Two Shows Tonight Worth Getting Off the Couch

Brian Wheat and Groggy Darlin are debuting their new CD at Soundlab tonight, with special guest Rachel Ries. Brian's work is thoughtful and heartfelt, sweet and understated. Mixing traditional instrumentals like banjo and brushed guitar on tunes such as Where Have You Been, he blends harmonics and a gentle touch on the mic to create a world for the listener with softened edges where you feel that everything might just turn out all right. Listeners can catch shades of Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman, with just-slightly detuned pianos and a beautifully blended female harmonic provided by Ries. This would be a great show to curl up in one of the side booths with someone you've got a crush on.
Editor's Note: I caught the last half of Brian and Groggy Darlin's in-store performance at New World Records today. What was striking at the live show was that the packed house became quiet enough to hear a pin drop at the first strum of the guitar. Brian's talent is truly apparent in a voice that whispers louder than many others shout. The band was absolutely tight, a sweetheart of an Americana group that will be delivering an authentic performance experiencec for many years to come.
Saturday, March 10, at 9 PM, $7 Soundlab 110 Pearl Street, Buffalo, New York 14202
Two real rocking groups are going to make the Tudor jump tonight -- Mini Motor Punch and Todd Eberwine will both be playing long sets. It's been a a while since I've seen Todd Eberwine play his stylish tie-dyed guitar, nailing a blues riff you'd think would have to be kicked out by someone who's got a lot more years on him. Todd's talent belies his age, however, and he sets the bar high with a style and presence that keep audiences on their feet.
Tudor Lounge 335 Franklin Street, 14202, 716.855.9643.

Though it may only be the fifth time since 1992 that the Albright-Knox Art Galley has increased its admission rate, the higher fee speaks to the changing face of our society and economy. To keep the gallery in good financial health, it is necessary to increase the price of a regular adult admission ticket from $10 up to $12. The new price will go into effect on January 1st 2009.
The director of the gallery, Louis Grachos, has said that due to higher costs in all areas of the gall …
French satire from the 1600's feels like falling asleep in high school english class. But classic French satire with a rock and roll band? That sounds better. We can thank Andy Liegl for this bold modernity on December 26th when his production of Such Foolish Affected Ladies opens at the Alt Theatre. The original play calls for violinists but this role has been liberally opened up to local band The Nepenthe. "I wanted an indie rock sound, something that my generation can click wit …
It’s funny how history seems to repeat itself. Florence Foster Jenkins was in the elite member of society, but terribly eccentric and utterly convinced that she was a great coloratura soprano – despite the fact that she couldn’t carry a tune for even a few notes. She even managed to hold a sold out concert, even though she couldn’t sing! Sound familiar? Remember William Hung?
Jenkins’ story happened over 50 years ago. She would hold annual recitals in the Ritz Carlton h …
What could be more perfect to spread the news about local artists at the Buffalo Indie Market than a literary magazine that features works from local artists? NOMAD is a new magazine set to debut in January 2009 that will feature writers, poets, photographers, artists, and designers from the area. Erica Eichelkraut, a freelance photographer, created NOMAD and is bringing it to the public. Since Eichelkraut is a part of the Buffalo Indie Market, it wasn’t long before a collaborat … 



