Best of Buffalo |
The Music Scene |
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Talk to a great many musicians in town who’ve either had a taste of the touring life or who’ve sought greener pastures in music centers like New York City, LA, Austin, or Nashville, and you soon discover that Buffalo is a great place to hang your hat. The small minority who leave and never look back are far outnumbered by those who either return for good or at least make a point of performing in the old stomping grounds whenever they get the chance.
One reason for this is the supportive music community here in town. There’s a low tolerance level for posers and a high level of respect for players who’ve honed their licks and polished their craft as writers. Best of all, there are lots of venues where bands can get a foot in the door to polish their live act, as well as get paid to do so—which is kind of unheard of in more glamorous locales.
Our readers chose a number of acts that would stand out anywhere in genres ranging from blues to classical to country to folk to hip-hop to jazz to rock, and we also boast a burgeoning club DJ scene, and lots of great original stuff across all categories.
Stone Country, a staple at the Sportsmen’s Tavern, would be a standout at any honky-tonk on Broadway in Nashville, and they stand next to more left-of-center acts in the country category like Skiffle Minstrels, as well as Bareback Jack, who cultivate a more contemporary hot country sound.
In the blues category, standouts like the Mick Hayes Band, Jony James Blues Band, and Todd Eberwine Band do the city proud—while Fresh Guac and TypeRelevant (past winner of our Artvoice BOOM competition) are busy blazing their own trail through hip-hop territory.
Performers like Dee Adams and global force of nature Ani DiFranco represent us well on the folk scene, and Adams hosts her own open mic, one of many around town that offer an open stage to any performer eager for that first taste of playing in public. Meanwhile, on the classical end, we routinely get major kudos for our BPO and JoAnn Falletta, while we also get to enjoy the breathtaking skill of classical guitarist Mir Ali, often in intimate local venues.
None of these names are lost on our astute readers, whose musical taste and support for the local scene are what forms the backbone of our music community. Read below for a full list of all our top five candidates in every category—in no particular order, because they’re winners, all.
—buck quigley
Best Blues ActsMick Hayes BandPoor Boys Jony James Bles Band Junk Yard Dogs Todd Eberwine Band Best Classical MusiciansRoman MekinulovJoAnn Falletta Mir Ali Christian Campos Paul Kozlowski Best Club DJsDJ CutlerDJ Vixxen DJ Lil Joe DJ Simple DJ Q Ball Best Country ActsUnderground StampedeSkiffle Minstrels Stone Country Bareback Jack West of the Mark Best Folk ActsDee AdamsThe Leftovers Erin Sidney Welsh Ani DiFranco Shady Grove Best Hip-hop ActsChae HawkFresh Guac Type Relevant Billy Drease Williams Bloodthirsty Vegans Best Female VocalistsCaitlin KochChristina Custode Dee Adams Alison Pipitone Maggie Zindle Best Male VocalistsLance DiamondPaul Todaro Bob Buckley Chris Maloney Jim Candytree |
Best Vocal EnsemblesVocalisBuffalo Choral Arts Society Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus Lake Effect Buffalo Chips Best Jazz ActsCustode & ParisiBobby Militello Babik Allen Street Jazz Band Brownman Electryc Trio Best Rock ActsHit N RunRerun Letterset Black Widow Free Henry! Best Original Music ActsFree Henry!Whiskey Reverb Bloodthirsty Vegans Photos of Wagons Aqueous Best Open Mic NightsNietzsche’s with Michael MeldrumSportsmen’s Tavern with Dee Adams WAM events at Stillwater Broadway Joe’s with Todd Tudor Lounge with Chris & Shane Best Band NamesAnal PuddingWhiskey River Free Henry! Bloodthirsty Vegans Underground Stampede Worst Band NamesAnal PuddingAngry Soil Hit N Run Bareback Jack Goo Goo Dolls |
...and the nominees are: |
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Reader Comments
Dennis 22 Apr 2010, 10:41
Are we judging JoAnn Falletta on her classical guitar playing skills? Otherwise she's a conductor, dears. Who added that silly category?
Chris 22 Apr 2010, 12:45
Aqueous is on the list! NICE! I voted for them! haha Anal Pudding on there for best and worst band name! There's a lot of good artists on here this year, good luck to everyone!
Steve 22 Apr 2010, 16:44
Although they are semi retired, Roach is the best original band in Buffalo. I hope Anal Pudding wins.
DJ Vixxxen 22 Apr 2010, 17:19
I would like to congratulate all of the nominees! Also, anal pudding definitely deserves to win the worst band name ever lol.
Jim 22 Apr 2010, 17:52
Chris Maloney is the most dynamic and talented vocalist in our area. If you haven't had the opportunity to hear him - where've ya been ? You can check out his website at www.chrismaloney.biz and listen to a few of his originals and covers. You owe it to yourself !!!
Pete 23 Apr 2010, 12:26
How is the Reign of Kindo not in consideration here? They're a nationally recognized, nationally touring Indie Rock/Jazz band with a singer who might be one of the best I've ever heard well beyond the genre they work in! Seriously, is the best we can do for rock a cover band year after year?
Jane 26 Apr 2010, 14:36
The Whiskey Reverb has made the list... and that is most righteous, as they are the best original band in Buffalo!!! If you haven’t heard them yet, you should check them out (whiskeyreverb.com)… these guys will KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!!! And as far as talent goes… well their lead singer, Jim Candytree, was also nominated as best male vocalist!!! WOO HOO!!!!
Steve Tripi 30 Apr 2010, 11:44
This is a complete joke of a list. With the exception of Babik, Chae Hawk, and Bloodthirsty Vegans, this a talentless hack job by a "reputable" source that supposedly has its fingers on the pulse of the local music scene. Where's The Found? Son of the Sun? The Reign of Kindo? Even Standard of Living deserves some press. Hit'n'Run average age is 50. That's a joke. No "local" band should be above the age of 30. Sorry. This is a complete joke.
Anthony 30 Apr 2010, 12:04
Steve - where are those bands? They were lower on the list because they received fewer votes than the ones higher on the list. Kinda sorta how it works. This isn't a representation of *our* finger on the pulse - it's what our readers chose. I know I know, it really tarnishes our reputability for holding a democratic poll where the readers choose and we honestly report the results... we'll be sure to rig the contest next year to match your personal taste and expectations so that we won't be labeled talentless hacks! (sarcasm, of course.)
DENISE 06 May 2010, 22:08
ANGRY SOIL.....YESSSS
The Rectiod 16 Jan 2011, 01:34
what about Pig Rectum???
jenny
15 Feb 2011, 15:15
mike valenti should be voted best drummer for gorillapunch,low road revival and spitfire squadron ..check em out
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