NYC-based quartet Flechette are loud, lewd, abrasive and angry. As it turns out, these are all good things. Led by singer Isabel Ibsen and guitarist Elliot Glass (both pictured) the band goes for a take-no-prisoners assault that shows heavy debts to American hardcore, Wendy O. Williams and The Stooges. Outside of her work with Flechette, Ibsen, a native of Brazil, has worked as a model and once performed as a member of the all-model band O.M.I. alongside notable cover girl Omahyra Mota. The band makes its Western New York debut this Saturday, (Oct. 15) at Mohawk Place with Buffalo-native Eric Starr filling the drum chair. Support that night comes in the form of Mark Norris and the Backpeddlers and the return of local singer/songwriter Jesse Mank (known to Buffalo music fans from his work with The Disappointments and The Hickory Windbreakers) under his new moniker, Hussalonia. Three of the Flechette’s songs can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/flechette.

Vancouver-based musician Matthew Good has rocked the Canadian countryside for the past decade, amassing hordes of faithful followers with his music and politically provocative lyrics. His notoriety and fan base, mostly confined to north of the forty-ninth parallel, has radiated over into border cities across Western New York. His latest release In a Coma (Universal Music) is a “best of” compilation, featuring hit singles “Apparitions,” “Hello Time Bomb,” and “Weapon.” In 2000, Good’s career skyrocketed after the release of his Juno award-winning album Beautiful Midnight (Universal Music Canada). Good boycotted the ceremony, as he would do again in 2003 when he was nominated for the Best Video of the Year for “Weapon.” Reputed as a nuisance in the industry, fans encouraged the stereotype by wearing popular tee-shirts reading: “I Hear Matt Good Is a Real A**hole.” A**hole or not, Good’s penchant for human rights and impromptu liberal propagandizing between sets has struck a chord with college audiences. His snappy rock, piercing lyrics, and unreserved persona merge together on stage, creating unforgettable live performances.

“The Art of Architecture,” this year’s theme for Doors Open Niagara, will not only place a special emphasis on art in significant architecturally sites, but will also combine historical landmarks from both American and Canadian history. Sites including the Carnegie Art Center, Burchfield-Penney Art Center, and the Kenan Center will showcase their ongoing exhibits, and their exteriors representing a wide range of architecture styles, such as Art Deco, Neo-classical, Italianate and Greek Revival. There will also be an interpretive nature hike from 11 am to 2pm both days that will take tourists on a unique journey past the Niagara region’s most interesting buildings. Tourists will then be able to learn about the Schoellkopf Power Plant along with the historic Hydraulic Canal, and The Niagara Power Trail. Doors Open Niagara originated from a similar attraction in France in 1984, and since then has spread to countries all around the globe. The BTA (Bi-National Tourism Alliance) has worked with tourism/cultural and hospitality partners since 2001, and just a few of this year’s sites include museums, school houses, industrial-age factories, and sites that played a role in the Underground Railroad. Featuring towns and villages from both sides of the international border, Doors Open Niagara is a rare chance to learn about both American and Canadian culture.

The Toshiko Akiyoshi Trio leads The Art of Jazz series’ seventh season October 16 at 3pm at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery with bassist Paul Gill and drummer Mark Taylor, preceded by Chuck Mancuso’s 2pm presentation “Women Out Front: The History of Women as Bandleaders.” This is a rare trio appearance for Akiyoshi, who is best known as an innovative jazz orchestra arranger. But consider: the late jazz pianist Al Tinney—a Buffalo music icon, major early influencer of bop and George Gershwin’s rehearsal pianist for the original Porgy and Bess production—advised young pianists to “think orchestrally.” Akiyoshi is a jazz orchestra arranger thinking pianistically. As such, solo and trio settings are ideal for hearing her originality. As soloists, pianists are the orchestra. With trios, freed from the constraints of setting roots and rhythm, they are released to explore harmonic, rhythmic and melodic dimensions. Manchuria-born Akiyoshi started piano lessons at six and was influenced by Bud Powell’s bebop style (who, as a near contemporary in the Harlem jazz scene, was certainly influenced by Tinney). Future concerts include Steve Turre (Nov. 13), the Maria Schneider Orchestra (Jan. 29), Dewey Redman (March 12) and Judy Carmichael with Randy Sandke (May 7). Early ticket orders are advised.