Must See Concerts In and Around Buffalo This Week

Last week’s Cult show at the harbor was the unofficial kick off of the Summer concert season in Western New York. This week the fun continues with some must see shows.

Sting performs at Artpark tomorrow night (6/12) with a 5 piece band that critics say is simple and straight forward with some new takes on some classic Police and Sting songs.

Buddy Guy is the pioneer of the Chicago Blues Sound, Johnny Lang burst onto the scene as a teen prodigy. Together they bring over 100 years of the Blues to UB’s Mainstage tomorrow (6/12) night.

This week marks 50 years of the Beatles, and Ringo Starr kicks off his world tour at the Fallsview Casino on Thursday and Friday. His All-Star Band features Todd Rundgren and members of Toto, Journey and Mister Mister.

Even though Fitz and the Tantrums don’t have the name recognition of the Cult, expect huge crowds for the free show Thursday Night at the Harbor. The move to the waterfront seems to have paid off for Buffalo Place. But don’t underestimate the music that Fitz is bringing. If you’re a fan of Indie Pop like Gotye, they just might fit the bill. They have a throwback sound with horns a fantastic backing vocalist and a look worthy of Madmen. Check out “Don’t Gotta Work It Out” to get an idea of what you can expect.

Dream Theater was influenced by prog rockers like Yes and Rush, but changed the genre when they fused it with Metal. Expect 7 to 10 minute songs when they perform on Father’s Day in Lewiston…and that’s just the drum solos. Seriously, these guys write long songs. Songs like ‘Octovarian’ clock in at over 24 minutes, and that’s not even their longest. Luckily, there’s an 11 pm curfew at Artpark.