Inaugural Larkinville Ice Festival

Saturday, January 31

The beauty of a festival is that you can be sure to stimulate all of your senses with a “veritable smorgasbord” (that’s a Charlotte’s Web reference for any fans) of activities. Visitors to the Inaugural Larkinville Ice Festival this Saturday (1/31 @ 11AM-3PM) at Larkin Square, the Filling Station, Hydraulic Hearth, and Flying Bison Brewery will have their pick of winter fun. This truly community-oriented event will honor local icon Sweet Peggy O’Neil with a talk from neighborhood historian Chris Hawley at the Filling Station and the opening of “A Pie-Eyed Night with Peggy O’Neil” (exhibit and illustrated book) by local artist Mickey Harmon in the (716) GAL-LERY inside Hydraulic Hearth. O’Neil, who grew up on Seneca Street, rose to international fame as a performer. Legend has it that in 1930 she was the first person ever interviewed on television. And as for foodgrammers and imbibers? We got you. The Filling Station will offer themed food and drinks, Community Beer Works co-founder Ethan Cox discussing his brand new book, Buffalo Beer: The History of Brewing in the Nickel City, and the sale and sampling of spirits from Chateau Buffalo and soon-to-be Larkinville resident Buffalo Distilling Company. Over at Hydraulic Hearth bruncheteers can try the weekly ‘Bagels & Brooze’ brunch with fresh BreadHive bagels, bloody mary variations, and cocktails. The Flying Bison Brewing Company will be offering tours, tastings, and a trio of food trucks. But wait, where’s the ice? Never fear, an outdoor ice bar at Flying Bison will feature a bison ice sculpture carved by ECC and NCCC culinary students. Larkin Square will be chock-full of outdoor activities such as snow sculptures, a snowman-building station, winter pickleball, Kan Jam, and more. Bundle up and bring the whole family!

- Jill Greenberg

11AM-3PM Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St. (362-2665 / larkinsquare.com / hydraulichearth.com / flyingbisonbrewing.com) Free

Thursday - Saturday, January 29-31

Josh Blue

Josh Blue has never let his Cerebral Palsy get in the way of his comedic career. In fact, the comedian who won “Last Comic Standing” in 2006, says his disability has become a vital part of his career in profound ways. “It took me a while to embrace it,” Blue mentions. “Cerebral Palsy doesn’t change how I go about doing my stuff because I didn’t get here thinking about that shit.” Blue doesn’t dwell on his palsy but is firm in how he represents disability in the public eye. “People have such low expectations for people with disability,” says Blue, sarcastically adding, “so it leaves the door wide open for me.” Josh continues to break down stereotypes one laugh at a time. His stand up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are exactly alike. With appearances on Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia, as well as sharing his story on NPR, CBS, ABC, and MSNBC, Josh Blue is fast becoming a household name in comedy. Blue will be bringing his unique brand

- Jeff Czum

Thursday 1/29: 8PM Friday 1/30: 7:30PM & 10pm Saturday 1/31: 7:30PM & 10PM Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St. (853 – 1211 / heliumcomedy.com) $15 - $30

Thursday, January 29

Reverend Horton Heat

Fast cars, fast woman, food, and rock n’ roll, that’s Reverend Horton Heat. For the past 28 years, Reverend Horton Heat has been one of the coolest names among greasers and pinup gals. Described as a “country-fed punkabilly” band, you won’t find their unique style anywhere else in the music industry. The varying style within the group’s music is a unique blend of country, surf, punk, big band, swing, and rockabilly. They play loud and hard with an enthusiasm that makes them a pleasure to watch on stage. The band’s latest release RE, is edgier than previous releases, but still holds onto to that rockabilly sound. REV will get your heart pumpin’ and you feet jumpin’ with songs like “Victory Lap,” and “Scenery Going By.”Don’t miss your chance to dance along with the Reverend himself this Thursday (1/29 @ 7PM) at Tralf Music Hall.

- Jeff Czum

7PM Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St. (852-2860 / tralfmusichall.com) $24 - $27

Friday, January 30

Palisades

The Iselin, New Jersey post-hardcore/pop-rock band will be making their way to the Studio @ Waiting Room this Friday night (1/30 @ 6pm). After signing with Rise Records in 2012, they’ve been quickly climbing the ladder to success. Formally known as Marilyn is Dead, Palisades have further advanced and redefined their sound since going under the new name. The six-piece is able to draw attention to their particular sound, combining post-hardcore and pop-punk influences to their music. The songs on their debut album, Outcasts consists of aggressive in-your-face choruses with melodic screaming, if there is such a thing (Picture Blink-182 having a prodigy baby with Senses Fail). Modern breakdowns layered throughout the classic pop song structures make this band stand out from your generic pop/rock radio acts. They are able top throw in a mixture of both elements and make them work. With constant touring and tremendous feedback from concertgoers who go ‘apeshit-crazy’ for the band, Palisades will be worth the trip to the Studio this Friday night.

- Jeff Czum

6PM Studio @ Waiting Room, 334 Delaware Ave (853-3900 / waitingroombuffalo.com) $10 - $13

Saturday, January 31

Wayne Brady

You know him from the Emmy-Award winning show Whose Line Is It Anyways? Wayne Brady has been cracking audiences up for decades with his quick-witted improvisational stand up comedy routine. Born in 1972 in Columbus, Georgia, Brady auditioned for the British comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway? and was casted in several episodes before starring in the American Version as well. As a result of the huge success of the show, Brady’s career skyrocketed. His looks, easygoing nature and triple-threat virtuosity not only made him an audience favorite, but also gave him leverage to start his own television show, which was known as The Wayne Brady Show. After years of working in television, Brady took his comedy career on the road and started doing stand up appearances all over the world. On Saturday night (1/31 @ 8PM) Wayne Brady will be performing at the Seneca Niagara Casino. Don’t miss your chance to see this hilarious old-fashioned comedian, as he’s sure to leave the stage with everyone wanting more.

- Jeff Czum

8PM Seneca Niagara Events Center, 310 4th St. (299-1100 / senecaniagaracasino.com) $30

Wednesday, February 4

Cherub

Cherub knows how to throw a great party, and they want you to come along for the ride. The duo performs a wide-ranged mix of funk, soul, dance, and pop music, which was virally showcased on their hit, “Doses and Mimosas.” Jason Huber and Jordan Kelley formed the group while attending college together after discovering they both shared a love for 80s dance-infused pop music. “We generalize our music ‘Prince on ecstasy’,” Huber says. “It’s always fun to see people’s reactions when you tell them that. If we had to generalize it into one thing, we’d wanna just say pop, because it’s got catchy hooks and the feel good vibe that we feel a lot of old school pop songs have.” Since Cherub’s formation in late 2011, the group has shared the stage with highly regarded acts like Alex B, Big Gigantic, Bag Raiders, and Miami Horror. With four studio releases and over a million views on YouTube, Huber and Kelley are on a track for great success. Cherub will be kicking off the party with special guests Mystery Skulls and Fortebowie at the Waiting Room Wednesday night (2/4 @ 7PM).

- Jeff Czum

7PM Waiting Room, 334 Delaware Ave (853-5483 / waitingroombuffalo.com) $17- $20

Wednesday, February 4

Ani DiFranco

The singer, songwriter, activist and entrepreneur, Ani DiFranco is returning to Buffalo for a hometown performance at her own venue, Asbury Hall @ Babeville this Wednesday night (2/4 @ 7PM). Human rights has always been a benchmark topic for DiFranco as she challenges gender and sexuality stereotypes with earlier songs like “Little Plastic Castles” and “She Says.” Often overshadowed by her prolific songwriting lyrics is DiFranco’s extraordinary guitar playing. She pretty much invented her own technique of intricate picking mixed with compelling rythyms.

An outspoken activist, she’s been a part of anti-war movements since the early 90s, performing benefit concerts and supporting many causes with her charity The Righteous Babe Foundation. At a time when record labels had a lock on the music industry, DiFranco remained ahead of the curve by launching her own Righteous Babe Records in 1990. The label has released more than 20 of her albums to date, as well as several other artists. With her most recent release, Allergic to Water, DiFranco takes a shot at Big Data and internet-induced A.D.D before morphing into other subjects like long-term relationships, motherhood, and spirituality. For a girl who started out singing on the street corners in Buffalo, DiFranco has had a long and luminous career and due to her being independent of the influence from major labels, she has earned respect and appreciation from fans all over the world.

- Jeff Czum

7PM Asbury Hall @ Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave (852-3835 / babevillebuffalo.com) $32.50 - $37