In preparation for the release of its new album Grave New World later this year, the electro-goth-metal band Disown has begun a 29-city regional "Disown the Nation" tour. This spiked collared, post-modern industrial three-piece (who on their website promote the DISOWNation of alienated youth; posing the question “Are You One of Us?”) makes a stop at Club Diablo on Friday (June 23) for a show at 7pm. Disown has shared the stage with many national acts, including Static-X, Orgy, and Trust Company. The heavily synth-driven Process of Elimination and Doomsday Virus will be joining Disown for a night sure to be filled with the best kind of electronic mayhem.

A blend of R&B, jazz, and an easy listening groove accompany the powerful, emotionally honest vocals of Melissa Kate and make her new album, Blind Faith, a smooth and memorable introduction into the world of recorded music for Melissa. This talented Buffalo native has returned from New York City to release her debut album, which she'll celebrate at 7pm on Friday (June 23) at the historic Colored Musicians Club, alongside award-winning local musician Flick Williams. Williams, a well-seasoned contemporary saxophonist and vocalist, will be celebrating the release of his latest CD, Destiny.

The Lewiston Culinary Arts Festival is set to satisfy hungry taste buds on Sunday, (June 25), 12-8pm, all along Center St. The festival is always a feast for the senses, especially taste and sound, with great regional restaurants participating. You can also sample what the culinary students from NCCC are cooking up. The festival will also feature three Niagara Wine Trail wineries and a Beer Garden. Along with the wonderful food and drink, there's live music by Hypnotic Clambake, an eclectic band hailing from Boston, MA. Combining a little bit of banjo and guitar, mixed in with some fiddle and drums and a dash of harmonica and sax, this former street band turned headliner is sure to have audiences tapping their feet and dancing while enjoying the good eats.

The two-day Buffalo River Fest will be held on June 23 & 24 (6pm-midnight on Fri. and 10am-midnight on Sat) at Father Conway Park, located between Ohio and Louisiana Streets. For the kids, a lion bounce house, face painting, a kids’ fishing contest, and a “River Fest Idol” contest should keep them plenty busy. Adults can compete in this year’s River Regatta, where water lovers can race down six miles by canoe or kayak. You can even build your own watercraft and attempt to “float your boat” for prizes. A classic car show, a waterfront heritage expo, and live music by local favorites like The Legendary Dukes, Only Humen, and Mixed Solution, among others are also in store for festival goers. Proceeds from the events will benefit the Valley Community Association and the plans for the Buffalo River Fest Park, soon to be underway on Ohio St.

Boston rapper Mr. Lif seems to have taken a cue from fellow east coasters and hip-hop giants Public Enemy, in the way he presents political and social messages straight up, like they always have. This is surely evident on his latest LP Mo’ Mega (Definitive Jux), and on it he speaks with the kind of authority that comes after achieving a certain amount of success and the respect that accords. Lif delivers his charged-up lyrics with a calm and cool style that often contrasts with the content, a style that lends credence to his words —much like one of his inspirations, P.E’s Chuck D. Catch Lif at the Icon on Sunday (June 25) with touring partner Cage and supporting acts Eddie Haskill, Camu Tao, and Yak Ballz. Doors open at 8pm.

Born out of Dallas, Texas in 1999, The Paper Chase began as the brainchild of songwriter/deconstructionist John Congleton. Congleton formed the band after working as a professional recording engineer — kind of like a soundtrack his own mind falling apart. Concocting a disjointed sound that crosses Drive Like Jehu and psych-era Pink Floyd with jazz artists such as John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, The Paper Chase come off as an avant jazz combo force fed early Pere Ubu, and the results are truly staggering. They're performing Friday (June 23), at the Mohawk Place, 11pm. Co-headlining the bill is Year Long Disaster, who blew away an audience at the Mohawk a few months back with its riff heavy sound, along with Thrill Me and Handsome Jack.

At age 32, Massillon, OH native Patrick Sweany has been building a strong reputation as a talented original blues performer with a schedule that includes more than 150 gigs a year, including Merlefest, King Biscuit, Eureka Springs Blues Fest and the St. Louis Riverfront Fest. Recently, he was added to the CMJ Rock Hall of Fame Festival and The Cincinnati Blues Festival. His current CD, C’mon C’mere is outstanding. It’s one of the featured CDs on the No Depression website and is currently pushing its way toward the top 10 of the Roots Music Report airplay charts for blues. On Tuesday (June 27) at 9:30pm, the Patrick Sweany Band will be rockin’ Buffalo’s honkiest-tonkiest beer joint, The Sportsmen’s Tavern, for FREE.