In 2008, after nearly 15 years as one of Buffalo's premier music venues, the Showplace Theater (1065 Grant St.) closed its doors. The iconic venue hosted many legendary performances over the years from nationals like the Cramps and the Damned to popular local groups like the Imports and the Budgets. As a little kid, it was always my dream to play the Showplace, and as I got older, I was privileged enough to make that dream a reality several times over. When the closing was announced (the place was practically falling apart) the music community was in shambles; tears were shed, memories were recounted, and a silent fear echoed throughout the scene...what now?

Not long ago the old Showplace was purchased, and since that time renovations have been under way to clean the place up and restore it to its former glory. Anyone who remembers those bathrooms will know that this is no easy undertaking.

Tonight will be a coming out party of sorts for the landmark theater. While Showplace is not officially set to open as a venue (just yet), they are opening their doors for one night; a celebration of all things St. Paddy's. Irish for a Day. The party (doors at 4pm) will include performances by popular local acts Breckenwood, Crashfuse, Cosmic Shakedown and Sleepy Hahas (check em out below). Additionally there will be Irish food aplenty and an endless flow of (what else?) beer. Go for the bands, go for the eats, or just go to see what Showplace looks like nowadays. I, for one, am curious.

Rumors have been swirling around for the past few monthes now. Whispers here and there of Buffalo's infamous West Side venue re-opening its doors. Those who have passed by the Grant St. theater have noticed some work to the building, only adding fuel to the fire. Well, I'm very happy to say that the Showplace Theater is set to re-open and once again host shows.

This is very exciting news, especially if you grew up around Buffalo in the nineties and early 2000's. I can't tell you how many shows I went to at the Showplace. I practically lived there from '96-2000. In fact, I think it was the first venue I regularly attended shows at. From the Misfits, Cramps, Damned, Blood for Blood, Cannibal Corpse and all the major punk and metal shows, if it was at the Showplace Theater chances are I was there. I could probably write 20 pages on my experiences at Showplace but I won't bore you with memories that won't translate anyways. I'll simply give you the facts. This statement was released by (presumably) the new owners on their facebook page.

"Yes!! its alive......

"The Diamond in The Rough"

Yes, all you live music Connoisseur the amazing heart of the showplace theater has been kick started...........


After a long 5 year hiatus... Buffalo's best live music concert hall is around the corner from opening its doors to the public..... Maybe as soon as next year... Maybe....

First, we would like to say thank you to the Goretti family, a little push by the city of buffalo, The Glass Block Guys, and the nice folks who stopped by as we worked hard giving the facade a little face lift, thank you to all the neighbors encouraging us to keep going, Lets keep the talent and entertainment here in Buffalo, NY....

Thank you, thank you, thank you.......

We would love your feedback.... A trip down memory lane, tell us some of the great memories you had as a child watching movies, and some of the live music and talented acts that hit the stage & screen for over 90 years!! WOW!!...... Send any pix you may have.....

We will keep you informed as to the progress and development...."

So there you have it. Straight from the horses mouth. Showplace is set to re-open (hopefully) next year. Until then we must anxiously await. In the meantime I encourage you to get on facebook and "like" the Showplace Theater page and us buffaBloggers will keep you posted on further developments. Leave a comment if you have any memories or stories from the place.