Crispin Hellion Glover

Wednesday & Thursday, January 25th & 25th

Wednesday, Jan 25 (It Is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE + BIG SLIDE SHOW part 2)

Thursday, Jan 26 (What Is It? + BIG SLIDE SHOW part 1)

7pm. Market Arcade Film & Arts Center, 639 Main St. (855-3022/dipsontheatres.com). $20 per show. Tickets available at the Market Arcade box office and at Spiral Scratch Records.

Crispin Glover must have enjoyed the reception he got at his near-sellout appearance in Buffalo a little over a year ago, because he’s bringing “Crispin Hellion Glover’s Big Slide Show” back to the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center. And this time, he’ll be doing both parts over two nights on Wednesday (Jan 25) and Thursday (Jan 26). Glover is best known for his film performance in unconventional roles: Marty McFly’s father in Back to the Future and the silent assassin in Charlie’s Angels are the mainstream items on a resume that also includes The River’s Edge, Rubin and Ed, and a lot of movies that are worth your time only because he’s in them. These days Glover works as an actor primarily to fund his own films, which cannot be described briefly. Suffice to say that What Is It? and It is fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE., the first parts of a projected trilogy, are not like anything else you’re likely to see (or should see if the highlight of your year so far has been the 3D version of Beauty and the Beast). Glover has not licensed them for home video or internet distribution, preferring that anyone who sees them has a chance to ask him questions afterward. And if you want to talk to him you’ll get your chance: he won’t leave the building before you do. Each film will be preceded by different installments of Glover’s “Big Slide Show,” in which he narrates projections of books he has published, reworked from old Victorian books with illustrations and new text. He has been giving these weirdly funny performances for more than 20 years in shows that he considers to be in the tradition of vaudeville entertainment. For more information visit www.crispinglover.com. You can read our interview with Glover from his last Buffalo appearance at artvoice.com/issues/v9n49/everything_is_fine. —m. faust

Friday, January 20

Drop-In Sessions

“A daily dose of the greater good.” This is the motto of the Good Neighborhood, a local organization dedicated to serving our community through events with a cause. Starting this month, the Good Hood will bring local musicians together every third Friday at Merge restaurant for the Drop-In Sessions to support Drop-In Nation. Drop-In Nation is an organization that provides opportunities for out of school youth. The term Drop-In refers to the work done by this organization to rescue out of school youth and unemployed or underemployed adults by providing holistic education, including life skills and career-training opportunities. The Good Hood, Merge restaurant, and DJ Cutler have teamed up to support this mission with a monthly event beginning this Friday (Jan 20) with special guests Shawn Brandel and Zack Mikida of Peanut Brittle Satellite, guitarist Mike Gantzer of Aqueous, and bassist Andrew Moore of On The Sly. Each month a new group of local musicians will drop in to Merge for a jam, with DJ Cutler as an anchor. A percentage of the $5 cover will go to support Drop-In Nation in addition to the proceeds from a raffle, which will also be held monthly. Stay tuned to the Good Neighborhood and Drop-In Nation for updates on future Drop-In Sessions. For more visit thegoodneighborhood.com. —cory perla

10pm. Merge Restaurant, 439 Delaware Ave. (842-0600 / mergebuffalo.com). $5.

Saturday, January 14

DJ Hype: The Return of Jungle Drum & Bass

After over a decade of booking shows in Buffalo, MNM Presents is still going strong. In celebration of their 11th anniversary (weird number, I know, but I guess the 10th year was just a little too busy) MNM is bringing to town what could be one of the biggest drum n bass events ever to hit this city. On Saturday (Jan 21) career drum n bass expert DJ Hype will hit the Town Ballroom for a late night of bombastic beats. From his days building his own speakers, to tours around the world, Hype, real name Kevin Ford, has developed his body trembling, bassy sound while drifting in and out of the mainstream. “There are two things which keep me going,” Hype says of his 23 year long career. “Firstly, I haven’t got anything else—this is it for me so I’ve got to keep it going—I look at what I have and music has got me everything in my life as well as enabling me to help my family. Secondly I see the enthusiasm for this music from people all over the world.” The enthusiasm is high, and with the return of two popular Buffalo ex-pat’s Hoogs and U.S. Marshall spinning supporting sets, as well as sets by local favorites Big Basha, Perceptor, and Mark Kloud, and a vinyl only room featuring 3PO and McNasty, the break beats will be booming hard. —cory perla

10pm. Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900 / townballroom.com). $15 advance.

Saturday, January 21

Flurrious

There is no avoiding the fact that winter has finally settled upon our fair city. Instead of falling into a seasonal despair, shake off your salt-stained boots, zip up your down-stuffed jacket, and head to Delaware Park with your family and friends for the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s Flurrious this Saturday (Jan 21). Besides giving Buffalonians a reason to come out of hibernation, the event also promotes the Buffalo Parks’ mission to connect parks and people. This outdoor winter festival is packed with seasonal events from 9am to 10pm, such as the Flurrious Forecast fun run, a snow sprint bike ride hosted by Campus WheelWorks, snow golfing, snow tennis, igloo building, family skating, face painting, sleigh rides, a quidditch tournament, and much more. Grace Stumberg, the Etchings, Andrew J. & the Country Punk Extravaganza, Funktional Flow, and more musicians will perform, presented by WAM (Writers, Artists, Musicians). At 8pm DJ Cutler will provide music for a dance party. WGRZ Channel 2 personality Andy Parker will keep the exciting schedule of events running smoothly as the master of ceremonies. Delicious refreshments will be available for purchase from Magnolia Catering, Cole’s Restaurant, and Rolling Joe Café. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy winter activities and appreciate Buffalo’s beautiful, sprawling parks. —jill greenberg

9am to 10pm. Delaware Park, 84 Parkside Ave. (838-1249 / bfloparks.org) Free.

photo credit: Joe Cascio

Saturday, January 21

Allentown Music's 10 Year Anniversary

Independent, locally-owned music stores often fall by the wayside in an industry dominated by Guitar Center and internet sales. We’re truly fortunate here in the Queen City to have such an abundance of local businesses, and the people to support them. Allentown Music is no exception, having become a fixture in the community as well as a trusted go-to for Buffalo’s musically-inclined since 2001. Trademarked by their unmistakable storefront adorned with instruments of all shapes and sizes, Allentown Music is a three-time recipient of the Best of Buffalo award for Best Music Store, in large part due to the dedication of owner Joe Maniaci. Joe deserves a big pat on the back for his services over the past ten years, which not only includes operating his business, but generously providing backlines for shows, even running strings and equipment out to gigs in emergency situations. His behind-the-scenes work during the Infringement Festival also warrants mention, as the festival would not take shape without his help. This Saturday (Jan 21), come celebrate the hard work of one of our good neighbors, as Nietzsche’s hosts Allentown Music’s 10 Year Anniversary Party. Musical acts include the much anticipated return of the Waves (featuring Joe Maniaci on bass), Merchants, the Zygotes, the Heavenly Chillbillies, Box of Wine, the Cellars, and Vic Lazar. Music runs from 9pm until the wee hours of the morning, with free food, prizes and giveaways throughout the night. Here’s to many more years for Allentown Music, and small businesses in Buffalo. —jon wheelock

9pm. Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St. (886-8539 / nietzsches.com) $5.

Saturday, January 21

A$AP Rocky

Any girl can tell you that having swagger only gets you so far. And if you’re trying to make it as a rapper or catch the attention of that potential boo, you gotta have a little something more—perhaps a little purple swag, “that trill shit.” Harlem-born rapper Rakim Mayers, who goes by A$AP Rocky pegged the term this year in his debut single “Purple Swag,” proving surface swag (bling, baggy, and bshit) is nothing compared to the swag he was born with. Fresh on the scene, the convictions and style of this 23-year old is fast forwarding him through the chase. This year, his two singles “Purple Swag” and “Peso” heard on his debut album Live Love ASAP were cited among the year’s best hip-hop songs by the New York Times. But as far as New York is concerned, the only true commonality between A$AP Rocky and his New York homeland is the melting pot factor. As New York is considered an international melting pot, Live Love ASAP, can without a doubt, be considered a national melting pot album, featuring sounds and styles rooted in the US rap cultures of Houston, Atlanta, Cleveland and New Orleans. A$AP Rocky can’t be pinned down to one place, so neither should you. Come check him out at the Town Ballroom on Thursday (Jan 26). His next stop; a spot on the Drake Club Paradise Tour (can you say swag overload?). —emilie hagen

7pm. Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900 / townballroom.com). $17.

Wednesday, January 18

Rusted Root

In their over 20 years of existence, Pittsburgh’s Rusted Root have become one of the most enduring jam bands in the world, as well as a legendary live act. Their ability to blend American roots music with African, Latin American, and Indian influences has won them a considerable following over the years. While the band’s studio albums tend to come few and far between (it’s been three year’s since their last album, 2009’s Stereo Rodeo, and they’ve only released two in the past decade), they are a relentless touring machine. Buffalo is one of their most frequently visited stops, and they will be heading here again this Thursday (Jan 26) to play the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls. Like many other jam bands, Rusted Root’s music takes on new life in the concert setting, as jams like “Welcome To My Party,” and “Back to the Earth” often get taken to another level on stage, where the band is free to add whatever improvisations they choose, making no two shows alike. Appearing with Rusted Root will be one of Western New York’s most critically acclaimed bands, Big Leg Emma. Taking their name from the famous Frank Zappa song, they share his flair for ambition and eccentricity in their music. While the band originated in Buffalo, they have developed a following throughout the region, as their latest tour found them making stops all across the east coast. With two bands with this much talent, and this much ambition on one stage, there’s no telling what immaculate heights this concert might reach. This is a rescheduled show, so all previously purchased tickets will be honored. —john hugar

7pm. Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main St., Niagara Falls. (205-8925 / rapidstheatre.com). $22.50 advance, $25 day of show.

photo credit: Duane Reider