December 13

James Taylor and Jackson Browne

It’s impossible to imagine the past four or five decades’ worth of chart-topping singer-songwriters without the groundbreaking work of Jackson Browne and James Taylor, each man launching his career in the 1960s before achieving massive popular and critical success in the 1970s. The hits are ubiquitous to this day—“Fire and Rain,” “Handy Man,” “Doctor, My Eyes,” “Running on Empty,” and on and on—while the albums they first appeared on still hold up as well as any cherished novels or films of their era. Perhaps most remarkably, the artists can mount an arena tour at the age of seventy-three (both were born in 1948), bringing some of the most achingly intimate and personal music of their generation to vast audiences. Both performers have relatively recent recordings under their belts; Taylor’s American Standard made him the first solo act to score a Top Ten album in each of the past six decades, while Browne’s Downhill from Everywhere has been widely hailed as his best in years.—Ron Ehmke

6 p.m. at KeyBank Center 

(One Seymour Knox Plaza)

keybankcenter.com, 855-4100

*For holiday music events, please see HOLIDAY listings. 

December 1

Gap Mangion & the New Big Band

This band, which has played the Blue Note in NYC with special guest Chuck Mangione, comprises three trumpets, three trombones, four saxophones, a rhythm section, and vocalists. The group performs arrangements from swing era bands, modern big bands, and the best in popular music.

7 p.m at Riviera Theatre

(67 Webster Street, N. Tonawanda)

rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413

December 2

Buffalo Chamber Players

This concert features Richard Strauss’ Metamorphosen, Jessie Montgomery’s Voodoo Dolls, John Cage’s String Quartet in Four Parts, and Grace Ann Lee’s On the Echoing Green.

7:30 p.m. at Asbury Hall (in person and streaming)

(341 Delaware Ave)

buffalochamberplayers.org 

December 3

Starset

This visionary media collective is part cinematic rock band and part conceptual storytellers, weaving an intricate narrative through multiple mediums and redefining the concept of an immersive entertainment experience. The Word Alive and All Things Good also perform.

6 p.m. (doors) at Rapids Theatre

(1711 Main Street, Niagara Falls)

rapidstheatre.com, 205-1300

Peekaboo: Black Hole Tour

The American dubstep producer, known for his style of freeform bass and space bass, performs with special guests Buku, Mize, and Ravenscoon. Ages eighteen-plus with ID.

8 p.m. at Town Ballroom

(681 Main Street)

townballroom.com, 852-3900

December 4

1000 Horsepower

This tribute group captures the sound, creativity, and atmosphere of the hard rock band Godsmack with special guest Krush. Ages twenty-one-plus.

7 p.m. (doors) at Rapids Theatre (1711 Main Street, Niagara Falls)

rapidstheatre.com, 205-1300

December 5, 12, 19, 26

 FREE

JazzBrunch Sundays

at the Terrace

at Delaware Park

(hosted by JazzBuffalo)

Enjoy high-quality jazz alongside brunch and cocktail specials. Reservations suggested.

11:30 a.m. at the Terrace at Delaware Park

(199 Lincoln Parkway)

terracebuffalo.com/contact/#reservations, 886-0089

December 5

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.

7 p.m. (doors) at Asbury Hall

(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)

babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835

Baroness

Each online ticket order will receive a link in the purchase confirmation email to vote for the songs in Baroness’ setlist for this show. Ages eighteen-plus with ID; sixteen-plus with twenty-one plus guardian.

7 p.m. (doors) at Mohawk Place

(47 E. Mohawk Street)

afterdarkpresents.com, 312-9279

December 6

Mt. Joy

This five-piece indie rock band is steeped in folk rock tradition and powered by the creative connection between childhood friends Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper.

7 p.m. (doors) at Asbury Hall

(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)

babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835

December 7

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in the entertainment industry. She’s sold millions of records worldwide, achieved numerous number one and top ten hits, and is critically recognized for her film and stage work. 

7:30 p.m. at Kleinhans Music Hall

(3 Symphony Circle)

bpo.org, 885-5000

December 8

Lagawagon

The punk rock band performs its album Blaze front-to-back with special guests Red City Radio and Keep Flying. Ages sixteen-plus with ID.

7 p.m. at Rec Room

(79 W. Chippewa Street)

recroombuffalo.com, 939-1279

December 9

Chris Trapper with Canyon

Trapper’s latest album is a mostly stripped-down affair with focus on his honest lyrics, smooth tenor, and delicate fingerpicking. Captivating singer/songwriter Canyon is known for heart-wrenching lyrics and catchy melodies.

7 p.m. (doors) at the 9th Ward 

(Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue)

babevillebuffalo.com, 852-3835

Sullivan King: Loud and Reckless Tour

American DJ and heavy metal musician performs with special guests Blanke and LAYZ. Ages eighteen-plus with ID.

8 p.m. at Town Ballroom

(681 Main Street)

townballroom.com, 852-3900

Moon Hooch

Moon Hooch is known for its unconventional sound and techniques, utilizing found objects like traffic cones. Ages eighteen-plus.

8 p.m. at Buffalo Iron Works 

(49 Illinois Street)

buffaloironworks.com, 200-1893

December 10

Willie Nile and His Band

The acclaimed singer/songwriter performs with his band and special guests. Ages twelve-plus, minors under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. ID required.

7 p.m. at Town Ballroom

(681 Main Street)

townballroom.com, 852-3900

The Jersey Seasons: Tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

The look, music, and harmonies of the original Four Seasons are intact with the Jersey Seasons as they perform hits like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and more with ease and nostalgic flair.

8 p.m. at Riviera Theatre

(67 Webster Street, N. Tonawanda)

rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413

Jazz Night with Dozo My Lady at Buffalo Distilling Co.

Join Dozo My Lady the second Friday of each month (through December) for jazz and pop standards with a few musical surprises.

7 p.m. at Buffalo Distilling Co.

(860 Seneca Street)

jazzbuffalo.org, 550-1873

December 11

Debby Boone

The Grammy-award winning artist became a household name thanks to her record-breaking debut single, “You Light Up My Life,” and has since enjoyed top ten successes on pop, country, adult contemporary, and contemporary Christian charts.

2 p.m. at Riviera Theatre

(67 Webster Street, N. Tonawanda)

rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413

Shaun Cassidy: The Magic of a Midnight Sky

Catch legendary singer/actor/writer/producer Shaun Cassidy live in his one-man show.

6 p.m. (doors) at The Bear’s Den, Seneca Niagara Casino; 6 p.m. (doors) on Dec. 12

(310 4th Street, Niagara Falls)

senecaniagaracasino.com, 299-1100

Grosh

This high-energy, Buffalo-based rock band derives influences from Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam.

7 p.m. (doors) at Rapids Theatre

(1711 Main Street, Niagara Falls)

rapidstheatre.com, 205-1300

Bobby Militello Quartet at Diamond Hawk

Enjoy dinner and a night of jazz by the Bobby Militello Quartet.

6 p.m. at Diamond Hawk

(255 Sonwil Dr.)

diamondhawkgolf.com, for reservations: 651-0700

JJ Pol Ton Accordion Duo: Jeremy Spindler and Paul C. Kozlowski

This duo’s compositions contain “crossover” elements of world-folk and experimental with a jazz approach to form.

7 p.m. at PAUSA Art House

(19 Wadsworth Street)

pausaarthouse.com, 697-9075

Trailblazer Tour

Chee and Tsuruda perform with special guests. Ages eighteen-plus.

8 p.m. at Buffalo Iron Works

(49 Illinois Street)

buffaloironworks.com, 200-1893

December 12

Forgivers

The Forgivers perform with special guests Wild Once. Ages eighteen-plus with ID; sixteen-plus with twenty-one plus guardian.

7 p.m. (doors) at Mohawk Place

(47 E. Mohawk Street)

afterdarkpresents.com, 312-9279

December 13

James Taylor & His All-Star Band

Legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor & His All-Star Band come to the KeyBank Center for one intimate and memorable night. Special guest Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne and his band also perform.

6 p.m. (doors) at the KeyBank Center

(1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza)

keybankcenter.com, 855-4444

Korine

Korine performs with special guests Johnny Dynamite and the Bloodsuckers. Ages eighteen-plus with ID; sixteen-plus with twenty-one plus guardian.

7 p.m. (doors) at Mohawk Place

(47 E. Mohawk Street)afterdarkpresents.com, 312-9279

December 18

An Evening with John Waite & His Band

The British-born rock star has released ten studio albums and is best known for the 1984 hit single “Missing You.”

8 p.m. at Riviera Theatre

(67 Webster Street, N. Tonawanda)

riviera theatre.org, 692-2413

Jordan Davis

The country artist performs with special guests Seaforth and Mackenzie Porter.

6:30 p.m. at Town Ballrooom

(681 Main Street)

townballroom.com, 852-3900

December 20

Blood Incantation

The death metal band performs with special guests Primitive Man and Sissy Spacek. 

Ages sixteen-plus with ID.

7 p.m. at Rec Room

(79 W. Chippewa Street)

recroombuffalo.com, 939-1279

December 28

Benny the Butcher

This Buffalo-based rapper is part of hip-hop group Griselda with frequent collaborator Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine.

He is also a part of the collective Black Soprano Family.

Ages sixteen-plus with ID.

7 p.m. (doors) at Rapids Theatre

(1711 Main Street, Niagara Falls)

rapidstheatre.com, 205-1300

December 31

Aqueous

Join the improvisational Buffalo-based rock band for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

7 p.m. at Town Ballrooom

(681 Main Street)

townballroom.com, 852-3900