lovers. While I'm at it I will also say
that the Smithereens are among the three greatest
exports the great state of New Jersey has given
the world. (The other two being Frank Sinatra
and Bruce Springsteen.) A sold out crowd of
their feverish cult like fans showed up in anticipation
of their show at the Bear's Den in the Seneca-Niagara
Casino in Niagara Falls, NY on January 29th,
2010 and were treated to an hour and a half
of power pop bliss. Hitting the stage with one
of their earliest hits "Girl Like You"
it sounded as fresh as the day it was released
twenty years ago. "Blues Before and After"
and "Only A Memory" followed along
with "Top of The Pops". The rest of
the show was filled with classic tunes from
the band's vast catalog ("House That We
Used to Live In", "Blue Period")
along with a generous sampling of their current
release The Smithereens play Tommy ("Acid
Queen", "I'm Free") . Along the
way front man Pat Dinizio spun tales about the
band; the songs, his family and whatever else
crossed his mind giving the performance the
laid back feel of a backyard concert. No Smithereens
show would be complete without their biggest
hits and tonight was no exceptions. Blistering
versions of "Behind the Wall of Sleep"
and a pounding "Blood and Roses" were
both stunning. They returned for an encore of
the Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" and a
surf rock version of the theme song from the
TV show Batman. Afterward the band came out
and sat at the merchandise table to talk, pose
for photos and autograph vintage vinyl and other
memorabilia for their legions of fans. For more
great upcoming shows at the Seneca-Niagara Casino
go to www.senecaniagaracasino.com
for more about The Smithereens check out www.officialsmithereens.com
|
|
Ronnie
Spector
-Bear's Den-Seneca-Niagara Casino-
Niagara Falls, NY 1-23-10
|
|
Concert
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Rock
and Roll legend Ronnie Spector currently out
on tour to support her latest release The Last
of The Rock Stars made a stop at the intimate
Bear's Den at The Seneca-Niagara Casino in Niagara
Falls, NY on January 23, 2010. Spector who is
a member of the Rock Hall of Fame in Cleveland
still has the charisma and chops to command
the stage as she did during her seventy five
minute performance. Oh sure she had to sit down
between numbers a couple of times or wipe her
brow and catch her breath but she is in her
sixties now. That down time also allowed for
her to reminisce about her career and life and
to banter with the sold out crowd. After an
opening vamp from her band to get the show started
the diminutive Spector made her regal entrance
to the strains of "Why Don't They Let Us
Fall in Love" followed by "Is This
What I Get for Loving You?" and "Do
I Love You?". "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"
written by Billy Joel for Spector and recorded
by her with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street
Band came next along with a hit from her early
career "He Did It". A spirited version
of "Frosty the Snowman" and a take
on Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black"
were crowd pleasers as was a cut from her new
CD "There Is an End". Spector saved
her biggest hits for the end of the show with
"Baby I Love You", "Walking in
The Rain", an incredible version of "(The
Best Part of) Breakin' Up" and her worldwide
number one smash "Be My Baby" that
brought a standing ovation from the crowd. Spector
returned for an encore of "I Can Hear Music"
before leaving the stage. After the show Spector
graciously spent over an hour at the merchandise
table signing autographs, posing for photos
and talking with her fans until everyone was
satisfied. For more great upcoming shows at
the Bear's Den and the Seneca-Niagara Casino
go to www.senecaniagaracasino.com
for more on Ronnie Spector check out www.ronniespector.com
|
|
|
LOCAL
CD REVIEWS
By
Bob Silvestri
|
|
Buffalo
Music Hall of Fame
- Compilation CD Volume Two -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 The
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame has released its second
CD in their continuing series this one featuring
sixteen tracks from the ranks of their inducted
members. The disc includes five unreleased tracks
available only here along with a Radio Promo Only
version (Ed Bentley's "Buffalo Man")
and a long out of print cut (Talas' "See
Saw" recorded live at Kleinhans Music Hall)
as well. The artists who all generously donated
their tracks to the disc include world renowned
performers and those who still play locally every
weekend. The unreleased tracks come from such
diverse artists as Willie Nile and his stunning
rendition of "On The Road to Calvary",
Jim Whitford's "Whiskey in My Water",
The Morvells "DG Blues", Jim Ehinger's
"Birds and the Bees" and the highlight
of the collection a previously unreleased version
of "Rag Top" by Stan and The Ravens.
Check out www.buffalomusic.org
for information and to purchase the disc. |
|
Hit
N Run
- The Best of Hit n Run-Live!-Vol. 1 -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob
Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Love
or loathe them there is no denying the talent,
passion and devotion to their craft that Hit
n Run gives in their live performances. The
band led by charismatic front man Mark Valentino
(guitar/vocals) has won multiple Buffalo Music
Awards both for individual members and as a
band and had the distinction of being inducted
into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of
2009. On this their first CD release they chose
to record live at The Tralf in June of 2009.
Their legions of fans are legendary and they
show up in force and are quite boisterous for
this performance and recording. Choosing twelve
classic rock staples from their regular show
they offer spot on renditions of the Grass Roots'
"Temptation Eyes", "Come Sail
Away" from Styx, Poison's "Talk Dirty
to Me", "Wanted Dead or Alive"
by Bon Jovi and two of their crowd favorites
"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
and the Meatloaf opus "Paradise by the
Dashboard Lights" that features vocalist
Kelly Wahl duetting with Valentino on the latter.
Rounding out the group are Mike Schill (bass),
Dan Kaplin (guitar/vocals), Bruce Decker (keyboards)
and Jay "Taz" Kuzara (drums). The
band is one of the hardest working in the area
and plays out literally every weekend and is
booked a year in advance. Go to their web site
for upcoming shows, band info and how to purchase
their new CD by going to www.hitnrun.net
|
Jeremy
Hoyle Band
- …old friends -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Rock
and Roll is not dead contrary to what some music
folks would have you believe. Not the cliché
rock music of countless wannabe's but earnest
rock played from the heart and not just for the
wallet. The Jeremy Hoyle Band has taken the torch
of rock and is off and running. This six song
EP features power driven rock not some watered
down corporate vision. Led by Jeremy Hoyle on
guitar and vocals along with Frank NiCastro and
Bruce Wojick on guitars, Johnny Panic on drums
and Alan Sliwinski on bass the band is currently
out on a national tour to support their latest
release …Old Friends. All six cuts are exemplary
but "Clouds In Her Coffee", "You
Make It Look Easy" and "Right Where
I Need To Be" all standout. Justin Kubiak
shows up to add guitar and as co writer on two
tracks. Jeremy Hoyle Band is the real deal as
their loyal fan base will tell you. Check it out
for yourself by going to www.jeremyhoyleband.com
for more information. |
|
Stone
Row
- Alignment -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Stone
Row has a deep musical pedigree. The band members,
Glenn Bernardis, Dave Schmeidler, Nick Corallo,
Katie Panfil and Kevin Auwarter, have been recognized
on the local and national levels with numerous
awards and accolades from fellow musicians. The
mix of Celtic and World music on their release
Alignment is a heady stew of originals and traditional
tunes moving from Irish drinking songs to intricate
Moroccan rhythms. The music is intoxicating as
it drifts from Pogues like kickers to Led Zeppelin
mysticism. "Singing Again" and "Drink
It Up Men" follow the traditional while "She
Moved Through the Fair" and the title track
"Alignment" explore the complex beats.
"Raggle Taggle Gypsy" and the instrumental
"Chicken Water" are keepers also. Check
out www.stonerow.com
for more information. |
|
Willie
Haddath
-
Tidal Wave -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 For
his first solo CD Tidal Wave Buffalo Music Hall
of Fame member Willie Haddath headed down to Nashville
to record at fellow Buffalo Music Hall of Famer
Phil Dillon's Nickel City Music Studios. Utilizing
the abundance of musicians and session guys available
Haddath gets help on a couple of tracks here from
Jimmy Hall, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Nalls and Johnny
Neel to name a few. Drummer Mike Caputy, Dennis
Wage on Keyboards and Bassist Randy Coleman anchor
the session along. Haddath well known for his
Southern Blues Rock guitar style seems inspired
by the Nashville air. The disc offers a couple
of Haddath original including his classic "Flying
Down To New Orleans" and the formidable "It's
Beginning To Show" and the title track "Tidal
Wave". Covers of another Buffalo Music Hall
of Fame member John Brady's "Hooked on You"
and The Neville's "Wild Injuns" and
a couple of Phil Dillon penned numbers "My
Good Thing's Gone" and "Some Kinda'
Lonely" are standouts as well. Tidal Wave
is available at Record Theater and all of Haddath's
live shows. |
|
The
Project
- One For The Road -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 It
was the longtime dream of Paulette Andreeff to
reunite one of WNY's favorite bands The Road.
Time and circumstance didn't allow for that to
materialize so she did the next best thing and
came up with this tribute to The Road titled The
Project-One For The Road. Assembling a venerable
who's who of local talent they pour their collective
hearts into this disc. Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
members Gary Mallaber (Class of 1997) on drums,
Jerry Livingston (Class of 2008) on bass, Frank
Grizanti (Class 0f 2007) on guitar and Ken Kaufman
(Class of 1984) on keyboards are augmented by
Jerry and Phil Hudson on vocals and Nick Distefano
on vocals, guitar and keyboards along with nationally
known and Buffalo bred Jeff Hackworth on horns.
Tony Scozzaro another Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
member (Class of 1995) adds his signature guitar
chops to the track "Hold on to The Wind".
The disc was co produced by Rich Sargent (BMHOF
Class of 2008) along with Andreeff. As I said
quite the cast of musicians. Highlights among
the ten cuts here are "Sometimes the Sun",
"Asbury Alley", "Indigo Street"
the afore mentioned "Hold on to The Wind"
and "Shoulda Been Love". Unfortunately
there is no web site listed on the disc but you
can send snail mail to Andlesar Records- PO Box
393- Athol Springs, NY 14010 |
|
Floozie
- See You Later -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 See
You Later from local band Floozie is a slice
of pure garage rock nirvana in the tradition
of the Smithereens, Cheap Trick and Big Star
with the requisite Beatlesque pop sensibilities.
The band employs all the tricks of the genre
with big guitars, a driving rhythm section and
song hooks galore for a tight undeviating sound.
Consisting of Jim Schwartz (guitar/ lead vocals/piano),
Mike McGranor (lead guitar/vocals/harmonica),
Marty Schebell (bass) and Mr. Sam (drums) the
band rocks hard on all eleven cuts here including
"Nobody But You (Slippery Slope)",
the instrumental "1234", "Julia",
the title cut "See You Later" and
"I Say I Love You". While the Webster's
definition of floozie may mean a woman of loose
morals the band Floozie sets a high standard
with their release See You Later. You can check
them out at www.myspace.com/floozie
|
|
Alison
Pipitone
- Me and Miss Grimes -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Alison
Pipitone is the high priestess of the local
rock scene. She has set the standard with her
live performances, her ample recording oeuvre
and as the winner of numerous Buffalo Music
Awards and other recognitions. If we gave out
local Grammy's she would have a mantle full.
She is an in demand talent who has made numerous
guest appearances on other artist CD's as well.
She has consistently released outstanding recordings
including her latest effort Me and Miss Grimes.
Her ace band consisting of Natalie Howes, Graham
Howes, Ben Clarke, Sheila Conners, drummer extraordinaire
Patrick Shaughnessy and Buffalo Music Hall of
Fame member (Class of 2006) Jim Whitford add
mightily to the recording. Highlights among
the ten cuts include "Hello Is Not The
Word", the feisty rocker "Crocodile
Tears", "Roller Derby Queen",
the gently strummed sound of "The Walls
Don't Talk" and "Some" another
classic Pipitone rocker. Keep rocking Alison
you are indeed a local treasure! Check out www.alisonpipitone.com
for more information including upcoming shows
and how to purchase her latest release Me and
Miss Grimes.
|
|
Appleby*Reinhardt*Mahfoud
- Echoes in Time -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Well
unfortunately this one looks like a one off
deal as the band has already called it quits.
That's too bad for this is one excellent band.
Led by guitarist Joe Mahfoud and anchored by
the kick ass rhythm section of bassist Rodney
Appleby (Buffalo Music Hall of Fame-Class of
1995) and drummer Ted Reinhardt (Buffalo Music
Hall of Fame-Class of 1985) who keeps the festivities
jumping throughout the disc with concise guitar
parts and in the pocket grooves. The eleven
cuts are steeped in the blues of Buddy Guy and
Stevie Ray Vaughan with some smooth Al Green
soul thrown in for good measure. Check out "Blues
is My Friend", "Look What You've Done
to Me", "Thangs" and the title
cut "Echoes in Time". Be sure to check
out the CD's best cut "Whoop Your Ass"
sung by Appleby about a philandering friend
which was recorded live at Double D's in Tonawanda,
NY before a boisterous crowd. You can still
get information about the disc by going to www.josephmichaelmahfoud.com
|
|
Melissa
Kate
- Kissed by Kate -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 On
her latest disc Kissed by Kate, sultry soul/blues
singer Melissa Kate swings for the fences with
a collection of eleven tracks including two
bonus cuts. Kate is an internationally known
artist having toured the world with Van Taylor
on his many jaunts entertaining military bases
around the globe. She surrounds herself with
some of the best musicians in town on this disc
including Buffalo Music Hall of Fame members
Van Taylor, Jerry Livingston, Lance Diamond
and Colored Musicians Club president George
Scott. Channeling her inner Diane Krall style
she lets loose on the tracks "Let Sunshine
In (Just A Little Bit)", the bonus cut
"Consecuencia del Amor" a sexy Latin
tinged number and "Midnight Snack (interlude)
The Vamp" a brassy, ballsy blues number
that is outstanding. To learn more about Melissa
Kate and her latest release go to www.melissakate.net
|
|
Free
Henry!
-Summers on Neptune-
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 2009
Buffalo Music Award winners Free Henry! have
released a ten song disc titled Summers on Neptune
a jammy jazzy effort in the Dave Mathews Band
genre. Consisting of Alex Foote on guitar and
vocals, Bob Buckley on vocals and guitar, Derek
Presti on bass and Pat Mannella on drums the
band offers a tight polished sound. They are
quick gaining a reputation as a dynamic live
band as well. Highlights among the ten here
are "Smoke", "All Fer the Buzz",
"Paid In Full" and "Beware of
the Dog" with a nice mid song guitar solo
from Foote. With their deep organic jazz sound
Free Henry! is a band on the rise. Check out
Free Henry! At www.freehenryband.com
|
|
Nickel
City Acoustic Blues Ensemble
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
This
is Buffalo blues at its best. Featuring local
blues vets Willie May, Mr. Conrad and Joe "Dr.
Z" Zappo along with Ron "Sugarman"
Kain and John Hornberger the ten song session
was recorded by Dwane Hall at Sessions studios.
The band wrote all the cuts with Michael Bannister
lending a hand co writing one of the tracks. Nice
slide guitar and deep grooves keeps things boiling
on "Spider Woman", "Living On Borrowed
Time", "Jailbait", "My Dark
Ages" and "Devil Wears a Tight Skirt".
Check out www.williemaymusic.com
and www.myspace.com/theexcellosmisterconrad
for information. |
|
Willie
May
-Maze of Blues-
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 After
taking nearly a decade off from recording, Willie
May has returned with a vengeance and a slew
of new material and releases. On his latest
Maze of Blues, May reunites with his band Tom
Corsi (bass), Randy Corsi (drums) and Ronnie
Kain (guitar) along with a few surprise guests.
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame members Willie Haddath
(Class of 1993) adds guitar and the late greats
Jim Wozniak (Class of 2007) and Stan Szelest
(Class of 1986) add organ and piano respectively
to a couple of tracks. While both of those keyboardists
obviously recorded their parts long before this
disc was released it is always a treat to uncover
some of their work from long ago recording sessions.
Some of the others helping out on the sessions
are Joe Skinner (bass), Mark Garcia (drums),
Larry Cheeley (saxophone) and Kevin Espinosa
and Mike Silver (harmonica). The ten tracks
written and produced by May are a mix of acoustic
and full band blues numbers. Check out "Not
Gonna Love Ya", the big blues rocker "Message
From Korea", the organ fueled "You
Know I'm Lyin'" and "Greta" a
tale of a deceitful lover. You can find more
information on Willie May by going to his web
site at www.williemaymusic.com
|
|
City
Streets 14207
- Almost Forgotten -
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Larry
Saunders has been making music for over a quarter
century. As a youth growing up in Riverside he
and his friends formed a band and named them City
Streets. Fast forward thru a string of notable
bands including Random Access and Dead Buffalo
he has come full circle and has renamed the band
City Streets 14207. The two disc set features
re mixes of cuts from both of the previously mentioned
groups for a total of twenty one cuts. Most of
the material falls into the blues idiom with flourishes
of classic rock. A long list of musicians appear
on the tracks including Paul Hermanson, Steve
Biondi, Dave Jaworski and Jean Lavin (drums),
Wes Anderson, Bob Ginter and Don Platts (bass),
Jerry Cole (Keys), Tracy Folger (piano) and Buffalo
Music Hall of Famer Willie Haddath (Class of 1993)
on guitar. Saunders handles vocals, guitar and
all other instruments. Disc one features more
of a classic rock sound as evidenced on the tracks
"Dark of Day" and "Airplane".
Disc two is more blue collar blues Buffalo style
with the cuts "Tickle My Fancy", "Ice
Cold Beer", the Roadhouse Honky Tonk of "Slippery
Slope" and "Why". The one two blues
punch of "Once Had" that segues into
"No Excuses" is pure bliss. Check out
www.larrysaunders.com
for photo archives, free downloads and information
on how to purchase this and other CD from Saunders
catalog. |
Cathy
Carfagna
-Turn Your Face to the Sun-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Cathy
Carfagna has been one of the area's most versatile
musicians. Her work with seminal local bands includes
The Jazzabels, Nimrod Wildfire and the Sagebrush
Lotharios, Voice of Cheez and the French Ticklers.
Currently she can be found lending her talents
to the Outlyers, The Vores and the Jim Whitford
Band. Amazingly she has found the time to release
her first solo CD the very impressive Turn Your
Face to the Sun a homage to American Roots Music.
Carfagna penned eleven of the thirteen tracks
here with the two other cuts written by distinguished
local music veterans Bob Kozak and the Steam Donkeys
Buck Quigley. Carfagna surrounds herself on the
recording with some of the best musicians in town
including hubby Dave Meinzer, Jim Whitford, John
Brady III, Rob Lynch, Bob Kozak, Patrick Heyden,
Corey Kertzie, Richard Chon and Jim Bohm. Among
the highpoints here are the very Emmylou inspired
"Going Down to Memphis" that features
Whitford's weeping lap steel playing, "It's
Alright If It Rains" a churchy blues number,
"Traverse City Blues" the woeful tale
of the traveling musician, Quigley's "If
You Lose An Angel" that Carfagna makes her
own, the laid back rocker "Empire State Queen"
and "What Do I Do" written by Kozak.
The musicians all play with a subdued restraint
leaving the songs and Cafagna's vocals to shine
brightly. This is without a doubt one of the best
local releases of 2009. For more information about
Cathy Carfagna please visit www.wnywebshop.com/outlyers/carfagna/carfagna1.html |
George
Doran
-Dream-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Buffalo
Music Hall of Fame member George Doran (Class
of 1988) has returned to performing after a brief
hiatus with the release of a new CD titled Dream.
A common thread runs thru the eleven cuts here,
a hopeful wistfulness rooted in Baby Boomer visions
of ageing. Doran's music and lyrics soars on this
disc and makes for some emotional music. A founding
member of the beloved band Two Hills Doran does
everything on this release from writing, playing
all instruments, arranging and producing the disc.
Not a bad cut on this one but the one that really
resonate here are "E na ruku ni vunikau ni
tadra" that's Fijian for "Under The
Dream Tree" for those not fluent in Fijian,
"Things She Said to Me" with its Allman
Brothers feel, the banjo laced "The Singing
of the Song" and the CSN like "Thinkin'
It's Time". Other highlights include "Time
is Passin'" and the title cut "Dream".
Doran who now lives in Central New York has been
making return trips to WNY to perform again. You
can find tour dates, how to buy his latest CD
Dream and other info by going to www.georgedoran.com
|
Greg
Klyma
-Rust Belt Vagabond-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Buffalo's
own wandering minstrel Greg Klyma has a new disc
out appropriately titled Rust Belt Vagabond. Klyma
known for his near continuous touring has always
been a prolific writer and performer who always
calls Buffalo home on those brief respites from
the road. He also has an uncanny ability to eloquently
write about his hometown and its strengths and
weaknesses with a starkness that reverberates
throughout the disc. Some of those themes touched
on Rust Belt Vagabond include "Helen Rose",
"Father Baker", "Two Degrees In
Buffalo" and the timeless standard "Erie
Canal". Other tracks of note among the thirteen
here include "Parish of St Bernard"
about Klyma's experience in New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina, "The Truth", "Suicide
Blues", "Add A Little Love" and
"Given Enough Time". One of the area's
finest musical ambassadors and treasures, Klyma
states in the liner notes that "I'll always
be from Buffalo". Well put my friend. To
learn more about Greg Klyma, Rust Belt Vagabond,
tour dates and more go to www.klyma.com
|
Those
Idiots
-Rock and Roll all Night and Polka Everyday-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Those
idiots? Those geniuses! By taking classic rock
songs and giving them the Polka treatment Those
Idiots prove that every song has the potential
to be a Polka song. Lead by Myron Deputat and
a cast of musicians they update the hallowed music
of Polonia and Buffalo's East Side. The band has
proven with their vast following of young and
old alike and huge crowds that come out for their
shows that Polka music has a future regardless
of what the Grammy folks have said about the Polka
being dead. Rock staples from Michael Jackson
(Billie Jean), The Beatles (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band), Johnny Cash (I Walk the Line),
Rick James (Super Freak), Beastie Boys (You Gotta
Fight), the Ramones (I Wanna Be Sedated) and more
prove that everyday can be Dyngus Day. You can
get more information about Those Idiots by going
to www.thoseidiots.com
|
The
All Hank Band
-Volume One-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 The
All Hank Band is a collection of local artists
all dedicated to keeping the spirit and music
of Hank Williams alive. The band consisting of
Rob, Jim I , Jim P, Mark, John and Mary (that's
how they are credited-but we know who you are)
recorded the entire disc in one marathon session
with no overdubs at Audio Magic Studios on February
27th, 2009. The thirteen tracks range from the
hits (Hey Good Lookin', "Your Cheatin' Heart")
to the more obscure cuts ("Kaw-Liga",
"Settin' the Woods on Fire") of Williams
short but storied career. One notable highlight
is Mary's deft violin playing on "I'm So
Lonesome I Could Cry" one notable omission
is no "Wedding Bells". Oh well maybe
that track will be on Volume Two. Check out www.myspace.com/allhankband
|
Noah
Gokey
-The Doubt of the Benefit-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Noah
Gokey is the nom de plume of local musician and
Niagara Falls resident Corey Hagstrom. On his
latest disc The Doubt of the Benefit he handles
all vocals all instruments and wrote all the songs
for a unique defiantly non commercial sound that
is still very listenable. A generous seventeen
song selection shows a wide range of influences
as diverse as Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, Neil Young
and Talking Heads while retaining his own sound
that he describes as "dark folk music".
Occasionally even shades of English prog rock
and Latin elements show up to add coloring to
the songs. Check out "Big Town/Scary Clown",
"Extent", "La Cancion Insignia"
and the frantic pace of "School Children
Enslaved by Free Samples of Dope (Part 1)".
Hagstrom is also the man behind All WNY Radio
an internet station that showcases local artists.
One side note if you were wondering. According
to history William Noah Gokey was the inventor
of the hard sole Indian moccasin and had a factory
in Jamestown, NY that manufactured the shoe. I
bet you didn't know that. For more information
check out www.noahgokey.com
and www.allwnyradio.com
|
Lisa
Rose
-Sounds From My Closet: Vol. I-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Singer
songwriter Lisa Rose's has released her first
CD Sounds from My Closet: Vol. 1 featuring twelve
songs recorded, mixed and mastered by Rose using
an at home recording system. A veteran of the
local music scene, Rose has played numerous coffee
houses, festivals, and clubs along with her radio
hosting duties for Think Twice Radio. Some of
the selections on the disc veer into the love
and relationship genre with an honest emotional
intensity in the lyrics and in Rose's delivery.
Highlights from the disc include the tracks "Feed
Me Chocolate" and "Butterflies"
both with a jazzy blues vibe, "Everybody
Knows, "Alternagirls" and the homage
to local WWII hero Matt Urban with the cut "Matt
Urban "The Ghost"". Rose possesses
a very pleasing voice and a knack for melody but
sometimes seems too wordy on some of her lyrics
causing clipped or hard to understand passages
on some songs. Ah but a minor flaw to my own ears
some may counter. For more information on Lisa
Rose check out her web site at www.lisarosemusic.com
|
|
|
WNY
Band Directory:
|
 
|
WNY
Music Sponsors
|
Fundraising
Made Easy
Let Superior Fundraising
help you raise
the fundsyou need for your event, group, school
or organization. |
|
Booking
Agency
Let booking
agent Tom Barone of ESI
handle the entertainment
for your weddingor next event. Dance bands,
Rock bands and tribute bands. |
|
| Let ESI
Events be your source for premier concerts
in Buffalo and WNY. |
|
|
JR
Entertainment
we specialize in delivering exciting
entertainment
for WNY that fits your style, wedding, occasion
or event. |
|
| Back
II Back Entertainment Group has assembled
a partnership of perrenial promotional experts.
This elite team has excelled in several different
facets in their resepective fields of the music
and entertainment industry. |
|
| Three
2 Go Music is dedicated to delivering high
quality, R&B
music reflecting the integrity and ability
of our artists. |
|
| All
Coast Talent is your one-stop resource for
Voice
Actors, hand-picked from across the nation
for their unique talents, skills and imagination. |
|
Top
Shelf Music
The home of Buffalo's best vintage
and used guitars. Guitar
repair and restoration service. |
Gerald L Luterek
- Videographer
-
Music video's, Concert DVD's,
Streaming Video for your Web site. Music
Performance Video
Frank Luterek
- Photographer
-
Wedding Photojournalism: a natural
and spontaneous approach to wedding
photography
|
|
Dolphin
Productions
Rockin the world since 1974, Check
them out! |
.
Featured
Acts
Buffalo
Bands
|
|
www.hitnrun.net
Buffalo’s award winning party band
|
|
|
| Singer
Songwriter and Nashville Recording Artist Amanda
Nagurney |
|
|
| The
Carl Motyka Band is Western New York’s
favorite party rock band. They create an atmosphere
of fun and good times for one and all. |
|
| Noa
Bursie's music
is a rich and refreshingly unconventional composite
of jazz, acoustic new soul, folk, blues, and roots
genres. |
|
www.jonyjamesband.com
The Jony James Band has to be one of the best
in the country on the blues circuit, bar none.
|
|
| "High
octane rockabilly" and songs about hot rods are
the most accurate adjectives used to describe
The Headers. |
|
|
Bleeding
Hearts
High
energy classic rock and alternative with the emphasis
on fun. |
|
The
Kate Engler Band
Kate commands your attention whether through her
singing or her guitar playing. |
|
|
| Christina
Shrewsbury is an artist with wide ranging
talents in music, acting, and choral conducting. |
|
Dave
Schmeidler Online
guitar for the 21st Century and beyond. |
|
Diane
Kallay
Sweet spice of blues, her sizzling vocals will
raise eyebrows and touch your soul. |
|
| The
Soul Providers
lay down a groove guaranteed to pack the dance
floor with classic R & B, funk and soul. |
|
The
Live Wire Band
performs a wide variety of songs, from dance and
party favorites to a variety of standards, cocktail
music, and traditional selections for wedding
or special celebration. |
|
SUPERSTARS
LIVE Rich
& Debbie Derwald
"The Legends Come Alive" Buffalo/Niagara's Premier
Variety Show
www.superstarslive.com
|
|
|
| The
Bemus Bay Pops concerts are performed
outdoors on the amazing Floating Stage on Lake
Chautauqua in Bemus Point NY |
|
|
Weekend
Buffalo
Music Hall of Fame 70’s rockers. We're still rockin'...! |
|
Jack
Prybylski
Check out Jack's smooth jazz sound at Saxzilla.com |
|
|
|
Gregg
Sansone
Expect
to dance, sing, party and have a flat-out ball
at one of Gregg's shows! |
. |
