What’s more fun than a Battle of the Bands? Google the term and you’ll get 2,640,000 results. Talent contests have always been around, and they’re enjoying a heyday in the media with TV shows like American Idol. Thanks to that program, we can all enjoy the artistry of Clay Aiken. Maybe that’s not the best example, but we here at Artvoice couldn’t resist the urge to hop on the bandwagon. We came up with our own twisted, homegrown version called the Battle Of Original Music (BOOM!) and invited local original acts to submit a photo, a track, and responses to a few questions. Within a couple of weeks we learned a bit about the depth of talent out there as we became swamped with submissions. Nearly four hours worth of singles were listened to, and from that sea of material Artvoice staffers voted for their favorites. When those votes were counted, we arrived at sixteen contestants. Then, local music fans went to Artvoice.com every week, checked out the talent and voted. From this fiery crucible of public opinion, four local original music acts have emerged: Floozie, 50 Amp Fuse, Dali’s Ghost, and Kendall. Now it’s time to take the show out of the ethereal realm of cyberspace and into the confines of a live music club. When they each take the stage this Saturday they’ll be looking to win the favor of the crowd because all in attendance will hold one ballot, to assign to their favorite act. When those ballots are counted, one of the bands will win a recording package from Robby Takac’s Trackmaster Studio and CDs of that recording from ESP CD & DVD Manufacturing. The others will take home some new fans (maybe literally) and one third of the door. It’s all on the line and it’s time to throw down. So get there early and stay ‘til the end—when one of the area’s top original acts will win the opportunity to make a record.

This band has been popular around these parts since the mid-1980s, when they burst on to the music scene with a lively and original fusion of reggae, rock and ska. The line up has since changed, with some players coming, going and returning again, but it still includes original members drummer Andrew Case, saxman Vincent Fossitt and frontman/founder David Watts. Also on board for this Thanksgiving /Homecoming show are bandmates Rodney Chamberlain (bass guitar), David Malia (lead guitar) and Naheem Shabazz (trombone). Singer/songwriter Chris Trapper (of the Push Stars) will play a special guest set featuring songs from his new solo release, Hey You (Starlit Records), and Marvelous Sauce opens the show.

It’s that time of year again, when platform shoes and polyester reign supreme along with frizzy wigs, glitter makeup and Danny Bonaduce —this year’s special guest host. The seemingly always game Bonaduce was a lucky replacement for the previously scheduled guest, Erik Estrada of “CHiPs” fame, whose recently announced cancellation is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Estrada’s last sscheduled appearance was at the “Ultimate Convoy of Trucks” in New Zealand, and the powers that be at World’s Largest Disco are keeping mum. A simple “CANCELLED due to circumstances beyond our control” seems to be the final word on the subject. No matter, you can’t beat the great Danny Bonaduce for good times and a sense of humor, as he’s been proving since his “Partridge Family” days. Also new this year—more bathrooms and beer stations to accommodate the 7,000 or so partygoers expected to attend this event.

Nietzsche’s will host its nineteenth annual “Cold Turkey” concert on Thursday, November 30th at 8pm. This event will honor and celebrate the life and works of the late John Lennon, and will feature a host of local talent, some veteran “Cold Turkey” performers, some new this year. Performers include the Valkyries (with John & Mary), Tina ‘Oh-no’ Peel & Doug Lambert, McCarthyizm, The Ifs, Joe Head, Jim Whitford, John Brady, Gretchen Schulz, Nancy’s Candy, Bob Farmer, Mike Meldrum & the Pearl Divers (with Rob Lynch), Mike Morrissey, Joe Rozler & Mary Ramsey, Jim Brucato, Jim Iarocci, Josh Gage and Helen Butler, Rick Smith, Celia White, Brian Wheat, Inga & Michael Yanoski, Doug Abraham, All Kinds of Liars, Ashley and Daniel Schanley, Rose Bond & John Allen and Alexander and Julia Meldrum. This year’s production will also be a partial-fundraiser for the Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts. With almost thirty acts scheduled to perform, this event should be a great night for all involved.