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Wharton Tiers performs "Rakshak"

Wharton Tiers is not exactly a household name, even among dedicated alt.music afficianadoes; but fans of hard-edged New York City art-rock likely own several classic albums bearing his moniker. As the engineer behind the majority of Sonic Youth’s recorded output, not to mention releases by the likes of Swans, Pussy Galore, Dinosaur Jr and Helmet, Tiers has earned legendary status as a producer. Along with Glenn Branca’s notorious no-wave group The Theoretical Girls, Tiers has for years led his own guitar-based mini-orchestra, exploring the limits of rock riffage in a way that eschews Branca’s often heavy symphonic pretentions. The Wharton Tiers Ensemble recalls instrumental surf or garage rock but with an avant-garde twist. Catch the group, along with Toronto’s Creeping Nobodies and Buffalo’s own Bare Flames, at Soundlab tonight (Thursday, June 1) at 9pm.

Join the members of the Buffalo Co-op this weekend to celebrate the 2006 Buffalo Cooperatives Summit. (June 1) The kick-off, 5pm Thursday (June 1)at MAP Headquarters (271 Grant. St, 896-0961) starts with a panel discussion that asks “How Can Co-ops Better Serve the Needs of the Buffalo Community?” Representatives from Food Ventures and the Tree of Life Buyers Club, the Co-op Credit Union, Nickel City Housing, and People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) will lead this discussion. Next, on Saturday (June 3) there will be a Cocktail Hour at the Nickel City Co-op (208 North St., shown above) beginning at 7pm with music, refreshments, and Buffalo Lager provided by Flying Bison Brewery. —katherine brady

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An excerpt from John-B's "Remember Tonight"

Over the past decade, drum & bass genius John-B has become one of the most celebrated performers on the world electronic music scene. Since being signed to the legendary Metalheadz label, non-stop touring has become a regular part of this musical chameleon’s regimen, entertaining fans of Epic Trance, Electro-step, and liquid funk alike with his ability to cover the entire spectrum of electronic music. High-energy beats paired with experimental melodies and powerful lyrical infusions make this wild-haired twenty-six year-old an integral part of the d n’b canon. The classically-trained, Maidenhead, UK native brings his genre-defying brand of dance floor electronica to the U.S. on what is dubbed the “Electrostep Tour.” John B. appears at 9pm, Friday (June 2) at the OPM Lounge along with house musicians Ryan Liddel and Bones Jones.

The Buffalo Choral Arts Society has long entertained loyal audiences with diverse high-caliber performances. This Sunday (June 4) the group celebrates its 40th anniversary with “For the Love of Song: BCAS Celebrates 40 Years of Music.” The concert marks not only an anniversary but also its first performance at Artpark in many seasons. Joined by an instrumental ensemble comprised of some of the areas finest musicians, the BCAS concert is packed with talent, including special guest vocalist and award-winning actress Loraine O’Donnell-Gray (pictured). “For the Love of Song” promises an afternoon of entertainment, memories, and toe-tapping medleys for the whole family to enjoy, beginning at 3pm. —katherine brady

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Mark Winsick performs "Shufflin' for Blue"

Kick off your summer with almost 20 of Buffalo’s best blues artists at SuperJam 2006, a fundraiser that will take place from 1-9pm at Creekside Grove and Banquet Center (2669 Union Rd. in Cheektowaga) on Sunday (June 4). Nine bands and nine guest artists are set to come together to make sure Superjam 2006 is every bit as enjoyable as past events have been. Performers include Mark Winsick (pictured), Tommy Z band, Harmonica Dean & the Blue Lights, Black Cat Blues Band, Doug Yeomans & the Lo Blu flame, Zark & the Sharks, Harvey and the Hurricanes, Dirty Murphy, Blues Justice, Dr. Z, Mr. Conrad, Rod Nickson, Lissy K, Brent Minet, John Riggi, Patty Parks, Diane Kallay, and Joe Webber, who’ll round up eight hours of the bluesiest music in town. — rob metzler & tess nowadly

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Marcin Dylla, 2004 winner of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, performs "Unruhe"

Next week is going to be big for classical music lovers, as the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition comes around again. The event brings an international array of classical guitarists (pictured above is former contestant-turned-judge, Marcin Dylla) to the area, competing for cash prizes and engagements with the Buffalo Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony Orchestras. The competition starts with a “meet-and-greet” with the contestants, scheduled for 4pm on Monday (June 5) at WNED’s Downtown Studios. Guests at the reception —which is free and open to the public —will receive tickets to the two-part semifinals scheduled for June 6th and 7th at Kleinhans Music Hall. The Competition will culminate on June 10, when the three chosen finalists will join the BPO in a concert conducted by Ms. Falletta. —rob metzler