It's a familiar cry. "There's nothing to do in this city". You hear it on the streets,from bystanders passing by. You hear it from your friends, your co-workers, just about everyone. And if you've grown up loving music you've probably heard the musical equivalent of this statement: "We never get any good shows here" or "I wish we got some of the shows the bigger cities get". My response to this statement is are you fucking nuts????? Yes, Buffalo is a small market city. The population right now is hovering around 300,000 in the city, and including the surrounding area's, Western New York encompasses about two-three million people. IN SPITE of this however, the past few years have seen some truly incredible shows; shows that would lead you to believe that Buffalo is, in fact, a small-city musical mecca. Take a look at Town Ballrooms upcoming schedule. We have Charles Bradley, M83, Henry Rollins, St. Vincent and Portugal the Man. Seriously legit, relevant bands that probably wouldn't have made their way to the queen city a few years back. Take a look at Mohawk Place and their constant slew of exciting shows. I practically live at that venue because theres always something cool to check out or discover. These bands don't just pop out of nowhere. Somebody BOOKS them; i.e. promoters.

Those not in the know sometimes assume that the promotion business is a greedy enterprise and that promoters are fat cats rolling around in pools of money, ripping off bands and patrons alike. That sounds like an absolutely ridiculous stereotype; a lame generalization from some 80's hollywood movie. It's true though. I was forced to listen to some kids at the Pink the other day talk trash about a local promotion company (who shall remain nameless). I was in earshot and couldn't help eavesdropping, which I am wont to do when I'm drunk. The argument went as such; so and so promotional company sucks. They charge too much for their shows, are greedy, and never bring the bands that anybody wants to hear. Now, I understand that everybody has their opinions about these matters, but I don't think those opinions are always informed opinions. Alot of people don't realize that these bands have guarantees, and won't play for a penny less. This drives ticket prices higher. Simple as that. I highly doubt any Buffalo promoters are getting rich off the talent they bring. I assume many break even or do well enough to keep the business going, and get to keep a few dollars. And as for never bringing bands, well, take a look at Pittsburgh, or Rochester, or any other small city and you'll see that the level of talent we bring here is surprisingly good.

I understand that I'm not saying anything new here. Everybody who reads this blog probably understands what a guarantee is, and knows Buffalo's a small city, and, understands the reason for admission prices being the way that they are, even if they don't like them. I guess I just wanted to play the devil's advocate here, and take the side of the promoters for once and thank them for bringing the shows I like to see. Thank you MNM presents, Supernaut Booking, ESI events, After Dark Entertainment, Little Red Booking, and everyone who books at Town Ballroom, Babeville, Mohawk Place, Nietzches, sugar city, and all the independent promoters who do house shows (Funeral Home, Marty's house). Somebody appreciates you.