Music City - Buffalo NY

www.musiccitybuffalo.com

I was delighted to be a part of the Victor Wooten Bass Guitar Clinic.

www.musiccitybuffalo.com

Thank you Vince!

Jeff Perdziak - Artist

Jeff Perdziak is frequently in attendance when Queen City Bookstore puts on the best comic events in Buffalo. Complete with his Superman t-shirt Jeff is always working on a drawing at the shows.
Check out his weebly page and facebook page for some fine examples of his outstanding artwork.

The Stolen - Old Bridge, NJ

The Stolen & Mike Schiavo [The Voice 2016 Contestant] // $10 Tix
Sun, July 10th // @ Evening Star Concert Hall // Niagara Falls, NY

The Stolen
& Mike Shiavo [The Voice 2016 Contestant]
w/ So Far So Good, Mom Said No, One Way To Nowhere, & more!
Sun, July 10th // Doors @ 6 PM // Ages 18+
@ Evening Star Concert Hall
8810 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY  14304
$10.00 Pre-Sale Tickets On Sale Now!
Order at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2553653

The Stolen is a Pop Rock band from Old Bridge, NJ, consisting of Dom Cuce (Vocals), Rob Chiarappa (Guitar/Vocals), Kevin Smart (Bass), and Mike Chiarappa (Drums). The quartet formed in 2005 as neighborhood friends who began performing their favorite covers at shows and built quite a following from taking top hits and adding their own melodic twist. Fast forward a few years, in 2009, The Stolen first began writing their own music and developed a devout following by touring the U.S. and Canada opening for heavy-hitters Neon Trees and All American Rejects.

The band released their debut EP, Adults, produced by Jesse Cannon and Mike Oettinger, which combined the band’s undeniable catchy hooks with sincere lyrics, unforgettable choruses, and singing guitar solos to define their unique sound. While the EP tells a heartfelt story of growing up, the music varies from lighthearted tracks like "Motion Sickness" to darker emo jams like "Getting New at Growing Old" finding that perfect blend that Alternative music has been waiting for.
Following Adults the band released “Chardonnay” an emotionally right tune released in 2015, produced by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Dangerous Summer) premiered through idobi radio's "The Gunz Show” and has been the band's most representative piece to date. Following the extraordinary release, The Stolen have announced a follow up release, I’m So Dead, due out Spring 2016 co-produced by guitarist Rob Chiarappa and Mike Oettinger (Man Overboard, Transit) and mastered by Grammy-nominated German Mastering engineer Robin Schmidt (The 1975, The Black Keys, Mumford and Sons).

Music Videos:
Can't Get Enough https://youtu.be/jgqLgdYiG8k 
Chardonnay https://youtu.be/ZwbFBFNj24k
Empty https://youtu.be/WLg7G-MZVkY

Mike Schiavo:
http://www.youtube.com/SpotsTheGinga
The Voice 2016 contestant / Performed with Adam Levine. Mike Schiavo (Spots) is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter raised in Colonia, New Jersey. Schiavo started to perform under the name Spots in 2010, Mikes biggest inspiration is The King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley. He thrived off of his inspiration and passion for music to find his own voice, playing acoustic pop-rock songs. His style of pop-rock has been stealing hearts all over the world through Youtube where his channel has received almost half a million views and is a member of the Awesomeness TV Network . Mike's music career quickly took off and now you can see him performing with numerous national acts. Mike's popularity, success, and talent are leading him to take over the music industry.

The Voice Audition: https://youtu.be/trXlLyH9iiY 
Music Videos:
Cool Kids - Echosmith (Mike Schiavo Acoustic Cover)  https://youtu.be/kB6UDxlboXE 
Nobody Love - Tori Kelly (Mike Schiavo Acoustic Cover)  https://youtu.be/Q3SxEfYdEOE

Star Wars Kanan review

Next up is a Star Wars, Kanan, The Last Padawn graphic novel review for Artvoice...and Queen City Bookstore. All of these books can be purchased from Queen City Bookstore.
Here's a link directly to Artvoice.com Graphic Traffic column.
http://artvoice.com/2016/06/24/graphic-traffic-presented-queen-city-bookstore-inc-6/#.V226LPkrK00

After that review a review of Dark Knight Returns The Last Crusade is in order...

...after that is a Neil Gaiman book which I am looking forward to reading and reviewing How To Talk To Girls At Parties.

The Scenics - Toronto, CA

The Scenics // Toronto Proto Punk // Friday, July 8th // 8 PM
@ Mohawk Place // Buffalo, NY // Only $5 Cover @ The Door

The Scenics
w/ The Barksdales, Twin Lions, The Card Cheats, & The Rifts
Friday, July 8th // Doors @ 8 PM // Ages 18+
@ Mohawk Place // 47 E Mohawk St // Buffalo, NY
Only $5.00 Cover @ The Door!

“If a band makes an album and nobody hears it, does it still rock? It sure does. Three decades after the fact, recently reunited Toronto punks The Scenics have finally issued a sophomore disc — this long-lost batch of wiry Television guitars, black Velvets art-rock, Pere Ubu yelping and the freakiest Tommy James cover you’ve ever heard." Daryl Sterdan the Winnipeg Sun

“It wasn't so much that The Scenics were ahead of their time in 1977, it's more that almost everybody else didn't even know what time it was. The Scenics were on top of it though, grabbing the freedom promised by punk's first blush... New York had Talking Heads, and England was blessed with XTC, but here was their equal in Toronto and they never got the necessary push and support. It's fabulous we finally have the evidence, but it's a drag we haven't been able to enjoy it the past 30 years.”
Bob Mersereau, author of the "the Top 100 Canadian Albums"

“Largely unappreciated when they originally existed between 1976-81, these underground icons merged Television’s guitar work, Big Star’s pop prowess, Pere Ubu’s dementia, & the Ramones’ urgency.” Montreal Mirror

"Brainy crackpot art-pop with an ear for off-kilter melody, a headful of magic and twitchy grooves to burn. It's a sin the Scenics have left such a faint mark on punk-rock history... but now we can start to make things right: the reborn cult starts here.” Ben Rayner, Toronto Star

Music Videos:
Do The Wait https://youtu.be/X83_Ew40O1Y
Dark Cave https://youtu.be/DR_4ltuk_rI
I Killed Marx https://youtu.be/kiTTMMTL96c

Red Francis - Chicago, IL

Red Francis by Red Francis CD review
Song A kicks off this CD with a high energy instrumental jam that sounds like alternative surf rock.
Youtube link https://youtu.be/kL5CRdZF8zU
Song B has a slow and steady groove that is carried along very nicely by a killer sounding bass track. The beat is contagious and will have you pounding something along with it by the end of the song. Bassically this song is my fave on Red Francis. Youtube link https://youtu.be/hJtW2D_I7mY
Media Feeding Frenzy seems to be a commentary on the state of today's TV media. A well crafted rock song that is further enhanced during the chorus by some sultry female vocals and a well-blown trumpet.  Check out the fantastic video https://youtu.be/05nI0-v5pg4
Step Into The Moment is another well composed rock song with a strong melodic sense and a crafty chorus further enhanced with a great sounding keyboard track.
Youtube link https://youtu.be/vmHxMWU1_sc
The next track has a rather odd title (7:04 Singer) that I'm sure has some kind of hidden meaning. The instrumental track starts slow and serene but soon the energy picks up as the band begins to rock out.
Youtube link https://youtu.be/NUZtnTAxqFY
Beauty in the Grey is a groove heavy track that flows along very nicely until it ends very abruptly. I would have liked to hear some kind of solo somewhere along the line.
Youtube link https://youtu.be/dQeOeb6JcQM
John the Fool follows along in the same vein as the rest of the songs until the song is punctuated with a well played solo from Jack Kerwin. The energy of the music is lifted up into a urgent crescendo during the solo until the song ends on a high note.
Youtube link https://youtu.be/iBzofojv53U
Curbstomp roars into the ears with unbridled aggression and power. This song is a refreshing change of pace from the rest of the music on the CD. Really enjoyed this track.
Check it out on Youtube https://youtu.be/eNtHUv_Ut5w
Star A War is the clever title for this rockin' song. The intro features the cool sounds of a distorted bass guitar and a edgy guitar keeps the spacy groove goin' strong. One of the best on Red Francis.
Youtube link which lists' the title as Start A War, either way this song rocks https://youtu.be/Q8PPevgBNF8
Welcome To The Prime is driven by a melodic call and return guitar and vocal line. The bass takes over during the chorus becoming a bit busier.
Youtube link https://youtu.be/MfiL4KqGN6w
Anxious and Mortified immediately reminded of a college radio song. This prime mover is one of my favorites on Red Francis. Youtube link https://youtu.be/5fghL1B21pg
Seemingly saving the best for last, Nos Saevire (We Rage), is a 6 1/2 minute opus of rock goodness. Starting off like much of the rest of the CD, a awesome sounding distorted bass carries the song into the first couple of verses'. The song then slows down into a heavier, grinding, guitar driven jam. Once again I would have liked to hear a guitar or bass solo punctuating the music but the song still sounds great with plenty of psychedelic rock aggression and noise. Nos Saevire takes this great CD out in style. Youtube link https://youtu.be/-1upJJU_mPA

Red Francis bandcamp CD liner notes
Music by Michael Glader, Alex Fishback and Brett Fishback. Lyrics by Michael Glader. Engineered, recorded and mixed by Barrett Guzaldo. Music recorded and mixed at Treehouse Records. Mastered by Doug McBride. Mastered at Gravity Studios.

All songs written and produced by Red Francis except for "John The Fool," written by Bo Blodgett and Michael Glader. Background vocals provided by the lovely Viv McConnell and trumpet provided by Mike Jones. Guitar solo in "John the Fool" preformed by Jack Kerwin. All songs mixed and recorded onto tape at Treehouse Records via Barrett Guzaldo. Thank you to Treehouse Records, all of our beautiful friends, our awesome families and our incredibly supportive fans. Thank you all!
Soulful blues rock n roll from Chicago

Red Francis is a rock n' roll group out of Chicago. They've played the Midwest, the West Coast and are checking out the East Coast right on a 3 week tour right now. Red Francis have put out three albums so far and will be recording their fourth studio full-length right when they return to Chicago. Stay updated on everything at www.redfrancis.com
https://redfrancis.bandcamp.com/

Thank You, Red Francis!

Flatbed - Buffalo, NY

It’s time for your monthly dose of Flatbed, this Friday the 10th from 5:30-8:30 @ Sportsmen’s Tavern. We’ve got more new/old favorites for this month. We’re taking July off from our regularly-scheduled Happy Hour shows at Sportsmen’s so come on down to stock up on enough Americana/Twang/Rock/Whatever to get you through until August.

Upcoming Shows:
-Tuesday, July 26
LARKIN SQUARE  •  Buffalo, NY  •  5:00pm
-Friday, August 12
SPORTSMEN'S TAVERN  •  Buffalo, NY  •  5:00pm
-Sunday, September 25
POLLYWOGG HOLLER ECO-RESORT  •  Belmont, NY  •  1:00pm

This flyer is supercool cuz it shows a historic piece of Buffalo, the Haunted Central Terminal!

http://flatbedmusic.com
http://twitter.com/flatbedmusic
http://www.facebook.com/flatbedmusic
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Flatbed
http://www.reverbnation.com/flatbedmusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/flatbedmusic

Burn Halo - Orange County, LA

Just Announced!!! // BURN HALO // Wednesday, July 20th // 6 PM
@ Evening Star Concert Hall // $13 Presale Tickets NOW on sale!

Burn Halo
w/ special guests: Inertia, Breath of the Valkyrie, & more!
Wed, July 20th // Doors @ 6:00 PM // Ages 18+
@ Evening Star Concert Hall
8810 Niagara Falls Blvd  // Niagara Falls, NY
Tickets NOW on sale for only $13.00 each!
Order at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2559725

Burn Halo is a mainstream hard rock band led by former Eighteen Visions lead singer James Hart that made its album debut in 2009. Based in Orange County, CA, the band was founded in 2007 by Hart after the dissolution of his former band, Eighteen Visions, an alternative metal act found in 1995 that had a brush with mainstream success with its final album, Eighteen Visions (2006). Intending to craft a straightforward mainstream hard rock album with commercial potential, Hart collaborated extensively with songwriter/producer Zac Maloy (formerly of the Nixons) on a full-length batch of songs recorded with hired studio hands such as Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates. A band lineup was also assembled: Joey Cunha (guitar), Allen Wheeler (guitar), Aaron Baylor (bass), and Ryan Folden (2009), in addition to Hart (vocals). Burn Halo made its eponymous full-length album debut in 2009 on the label Rawkhead Rekords in association with distributor Warner Music Group. The single "Dirty Little Girl," featuring Gates on guitar, was a mainstream rock radio hit. The band joined the 2009 SnoCore Tour in support of the album.

"Orange County's Burn Halo know how to make clear-cut, mainstream rock tracks with a bite. Fronted by former Eighteen Visions singer James Hart, the group’s latest album, ‘Up from the Ashes,’ is strong and show the chaps have a place alongside hard rock heavyweights such as Drowning Pool and Papa Roach." ~ Loudwire.com

Music Videos:
F*ck You https://youtu.be/pLc4R_xoUwM
Dirty Little Girl https://youtu.be/RFRwhwa7DME
Tear It Down https://youtu.be/7wTmXB-aBQI

McGee Art Gallery

"Colorfields: Summer Art show at McGee Art Gallery located at 10931 Main St. Clarence, NY 14031. Opening reception will be Saturday June 4 from 6pm-10pm and feature artwork by:
Enid Edelman, Barb Ernst, Eric Evinczik, John Farallo, Bill Huggins, Keilka Salsbury, Mary Wyrick, Sibel McGee, Faranack Benz Nader and Chris McGee.
show runs through Saturday, July 23.

Rick and Morty

I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to write reviews for Queen City Bookstore and the Graphic Traffic Column in the Artvoice Newspaper. My next review will be for Rick and Morty Volume One. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
Here's the link to the review:
http://artvoice.com/2016/05/05/graphic-traffic-presented-queen-city-bookstore-inc/#.VzY4NDUwiig

Thank You Queen City Bookstore and Artvoice Newspaper.