Show review for Throwback Fair- TRIBUTE TO LILITH FAIR - featuring the Silent Legacy band and the Unplugged MTV Tribute band from Buffalo Iron Works

 

Silent Legacy - Melissa Etheridge Tribute Opened the Show

UnPlugged- MTV - Unplugged Tribute Band 

All Photos By Joe Tell Music Blog/ Media

The Throwback Fair at Buffalo Iron Works on September 4, 2026, was an absolute triumph of 90s musical nostalgia, brilliantly honoring the iconic legacy of Lilith Fair and the powerhouse women of 90s rock. The Throwback Fair lineup included Silent Legacy (A Tribute to the Music of Melissa Etheridge) and the Unplugged MTV Tribute band.

From the moment doors opened at 7:00 PM, Buffalo Iron Works felt like a cozy, time-capsule time warp back to 1998. The venue’s industrial-chic aesthetic, excellent acoustics, and intimate, flower-filled layout provided the perfect backdrop for an acoustic-leaning celebration of female singer-songwriters. The crowd was warm, enthusiastic, and ready to rock along to every song.

Silent Legacy (A Tribute to the Music of Melissa Etheridge): Kicked off the night from 8:00 to 9:00 PM, the Silent Legacy Band set a fierce, soulful tone. Their rendition of Etheridge's catalog captured the raspy grit, emotional depth, and raw rock energy that defined the era. Silent Legacy brought the music of Melissa Etheridge to life with heart, soul, and unbridled energy. The Silent Legacy band features Tara Graves on Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, and Harmonica, Barry Edwards on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals, and Bradley Heath on Drums and Backing Vocals. Jay Carr filled in on Bass Guitar for this show and he did an excellent job. Jay fit in perfectly and performed like he'd been with the band for years.

Both bands delivered a STELLAR PERFORMANCE! 

Tara Graves Tributes Melissa Etheridge in the Silent Legacy Band.

Barry Edwards, All Smiles on Lead Guitar.

                                                                     

Jay Carr on Bass.

The Unplugged (MTV Unplugged Tribute) Band took the stage next, and Unplugged delivered an incredible "Ladies Night" journey spanning 22 legendary artists. Hearing note-perfect, passionate takes on tracks popularized by Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Tracy Chapman, and the Indigo Girls won the crowd over and gave the whole room goosebumps. The Unplugged Band features Sarah Gruenauer on Lead Vocals, Mike McLaughlin on Lead Guitar, Denny Soliday on Rhythm Guitar, Sean Gruenauer on Bass Guitar, and Rob Toscano on Drums. 

Sarah Lynn rocking out from MTV UnPlugged 

Tributing the 90s Women of Rock alongside her 

husband Sean Gruenauer on Bass

Mike McLaughlin (Cheshire Cat) on Lead Guitar and Denny Soliday on Rhythm Guitar.

Throwback Fair was easily one of the best, joyful tribute shows of the summer season in Buffalo's Cobblestone District, hosted by Buffalo Iron Works. It wasn't just any old cover night; it was a heartfelt tribute to all of the female artists who shattered industry glass ceilings.

Special thanks to Buffalo Iron Works, Silent Legacy, and the Unplugged MTV Tribute band!

Sincerely, Maria and Joe Tell.

Throwback Fair Celebrating the Women of 90s Rock, Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY

Throwback Fair - A Celebration of Lilith Fair and the Women of 90’s Rock w Unplugged (MTV Unplugged Tribute) and Silent Legacy (Melissa Etheridge Tribute) comes to Buffalo Iron Works on Friday, September 4th, 2026!

 Silent Legacy - 8 - 9 pm Unplugged - 9:15 - 10:45 pm

About the Show:

The legacy of Lilith Fair is a celebration of the music and artists from the groundbreaking concert tours of the late 90’s. Lilith Fair challenged conventional industry beliefs regarding the worth and value of female musicians.

As Unplugged, this one-night-only Ladies Night features songs from 22 different artists that performed at Lilith Fair - Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls, Jewel, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Meredith Brooks, and more, all stripped back to their most intimate, acoustic form.

Silent Legacy will be opening the show with a rousing tribute to Melissa Etheridge that you will not want to miss!

Come celebrate the Women of 90’s Rock and help us pay tribute to the legacy of Lilith Fair

Band Bios:

Unplugged -You may have seen them on the Buffalo Iron Works stage with their “Grunge Night Unplugged” and “Jagged Little Pill Unplugged” sets.

Est. 2020, Unplugged (MTV Unplugged Tribute) is a touring tribute band from Buffalo, NY. They are the nations first and only tribute to MTV Unplugged.

www.unpluggedtributeband.com

Silent Legacy (Melissa Etheridge Tribute) Silent Legacy encapsulates the true spirit of the music of Melissa Etheridge. WNY natives Silent Legacy cover Melissa’s extensive catalog of hits and deep cuts from the 1980’s through today. www.silentlegacyband.com