Artvoice Presents: Rocket to Allentown

Saturday, November 9

The rise of punk rock during the mid ‘70s had the world by the balls. They shook the music world with their abrasive attitudes towards authority and established rock bands like YES or Fleetwood Mac and sappy radio stars like Loggins & Messina, Carol King, etc. The New York City scene had The Ramones, Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers, Patti Smith, Television and Blondie liberating the Bowery district at the legendary venue CBGB. NY’s punk scene was well documented by Legs McNeil and his groundbreaking comic book PUNK which featured all of the above as comic characters. Across the pond, The Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, X-Ray Spex and The Clash would come to define and epitomize the rebellious punk culture that we know today, with the Sex Pistols leading the way in self-destruction. “To me, punk is about being an individual and going against the grain and standing up and saying ‘This is who I am,’ said Joey Ramone. Punk rock was never just a style of music you wouldn’t want your grandmother to hear. It was a lifestyle. It was about direct action, free thought and non-conformity. It was exactly what the world needed. Once again, by popular demand, Artvoice proudly presents Rocket To Allentown this Saturday night (11/8 @9pm) at Nietzsche’s. Over 15 local bands will spill out across the stage throughout the night to pay tribute to punk rock icons such as The Ramones, The Clash, NY Dolls, The Damned and many, many more. Come watch bands like Bighorn Sheep, Teen Angst, The Dead Rabbits, Two Wrights & the Wrongs and others play everything from mid 90’s skate punk to classic 70s ‘I don’t give a shit’ rock n roll. Strap your anarchy patches to your jackets and meet me in the pit.

- Jeff Czum

10pm Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St. (886-8539/nietzsches.com) $5

Thursday, November 6

Danny Bhoy

For those who experience stand up comedian Danny Bhoy’s show for the first time, they find themselves intrigued by his innocent Scottish accent, guy next-door demeanor and his arsenal of hilarious stories. Having amassed huge audiences all over the world, this young Scot finally brings his unique brand of storytelling and razor sharp wit to North America. Danny began his career in 1998 and just one year later won The Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award, the biggest national competition in the UK for new comics. The comic has been known to trail off into extended stories about awkward encounters and first date disasters. One thing that sets him apart from many other comedians is that he never drifts into vulgarity. Bhoy is warm, understanding, and intelligent and his timing and delivery is always spot on. He is an effortless storyteller, and a sharp critic of society who identifies the ludicrousness often found in everyday life. He points at nuisances we’re all familiar with and soon has us hilariously laughing at our own behavior. Danny will be bringing his Dear Epson show to Rockwell Hall at Buffalo State College tonight (Thursday 11/11) at 8pm.

- Jeff Czum

7pm Rockwell Hall Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave (878-3005/buffalostatepac.org) $25 advance, $28 day of show

Sunday, November 9

Sloan

Sloan is a mop-topped, ripped jeans wearing-calamity from Halifax that got chewed up and spit out by Geffen Records in 1994. In ironic revenge, after rumors of their breakup, they released One Chord to Another, winning a Best Alternative Album Juno Award in 1997 and East Coast Music Award. That same year Sloan headlined the 1997 Artvoice Street Festival. Sloan continued to produce and self-release records with friends Thrush Hermit, Zumpano, and The Inbreds. If you’re a Sloan fan, you’re most likely a fan of not only the band, but the personalities of the guys that have cranked out 13 straight up rock-n-roll studio LPs in 20 years. Between them, Patrick Pentland, Chris Murphy, Jay Ferguson and Andrew Scott have rotated instruments and brought their indie antics to every show they have performed since they formed in 1991. Yes, Sloan is more Canadian than Alanis Morissette eating poutine while drinking a can of Canada Dry in a blizzard. But this band will go down in “CanRock” history alongside contemporaries the Tragically Hip and Broken Social Scene. Sloan is set to hit it off at Tralf Music Hall this Sunday (Nov 9) to support their new record, Commenwealth

- Jeff Czum

8pm, Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St. (tralfmusichall.com) $21 advance, $23 day of show, 21+

Tuesday, November 11

The Barr Brothers

Canadians really kill it at Americana. The Barr Brothers are no exception, and their most recent release, Sleeping Operator, is a testament to the band’s incredible range after years of performing together. Their ability to incorporate a cluster of bizarre and exotic instruments allows the Montreal quartet to deliver a live experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Brothers Brad and Andrew Barr, harpist Sarah Page, and multi-instrumentalist Andres Vial have crafted a transcendental album that drives right into your dreams. As deranged as their performance might sound, you never get lost in the chaos. Angelic harp and strange vocal harmonies fall right into place. The African stringed instrument the ngoni compliments the bongos, while a fan-made instrument called a “cardboardium” is as entertaining as the upright bass. The track “Half Crazy”, a bluesy number, has the band dropping twangy guitar lines over a series of hand-claps and a metallic, grungy bass that sounds like chewing sand. Sleeping Operator benefitted from contributions by other notable Canadians like Arcade Fire, members of The Luyas and others. The end result is devilish American folk mixed with African influences. Come check out the experience first hand this Tuesday (Nov 11) at 9th Ward at Babeville at 7PM. — Jeff Czum

- Jeff Czum

7pm, 9th Ward at Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave (852-2741 / babebvillebuffalo.com) $15

Tuesday, November 11

Dj Shadow & CUT CHEMIST— Renegades of Rhythm Tour

The legacy of legendary DJ/producer Afrika Bambaataa is indisputable. He is notable for releasing a series of genre-defining electro tracks in the 1980s that heavily influenced the development of the hip hop culture. To honor Bambaataa and expose hip-hop listeners to records that laid the foundation for the genre, renowned DJs Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow have embarked on the “Renegades of Rhythm” tour. After getting their hands on and sorting through the very same vinyl Bambaataa once used to rock Bronx block parties, the two DJs chose nearly 1,000 of his records for their tour. Spinning Bambaata’s vinyl only, they’re hoping to offer attendees a comprehensive history of Bambaataa’s impact and influence on hip-hop. “This has never been done before, definitely not on this scale, They’re HIS records, with his blessings. This isn’t just ANY copy ‘X’ breakbeat, it’s THE copy that started everything. Not just any records, the MASTER OF RECORDS’ records.” Says DJ Shadow. The Renegades of Rhythm tour will use six turntables and a variety of real-time effects. Visuals for the show will be supplied by acclaimed video director, multimedia producer and regular Shadow collaborator Ben Stokes. The tour may be rooted in a historic vinyl collection, but both DJs are quick to point out that people should not expect a strictly ‘old school’ set. As Dj Shadow sums it up. Fans are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the 2 DJs are set to celebrate the legendary DJ this Tuesday (11/11) at Town Ballroom. DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist are going to blow your funky mind

- Jeff Czum

8pm Town Ballroom, 681 S. Main St. (852-3900 / townballroom.com) $25.50 advance, $30 day of show

Wednesday, November 12

Modern Baseball

The chubby, tee-shirt addicted vocalist/guitarist Brendan Lukens of Modern Baseball has to be the most unlikely rock band phenomenon since Meat Loaf. Modern Baseball are young, immature, often melodramatic, and impossible to ignore. Modern Baseball’s authentic approach is as refreshing as it is appreciated, particularly against the context of cookie cutter top 40. The Philadelphia quartet became an overnight sensation to pop punk and emo fans in 2012 when the band, who were full time college students, recorded and self released their debut album Sports. The songs, whilst quite short, are extremely memorable, as are their videos. Brendan Lukens unusual voice leads us through tracks like “Re-Do” and “The Weekend,” accompanied by driving riffs. The liveliness of the songs invites listeners to get lost in the jaded life of our narrator Brendan Lukens. Lukens is just a young college student who has experienced everything you have but happens to be better at expressing how you’re feeling better than you can. Modern Baseball could be a gateway drug into the wonderful world where punk rock fused with classic late 90’s emo engulfs your soul and takes over your life. Pop punk is dead? I don’t think so. Whatever you take away from the band, it’s safe to say these guys have immense staying power in a pop punk scene that’s not dead yet. You won’t want to miss out on any of the hype Wednesday night at the Waiting Room.

- Jeff Czum

5:30pm Waiting Room, 334 Delaware Ave (853-5483 / waitingroombuffalo.com) $13 advance, $15 day of show

Wednesday, November 12

An Evening with George Winston

The beautifully restored Asbury Hall is set to host an evening with pianist George Winston. Best known for his melodic rural folk and seasonally themed recordings—December, Autumn, Winter Into Spring, and Summer, the Grammy-Award winner will perform his intimate showcase “Winter Show.” The performance will feature melodious variations of fall and winter inspired songs, some of Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts pieces, styles set in New Orleans R&B and Stride tradition, and new music from his upcoming album, Spring Carousel—A Cancer Research Benefit, scheduled for release in 2015. Since 1986, Winston has been greatly involved in many humanitarian efforts and has been raising money for food banks and other service organizations in every tour market he performs. His earlier releases, Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions—A hurricane Relief Benefit and Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions 2—A Louisiana Wetlands Benefit both continue to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and The Voice of the Wetlands (VOW) respectively. In December of 2013, Winston released the digital single “Silent Night—A Benefit for Feeding America,” which donates 100% of the proceeds to Feeding American, the nationwide network of food banks that feeds 37 million people. Enjoy a night of festive contemporary music as one of the most recognized solo pianists graces the stage at 8pm.

- Jeff Czum

7pm Asbury Hall at Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave (852-3835 / babevillebuffalo.com) $30 advance, $35 day of show