Where the Bands Are: This Week in Live Music and Concert News

Maybe being a 'tertiary concert market' isn't so bad; New show announcements; and a host of picks for this week

May 08, 2025

(Have a cool concert or interesting event you know about? Email all the info and links to jeffmiersmusic@gmail.com to be considered for inclusion in Where the Bands Are.)

Hey there, music-freak family.

So… Every year, it seems, right around this time, regional social media erupts with complaints about Buffalo’s status as a tertiary concert market, and there is much wailing and gnashing of teeth, adding up to a general chorus of ‘We suck, because so-and-so act isn’t playing here, they’re skipping us for Toronto or Cleveland or even Rochester.’

I mean, I get it. I’m personally totally bummed that we didn’t end up getting the Phish show at Darien Lake that so many had heard was a definite done-deal. Alas…

And yet, I honestly don’t think we have much to complain about.

Recently, over a 10-day period, I caught The New Mastersounds at Buffalo Iron Works, Mercury Rev at the Town Ballroom, Dweezil Zappa at Kleinhans, and Jon Anderson & the Band Geeks at the Riviera Theatre. In between, I caught regional acts at The Caz, Molly MaGuire’s, and the Sportsmen’s Tavern. The total cost of all of this insanely awesome activity was less than a single average-priced ticket to an arena-type show.

If this is how it feels to be ‘overlooked,’ well… I think I’m ok with it.

Onward…

Thursday & Main concert announcements

Thursdays June 5 - July 31, 5-8 pm at Fountain Plaza, Downtown Buffalo. FREE

Hamburg Music Festival

Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, Multiple Sites, Hamburg, NY. $40 2-day pass.

Arts Services Inc. Fundraiser:

Creative Connections

Tuesday, May 13, 5–7 pm at Tri-Main Center, Suite 401, Buffalo. $10

“Whether you're an emerging artist, a seasoned cultural worker, or just curious about who’s making things happen in WNY's arts scene, Creative Connections was designed with you in mind.

This curated event brings together artists, performers, administrators, musicians, and cultural leaders to build meaningful relationships.”

$10 ticket includes:
- Admission to the event
- Light refreshments
- Two complimentary drinks
- An investment in the arts across Western New York

Music Matters Summer Concert Series

Thursdays, June 5 - September 4, 7-10 pm (plus 2 Special Friday shows, July 11 and August 1) at Sully’s Harbor Bar & Grill at Harbor Walk, Downtown Buffalo. $10.

June 5 - Olmsted Dub System & Critt’s Juke Joint

June 12 - Organ Fairchild

June 19 - Scarlet Begonias

June 26 - The Strictly Hip

July 3 - GROSH

July 10 - Jeff Miers’ Grateful Birthday Jam

^**Friday, July 11 - Push the Lil’ Daisies (Ween tribute) ft/ Jason Staniszewski

July 17 - Little Mountain Band (plays the music of Little Feat and the Band)

July 24 - Lazlo Hollyfeld & Büe

July31 - The Scales (play the music of Phish)

^**Friday, August 1 - Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

August 7 - Relics (play the music of Pink Floyd)

August 14 - TBA

August 21 - The Garage Doors (play the music of The Doors)

August 28 - the Damone Jackson Outcome & Tiger Chung Lee

September 4 - The Black Rock Beatles

New And Noteworthy:

Joss Stone

Wednesday, October 1, 7:30 pm at The University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, Buffalo. $50/$60/$70/$90. Tickets on sale Friday May 9.

BTPM The Bridge presents:

Soccer Mommy wsg/ Dummy

Wednesday, September 24, 7 pm doors at Electric City, Buffalo.$ Presale tickets on sale Thursday, May 8 at noon, code: FLOWERS. Tickets on sale Friday, May 9 at 10 am.

Jessie Murph

Thursday, August 21, 7:30 pm at Terminal B at Outer Harbor, Buffalo, NY. $

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Wild & Swingin' Holiday Party

Tuesday, December 16, 7:30 pm at Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda, NY. $49

John Papa Gros Band wsg/ Critt's Juke Joint

Saturday July 12, 2 pm doors at The Cave, Buffalo. $20/$25

Panchiko w/Glixen

Tuesday, September 23, 7 pm doors at Electric City, Buffalo. $29.50-$88. Presale tickets on sale Thursday, May 8 at 10 am, code: FLOWERS. Tickets on sale Friday, May 9 at 10 am.

Rockin’ at the Buffalo AKG 2025: The Beaches, The Trews, and Menno Versteeg of Hollerado

Saturday, June 14, 5 pm at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo. $62.50 (all incl)

Grace Potter wsg/Johnnyswim

Saturday, July 19, 7 pm at Artpark Amphitheater, Lewiston, NY. $66/$56/$28. Tickets on sale now.

The 5th Annual Hilltap Festival featuring Uncle Ben’s Remedy

Saturday, July 26, Holiday Valley, Ellicottville, NY.

(Early bird tickets are now on sale for $35 and include free parking, a lift ticket up to Spruce Lake, and a full-day of music and adventure sports demos and clinics. A twilight ticket will also be offered that provides admission to the base of the mountain for the final two musical performances.)

Sportsmens Americana Music Foundation benefit:

SAMF FEST: Willie Nile, 10 Cent Howl, Leroy Townes Band and The Love Supreme School

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 1 pm gates open at the Sportsmens Park, Buffalo. $20.00 SAMF Members (Availble at Sportsmens box office or with coupon code)/$30 public. Tickets on sale now.

Young the Giant

Saturday, July 19, 8 pm at Seneca Niagara Event Center, Niagara Falls, NY. $55/$75/$95/$125

Vinny Appice’s Sabbath Knights: A Night Of Black Sabbath

Friday, August 1, 6 pm at Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo. $25

The Surfrajettes wsg/ Evil Things

Thursday, June 26, 5 pm doors at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo. $20

Saint Motel – The Symphony in the Sky Tour

Wednesday, October 29, 7 pm doors at Town Ballroom, Buffalo. $37.25/$112.75/$212.75 (all incl)

The Kensingtons, Cock Robin, The Informers, & Flashback

Sunday, June 22, 1 pm at Sportsmens Park, Buffalo. $20

This week and beyond…

Kyle Yagielski’s Flow Bros

Featuring Dave Ruch, Vinnie Amico, Joe Bellanti, and Kyle Yagielski

Thursday, May 8, 6-7 pm in the front room at Nietzsche’s, Buffalo. FREE

bob. an interpretation of the music of Bob Dylan

Featuring Al Shmier & Vinnie Amico (of moe.), Brian Lauri, Zach Fleitz, Charley Orlando

Thursday, May 8, 7 pm doors at Nietzsche’s, Buffalo. $25 Adv/$30 DoS

The Empty Pockets ft/ Elliot Scazzaro

Thursday, May 8, 7 pm at The Cave, Buffalo. $20/$25

DJ Brownie of The Disco Biscuits w/ Ulock

Thursday, May 8, 7:30 pm at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo. $20/$25

Miller and The Other Sinners Trio

Thursday, May 8, 6 pm at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo.

Lindsey Holland Presents the Music of Kurt Elling

Thursday, May 8, 7 pm at PAUSA art house, Buffalo. $15/$13

Thursday Night Live: Creek Bend

Thursday, May 8, 5:30 pm at Wilson Town Square, Knox Building, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo. FREE

Só Brasil Bossa Nova Featuring Saranaide

Friday, May 9, 7:30 pm at The Caz, South Buffalo. $30/$35

With George Caldwell (piano), Nelson Rivera (reeds and percussion), Dave Phillips (drums), Avery Weissman (bass) and Stu Weissman (guitar).

Rhythm & Brews ft/ The Lance Tanner Duo and Carina and the Six String Preachers

Friday, May 9, 6:30 pm doors at the Mary Seaton Room, Kleinhan’s Music Hall, Buffalo. $85 VIP/$45 GA

The Jay/Sharptet presents: The Love Songs of Chet Baker

Friday, May 9, 7 pm doors at PAUSA art house, Buffalo. $15/$13

Buffalo Music Coalition presents:

The Blues Brothers Review

Friday, May 9, 8 pm at Asbury Hall in in Babeville, Buffalo. $25/$30

GROSH

Friday, May 9, 9 pm at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo. $

Erin Hoyle and the Constellations

w/ Elliot Hunt, Ian Liedke, Wally Galey, Joe Gogan

Friday, May 9, 10 pm at Jack Rabbit, Buffalo. $

Alex McArthur: Mother (A Celebration of Mother Earth and the Feminine Divine)

Original compositions and arrangements by Alex McArthur. With Harry Graser, Michael Ruopuli, and Bethany Ward.

Friday, May 9, 7 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, Buffalo. FREE/$25 suggested donation.

Dead Alliance Buffalo

Saturday, May 10, 7:30 pm at Coyote Cafe, Hamburg, NY. $10/$15

Photo City Presents:

Hip-Hop Underground

3 Rooms of Live Performances All Night!

Saturday, May 10, 7 pm at Luna Lounge, Buffalo, NY. $15/$20. Get tickets here.

Ft/Elijah Rich, Pretty Gary, OutlawJesse James, Yung AK, Taye Chopo, Cashis Green, Bandman Wayne, Diggie Mac, CBM, Frazier, OJ Blu Buccs, ThatDoodChris, Redeyez, GNP MULA & LTAMB PABLO, ABM Wavyy & Pop, MajorQP, Quisi LaFlare, Mic Magic, Sicko Ciccone, KillaRob TheRealah, Grizzy Oso, Just Money, Rey Pe$o, Malus Mac, Audi3k, Mr. 10 Stacks, CHOSEN, Super G, BookaMan2300, Fireflamespittersparks, Cripple Phlash, Mark2, & Treezy Ya Dig

DJ Nitelite // DJ Apollow // DJ Adithri - on deck all night

Buffalo Music Coalition presents