It's been nearly ten years since the legendary Buffalo venue, the Continental, shut its doors yet it still feels like yesterday. Every little detail remains crystal clear. The smell of that place, the dark, brooding ambiance, the dance floor upstairs and the creatures inhabiting it. The Continental was many things to many people. It was a sanctuary for the weird and dejected. It was a venue for "alternative" music however you choose to define that. All in all, it was a staple of our city and is (still) sorely missed.

But fret not! Tonight's all about celebration; not brooding. Tonight we celebrate the Continental Reunion party at Town Ballroom (8pm, $20). Obviously this couldn't be at the Continental...it's long since been destroyed. The Town B's the next best place though and what a way to wring in the party than with all those great bands who defined the place to begin with. You've got Terry Sullivan, you've got the Old Toys, you've got Bobo, you've got a host of killer DJ's that used to spin your favorite goth and IDM tracks. For a full list of bands, check the above flyer. Nostalgia can be a great thing if it's harnessed properly. Do it to it.

The name Rick Barton might sound familiar if you've been hanging around punk rock circles long enough. That's because he was the original guitar player for Dropkick Murphy's, back when they were releasing their seminal albums, Do or Die and The Gangs All Here. Those albums played an influential role in my upbringing and are considered to be classics by many who follow the genre. More recently, Rick has taken to singing and playing guitar for Continental, a band he started with his son, Stephen. Continental deliver honest, working class anthems; a nod to Barton's previous band, but also reveal tender sensibilities in the form of fierce punk rock love songs. Tonight, Buffalo is honored by Continental's presence, at, where else, but Mohawk Place (7pm, $10). Opening the bill are Buffalo's own Chosen Ones, who will be releasing a new 7", and The Clockers. In between bands, the Culture Clash All Stars will be spinning all your favorite cuts. Pay your respects to a true legend tonight and make your way down.