Arts - The Spectrum

“The Beatles” fits between the grandiose and experimental. The album showcased an established band bouncing off of a landmark album, only to push further by sharpening the band’s basics.

ARTS

Giles Martin revisits “The Beatles” with over-five-hour Super Deluxe edition

By BRIAN EVANS | Nov. 15, 2018

The question of what’s next for the Beatles arose after 1967’s “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The Beatles etched their name into history books with an album that both expanded upon and raised the bar for innovation in the studio. “Sgt. Pepper” set a marker in the bands career, seemingly one difficult to top. The Beatles reconvened in 1968, resorting to the studio as a remedy to ailments of any kind.

ARTS

Bringing blood to brushes

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Nov. 15, 2018

Most art students go to Michael’s to pick up supplies, but Joshua Diamond goes to the local butcher. His supplies include blood –– sometimes even his own.

Acclaimed chairman of Marvel Comics has died at 95. Marvel fans look back on his legacy and contributions to the genre.

ARTS

Comic book legend Stan Lee dies at 95

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Nov. 15, 2018

Renowned graphic artist Stan Lee –– a “superhero” in his craft –– died at 95-years-old on Monday. Lee died in the hospital on Monday after becoming ill, as first reported by TMZ.

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” is one of the multiple sequels that make up November’s anticipated releases.

ARTS

November movie guide

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Nov. 12, 2018

November reminds people to be thankful for everything around us, even if that includes all the poorly-made, pre-Christmas season films that are released throughout the month.

The Fall Fest Concert Series wrapped up on Saturday night, bringing a female-dominated performance led by Ashanti, Tinashe and Queen Naija.

ARTS

SA Fall Fest Concert Series closes out with a female-dominated performance

By JULIANNA TRACEY | Nov. 12, 2018

Many would think receiving a lap dance by an artist is just a fantasy. For four UB students, this dream became a reality. Headliner Ashanti and opener Tinashe brought audience members on stage for a special performance during the Student Association’s Fall Fest Concert Series on Saturday night. Queen Naija also performed at the concert and closed out the three-concert series.

ARTS

'Go for it': David Archuleta talks Mariah Carey advice and new album in exclusive interview

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Nov. 5, 2018

It’s been 10 years since David Archuleta hit the American Idol stage and caught an entire country’s attention with his rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” He was a gifted teenager with a budding fanbase and the vocal chops to show for it.

The Diplomats’ “Diplomatic Immunity” features hard-knocking beats and fresh, witty bars. The Harlem group’s album should be a delight to any rap fan looking for a political mix this week.

ARTS

Hip-hop incumbents

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Nov. 1, 2018

Rap music is one of the dopest, most lyrical filibusters in D.C. and beyond. Hip-hop has proven itself to be the truest form of rhythmic American poetry, with its checks coming from impressive bars and its balances from ice-cold production.

“Fiddler on the Roof” opens at Shea’s as a part of its Broadway Series. The show brings an influx of musical numbers and complex dancing, all centered around the Jewish culture.

ARTS

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ travels to Buffalo

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Nov. 1, 2018

The classic Broadway musical “Fiddler on the Roof” brought its production to Shea’s Performing Arts Center for six days of exploration into Jewish culture. The performance offered a sentimental look into family, tradition and overcoming obstacles.

Libby Walker (right) rehearses for UB Theatre and Dance’s production of “The Cherry Orchard.”

ARTS

Family and familiarity

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Nov. 1, 2018

Libby Walker has to keep her emotions ready to change at any moment.

Metallica found a home at the KeyBank Center on Saturday night. Hardcore fans and newcomers rejoiced over a nearly three-hour set featuring cuts from “Hardwired...To Self Destruct” as well as concert staples like “One” and “Seek and Destroy.”

ARTS

Metallica chases the lightning at the KeyBank Center

By BRIAN EVANS | Oct. 29, 2018

James Hetfield noticed a 12-year-old fan in the front row on Saturday while discussing Metallica’s massive fanbase. “Everyone is allowed in the Metallica family at any time in their life: young, middle-aged and old,” Hetfield said. “They’re all here represented in the Metallica family.”

“Halloween” reinvigorates the franchise with a fresh take on the original 1978 film. By ignoring every sequel, director David Gordon Green pays homage to the horror classic without compromising narrative and suspense.

ARTS

‘Halloween’ revives the franchise by ignoring it

By BRIAN EVANS | Oct. 25, 2018

Film: “Halloween” Release Date: Oct. 19 Studio: Miramax Grade: B

ARTS

Monsters Ink: The Spectrum’s guide to Halloween flash

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Oct. 25, 2018

Many local tattoo artists and shops offer festive flash art deals year-round, but the Halloween season brings out these deals in full force.

You’re bound to get thirsty while party hopping this weekend. Shots? Cocktails? Beer? The Spectrum compiled a list of some sweet and colorful cocktails to aid any outing and setting this Halloween weekend.

ARTS

Creepy cocktails: The Spectrum’s Halloween drink guide

By BRIAN EVANS | Oct. 25, 2018

Halloweekend is meant for more than dressing up.

Johnny Marr held nothing back at the Town Ballroom on Saturday night. The legendary guitarist and Smiths founding member played both classic tracks like “The Headmaster’s Ritual” as well as newer cuts from “Call the Comet.”

ARTS

Johnny Marr remains vibrant at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom

By BRIAN EVANS | Oct. 22, 2018

A Johnny Marr show is an evening of the past, present and future of the guitarist-turned-singer-songwriter who continues to push on 40 years into an exceptional career.

ARTS

Goo Goo Dolls offer intimate show for hometown crowd

By MAX KALNITZ | Oct. 22, 2018

It was nothing but smiles from Goo Goo Dolls’ founders Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac Friday night at their first of three sold-out shows at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.

ARTS

The Grapevine

By BRIAN EVANS and SAMANTHA VARGAS | Oct. 18, 2018

The transition to fall brings out the best of Buffalo’s music scene.

La Marimba takes over the Burchfield Art Center for the annual Riverrun Global Film Series. The traditional marimba music of Mexico and Central America are accompanied by the bands witty humor during Friday’s event.

ARTS

Burchfield Penney Art Center hosts the third annual riverrun Global Film Series

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Oct. 18, 2018

The Burchfield Penney Art Center found itself overflowing with three days worth of music and entertainment. The center hosted the third-annual riverrun Global Film Series last week.

Los Angeles rapper Duckwrth said he “inevitably” gets his crowds moving. Duckwrth, who is currently on tour, talked with The Spectrum about his musical idols and the current state of hip-hop.

ARTS

Duckwrth finds the beauty in 'Uugly'

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Oct. 14, 2018

Nothing is surface level for Duckwrth.

The Outdoor Adventure Club and Native American Community Services presented “The Eagle and the Condor” on Monday night, an event meant to recognize Indigenous People’s Day.

ARTS

UB Celebrates Indigenous People’s Day with documentary screening

By JULIANNA TRACEY | Oct. 11, 2018

The Native American Community Services’ “All Our Relations” Project and the Outdoor Adventure Club hosted a screening of a new documentary, “The Eagle and the Condor: From Standing Rock with Love,” at the Student Union Theater on Monday.

"Suspiria" follows the toxic relationship between ballet dancers and a renowned dance company. The film is one of many spooky selections coming out this Halloween season.

ARTS

Halloween Season Movie Guide

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Oct. 11, 2018

Fans of the Halloween season wait year-round for the month of October to finally roll in. They sit around in anticipation to throw on their favorite festive classics. When “Hocus Pocus” and “Halloween” aren’t enough to satisfy your craving for spooky entertainment, here is what’s premiering during the month of October.