It's that time of year again. Buffalo's 55th annual Allentown Art Festival (Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm) kicks into high gear this weekend and buffaBLOG is going to be on the scene, bouncing between vendors, parties and bars, soaking in the creative atmosphere. I'm sure most of you have been down to the festival before and already know what to expect. For those who haven't, picture a sea of people and art everywhere. Artists will have booths set up on either side of the street where you can purchase art work or just do some heavy browsing. There's food, games and, of course, music. You're bound to see plentiful amounts of drunks, and about 3,000 Golden Retrievers so the people/animal watching will be in full effect as well. Here's a list of some things you might want to check out if you're in the Allentown area. (side note: Many of these artists don't have transferrable soundfiles. Go to the included websites to hear some of their music).


SATURDAY

THE STEAM DONKEY's - DBGB's. Americana lover's unite. For over ten years, the Steam Donkeys have been coloring the rust belt's palette with a fine mix of roots-flavored ballads and lullabies. This afternoon, I suggest you escape the heat and slide into DBGB's, where the Donkey's will be playing a mid-day set. 2pm is the time.

QUEEN CITY CARTEL HOSTS FRICTION - DBGB's. If your thing is electronic music, look no further than DBGB's. The ever popular Queen City Cartel will be hosting one of their Friction dance parties and it looks to be a banger. Derf, Medison, Potent-J and more will be blasting an eclectic mix of Dubstep, D'n'B, House and more. Anybody who knows anything about the EDM scene in Buffalo know's that these nights pop. Party starts at 10pm.

SCOTT CELANI BAND and MORE - Nietzsches. Perhaps the singer-songwriter thing is more your speed. Nietzsches will be the spot if this is the case. At 3:45, Scott Celani and his band hit stage followed by Rick Smith (6:45pm) and Jen Whitemore (8:45pm) and Alasanne Sarr (11:45pm). Probably more of a relaxed atmosphere than DBGB's, it will nevertheless be a great time.


SUNDAY

NEVILLE FRANCIS - DBGB's. Reggae is one of the most underappreciated genre's of music today. It has such a rich history and I feel like it often gets passed by or dismissed. Lately though, Buffalo has seen an upswing in the Reggae scene. Legendary producer Lee "Scratch" Perry recently made his way into town re-charging our collective batteries and wanting more. One man who know's ALL about reggae (He's been doing it here in Buffalo for 15+ years is Neville Francis. I remember seeing Neville (with Riddim Posse?) way back in the late nineties and was floored by his depth of understanding and appreciation for the music. If you want to see what reggae is all about, head to DBGB's around 2pm where Neville will be playing. Chances are you'll gain a newfound respect for the music.

NIETZSCHE's ALLENTOWN MUSIC FEST. All day long Allen's most popular venue will be featuring all different kinds of bands and artists. At 2pm, you have Josh Gage and the Moves. At 4pm, you have Corrections. The ever-popular and long-running McCarthyizm will go onstage at 5pm followed by Shaky Stage (6pm), Randle and the Late Nite Scandals (7pm) and Erie Lackawanna Railroad Band (8pm). Hunker down here and drink yourself silly as you witness the best these parts have to offer.