Local music impresses

Features

Related Photos

Paul Lane

May 22, 2010

By Paul Lane CNHI The Niagara Gazette Sat May 22, 2010, 06:00 AM EDT

NIAGARA FALLS — As a Buffalo Bills fan who grew up during the Super Bowl days, I am intimately familiar with second place.

A lot of people knock position No. 2, but not me. No. 2 means that there are still a lot of people behind you who would love the chance to be that close to the top.

Being the No. 2 choice to represent this newspaper group as a guest judge at the Hard Rock Cafe Battle of the Bands, therefore, was still quite an honor. And a lot of fun.

I filled in for my colleague Rick Forgione for the April 30 finals, which saw five bands duke it out for a spot in the national semifinals. Only one band could win the title, but I have to say without a hint of condescension that I was a winner in that I got to see 2 1/2 hours of the region’s best local music.

First of all, thanks to the Hard Rock for putting on such a great show (and for treating the bands and judges better than royalty). In its second year of hosting the contest, the Hard Rock gets nothing out of it but bragging rights (and perhaps the money that a packed house full of drink consumers spends). But the folks there made it feel like a headlining gig at Madison Square Garden.

Mingling backstage with the performers, I was amazed at some of the minutiae about live performance that I learned. Eating just before taking the stage could hinder a singer’s voice, for example, because the food could hamper the diaphragm’s movement. The friendly debate between rhythm section and the lead performers, meanwhile, will infinitely go on, while some musicians just can’t take the stage with their shoes on because it doesn’t feel right.

And then there was the music:

• Free Henry!, a Lewiston-based quartet whose lively jam rock got the show off to a spirited start (that’s their exclamation point, not mine).

• Floozie, who represented Niagara Falls with a rock sound tinged with the Foo Fighters and Beck.

• Reign, a hip hop/R&B trio (only two performers took the stage for the finals) that commanded the audience’s attention and held it for 30 solid minutes.

• More Than Me, a Buffalo-based group that just as easily handled driving reggae as acoustic beach rock.

• DoDriver, a Buffalo-based five-piece hard rock band that wrapped up the show with an absolute frenzy of a set.

More Than Me took the grand prize, which includes a spot in the national semifinals (Hard Rock corporate judges will assess videos and pick finalists, who will compete for a London gig). More Than Me, DoDriver (second place) and Floozie (third place) all received paid opening gigs at the Hard Rock, as well as regional Hard Rock shows and other prizes.

Only a twist of fate put me to be in the position to be there that night, but I’m glad it worked out that way. There’s a bevy of great local music being made all around us, and anyone would benefit from going to check out a show at some point this summer.

So if you have a free night, go on a new music adventure. You never know what gems you may unearth.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Features

PROFILE: Jonathan's Magdalene
An artist's rendering of the companion of Jesus comes forth, he says, from a higher power

February 6, 2012 3 Photos
FORGIONE: Fitness successes inspire lots of 'D' words
There are a lot of "D" words associated with working out at a gym and getting healthier. Determination is a big one. There's also gems such as dream, dedication, develop, duty and desire. And of course, ones that elicit fear like deadlifs and dumbells.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
DELUCA: The Leadership Chronicles
Leadership Niagara 'newbie' has surprising change of heart

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
RIVERKEEPERS: Tending the waterways
Environmental group seeks the help of Niagara volunteers

February 6, 2012 2 Photos
SCIENCE MUSEUM: Special Valentine-themed event coincides with CSI exhibit.
BUFFALO — For the romantically inclined, Valentine’s Day might conjure images of red roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy and candle-lit dinners. For those at the Buffalo Museum of Science, however, they’re hoping some blood, guts and a little bit of disaster might set the mood for some couples.
OK, so maybe not that much blood and guts — it’s a family-friendly environment after all.

February 6, 2012 2 Photos
NATURAL HEALTH: Is HPV worse than vaccine?
For many young girls, and now boys, the American Medical Association and other medical organizations are recommending vaccination with the Gardisil (or similar) vaccine.
Gardasil is a vaccine that supposedly helps prevent 4 types of HPV (human papillomavirus), 2 of which have been linked to cervical cancer and 2 types that are associated with genital warts.
What most people do not know is that there are more than 100 various strains of HPV.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
IRON CHEFS: Cooking competition will help fight ALS
Daniel Tracy's second annual Iron Event gathers top chefs from region

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
NIAGARA BUSINESS: Developing young minds
Two area dayscares have opened in the region, offering advantages for children

February 6, 2012 4 Photos
TIM CHIPP: Figuring out the changes on Facebook
The website that is almost solely responsible for a complete change in social behavior since its wide release in 2006 is about to completely redefine the Internet again for 2012.

January 23, 2012 1 Photo
DIRT FREE GARDENING: Owners of a new hydroponic store say it's not what you'd expect
Say the word “hydroponics” and images of incense, peace signs and tie-dye might come to mind, but for Justin and Claire Holler, the husband/wife owners of Big Bloom Hydroponics, it’s more about science, healthy eating and year-round gardening.

January 23, 2012 6 Photos
More Features Headlines

Features

Search Results

Related Photos

Local music impresses

Site Map

Contact Us