September 2
Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of Marshall Allen
Saturn's most famous ambassador may have left our planet in 1993, but the one-of-a-kind big band that composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist Sun Ra led for almost half a century goes on. The “Arkestra” is now under the direction of alto sax player Marshall Allen, who first crossed paths with Ra around 1956, leading the group’s reed section for four decades as well as designing instruments of his own and teaming up with Babatunde Olatunji’s pioneering band on the side. Now three years shy of 100 himself, Allen sees his mission as not merely preserving the work of a bygone era but also bringing that legacy to life for new generations—an effort that has brought him and his colleagues into the orbits of such diverse outfits as Sonic Youth, Phish,
Diggable Planets, and Kamasi Washington’s ensemble.Indeed, Lady Gaga has even covered a Sun Ra classic—following in the footsteps of the MC5 on their debut album more than fifty years ago. Meanwhile, every passing year seems to bring another batch of reissues (including the cult classic 1974 film and foundational text of AfroFuturism, Space is the Place), boxed sets, lost albums, and new arrangements of vintage songs, frequently released by the hippest microlabels of the moment. In addition to boasting one of the largest and wildest discographies of any musician of the last century, Ra’s output also includes four books of poetry and prose, while his life has inspired at least three documentaries. Though these treasures have their charms, the best way to experience the method and the merry madness of the Sun Ra phenomenon will always be on the concert stage, as ornately costumed musicians and dancers present a set list that can vary in a heartbeat from free jazz to doo wop to gospel to blues. The Arkestra’s last Hallwalls-sponsored visit was in 1991 at the Tralf; this one is part of the arts center’s Point9Mile collaboration with the Historic Colored Musicians Club, and it’s not to be missed.
8 p.m. at Asbury Hall (Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)
babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835
August 26
Live on the lawn series
6-8 p.m. at Carnegie Art Center (240 Goundry St., North Tonawanda)
CARNEGIEARTCENTER.ORG, 716-694-4400
The Albright-Knox’s annual jazz series on its rear steps may be on hold this summer during the museum’s expansion project, but lovers of outdoor music beyond rock and pop have a promising Plan B in the form of the Carnegie’s newish “Live on the Lawn” program in North Tonawanda. The lineup for these every-other-Thursday concerts has featured first-rate WNY-based players serving up dixieland, standards, improvisation, and vocalese among other musical styles. This month is no exception: August 12, the Tim Clarke Soul-tet offers up its brand of “soul jazz,” incorporating instrumental blues, gospel, and R&B, while August 26 brings the vocal trio GirlCrush+, combining its own compositions with covers of classic songs written and/or originally performed by acclaimed women artists. (The series wraps up September 9 with the Buffalo Jazz Collective’s salute to Jazz at the Movies.) Catering will be provided by Webster’s Bistro; you’ll need to purchase both your tickets and any food or drink online in advance, and admission is limited to 125. BYO chairs and blankets.—Ron Ehmke
Wilco + Sleater-Kinney with special guest NNAMDÏ
Grammy award-winning powerhouse sextet Wilco and rock ’n’ roll duo Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker team up for the It’s Time tour. Masks required for unvaccinated patrons when social distance cannot be maintained.
5 p.m. (gates) at Artpark
(450 South Fourth Street)
artpark.net, 754-4375
Shakey Graves with Tre Burt
This Americana musician’s style combines blues, folk, country, and rock ’n’ roll. Tre Burt is a Sacramento-based folk singer and songwriter. This event will be presented in accordance with applicable public health requirements and considerations and will likely require proof of vaccination.
7 p.m. (doors) at Asbury Hall
(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)
babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835
August 27
Twenty6 Productions Presents: Big Something with Special Guests
A fusion of rock, funk, and improvisation, Big Something’s music takes listeners on a journey using huge rhythms, soaring guitars, electronic wind instruments, synths, horns, and captivating vocals.
8 p.m. (doors) at Buffalo Iron Works
(49 Illinois Street)
buffaloironworks.com, 200-1893
King Crimson with the Zappa Band
The progressive, London-based rock band stops in Lewiston on its rescheduled Music is Our Friend tour with special guest the Zappa Band. Masks required for unvaccinated patrons when social distance cannot be maintained.
5 p.m. (gates) at Artpark
(450 South Fourth Street)
artpark.net, 754-4375
August 29
Blues Traveler
Over a celebrated career, Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than thirty million people and earned a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Masks required for unvaccinated patrons when social distance cannot be maintained.
7 p.m. at Artpark
(450 South Fourth Street)
artpark.net, 754-4375
Riff Raff with DJ Whookid
Rec Room’s Sunday Funday features rapper Riff Raff and the hip hop-savvy DJ Whookid with special guest Busy B. Ages twenty-one and up with valid ID.
6 p.m. (doors) at Rec Room
(79 West Chippewa Street)
recroombuffalo.com, 939-1279
September 1
Halestorm (special guests: The Hu & Cory Marks)
The American rock band is back with “louder, more intimate rock shows.” Masks required for unvaccinated patrons when social distance cannot be maintained.
5 p.m. (gates) at Artpark
(450 South Fourth Street)
artpark.net, 754-4375
Maroon 5
The popular pop rock band performs.
7 p.m. (gates) at the Darien Lake Amphitheater
(9993 Allegheny Road, Darien)
September 1, 8
FREE
Music is Art Wednesdays
Each evening features members of the WNY Music Industry Alliance.
6 p.m. at RiverWorks
(359 Ganson Street)
buffaloriverworks.com, 342-2292
September 2
Hanna PK at Jazz at Chandlerville
Chandlerville welcomes the 2019 International Blues Challenge semifinalist.
6 p.m. at Chandlerville
(155 Chandler Street)
jazzbuffalo.org/event/jazz-at-chandlerville
September 3
FREE
Jazz on the Plaz! at Seneca One Tower
The final evening of this year’s series; JazzBuffalo partners with Seneca One Tower and Douglas Development Corporation.
5 p.m. at the West Plaza of Seneca One Tower between Pearl and Main Streets
Torres with Sarah Jaffe
Indie rock singer/songwriter and recording artist Torres performs with Texas singer/songwriter Sarah Jaffe. Ages eighteen plus with ID.
7 p.m. (doors) at Mohawk Place
(47 E. Mohawk Street)
facebook.com/mohawk place
Memories: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand
Acclaimed tribute artist Sharon Owens performs a night of Barbra’s hits.
8 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre
(67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters
The North Carolina-based country roots band is led by founder Amanda Platt, a singer/songwriter known for her raw honesty and from-the-heart relatability.
9:30 p.m. at Sportsmens Tavern
(326 Amherst Street)
sportsmensbuffalo.com, 874-7734
September 4
Zac Brown Band: The Comeback Tour
The Grammy award-winning Southern rock group performs.
7 p.m. (gates) at the Darien Lake Amphitheater
(9993 Allegheny Road, Darien)
September 5
New Music in the Park: Puppets of Palm
Nusantara Arts performance troupe spins a tale of rainforest deforestation using enchanting music and shadow puppets in an enjoyable and educational adventure for the whole family. Masks required for unvaccinated patrons when social distance cannot be maintained.
4 p.m. at Artpark
(450 South Fourth Street)
artpark.net, 754-4375
September 5, 12, 19
FREE
JazzBrunch Sundays at the Terrace at Delaware Park (hosted by JazzBuffalo)
Come to the Terrace for high-quality jazz, brunch, and cocktail specials.
11:30 a.m. at the Terrace at Delaware Park
(199 Lincoln Parkway)
terracebuffalo.com/contact/#reservations, 886-0089
September 6
JazzMondays with My Cousin Toné at Tappo Rooftop Patio
Enjoy dinner, wine, and My Cousin Toné playing its repertoire of jazz classics. Presented in partnership with JazzBuffalo. Weather permitting, tables socially distanced, masks required while not seated. Visit the website for more information.
6:30 p.m. at Tappo Restaurant
(338 Ellicott Street)
tappoitalian.com, 259-8130
September 7
FREE
JazzTuesdays at the Mansion on Delaware Avenue
The final evening of this year’s series; join JazzBuffalo and the Mansion on Delaware for music on the patio. Donations accepted.
5:30 p.m. at the Mansion on Delaware Avenue
(414 Delaware Avenue)
Ghost Stories Tour 2021: Lee DeWyze with Special Guest D’Arcy
The American Idol season nine winner performs. Ages sixteen plus with ID.
7 p.m. (doors) at Mohawk Place
(47 E. Mohawk Street)
September 8
Bayside with Senses Fail, Hawthorne Heights, the Bombpops
Bayside presents their 21 Years of Really Bad Luck tour.
6 p.m. (doors) at RiverWorks
(359 Ganson Street)
buffaloriverworks.com, 342-2292
Lindsey Buckingham
The legendary singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, and musical visionary of Fleetwood Mac has released seven studio and three live albums as a solo artist.
8 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre
(67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413
September 9
Live on the Lawn: The Buffalo Jazz Collective presents Jazz Impressions “Jazz at the Movies”
In celebration of the long relationship between jazz and movies, the ensemble has arranged music from The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, The King and I, Black Orpheus, and others.
6 p.m. at the Carnegie Art Center
(240 Goundry Street)
carnegieartcenter.org/live-on-the-lawn-music-series, 694-4400
Caveman
Since its beginning in 2010, Caveman has played popular festivals and become a mainstay of the NYC music world. This event will be presented in accordance with applicable public health requirements.
7 p.m. (doors) at the 9th Ward
(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)
babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835
September 10
The Land of Ozz—The Ultimate Ozzy Osbourne Experience
This faithful reproduction of Ozzy’s solo material, brought to the stage by six seasoned musicians, focuses on the classic Randy Rhoads era as well as the prime Jake and Zakk years.
8 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre
(67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413
September 11
Brubeck Brothers Quartet
The Brubecks are joined by hometown favorite, saxophonist Bobby Militello, who toured with jazz giant Dave Brubeck for three decades and joined him on twenty studio recordings.
8 p.m. at Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall
(Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue)
buffalostatepac.org, 878-3005
September 13
Fozzy with Through Fire, Royal Bliss, and Black Satellite
Fozzy is back on the road after its successful Judas Rising tour. Ages eighteen plus.
6 p.m. (doors) at Buffalo Iron Works
(49 Illinois Street)
buffaloironworks.com, 200-1893
FREE
Bobby Militello Quartet at Flying Bison
The Bobby Militello Quartet returns for its monthly appearance.
6 p.m. at Flying Bison Brewing Company
(840 Seneca Street)
flyingbisonbrewing.com, 873-1557
September 15
August Burns Red- Level 10 Year Anniversary Tour
Featuring Fit for a King, Erra, and Like Moths to Flames. Ages sixteen plus, minors under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult; government issued ID required.
6 p.m. (doors) at Town Ballroom
(681 Main Street)
townballroom.com, 852-3900
Faye Webster
The twenty-three-year-old singer/songwriter’s latest album stays true to her plainspoken yet emotional style. This event is presented in accordance with applicable public health requirements.
7 p.m. (doors) at the 9th Ward
(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)
babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835
Carbon Leaf: The Hunting Ground Tour
Carbon Leaf is on tour to promote its new release, Gathering 2: The Hunting Ground. Ages eighteen plus.
7 p.m. (doors) at Buffalo Iron Works
(49 Illinois Street)
buffaloironworks.com, 200-1893
Tiffany with Special Guest: Cami Clune
Legendary pop star Tiffany is the youngest female artist to top the Billboard charts with her debut album. Buffalo native Cami Clune recently appeared on NBC’s The Voice.
8 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre
(67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413
September 16
Colter Wall
Western Canadian songwriter Colter Wall’s latest album is an ode to the themes and labors of western life. This event is presented in accordance with applicable public health requirements.
7 p.m. (doors) at Asbury Hall
(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)
babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835
Jerrod Niemann & Special Guest: Jason Michael Carroll
After nearly a decade as a major label artist, Jerrod Niemann has racked up a host of accolades and toured with some of country’s hottest acts. Jason Michael Carroll rose to fame after a local talent competition in 2004 and was signed to Arista Nashville in 2006.
8 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre
(67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413
September 17
BPO Pops Series: Glenn Miller Orchestra
The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, paired with your swinging BPO, presents a high-energy concert of big-band jazz.
10:30 a.m. at Kleinhan’s Music Hall, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 18
(3 Symphony Circle)
kleinhansbuffalo.org, 885-5000
Brett Young: The Weekends Tour
Brett Young is known for honest lyrics and a West Coast-meets-Southern sound. Masks required for unvaccinated patrons when social distance cannot be maintained.
5:30 p.m. (gates) at Artpark
(450 South Fourth Street)
artpark.net, 754-4375
Butcher Babies with Infected Rain and Stitched Up Heart
Butcher Babies brings an explosive energy and hypnotic stage presence.
6 p.m. (doors) at Buffalo Iron Works
(49 Illinois Street)
buffaloironworks.com, 200-1893
Matt Cage: A Tribute to Elvis
Elvis performer Matt Cage has played Las Vegas in All Shook Up: A Tribute to the King at Planet Hollywood and was recently seen on Broadway in the Tony-award winning Million Dollar Quartet.
8 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre
(67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413
September 18
Trial by Jury and Mr. Jericho
Gilbert and Sullivan’s popular comedy of a breach of promise lawsuit will share the bill with Ernest Ford’s tale of an entrepreneur, a nobleman, a bus driver, a charming heroine, and her dragon of a mother. Performances are outdoors.
3 p.m. at the Community Music School, 3 p.m. on Sept. 19, 25, and 26
(217 E. Delevan Avenue)
operalytes.com, 391-0033
FREE
Labatt Blue Light Concert Series: Strictly Hip
Enjoy live music and cold cans of Labatt Blue and Blue Light. (Check out Chalkfest Buffalo during the music.)
6 p.m. at RiverWorks
(359 Ganson Street)
buffaloriverworks.com, 342-2292
Dead Letter Office: A Tribute to R.E.M.
This five-member tribute band tackles the complete R.E.M. catalog.
8 p.m. at Sportsmens Tavern
(326 Amherst Street)
sportsmensbuffalo.com, 874-7734
September 19
Robert Cray with Hayden Fogle and Damone Jackson
Robert Cray and his band have recorded over twenty studio releases, fifteen of which have been on the Billboard charts. Blues guitarist Hayden Fogle and drumming virtuoso Damone Jackson open. This event will be presented in accordance with applicable public health requirements.
6:30 p.m. at Asbury Hall
(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)
babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835
The Psychedelic Furs
The British post-punk band is on their Made of Rain tour. Ages twelve plus, minors under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult; government issued ID required for entry.
7 p.m. (doors) at Town Ballroom
(681 Main Street)
townballroom.com, 852-3900
September 24
BPO Classics Series: Beethoven’s Fifth
The powerful phenomena of classical music’s eight most famous notes in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony contrast with the lighthearted Ravel Piano Concerto in G, featuring the influences of George Gershwin, conducted by JoAnn Falletta, and performed by BPO favorite Fabio Bidini.
10:30 a.m. at Kleinhan’s Music Hall, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 25
(3 Symphony Circle)
kleinhansbuffalo.org, 885-5000
September 25
Jonas Brothers: The Remember This Tour
The tour is named for the Jonas Brothers’ latest single.
6 p.m. (gates) at Darien Lake Amphitheater
(9993 Allegheny Road, Darien)
Appice Brothers: Drum Wars Live
This show features hits from Dio, Black Sabbath, Rod Stewart, Ozzy, Blue Murder, and more.
6 p.m. at the Rapids Theatre
(1711 Main Street, Niagara Falls)
rapidstheatre.com, 205-8925
Dr. Dog: The Last Tour
The indie rock band appears on its farewell tour (the group is not breaking up but is done touring). Ages twelve plus; minors under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult; government issued ID required for entry.
7 p.m. (doors) at Town Ballroom
(681 Main Street)
townballroom.com, 852-3900
The Glorious Sons
The Canadian rock band stops in Lewiston on its Unfinished Business tour. Masks required for unvaccinated patrons when social distance cannot be maintained.
7 p.m. (doors) at Artpark
(450 South Fourth Street)
artpark.net, 754-4375
Eric Church: The Gather Again Tour
A portion of sales benefits Chief Cares of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
7 p.m. (doors) at Mohawk Place
(47 E. Mohawk Street)
September 26
The Chris Duarte Group
The guitarist/songwriter is known for his gritty, intense Southern blues sound.
3 p.m. at Sportsmens Tavern
(326 Amherst Street)
sportsmensbuffalo.com, 874-7734
September 27
Big Thief
Big Thief’s latest album is a raw and powerful homage to the earth. This event will be presented in accordance with applicable public health requirements and considerations at time of event.
7 p.m. (doors) at Asbury Hall
(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)
babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835
September 29
Tropidelic & Bumpin’ Uglies with Joey Harkum
Tropidelic is a six-piece band from Ohio sharing a mix of reggae, hip-hop, and funk. Bumpin’ Uglies’ music is a blend of ska, reggae, and punk. Joey Harkum has been traveling and sharing heartfelt songs for over a decade. Ages twelve plus; minors under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult; government issued ID required for entry.
7 p.m. (doors) at Town Ballroom
(681 Main Street)
townballroom.com, 852-3900
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.