Artvoice did a series a while back called “Got Live If You Want It,” showcasing the triumphs and tribulations of the city’s live music venues. Whether they’re devoted mostly to local music or invested in bringing in national acts, almost every club in Buffalo lends a stage to hometown musicians. At some venues local bands headline their own show, at others they may open for a bigger act. Artvoice also holds that BOOM contest you may have heard of—the Battle of Original Music—which offers bands and solo artists of all genres the chance to compete and be heard, the winners playing live at the grand finale. And of course, musicians are showcased again with our Best of Buffalo poll, with so many nominees it seems that anyone who’s ever graced a stage in this town has gotten a vote. Local talent keeps coming each year, with as many new bands popping up as those who reunite, resurface, reincarnate or reinvent themselves. So thanks for the votes, the number of which proves once again that music fans in Buffalo are the best of anywhere.
—k. o’day
Top-five vote getters, listed in no particular order. Photos by Rose Mattery
Best Blues Act
Kate Engler
Jony James
Billy McEwen
Tommy Z
Mick Hayes
Best Club DJ
DJ Cutler
DJ Lil Joe
Lady Atram
DJ CJ
DJ Anthony
Best Country Act
Bareback Jack
West of the Mark
Stone Country
Steam Donkeys
Skiffle Minstrels
Best Folk/Bluegrass Act
Skiffle Minstrels
Tom Stahl
Big Leg Emma
Doug Yeomans
Nick Gordon
Best Hip Hop Act
Soul Alignment
Fresh Guac
Tentet Octet
Chae Hawk
Pseudoslang
Best Female Vocalist
Kelly Wahl
Dee Adams
Ani DiFranco
Alison Pipitone
Gretchen Schultz
Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus
Best Male Vocalist
Mark Valentino
Tom Stahl
Lance Diamond
David Moore
Mike Jordan
Best Jazz Act
Paul James Band
Pyramid Dance Band
Babik
Natural Elements
Ladies First Big Band
Babik
Best Open Mic Night
Broadway Joe’s
Nietzsche’s
Tudor Lounge
Sportsmen’s Tavern
Stillwater
Best Rock Act
Hit n Run
Jackdaw
Tom Stahl & the Dangerfields
Kryszt
Pug Mahones
Best Vocal Ensemble
Gay Men’s Chorus
Diva by Diva cast
Freudig Singers
Canisius College Chorale
Westminster Choir
Best Regular Gig
Lance Diamond @ the Elmwood Lounge
Hit n Run @ Macaroons
Paul James Jazz Band @ Brodo
Babik @ Allen Street Hardware
The Stripteasers @ Roxy’s
Questions or Comments for Artvoice? Send e-mail to editorial@artvoice.com • Article last modified 4/9/2008
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