It’s that time of year again – the turn from September to October marks the beginning of a lot of fall festivities. In the Northeast, people will carve pumpkins and enjoy apple cider.
However, fall doesn’t mark the end of summer’s wide range of concerts to attend. This week we have rock stars, a jazz group and other multi-genre artists stopping by the Buffalo area to perform. Forget the outdoor activities for a moment and head indoors to see some great live artists.
Monday, Oct. 3
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – Center for the Arts
Coming all the way from New Orleans are Trombone Shorty and his group of jazz cats, the Orleans Avenue.
Trombone Shorty is a trombonist/trumpeter who has been known to bring it with his horns during live performances. The group’s infectious 2010 album Backatown features a blend of funk and jazz that is just as good in person as it is through headphones.
Joining the southern jazz players will be The Funky Dawgz Brass Band, a groovy collection of northern jazz artists with a down-south flavor. Expect the styles of both bands to complement one another kindly on North Campus.
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Matthew Ryan – Town Ballroom
With a perfect mix of country and rock, Matthew Ryan will take Town Ballroom by storm this Wednesday. The Pennsylvanian singer has a deep discography of whisper-laden rock that includes a feature on the soundtrack of the TV drama “One Tree Hill.”
Accompanying Ryan will be Michael McDermott, who will be promoting his latest album Willow Springs. The album has a traditional folk sound and McDermott’s distinctly mellow singing is great to kick back to. If you need to calm down in the middle of the week, don’t miss Ryan and McDermott in action.
Thursday, Oct. 6
Dance Gavin Dance – Waiting Room
Coming from the West Coast is post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance. Known for songs like “We Own The Night” and “Stroke God, Millionaire,” Dance Gavin Dance is well-liked for their fantastic songwriting and heavy rock instrumentation.
The band has three lead vocalists, all of which bring a different aspect to their high-tempo tracks. Just one day before the release of their newest album Mothership, the band will hopefully preview cuts from the record on Thursday.
Friday, Oct. 7
Peter Case – Sportsmen’s Tavern
Born in Buffalo and raised in Hamburg, multi-faceted artist Peter Case is homeward bound. Case’s style has fluctuated over the years and succeeded in genres such as blues, folk and rock.
It’s been 30 years since the Grammy-nominated musician released his self-titled debut and he’s still a treat to hear live. Don’t miss this golden Buffalo-born musician as he performs in his hometown Friday night.
Saturday, Oct. 8
Such Gold – Mohawk Place
Pop punk band Such Gold will be performing at the legendary Mohawk Place to the delight of local music fans. Formed in Rochester, Such Gold offers a melodic hardcore sound that is mostly attributed to the group’s vocalist Ben Kotin.
The band recently reissued their 2010 EP Pedestals, which contains some of their more popular songs like “Sycamore” and “Gut Rot.” Such Gold has had very energetic performances in the past so make sure to experience their rawness at the downtown music venue.
Benjamin Blanchet is a staff writer and can be reached at arts@ubspectrum.
Benjamin Blanchet is the senior engagement editor for The Spectrum. His words have been seen in The Buffalo News (Gusto) and The Sun newspapers of Western New York. Loves cryptoquip and double-doubles.
