The grapevine: Feb. 9-13

This week budding musicians, punk lovers and anyone else who likes to sing, could take to the stage and strut their stuff.

This edition of “The Grapevine” offers more than concerts. In addition to range of talented artists coming town this week – from country stars to synth-pop queens – there are opportunities for people to give their own performances at open-mic events throughout the city.

Monday, Feb. 9

Millionaires – The Forvm

The Millionaires are a pair of DJs who like to party. The two-woman DJ group has its own high-energy brand of synth pop reminiscent of Ke$ha. Their music is crazy and loud, inundated with electronic noise – a surefire good and crazy time. This concert is advised for anyone who wants to party hearty, on a Monday.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

Open Mic – Nietzsche’s

Attention all aspiring songwriters, this is for you. This Tuesday one of Buffalo’s most popular bars and venue, Nietzsche’s, will be hosting its own open-mic night. Anyone who wants to try his or her hand at live performance onstage should come to Nietzsche’s on Tuesday.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Punk Rock Karaoke – Waiting Room

Nietzsche’s isn’t the only venue with an open mic event this week. The Waiting Room is also having their own sing-along this Wednesday, when they’ll host a punk rock karaoke night. A surefire good time, bring friends (or enemies if your punk rock growl isn’t up to par) and sing away your problems until the sun comes up.

Emerging Composers – Kleinhan’s Music Hall

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is showcasing four emerging composers on Wednesday at Kleinhan’s on Wednesday, and it’s free.

The young composers will have their compositions played by the BPO under associate director, Stefan Sanders. Afterwards, a Q&A discussion will be held with the composers and their mentors, Robert Beaser (Julliard), Rob Deemer (SUNY Fredonia) and Melinda Wagner, a Pulitzer Prize winner in music.

Thursday, Feb. 12

Kelsea Ballerini – First Niagara Center

Ballerini is a country singer hailed as CMT’s “Next Women of Country in 2014.” Currently, she is on her first headlining tour promoting her self-titled debut album. Her first album can only be described as a new brand of country with the blending of modern production techniques, pop and country. This concert is for any country lover looking to see the next big thing.

Friday, Feb. 13

Average White Band – Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel

A band from the past is coming to Buffalo on Friday. The Scottish funk and R&B band, known for their hit song “Pick Up the Pieces,” will be performing at Seneca Niagara this Friday. Today, the band only has two of the six original members – even so, the 43-year-old band continues to tour the world.

email: arts@ubspectrum.com