If these dance parties are any indication, the 80's must have been a tough time to be a fan of British music, you constantly had to pick a side. The Smiths vs. The Cure, Depeche Mode vs. New Order, Wham vs. Boy George. Ok, I pulled the third one out of my ass but still, tonight's dance party is the second in a series of knock down drag out fights where the only winner is you and your need to dance.

Following last months' Smiths vs. Cure party, the team behind Transmission Dance Party and On the Wire will be hosting a Depeche Mode vs. New Order party at Hardware tonight. Legitimate heavyweights of British electronic music, tonight will be dedicated exclusively to exploring their respective catalogs. This means that, as long as they play nothing either band did in recent years (please), this dance party will feature nothing but classics. And really, can't we all just get along?


Depeche Mode vs. New Order Dance Party
Allen Street Hardware
$3 before 12, $5 after
21+
11pm

It's hard to believe that we've been dancing to these songs for over a decade. What started essentially as an experiment has blossomed into one of Buffalo's most popular independent events. I am, of course, talking about The Cure vs. The Smiths Dance Party.

In independent music, the Smiths and the Cure are omnipresent. Their popularity has never waned and they always seemed to just be "there." So is the case when you have two massively influential bands, with a library of unforgettable songs.

Over ten years ago, Bill Page and Jay Draper (who also host the Transmission Dance Party events), put their time and energy into an idea they weren't sure would work. A gamble which has paid off big time. Here we are over ten years later, the last dance party standing, and we're STILL talking about how much fun we had at the last one.

Tonight, we celebrate the legacy of two incredible bands, at Buffalo Iron Works (49 Illinois St), a great new venue in the Cobblestone District. The spacious bar is ideal for dancing, has a great soundsystem and there's plenty of parking. It's been awhile since the dance party has had a place to call home, ever since Mohawk Place closed, so hopefully this is the spot. No place I'd rather be on a Friday night in Buffalo. 10:30pm doors. $5. 21+.

It seems like the days of the dance party are over here in Buffalo. Just a few short years ago our city had themed dance parties every other week (Shock & Awe, Friction, Communist Party) and then, just like that, they were gone. The operating word here is seems.

Buffalo's first, and longest-running dance party, Transmission, is alive and thriving, thanks to a dedicated following, and DJ's who've weathered the trends, to bring us timeless indie and alternative dance music time and time again. Transmission has come to represent a celebration of all things dance, and, along with the Smiths vs. Cure dance party (brought to you by some of the same folks), has been churning out great music and memories for over a decade.

For most of this time Transmission considered Mohawk Place home. Since the venue closed in January, Transmission has been looking for a new place to rest its head and they may have found it in Tudor Lounge, the sight of tonight's festivities (10pm). Personally, I think Tudor is the perfect spot for this event, with its cozy atmosphere and inviting dance floor.

Saturday nights were made for dancing. Get the gear ready and spill out tonight.

April 2013 marks a new chapter in the Buffalo music scene and it's long and influential history. This is the month of the Waiting Room, Buffalo's newest venue, which opened with its first show on April 1st (Polar Bear Club). Many future shows are scheduled on the horizon and us locals are hopeful that this spot will reinvigorate the Buffalo scene and take it to new heights.

Tonight, we celebrate the Waiting Room's official grand opening party (even if it's not their first show) with some of Buffalo's best. You've got the Clash-worshipping Wolf Tickets, Lockport's answer to southern rock - Handsome Jack, the glossy indie-sheen of Voices, and Brit-pop influenced Made Violent, with  DJ Sets by Transmission. The show is absolutely free, drinks are cheap ($2 until 7pm) and Amy's food truck will be parked right outside. What more could you ask for? Great music, great food and it starts early enough (5pm) so you won't have to worry about an all nighter messing with your work plans.

The music scene is what you make it. This is a historic event. Be a part of it.

The Smiths or The Cure, who do you prefer? I have a serious appreciation for both. But in my beloved collection of music The Smiths definitely outweighs The Cure, by a long-shot. "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" will forever be my devoted romance anthem and "How Soon Is Now?" is one of those songs that is so good I can't quite focus on my surroundings because I'm that enraptured. And although both bands are known for their melancholic nature, there's just something about The Smiths for me. I digress, tonight your opinion is the one that matters.


Each year Transmission has held the event at Mohawk Place. With the closing of Mohawk, the 10th annual Smiths vs. Cure dance party will be held at Soundlab. Dress themed and spend a night in a time warp, dancing, and undoubtedly having the great debate: The Smiths or The Cure.