Arts - The Spectrum

Greta Van Fleet’s Danny Wagner spoke with The Spectrum before the release of the band’s debut album, “Anthem of the Peaceful Army.” Wagner discussed influences, the band dynamic and the process behind creating the new album.

ARTS

Hard hits and groove: A conversation with Greta Van Fleet's Danny Wagner

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 30, 2018

Greta Van Fleet flaunts synth, and Danny Wagner is the driving force. Over the past year, the Michigan rockers have embarked on a journey to revitalize ‘70s rock. The 19-year-old drummer maintains an arsenal of heavy hits while mixing in a steady dose of grove. Tracks like “Safari Song” and “When the Curtain Falls” have a refreshing sound, which Wagner lays the foundation for. His drumming not only drives the songs, but balances exceptional fills with a temperament that flaunts his personal chops.

Lil’ Wayne’s changed commentary on wealth and success acts as a breath of fresh air on “Tha Carter V.” The album was released on Sept. 28, five years after being announced because of label disputes.

ARTS

Mr. Carter is back again

By THOMAS ZAFONTE | Sep. 30, 2018

After a period of label-limbo, Lil Wayne’s highly anticipated “Tha Carter V” has come out after delays, unknown release dates and a feeling that the album release was out of Wayne’s hands. After just one announcement on Wayne’s YouTube account on Sept. 25, the album is suddenly out.

The UB Libraries held its “Banned Books Week” from Sept. 26-27. The event lined up with the American Libraries Association’s Banned Books Week, where students and faculty read excerpts from banned books in an effort to combat censorship.

ARTS

UB Libraries hold Banned Books Week

By JULIAN ROBERTS-GRMELA | Sep. 30, 2018

The UB Libraries participated in the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week by holding events on both Sept. 26 and Sept. 27. The event focused on censorship in literary works and screen adaptations. Students, faculty and staff read from controversial and banned pieces.

The traveling cast of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” has taken over Shea’s theater with their new musical adaptation. The production has received a wave of praise from critics and audiences alike.

ARTS

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Broadway adaptation comes to Buffalo

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Sep. 27, 2018

A UB alum is helping bring the Broadway production of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to Shea’s Performing Arts Center with a fresh twist. The performance offers a vibrant set design, elaborate musical numbers and a barrage of humor.

J. Cole brought his “KOD” Tour to the KeyBank Center on Tuesday night, mixing old cuts with the majority of tracks from his latest album. Cole spoke often to the audience, giving context to songs and sharing personal anecdotes.

ARTS

J. Cole makes things personal on KOD Tour

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET AND BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 27, 2018

J. Cole wasn’t afraid to hide his emotions on Tuesday night.

SA President Gunnar Haberl discussed the turnout and progress with the “Fall Fest Concert Series.” The Concert Series marked a change in the Fall Fest format, with SA pushing to save on production costs in order to relocate to talent.

ARTS

UB Student Association remains hopeful for Fall Fest Concert Series after low turnout

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 27, 2018

While 1,300 students picked up tickets for this year’s first Fall Fest Concert Series show, roughly half of the students attended the concert.

ARTS

The Goo Goo Dolls' Robby Takac on 20th anniversary of 'Dizzy Up The Girl'

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 24, 2018

Robby Takac sees excitement at home in Buffalo. The Goo Goo Dolls, Takac’s band, are set to embark on an anniversary tour in support of “Dizzy Up the Girl.” The 1998 record is responsible for hits like “Slide” and “Black Balloon,” and projected the Goo Goo Dolls to the forefront of the mainstream. The album set the stage for a multitude of hit singles and albums throughout the ‘00s, cementing the Goo Goo Dolls as a fan favorite across the country. But the Goo Goo Dolls always come home.

Greta Van Fleet’s debut album is full of brash and hard-hitting rock tracks. The Michigan rockers successfully mix ‘70s rock riffs and essence with a new spin that seeks to give Greta Van Fleet a signature sound.

ARTS

Greta Van Fleet oozes '70s rock and swagger on 'Anthem of the Peaceful Army'

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 23, 2018

Heavy riffs, thick bass, hammering drums and shrieking vocals. It’s all there for Greta Van Fleet, a group of post-adolescent rockers looking to inject a new breath into rock. Citing an array of influences ranging from singer-songwriter virtuosos like Neil Young and John Denver to legends like Led Zeppelin, Greta Van Fleet has personified the hard rock sound that drove the ‘70s.

ARTS

Vince Staples, Taylor Bennett mend raps with dance, rock during 2018 Fall Fest

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET and SAMANTHA VARGAS | Sep. 22, 2018

Despite a change of scenery, the Student Association’s annual Fall Fest found an unlikely and comfortable home in the Center for the Arts on Friday. Roughly 600 undergraduate students attended the first of three Fall Fest concerts. Friday’s show focused on rap and R&B performances, headlined by West Coast rapper Vince Staples. The show received support from opening acts Blaise Moore, an alternative R&B act, and Taylor Bennett, a Chicago genre-fluid rapper.

Legion M Productions gives everyday movie fans the opportunity to invest in big budget film projects. Fans can invest as little as $100, and be added to a global network of other fans and established professionals.

ARTS

Legion M brings Hollywood investments to the mainstream

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Sep. 17, 2018

When Paul Scanlan, CEO and co-founder of Legion M Productions, set out to create a new production company, he intended to end the assumption that Hollywood has to be run solely as a business. By taking advantage of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups [JOBS] Act, Legion M uses equity crowd-funding in exchange for stock in the company. This structure allows everyday movie fans to work with and be a part of high-budget film projects and the community. Unlike traditional Hollywood production companies, Legion M begins its investment at $100. This is how the company draws in the average moviegoer.

The Spectrum talked with comedian Chris D’Elia before his CFA show later this month. D’Elia talks Akon’s height, the Bieber roast and his view on college audiences.

ARTS

Unfiltered and Unbothered

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Sep. 17, 2018

Chris D’Elia doesn’t care if he offends anyone, and he’s certainly not afraid of Ludacris. He’ll roast the world’s most prominent pop stars, impersonate your favorite rapper and, if you talk back on Twitter, he’ll take you on too.

Elton John roused the KeyBank Center on Saturday night, performing a massive set of both hits and deep tracks. John began his current “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour on September 8, and will take the show across the globe over three years.

ARTS

Elton John ignites a victory lap at KeyBank Center

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 17, 2018

Elton John hardly had a reason to let go of his smile. Over the course of a three-hour set, the legendary singer and pianist ignited the KeyBank Center on Saturday night, presenting a two-part set consisting of 22 songs. The concert is the fourth of John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, a massive three-year world tour signifying the end of Elton John’s touring years.

ARTS

Inside the 2018 Slee Hall program

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 13, 2018

For Slee Hall concert manager Philip Rehard, the new year is an opportunity to showcase what’s new for UB’s music department.

With “Egypt Station,” Paul McCartney revisits past glories with a fresh sound. The album makes use of famed producer Greg Kurstin, giving an eclectic take on McCartney’s usual and expected lyrical output.

ARTS

Paul McCartney exudes brightness on "Egypt Station"

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 13, 2018

On the first few notes of “Egypt Station,” Paul McCartney makes his intentions clear. The former Beatle has no intention of revisiting a lifetime’s worth of work in one album. Rather, McCartney wants fans and onlookers alike to know that he’s still making music, pushing for hits and catchy loops that rival the deepest tracks of his solo catalog.

Students express their grief towards the death of Mac Miller, who performed at UB's Spring Fest in 2016. Miller was a prominent figure in rap, mixing diverse rhymes with melodic and heavy beats.

ARTS

Rapper Mac Miller dies at 26

By BRIAN EVANS | Sep. 10, 2018

Rapper Mac Miller was found dead on Friday afternoon after a suspected overdose, as first reported by TMZ. Reports of Miller’s death came Friday afternoon, as fans and peers quickly took to social media to express their grief at the loss of the rapper. The Pittsburgh rapper rose to prominence with 2011’s “Blue Slide Park,” forging a massive following culminating in the release of five studio albums.

Conway The Machine, a Buffalo rapper and Shady Records’ signee, took his talents to the Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center on Genesee Street. The rapper headlined the fourth edition of the Anti-Venue Tour, along with West Coast rapper Boogie, on Saturday.

ARTS

Conway The Machine, Boogie defy standards on Anti-Venue Tour

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Sep. 9, 2018

From trap to conscious rap, a versatile mix of rappers hit the stage during Buffalo’s annual Anti-Venue Tour on Saturday night. The tour, now in its fourth year, featured headlining MCs Conway The Machine and Boogie, alongside its yearly assortment of the Queen City’s premier rhymers.

Vince Staples (pictured) is one of the artists performing in this year's annual Fall Fest. Students have mixed reviews about SA’s decision to divide the fest into three separate shows.

ARTS

Students voice concern with SA Fall Fest changes

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Sep. 6, 2018

Following the SA Fall Fest Concert Series lineup announcement, the Student Association has received a wave of backlash with regard to the performing artists and performance dates.

ARTS

SA announces Fall Fest changes and lineup

By BRIAN EVANS and SAMANTHA VARGAS | Aug. 31, 2018

The Student Association announced its Fall Fest Concert Series on Friday, with three separate shows held at the Center for the Arts throughout the semester. Vince Staples will headline the Sept. 21 hip-hop event, with support from openers Taylor Bennett and Blaise Moore. The Oct. 6 concert will feature alternative rock artists American Authors and duo Matt and Kim at the CFA, with the final Nov. 10 concert bringing headliner Ashanti, as well as supporting acts Tinashe and Queen Naija.

Alice in Chains spent six albums perfecting a guitar heavy, bombastic sound that listeners have come to know and love. Three albums in with latest lead singer William DuVall, Alice in Chains attempts to keep the ball rolling off of the success of their previous two albums. With "Rainier Fog," however, Alice in Chains sounds lost in its own complacent mindset bent on maintenance rather than experimentation.

ARTS

“Rainier Fog” mixes heavy guitars with predictable melodies

By BRIAN EVANS | Aug. 30, 2018

Losing Layne Staley was never the plan for Alice in Chains. The iconic grunge singer’s overdose shook the band to its core in 2002, resulting in a a lasting hiatus that would plague any future releases. For years, it was a mystery if Alice in Chains could ever replace Layne Staley. Until William DuVall entered the picture.

Former Waiting Room owner Chris Ring is back with a new venue, Rec Room, which opens this September. Ring hopes the venue will continue Waiting Room traditions, still bringing national acts to Buffalo.

ARTS

The Wait is Over: Rec Room opening in Buffalo

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Aug. 30, 2018

Last year, Waiting Room owner Chris Ring closed his popular music club. The venue owner was forced to relocate over 40 shows and say goodbye to Waiting Room’s four years of prominence in the Buffalo music scene. One year later, Ring’s new venue is continuing traditions and marking a “new beginning” for the club owner. The new venue, Rec Room, officially opens its doors in September, bringing both local and international acts to Buffalo.