By Katy Siwirski Oh, the weather outside is frightful, and the concerts are so delightful! And since you’ve no place to go, go to shows, go to shows, go to shows! That’s right, the holiday season is here, and so are the holiday concerts. Are you ready to get yourself into the true holiday spirit...
By Katy Siwirski
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, and the concerts are so delightful! And since you’ve no place to go, go to shows, go to shows, go to shows! That’s right, the holiday season is here, and so are the holiday concerts. Are you ready to get yourself into the true holiday spirit of the season? Check out some of these performances coming to Buffalo, this month.
Get ready for one of the biggest concerts of the year, Buffalo! Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be astounding the KeyBank Center on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 3:30 PM and 8:30 PM. According to their website, Trans-Siberian Orchestra was formed in 1996 by Paul O’Neill who immediately approached long time friends and collaborators Robert Kinkel and Job Oliva to form a core writing team. The platinum selling band quickly became one of Lava/Atlantic’s top artists. O’Neill’s goal “was to create a progressive rock band that would push the boundaries (of the genre) further than any group before… Way, way further.” According to Spotify, their biggest hit is Christmas / Sarajevo 12/24. This is a catchy rendition of Carol of the Bells, bringing the power of rock music and orchestra classics together into one powerful composition. The majority of their other hits are progressive metal renditions of popular holiday tunes. These tickets will surely go fast, so make sure to get yours, before they’re gone. I got to experience them several years ago, and it is a show that you won’t want to miss!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Image provided by Billboard
Trans-Siberian Orchestra sounds like a rocking-good time, but maybe you’re not huge into the Christmas music. Have no fear! Buffalo natives Every Time I Die will be putting on their annual Christmas show, ‘Tid The Season, at Buffalo Riverworks. This event has grown so much in popularity, that it is now a two-day event; Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14. Fans travel from all around the country to witness these hardcore punk legends in their home turf, munching on chicken wings and good brews while enjoying some snazzy tunes. If you were one of the lucky ones to get tickets to this show, prior to selling out, then you are in for a treat! Every Time I Die, also simply knows as ETID, began blowing up the industry in 1998, releasing their first studio album in 2001. Their 2003 album, Hot Damn!, reached #49 on the Top Independent Albums that same year. The success didn’t stop there, though. Their 2005 release, Gutter Phenomenon, reached #10 on the Top Independent Albums & #71 on the Billboard 200. My personal favorite track from the band is the opening track from their 2012 record, Ex Lives. The song is called Underwater Bimbos from Outer Space, and the song is pretty much that. It has a wacky introduction that continues throughout most of the song, balancing out with vocalist Keith Buckley’s raw, edgy style. This album peaked #3 on the U.S. Billboard Vinyl Albums chart. Successfully, their most recent album from 2016, Low Teens, peaked #2 on the US Billboard Independent Albums, and #1 on the US Vinyl Albums. This album has a song entitled “It Remembers” that features pop music icon Brendon Urie, famously known as being the lead member of Panic! At the Disco. This just goes to show that these Buffalo legends are not losing their success anytime soon. I’ve heard from various sources that you can find their members wandering throughout Buffalo, when not on tour. I have personally met a couple members on a few occasions, and they are extremely friendly guys and are very supportive of their hometown fans. Needless to say, you are one lucky person if you were able to get tickets to this show.
Matisyahu, Image by Hollywood Reporter
We have some unique shows on the line-up this month, so lets keep them going! Matisyahu will be at the Town Ballroom on December 20. Simply called Matthew Paul Miller, this talented musician broke through the industry, as of recently, with his unique style of Jewish reggae, rap, beatboxing, and alternative rock. His 2005 single, King Without a Crown, quickly became a Top 40 hit in the United States. Since 2004, he has released five studio albums, on top of two live albums, two remix records, and two DVDs that feature live performances. Miller is known to stick to his foundations, enhancing the traditions of his faith throughout his performances. He is also known for high-reigning success in his studio albums. Three of his albums reached #1 on the Billboard charts, successfully. These include Youth (2006), Light (2009), and Spark Seeker (2012). Needless to say, I don’t think this talented individual isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Still, we don’t know when he’ll be back in Buffalo. Try to enjoy it while you can!
Both the concert and holiday season are in full swing, and it is easy to get caught up in the season of chaotic shopping, money spending, and gift giving. Take a night away from the holiday chaos, and enjoy one of the spectacular shows that you see listed here.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!