JUSTIN WILLMAN
Thursday 4/23: 8pm / Friday 4/24: 7:30pm & 10pm / Saturday 4/25: 7:30pm & 10pm Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St. (853-1211 / heliumcomedy.com) $16-$32
Justin Willman is a new breed of magician, a sort of young, hip Ed Sullivan who’s making magic cool again for adults. But what’s really fun about his performance is how he plays with the ideas of magic and comedy. Willman’s signature is to let the audience believe that he has given away the trick – and that is was so simple the whole time. It’s a thrill to feel like you’ve figures it all out, and surprising to see how easily fooled you can be. Just while you have let your guard down, feeling smart and satisfied, Willman yanks the rug back from under you again with his end game- a bigger trick that leaves you simultaneously amazed, dumfounded and profoundly aware that you know nothing, you figured nothing out, and he was holding the cards the entire time. Willman says that people are immediately intrigued because they love being ‘let in’ or even just being given the illusion that you’re letting them in on the secret. “But it only works if you can fool them at the end,” said Willman. “That’s what I do every night, fool them.” It’s going to be a great time at Helium Comedy Club this weekend as Willman pulls you in and almost lets you in on his secret, only to trick you time after time. At least you’ll be amazing during this process.
> Jeff Czum
4/23 -4/25
|
SAT 4/25
THE ENGLISH BEAT
8pm Iron Works, 49 Illinios St. (200-1893 / buffaloironworks.com) $20-$25
After three long decades for ska-heads and 2 Tone lovers, the legendary band, The English Beat have announced that they would be releasing their fourth studio album, Here We Go Love, later this year. Hailing from Birmingham, England, The English Beat (or The Beat to their English fan base) are known for their unique mix of ska, pop, reggae, soul and punk rock. The band exploded on to the scene in 1979 with their dance beats and lyrics of love and unity, topping the UK charts with their remake of Smokey Robinson’s “Tears of a Clown.” During a five-year run, The English Beat released three studio albums and toured the world with artists like David bowie, The Police, REM, The Clash, The Specials and many more. Needless to say, they were one of the most influential bands of the ska revival period of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their first two albums, I Just Can’t Stop It and Wha’ppen, both topped the UK’s charts at NO. 3, earning Gold and Silver status. Shortly after releasing Special Beat Service in 83, the band entered a 20-year hiatus. In February of 2003, the group reunited for a UK tour and continues to tour performing all of their hits. You better go out and buy some plaid shirts and checkered board pants because on Wednesday night (4/25 @8pm), The English Beat will be performing at Iron Works.
> Jeff Czum
|
THE ALL AMERICAN REJECTS
6:30pm Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main St. (205-8925 / RapidsTheatre.com) $20
The All American Rejects have been in the hearts of young emo kids worldwide since their formation in 1999. While living it up on the Top 40 list with singles like “Gives You Hell,” “Move Along” and “Dirty Little Secret,” AAR have earned there keep in pop punk radio royalty. The band got their start in Stillwater, OK, where front man Tyson Ritter and guitarist Nick Wheeler formed the group, while recording demos in Wheeler’s garage. They first signed with Doghouse Records and released their debut self-titled album in 2002. The band decided to change labels the following year and landed with DreamWorks Records, where they re-released their album in 2003. In 2005, the group released their second album, Move Along. The record was a massive hit which propelled them into mainstream success, containing 3 top 15 singles and going two times platinum. When listening to the Rejects, the first thing you might notice is how catchy the songs are. Whether Ritter is singing about teenage love or holding a grudge, you just want to dance along to the uplifting vibes they put out. Don’t miss out when they come to Rapids Theatre on Sunday (4/26 @6:30pm).
> Jeff Czum
SUN 4/26
|
MON 4/27
BLUES HALL OF FAME TOUR W/ CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE, JAMES COTTON AND JOHN HAMMOND
Early Show: 6pm / Late Show: 9:30pm The Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St. (852-2860 / tralfmusichall.com) $44-$64
The Blues Hall of Fame celebrates the most significant artists who have forged and advanced blues music history. Since it’s inception in 1980, TBF has inducted members for their historical contribution, impact and overall influence on the blues. On Monday (4/27), you’ll be able to get a taste of some of the Hall’s living legends at the Tralf with 2011 inductee John Hammond, 2006’s James Cotton and 2010’s Charlie Musselwhite on the Blues Hall of Fame tour. These guys still have enough juice and power to light up the stage by themselves, but grouped together, they produce enough wattage to blow audiences out of their seats. Expect to see Musselwhite’s band back all three performers as the hard-hitting muddy sounds of Hammond’s bluesy guitar riffs spill out from the stage topped with Musselwhite’s phenomenal harmonica skills and Cotton’s mesmerizing blues harp. This will be one performance you won’t want to miss.
> Jeff Czum
|
ATMOSPHERE
7pm Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900 / townballroom.com) $22-$25
Minneapolis-bred Atmosphere fits into that “old-school” indie rap category. Since 1989, the duo has released seven studio albums, touched base on some deep societal issues, and has kept a cult-like fanbase while consistently evolving; difficult to do during a time like the 90s when musical consistency was so important. Made up of rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and DJ/producer Ant (Anthony Davis), Atmosphere is known for their introspective style of lyrics and allegorical usage of women and relationships in Slug’s rhymes. Their latest release, Southsiders came out last year and continues along that same lyrical theme while straying away from the live instrumentation that defined previous releases. It’s pretty interesting to listen to Slug as he relaxes into the beat while unraveling a well-constructed story about love or loss. The duo constantly bounces off each other throughout the entire record and you’ll notice that Ant always lays down the smooth beats to reflect whatever emotional barrier Slug is about to dive into. On Wednesday (4/29 @7pm), Atmosphere will be spitting the rhymes at Town Ballroom along with openers B Dolan, deM, Atlas, and DJ Adatrak.
> Jeff Czum
WED 4/29
|
WED 4/29
DIRTY SMILE
8pm Iron Works, 49 Illinois St. (200-1893 / buffaloironworks.com) FREE
Buffalo’s favorite rock band, Dirty Smile will be giving another soulful performance at Iron Works on Wednesday night (4/29 @8pm). Formed in 2011, the vibrant five-piece is everything you’d expect from a good ol’ rock n’ roll band. The combination of Gus Walters’ acoustic songwriting rhythms and the gritty, hard rock guitar leads performed by Dan Helbling set the tone and lead the way for Megan Brown’s powerful and flawless vocals. The energy the band creates is refreshing and striking. Dirty Smile is currently working with Canadian songwriter and performer Ron Hawkins of Lowest of the Low, as they’re preparing for their second installment, Love Songs for the Damned: Vol II. (Summer 2015) With success in Buffalo and far beyond, their second release should propel them further into the national music scene. If you haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing Dirty Smile and their raw energetic set, be sure to make it out to the show.
> Jeff Czum
|
Current Issue