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Ellen West performs "I Shouldn't Have to Lie"

Ellen West is the nom de guerre of Buffalo singer and guitarist Michele Buono, who spends half her time as one third of the band the Missing Planes and the other half as West, an intense and powerfully honest solo acoustic act. Preparing To Be Forgotten is the name of her last recording, but that won’t be happening to her any time soon. Her music is not to be mistaken for the often-empty words of contemporary styles. She has a presence that comes through with such force it seems as if she uses the stage to cathartically unleash everything that has been bottled up inside her. One can’t really understand the depth of her talent without seeing one of her sets first hand. West will be playing on Saturday with George Skaros’ Short Story Record Co., and Hinkley Jr., a two-man extension of the roots-inspired Rochester band Hinkley. Skaros, formerly of the Buffalo band the Dollar Canon, has been living in New York City and hasn’t played on a Buffalo stage in ages. Also Jen Sojka, who played cello on Preparing to Be Forgotten, will accompany West for her set, which wraps up the show .

Saturday, April 14, Doors 7pm. Karpeles Manuscript Museum, North Hall, 220 North Street (885-4139).