Wow, the universe is funny like that. I mean, Tuesday was an interesting day to say the least for Western New York music fans with the announcement that Club Infinity was closing and The Waiting Room was opening. Talk about perfect equilibrium... that was as close to a straight swap as you can imagine and a near perfect illustration of the scientific fact that matter can neither be created or destroyed. For my part, I could care less about Club Infinity; yes I've been to good shows there, but really, the venue wasn't very good and it was in a terrible neighborhood. Seriously, the intersection of Main and Transit is a No FUN ZONE, and Club Infinity was not immune, thus it's closing isn't that big a loss, at least in my book. By it's very nature, our type of fun isn't supposed to happen out there at Main and Transit. It can't.

But with The Waiting Room, it's going to be a different story, and news about it's opening is provoking an entirely different reaction. Fun can be had in downtown Buffalo, and it's going to fill a vital hole in the Buffalo scene in the wake of the late Mohawk Place, in more ways than one. Of course nothing will replace the Mohawk... but... if you could perhaps transfer part of it's soul to a new spot ala Spock's katra, well that could be almost as good, and that's exactly what seems to be happening with The Waiting Room. Plus, it will the have the virtue of being new, something we can all get in on the ground floor on; plus, it won't have that funky smell. Me, I've smelled far, FAR  worse in my day job so it never rubbed me the wrong way, and I always loved that downtown grime, but for some folks it was a turn off for the Mohawk. Now everything will be sparkly and new... while some of that old Mohawk soul remains, and this could be exactly what the Buffalo music scene needs.

After a phenomenal 2012, Buffalo's music scene's karma hasn't felt right since mid January. Everything has not been in it's right place since the Mohawk closed, and the Waiting Room could be what gets us right. It, along with Babeville across the street could become the nucleus and epicenter of a scene that could sit alongside a burgeoning arts,cultural, and food scene that could redefine the city and region. Or not. We'll have to wait and see, but there's tremendous potential; certainly more than what was out at old Club Infinity in Nofunsville. We lost a lame venue and we're gaining a potentially fantastic venue. I'd almost say we're Even Steven but I think we might have won on the deal. Sometimes that's just how things work out. Thank you Universe.

2013 hasn't been so great for the Buffalo music scene. In early January everyone's favorite venue and local haunt, the Mohawk Place, closed down its doors much to the shock and dismay of the WNY community. Enough has been said about this iconic landmark, although maybe it hasn't when you consider just how important that place was for music and for the people who celebrate it. It was home and we miss it.

Just today, it was announced that another WNY music venue, Club Infinity, will be closing its doors. Now, I am fully aware that a club like Infinity doesn't hold the same weight as the Mohawk Place. Not even close. But they have put on their fair share of great shows over the years. The Breeders, ETID, Flock of Seagulls (which was surprisingly amazing), and hosts of great local shows. Not to mention the ridiculously ridiculous (and awesomely fun) country line dancing night which has been a staple ever since that place called itself Howdee's years ago. The truth is that any venue that lasts more than a few years in this area is worth a write up...except for maybe Club Diablo. That place just sucked.

So farewell Club Infinity. We will miss you.

Picture intelligent, thought-provoking metal and you have Between the Buried and Me. Influenced by a wide array of musical styles including jazz, indie rock, and even ragtime(?), BTBAM have been forging their own path for over a decade now, redefining the progressive metal genre, whilst still maintaining their trademark heaviness. More than any other progressive act, BTBAM are exploring parts unknown and their Alaska and Colors albums are absolute classics (Some would say ALL of em are).

The only venue in town big enough for their sound is Club Infinity in Williamsville (7pm, $18) and that's where they will be playing tonight along with Buffalo bred groups the Donner Party and Idle Satellites. Contender of the year if you're thing is progressive metal.

Tonight Club Infinity hosts an international bill of indie rock featuring The Maine, local favorites Arkells, and Lydia. Hailing from Tempe Arizona, The Maine is in town promoting their current album Black and White while Hamilton Ontario's Arkells is making their second appearance in WNY this year, nary three months after their fine headlining show at the Town Ballroom in February. Lydia, also from Arizona have a debut album coming out later this year, are happy to be there and no doubt have a lot to prove. All of these bands are hungry, so it ought to be good. Tickets are $17 and doors open at 6 PM.

Very few metal bands in this day and age can claim as much undying fan loyalty as Watain. Black metal heathens through and through the band has been inciting chaos since 1998 with their punishing riffs, bad attitudes and extreme live shows (blood and animal guts included). Read Invisible Oranges interview with lead singer Erik Danielsson if you need proof. This is real-deal, raw and dangerous black metal; not your circus act Ozzfest fare (I'm looking at you Cradle of Filth). Tonight the band is set to slay Club Infinity. Also on the bill are Buffalo's own Hubris (scathing black metal) and Grave Descent (death metal), along with Sathanas and Malformed. Show starts early so get there early. 6pm. $20. All ages. BANG YOUR HEAD.

Leave it to two Sweedish teenage sisters to make one of the nicest Americana records of the year so far.  Klara and Johanna Söderberg, who perform under the name First Aid Kit, released their 2nd full length album, The Lion's Roar, in late January.  Featuring a collaboration with Conor Oberst on the album stand out "King of the World, the album has been receiving great reviews, and this summer, the sisters will be making a stop in Buffalo to perform at Club Infinity in Williamsville, courtesy of After Dark Entertainment.  The show is set for 8:00pm on Monday, July 30th.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $13 at ticketweb beginning this Friday at 10:00am.