Electrorespect 3

Saturday, May 1

This Saturday (May 1) would have been Mark Freeland’s 53rd birthday. In celebration of his life and love of music, Electrorespect 3 will gather friends and fans for this annual tribute to a great musician and artist. There is no question that Freeland inspired many people in this town and beyond. He loved to encourage fellow artists to be the best at what they do. Always an innovator, he was a one of a kind force of nature. It is fitting that his memory lives on in so many great songs and in his artwork...but also in his friends and fans. Everyone who knew him has at least a few great stories to tell. This is a great chance to come out and hear some of them as well as all of the great music. Saturday night (May 1), Nietzsche’s will host a great line-up of bands paying tribute to Freeland by playing some of his songs as well as some of their own. The line-up includes Native American flute player Ed Koban, world-renowned percussionist Emile Latimer, Three Fems, David Kane, Michael Wagner, Rob Lynch & Brian Burd, Cowboys of Scotland, OOO, Anal Pudding, Peanut Brittle Satellite and new to the Freeland scene this year—the Fucking Hot Lights, and Super Computer. There will also be some great Freeland gear available. T-shirts—ncluding a new Electroman shirt—and hats will available for sale....so bring some extra cash!

Even if you never heard of Mark Freeland, you owe it to yourself to come and see why this larger than life Buffalo legend continues to inspire, and why his energy and creative spirit will live on forever. Visit www.markfreeland.com.

—rose mattrey

9pm. Nietzsche's, 248 Allen St. (886-8539 / nietzsches.com). $5.

Thursday, April 29

Minus The Bear

Seattle’s Minus the Bear returns to Buffalo on Thursday (tonight! April 29) to perform at the Town Ballroom, less then a week before the release of their fourth studio album, Omni. It’s been three years since the release of their last album, Planet of Ice. Since then the band has found a new record label, Dangerbird Records, and tweaked their sound slightly. Planet of Ice allowed the band to jam and explore tangents within their songs, relying on Pink Floyd influenced atmospheres and tones that created a flow that lasted through the album. Omni relies more heavily on pop oriented songs that are concise and have a more mature feeling to them, while still allowing the album to flow almost seamlessly. The music still has a very apparent electronic element to it. Guitar riffs still get chopped up and rearranged and the drums are often accompanied by synthetic drum pad tones. “Animal Backwards” is the most digitally effected song on the album. It begins with a reversed guitar solo and is soon layered by synthesizer blips and static sounding electronic drums as vocalist Jake Snider sings “she’s a wolf looking through my window.” As on past records, his lyrics pertain mostly to sex, womanizing and the thrill of the chase, which matches their chilled out and smooth sound. Everest and Young the Giant open the show.

—cory perla

7pm (doors). Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900 / townballroom.com). $19.50/advance; $24/day of show at box office, Tickets.com/(888) 223-6000, and Tops Markets.

Friday, April 30

BloodThirsty Vegans CD Release

The BloodThirsty Vegans are one hard-working band of Buffalonians. The self-described “most funnest band in the universe” skillfully blends elements of hip-hop, ska, funk, and rock into a jumpy musical stew with a positive message—which can be hard to come by these days. Some of their mantras beckon you to “keep on keepin’ on” and to know that “we’re all winners here, fighting to be free from fear.” Buffalo needs a good confidence boost sometimes and the Vegans generously provide that pat on the back. The group consists of My Rap Name is Alex (raps), Janna “Vendetta” (rap, trumpet), Dave Harter (drums), Bryan Lohr (guitar), Ben Sachs (bass), and Kaitlyn Marie (keyboards). Recently, the band was nominated in three categories for this year’s Artvoice Best of Buffalo contest: Best Original Music Act, Best Hip Hop Act, and Best Band Name. Two members were also individually nominated in the Best Poet and Best Spoken-word Artist categories. This Friday (April 30) will see the release party of their debut album Let the Feast Begin. The show takes place at the Gateway Gallery at 7pm. It’s an all ages, “toddler friendly” show. Come out and support the power of positive local music. Raise your carrots to the air.

—peter vullo

7pm. Gateway Gallery, 141 Elmwood Ave. (886-6888 /www.myspace.com/gatewaygallery2)

Saturday, May 1

Runway 3.0

The Pierce Arrow administrative offices, located on Elmwood Ave., used to be the site where the late Rick James would use the walls for target practice (as rumor has it, at least). Now it will be home to a fashion show. Runway 3.0’s Technology: Progression/Obsession will be held there on Saturday (May 1). The show will feature Buffalo State Colllege students, alumni, and professional designers. The show is under the direction of Erin Habes of the Buffalo State Fashion Technology Program. DJ duo Shock & Awe will provide music for the event. A light show and a 50-foot runway will also be featured. The Nancy Belfer award in the amount of $1,000 will be presented for the senior collection, as well as a $500 prize sponsored by Elaine Polvinen, technology professor, for the art-to-wear design student category of the show. There will be two shows, at 4 and 9pm. Tickets for the earlier show are $10 for general admission and $7 for students. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $100 for V.I.P. tickets. Both ticket prices include a post-show reception; V.I.P. tickets include a pre-show reception as well. All proceeds will benefit the Fashion Students of Buffalo State College Scholarship Foundation. For more information and photos, visit bscrunway.wordpress.com.

—samantha mcdonnell

4pm & 9pm. Pierce Arrow Building, 1685 Elmwood Ave.

Saturday, May 1

The Dear Hunter

Most people would lump Boston based band the Dear Hunter into the same genre as their predecessors, the Receiving End Of Sirens. Sure, their essence is post-hardcore and singer Casey Crescenzo’s voice resonates something like Dustin Kensrue’s of Thrice, but the Dear Hunter have taken it to the next level. Their recorded music has such an orchestral sound to it that it reeks of rock operas and concept albums. “The Tank,” on their second full length album Act III: Life and Death (Triple Crown Records), begins with a classical sounding string arrangement, before the drums and guitar add the inevitable rock influence. There are certainly comparisons that can be drawn to bands like Coheed & Cambria, as both bands have taken the idea of the concept album and mutated into what could be considered a concept band. The story behind the band takes place in the beginning of the 20th century and follows a boy, known only as “the Dear Hunter,” through his life and sudden death. Along with a captivating story, the instrumentation on their latest album is what keeps the band moving forward. The complex song structures, horns, and extensive use of auxiliary percussion even approaches the Mars Volta in terms of style. The Dear Hunter will be joined by the Felix Culpa and Moving Mountains Saturday (May 1) at Mohawk Place.

—cory perla

7pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk St. (855-3931).

Saturday, May 1

Artists & Models: A Stimulus For The Rest of Us

Imagine it’s 1984, the first Macintosh computer has hit the market, MTV has become one of the most popular networks on cable television, and you’re on your way to a bizarre new dance party called Artists & Models. Now, 26 years later, Artists & Models returns after a one year hiatus for the 22nd installment of their popular and strange rave. This year’s party, a fundraiser held by Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center,will be held at the Rock Harbor Yard on Saturday (May 1). The party is infamous for being held at a new location almost every year. It’s been held on the East Side, the West Side, downtown and as far north as Hertel Avenue, but it’s never left the city limits. Expect plenty of dance music and experimental music alike from acts such as Family Funktion & the Sitar Jamz, MC Wizzalot & Tip Top Hip Hop Orchestra, and a burlesque show by the Strip Teasers. Of course there will be bizarre and intriguing artist instillations lining the walls and performers interacting with the audience. This year’s theme is “Stimulus,” so expect your senses to be stimulated. All proceeds benefit Hallwalls.

—cory perla

9pm. Rock Harbor Yard, 57 Tonawanda St. Buffalo. $15/advance, students, Hallwallls members; $20 at the door. Contact hallwalls.org or 854-1694 for more info.

Wednesday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 10

360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival

Film buffs with friends in Rochester, better call them up and reserve space on their couches next week for the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival (previously known as the High Falls Film Festival), five days of films and filmmakers to please all tastes. The festival begins on Wednesday (May 5) with The City of Your Final Destination, the new film by director James Ivory, of the legendary Merchant Ivory team, from a screenplay by longtime collaborator Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. Ivory will be present to introduce the film. Too many other must-see films in the first two days (I’ll preview the remainder next week) include It Came From Kuchar, about underground film legends Mike and George Kuchar, Gone with the Pope, the “lost” film by Duke Mitchell (Massacre Mafia Style), Videocracy, a documentary tracing how naked women helped make Silvio Berlusconi Prime Minister of Italy; L’enfer De Henri-George Clouzot; Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child, and more.

—m. faust

Various Rochester locations including the George Eastman House 900 East Ave., (585) 271-3361; Little Theater, 240 East Ave., (585) 258-0400. Check out film360365.com or film360365 on Facebook.