Miers on Music by Jeff Miers

Todd turns Tralf into "Arena"

Todd Rundgren played a sold-out show at the Tralf on Friday evening, and it was one we're likely to be remembering for a good while. After playing a few older pieces, Rundgren and his amazing band played the body of his soon-to-be-released new album, "Arena". It's always a risky endeavor playing a continuous stream of songs no one in the crowd is familiar with, but it's a testament to the strength of the "Arena" material that the assembled had no trouble warming to the new songs. Write and share your thoughts on Rundgren and the new material, if you were one of the lucky ones who snagged a ticket to the Tralf.

Ani in 'Babeville'

Ani DiFranco christened her church last night with a killer show before a capacity house.

The performance, featuring DiFranco's wonderful new band, was an unqualified success. See today's Buffalo News for a full review of the show, but use this forum to share your thoughts on the new moniker for the former Church DiFranco revealed during her set last night.

That's right, folks, this beautiful building and concert space will henceforth be known as "Babeville."
So waddya think?

Ray Emery's blues

Poor Ray Emery, Ottawa Senators goalie, is lamenting the fact that the Rangers didn't beat the Sabres, apparently because playing in New York would've given him more to do with his time off than he'll find here in Buffalo. Beyond the obvious suggestions one might toss Emery's way, none of which would be printable here, I've done my best to come up with a social calander for the man. Contrary to his - and apparently, many others' - belief that there's nothing going on in Buffalo, I've discovered a host of engagements for his "down-time."

Tonight, after losing to the Sabres, Mr. Emery should head over to the Town Ballroom, a club that's the equal of any similar-sized room he might find in Ranger-land, to check out Silversun Pickups. See, Ray? Even we simple country folk get a decent alternative band or two to humor us with a visit!

On Friday, Emery can check out two wonderful bands born and bred right here in humble little Buffalo, if he heads to Nietzsche's to check out the Flatbed CD release party, with opening act the Old Sweethearts. Maybe Ray's more of an R & B guy. If so, he can visit the beautiful Shea's and check out the '70s Soul Jam.

A trip to the Lafayette Tap Room might cure Emery's "stuck in Buffalo with the Manhattan blues again" quandry. If Emery indeed has the stamina to keep up with us here in Buffalo, he might end his night with a few nightcaps at Mother's. Or perhaps, like happily departed Bills whiner Willis McGahee, he's more of a Dave & Buster's guy...

Anyone out there have any more suggestions for Ray Emery?

New Riders, old souls

On Tuesday night, Club Infinity came to life with the pyschedelic strains of what Gram Parsons dubbed "Cosmic American Music," as pioneering outfit New Riders Of the Purple Sage brought a heady mix of country and rock to an eager, appreciative and large audience.

What a treat this show was, from start to finish. Infinity is a great space, and consistently offers some of the clearest, cleanest live sound in the area. The New Riders - not so "new" anymore, but playing with the vitality of a group of 20 year-olds - offered two sets of beautiful, improvisation-heavy classics. Noteable was the pedal steel playing of Buddy Cage, who is certainly one of the finest pickers out there. The band's three-part vocal harmonies were outstanding as well. And an inspired opening set from Buffalo's The Fibs was icing on the cake. To hear NRPS in the concert setting, visit www.NRPSLive.com.

Anyone out there have a complete set list?