Kraftwerk. started. it. all. Trace back electronic music and ground zero would have to be Kraftwerk, the 70's pioneers who took music in a whole other direction. The first group to truly use software as a compelling musical instrument and repeating rhythms to set the stage, their influence cannot be denied on today's music. They may not get the recognition that they deserve but anybody in the know, gives proper respect.

Tonight, the Buffalo State Digital Music Ensemble will be paying tribute to six works of the seminal group including dance and live video of musicians and dancers. This is a FREE event and is taking place at Rockwell Hall on Buff State's campus. 7:30pm. If interesting and compelling music is your thing, this is a perfect Thursday treat.

Continuing in the tradition of local music support Buffalo State College has been pretty on point lately. The WBNY Local Show (91.3FM) is leap years better since (fellow buffaBLOGGER) Mike Moretti took over a few months back and there have been some pretty good local artists passing through.

One of these artists, Steak and Cakes own Anthony Delplato, will be making an appearance tonight at the Campbell Student Union at 10pm. His emotive brand of reflective rock is perfect for this kind of rainy day so check it out. Oh yea, it's free.

Tonight at Buff State marks the debut of one of the more interesting creations of the music department.  The Digital Music Ensemble is a newly formed group that employs a wide range of electronic instruments, from smart phones and iPads to game controllers and synthesizers.   J. Thomás Henriques, assistant professor of music and the director of the ensemble, calls it "an essential component of the minor in digital music production since it allows students to learn, perform, and compose with exciting new electronic musical instruments."

The group will be performing popular selections from the jazz group Weather Report, as well as a few original compositions.  Joining them onstage will be the Percussion Ensemble, wrapping up the show with a joint performance of Duke Ellington's "Caravan".  This an exciting prospect for the electronic music scene in Buffalo, as it's important to see a College recognizing technological advances in music production as a legitimate curriculum.  Also, the show is free, so let your curiosity get the best of you and head down to Buff State's Rockwell Hall at 7:30 to see what these mad scientists have been up to.

Buffalo State College announced today that rapper Mac Miller will headline the school’s Spring Fest, along with support BMX hip-hoppers The Cool Kids on Friday, May 4th. The Cool Kids have been internet darling for close to five years after delivering strong performances at the CMJ Music Festival in New York and the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. Their unique version skate-hop has heavily been featured in skate videos, video games, and just about anything cool people like. Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks arguably paved the way for modern alt-hip hop groups (OFWGKTA) to reach the mainstream listeners. Tickets are a ridiculously low $5 for Buffalo State students (with ID), and $30 to all ya’ll with jobs. I I MIKEY I I I ROCK....

I gotta give it up to Buff State. They've really been upping their game lately with consistently good shows and cool niche events that seem to be attract a wide array of music lovers. Tonight we have two such events. (See Mike's preview to find out what the other is). Now, I'm not usually a fan of chorale music, but tonight I'll make the exception. The Buffalo State Choir will be performing Poetry into Song, a tribute to the poetry of Lord Byron, E.E. Cummings, Langston Hughes, Octavio Paz (a personal favorite) and others. If you can appreciate good poetry or are interested in checking out something unique, this event promises to be just that; interesting interpretations of the works of poetry's best. The events at 7:30pm (Rockwell Hall) and will most likely start promptly. Get there early.