Sure, that dude you sit next to in ENG102 might never turn in his assignments, but little do you may know that he may be one of UB's many untapped musical virtuosos.
Broadway Joe's, one of Buffalo's most popular live music joints, is hosting its first annual Best of UB Showcase, featuring five local bands from various distinct genres. The show is Friday at 9 p.m. and tickets are $6.
Not only is this show special in regards to its focus on UB bands, but the mix of rock, rap, ska, metal and hardcore should also please any musical palette. The student groups include Of Its Own, Krazy-Q, ...By Exposure, Dark Alone and Do It with Malice.
KRAZI-Q
Suburban rap duo Krazi-Q and AJ Hladczuk hail from Williamsville North in Jackson Square, a place that Krazi-Q likes to call the "projects in the suburbs." Producer and member AJ Hladczuk, a.k.a. A2J, claims that today's artists aren't willing to be on the grind and don't care about Buffalo's music scene.
"It's all about drive," says producer Hladczuk. "Buffalo is definitely not like other cities, which makes it kind of cool."
Though suburban and white, it's still possible to imagine these guys riding their Mercedes' down Maple or scoping out hoes on Millersport.
DO IT WITH MALICE
Ska band Do It with Malice agrees that as far as Buffalo's music scene goes, they feel there's good talent, but it's extremely hard to find.
Playing together for the past two years, Malice members are tearing up the local ska scene and hope to make their mark as an upcoming original ska band. It's big in their hometown and they are hoping to rack up new fans in the Buffalo area. They just recorded their first album that will be available at the show.
OF ITS OWN
Indie group Of Its Own from Wheatfield, N.Y., have never strived to categorize themselves in a specific genre, as they are open to just about anything.
"We've always found it difficult to answer the question 'what type of music do you play?' because we're open to any type of song we feel best sends the message," says front man Phil Lucsok.
As far as bigger fame, their saying has been "If it happens, it happens."
"As for the 'popular' Buffalo scene, we're simply displeased with the lack of creativity," Lucsok said.
DARK ALONE
While Do It with Malice are just getting their start, Drew Celestino of Dark Alone boasts that the show is really no big thing to them.
"It's just another Friday night for us at Broadway Joe's," he said.
Members of Dark Alone grew up hooked on metal, but decided the scene was too fractured and interchangeable. Taking matters into their own hands, they hope to be as distinct as possible.
Their upcoming CD "The Rise of the Phoenix" recorded in fall 2005 has a mix of big drums, crushing guitars, and thick bass according to their Web site. They hope to make it big with their professional attitudes and high aspirations.
...BY EXPOSURE
Buffalo hardcore has a rich history in Snapcase and Every Time I Die, as well as developing acts like Inferis and The Line Dance Massacre. The four UB students that comprise ...By Exposure hope to add a few pages to that history book.
Featuring the evening's only minority member, Lance McKenzie, a senior English major, this will be the group's second live performance. Their first also came at Broadway Joe's, which is convenient for the band that practices each week just a few blocks away on Heath Street.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
