Performances
It's inspiring to watch talented creative people doing what they do best—and this year's diverse performers demonstrate that passion and ability to its fullest. From Salsa to bluegrass, swing dance to Zydeco, and electric guitar to ukulele, the music stages will be packed with talented folks who know how to make you smile, make you think, and get your feet moving. And don't forget about Sunday's popular all-dance lineup on the Lafayette Stage, which promises to be better than ever. Join us in celebrating Buffalo's creative spirit!
Click here for a printable 2011 Performance Schedule.
Lafayette Stage
Backline support for this stage provided by Yorkville Sound.
Saturday, August 27
Subject to change
10:00-10:45
New Band Showcase, Part 1
Head down to the festival early and help foster some of Buffalo's rising stars! Featuring The Social Inferiors and Rhythm and Rhyme.
11:00-11:45
Free Henry!
Free Henry! is a rock 'n' roll jam band that captures the spirit of pioneering and evocative jazz rhythms and melds it with descriptive lyrics, catapulting their listener into a world of transcendent sound.
12:00-12:45
Outer Circle Orchestra
Every performance by the Outer Circle Orchestra (OCO) is a mix of structured and improvised music to which people love dancing. The name comes from the African tradition of musicians surrounding the dancers for whom they are playing. OCO's music has been categorized as African-Caribbean, world-beat and international.
1:00-1:45
Alison Pipitone Band
The Alison Pipitone Band delivers rock & roll with heart, pairing tight musicianship and great songwriting with a healthy, unpretentious sense of humor. It's an approach that has earned them a rabid fan following—and a number of Buffalo Music Awards.
2:00-2:45
Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams
Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams is a group of brothers devoted to creating a new psychedelic musical experience. As rock and funk combine with the extended improvisation found in Indian classical music, you'll find yourself a step closer to nirvana.
3:00-3:45
McCarthyizm
McCarthyizm is known for blending '60s garage and '80s underground rock with strong melodies and intelligent lyrics. Add some raucous rhythm and a tasty measure of Celtic flavoring and you’ve got a cocktail with a punch that delivers one helluva good time.
4:00-4:45
The Rockaz
The Rockaz blend roots reggae, funk, ska, rockin’ soul dub, and hip-hop with down-home goodness. Chunky horns on a bed of spicy riddims and tasty guitar are topped with a nutritious blend of melodic and soulful vocals.
5:00-5:45
The Albrights
The Albrights are a Buffalo-based rock band with an eclectic blend of early American rock, blues, and Motown—packaged together through stellar musicianship and a genuine approach to the music.
AFTER PARTY
6:15-6:45
Left on Red
Left on Red's story began when Liah and Kelly decided to make their living exclusively through busking in the New York Subways. Their unique brand of original songs feature catchy melodic hooks and intelligent, often humorous yet socially relevant lyrics and passionate improvisational instrumentation.
7:00-8:30
The Skiffle Minstrels
The Skiffle Minstrels are quickly making waves from Boston to Lafayette, LA. The band plays country-western and Cajun standards as well as upbeat originals with a swinging beat that's guaranteed to get you dancing!
Sunday, August 28
Subject to change
10:00-10:45
New Band Showcase, Part 2
Head down to the festival early and help foster some of Buffalo's rising stars! Featuring Brimstone Blondes.
11:00 – 11:30
Festival Ballet Ensemble
The Festival Ballet Ensemble offers students the opportunity to showcase their talents in a professional atmosphere and gain the experience that only stage appearances can offer.
11:30 – 12:00
Aaron Water and Nancy Hughes (Water Shoes Dance)
New vanguard solos and duets in contemporary ballet, modern dance, contact improv and hip hop.
12:00 – 1:00
Jama Jama African Drum & Dance
Special guests from West Africa will be drumming and dancing for you!
1:00 – 1:45
Configuration Dance
Configuration Dance Theatre (CDT) is a unique, contemporary ballet company whose dynamic programs are as diverse as the ensemble's make-up. CDT's apprentice program allows younger artists an opportunity to work with established dancers and choreographers.
2:00 – 3:00
LehrerDance
LehrerDance fosters the creation of new works by Jon Lehrer, presenting a style of movement that is organic, artistic and comprehensible, bringing an understanding of life and the human condition to audiences around the world through innovative choreography.
3:00 – 3:30
Nichols Dance Ensemble
Elaine Gardner will direct a sneak preview of a new work by guest choreographer Kun-Yang Lin from Philadelphia. The New York Times raved, "Kun-Yang Lin’s distinctive blend of traditional and Western dance has the dark, bold force of a woodcut print."
3:30 – 4:00
Nadia Ibrahim Middle Eastern Dance
Saturday, August 27
Subject to change
10:00-10:45
Les Amis Fencing Club Demonstration
Les Amis is a salle rooted in the art of classical foil fencing in the French style and provides its members with the opportunity to learn, grow, and compete from that foundation. Members develop friendships, enjoy many social programs, and just have fun!
11:00-11:45
Creek Bend
Creek Bend has been an active bluegrass band in Buffalo since 1978, and humor is at the heart of every show. If you like to laugh, if you like an a capella four-part vocal song that leaves you inspired, this is your band!
12:00-12:45
Dee Adams and Billy Baroo Jazz
Dee Adams and Billy Baroo Jazz put a fun, flirty spin on vocal jazz standards from the likes of Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Billie Holiday and more. They'll appear at the festival as a three piece—with piano, upright bass, and vocals.
1:00-1:45
Stukulele
Stuart Fuchs, co-founder of Babik, always seems to have at least one or two ukuleles in his hands—in fact, friends are starting to call him "Stukulele." Stuart and his band of gypsies will play and sing ukulele-driven rock, blues, jazz, vaudeville, folk, and more.
2:00-3:45
2011 Singer/Songwriter Showcase
A new addition to the festival lineup, this is dedicated to the memory and spirit of Mike Meldrum, a central figure in the city's folk music scene for more than three decades. This year's showcase features Meria Cairns, Mike Criscione, Erin Syndey Welsh, and Nick Motil. It's hosted by Mike Meldrum's son, Alexander Meldrum.
4:00-4:45
Outofar Trio Jug Band
Taking an eclectic approach to traditional bluegrass and jug band music, Outofar Trio (as in "out of our tree, oh") infuses their songs with pop, rock, and jazz influences.
5:00-5:45
Canal Street String Band
The Canal Street String Band puts a brand-new shine on some seriously fun old American music. Stellar musicianship combines with an undeniable sense of adventure and plenty of hokum to produce an irresistably good time. The audience has fun too.
Sunday, August 28
Subject to change
10:00-10:45
Buffalo Soundpainting Ensemble
Buffalo Soundpainting Ensemble is an ensemble of actors, singers, and musicians dedicated to the exploration of improvisational compositions. The soundpainting language consists of over 750 gestures that are signed by the composer/conductor. Led by artistic director Christian Brandjes.
11:00-11:45
Leroy Townes & All the Birds of North America
Leroy Townes & All the Birds of North America is an accoustic roots project born out of a winter weekend at a small cottage on Lake Ontario. They explore the rich American roots music tradition in addition to playing original tunes and covers of modern musicians who carry the bluegrass torch.
12:00-12:45
Davey O
Singer-songwriter Davey O's style is pure Americana–a mix of back porch folk and beer hall rowdy. For the Elmwood festival, he performs in collaboration with his musical partner Jeffrey Mikulski.
1:00-1:45
Gretchen Shulz and Doug Morgano
Country-R&B-gospel-roots diva Gretchen Schulz pairs with guitar veteran Doug Morgano to perform originals, standards, and some quirky cover. Few performers can match their charm and style on stage.
2:00-2:45
Mary Ramsey and the Healers
Mary Ramsey (of 10,000 Maniacs fame) joins with Dr. Marc Rosen (guitar), Craig Gordon (bass), and Sandra Williams Gordon (percussion) for a set of Americana, folk, jazz, and blues.
3:00-3:45
Dr. Jazz and the Jazzbugs
Dr. Jazz and the Jazzbugs claim to have met in the trenches of WWI—and while we don't quite believe the trio's war stories, their music certainly bears the mark of that bygone era. It's the perfect soundtrack for sipping bootleg gin and doing the Charleston.
4:00-4:45
Dark Road Duo
Victor (Harmonica Vic) and Cinde (C-Scharp) play harmonica-driven blues, folk, and country with a blend of warm harmonies and rhythm guitar. Classic songs mix with inventive originals in the duo's performance.
Dance Tent
Backline support for this stage provided by Yorkville Sound. Decorations provided by Starlight Gallery.
Saturday, August 27
Subject to change
10:00-10:45
Swing Dance Workshop
The Swing Buffalo teachers will get you up and dancing like a pro before you know it. No partner required—so it's a great opportunity to meet other dance and music lovers!
11:00-11:45
Babik
After the swing dance lesson, stick around and practice your new skills with the music of Babik, a band with jaw-dropping virtuosity and toe-tapping danceability that keeps its audiences enthusiastically engaged.
12:00-12:45
The Healing Committee
Alan Whitney's music defies labels and categorization. He blends his own sharp sense of song with Americana roots sounds from blues to country and rock while reaching far beyond its borders.
1:00-1:45
Joelle Labert & Friends
Joelle Labert fronts a group of stars from the Buffalo roots-music scene, showing why her understated grace, soul-on-sleeve vulnerability and service to the song have made her a favorite guest singer for a host of local bands.
2:00-2:45
Heavenly Chillbillies
Raves the Rochester City Newspaper, "The Heavenly Chillbillies play with a wild and loud guitar-fronted recklessness suited for gin mills. Whether it's a shuffle, a boogie, or a beer-soaked rave-up, the trio dishes out heaps of blue collar, redneck fun."
3:00-3:45
Grace Stumberg Band
Grace Stumberg, an accomplished 22-year-old singer/songwriter born and raised in South Buffalo, offers up a blend of hooky acoustic/electric rock and pop—but with an edge of message and attitude built on a funky acoustic style
4:00-4:45
Latin Jazz Project
The Latin Jazz Project expresses a wide range of Puerto Rican/ Afro-Cuban musical forms including Mambo, Salsa, progressive and traditional, representing the musical heritage of multiple ethnicities embodied in the complexity of American life.
5:00-5:45
Rob Falgiano
Rob Falgiano's music is an interesting smash-up of styles that has drawn comparisons to alternative-acoustic-pop artists like Elliott Smith, Elvis Costello, The Postal Service, Sufjan Stevens, Damien Rice, and John Mayer. Rob's songs have been featured on TV shows “Felicity” (WB), “The Black Donnellys” (NBC), and “Everwood” (CW).
Sunday, August 28
Subject to change
10:00-10:45
Shakti Yoga
Michelle Gigante, veteran yoga instructor and Shakti's studio director, leads you toward physical freedom, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening through the rhythm of breath. Live drumming will accompany this class.
11:00-11:45
Cajun/Zydeco Dance Workshop
Esther Brill and RJ Ruble join us from Rochester for a group lesson. Never danced a step in your life? A little nervous about shakin’ it in public? Not to worry. Esther and RJ make it impossible to feel awkward.
12:00-12:45
LeeRon Zydeco and the Hot Tamales
After the dance lesson, stay and fine-tune your new moves with LeeRon Zydeco. Playing an upbeat, spicy blend of Zydeco, Cajun, Caribbean, Blues, Tex-Mex and New Orleans funk, these perennial Buffalo favorites offer the best in festive feel-good roots music.
1:00-1:45
Mark Winsick Band
“When I perform, I always give it everything I’ve got,” says guitarist Mark Winsick—and it's just that energetic, audience-pleasing philosophy that has made this guitarist, singer, and songwriter a mainstay on Buffalo's live music scene.
2:00-2:45
The Screaming Jeans
Formed in the summer of 2010, The Screaming Jeans' high energy performances and catchy songs have allowed them to stand out in Buffalo's music scene. Buffablog has called them one of the most promising new bands in Buffalo, NY.
3:00-3:45
Nelson Starr and the Benjamins
One of the best-known and critically acclaimed musicians/composers in the Buffalo area, Nelson Starr brings a totally refined yet thoroughly modern sensibility to his craft. A multi-talented artist, Nelson has the ability to play just about any genre of music from rock to jazz, country to R&B.
4:00-4:45
The Vores
The Vores have evolved into a flexible lineup band that plays an edgy combination of alternative, art punk, noisy, surf music. They may be hard to describe, but we promise they're easy to listen to.
Roaming Performers:
Dale Campbell
Trois Amis
Left on Red
Buffalo Hula Hoop Group
Lake Effect
Bonnie Jean Taylor
