Colored Musicians Club Returns for 19th Annual Queen City Jazz Festival

Festival featuring Gerald Albright, Spyro Gyra and Local Artists to Celebrate

The Colored Musicians Club and Buffalo’s Iconic History of Jazz

OnSaturday July 29 jazz music will fill the air in downtown Buffalo as the Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum Presents the 19th Annual Queen City Jazz Festival in front of the Downtown Erie County Public Library in Lafayette Square from 1 to 8 pm.

Attendees should definitely bring chairs and be prepared for a beautiful day of music from fresh and upcoming artists to veteran and seasoned artists. Musical genres will include gospel to fusion jazz, improvised eclectic jazz, to smooth jazz from local artists who have performed extensively in the city, as well as to international acclaim like pianist and producer Rod Bonner, The Damone Jackson Outcome led by drummer Damone Jackson and the GLVT Love Xtreme jazz ensemble led by seasoned musician Gregory Treadwell. Headliners at the 2023 festival include Spyro Gyra an internationally known group born from the City of Buffalo and Grammy award winning saxophonist Gerald Albright.

“We are thrilled to have such a diverse group of artists this year who represent the very best of Buffalo’s thriving and innovative jazz and music community, to headliners who have literally traveled the world with their expertise in Jazz Performance,” said Linda Appleby CMC board member and contributing member of the events committee, all of whom make this annual festival a lively entertaining experience for the Queen City in the heart of Downtown .

This is the 2nd year the festival is being held in this location as the club, which is in the heart of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, is still under renovation. There will also be a diverse group of vendors this year that will feature food trucks, community information booths, and artisans. If you are a vendor there is still time to submit an application deadline is July 15.

The festival is free to the public. Parking can be found around the immediate area surrounding the Erie County Library, as well as train service that drops you off directly in front of the venue on Main street.

For more info visit the club online at www.thecoloredmusiciansclub.com

Chef Darian's Jamaican Market Set for July 22!

Celebrity Chef Darian Bryan and his family invite the Buffalo community to join them for their annual celebration of Jamaican culture with food, live performances, local vendors, contests, educational activities and more for the 3rd annual Jamaican Market in Larkin Square , 745 Seneca Street July 22 from 4pm-8pm.

A one of a kind experience in town, Chef Darian brings all walks of life together for this family friendly Jamaican Market experience. Attendees will enjoy live performances including both the American and Jamaican National Anthems, dancing, a drum circle, and live music. There will be delicious food and a variety of goods sold by 30 participating local vendors for this years event and music by DJ Ruption! “I can’t believe this is already our 3rd annual celebration,” said Chef Darian. “Years ago, my family and I saw a need for a Jamaican festival in Buffalo, and we were excited to start one and make it our own." With his home grown experience of creating delicious Jamaican cuisine, new inviting dining experience, a fresh and creative platform for vendors from the community and activities for the whole family, this celebration of Jamaican culture is a winwin! “The ability to bring a small amount of our Jamaican culture to our home in Buffalo is such an honor. Just like in Jamaica all are welcomed and we will have a great time” said Sherece Lewis who is sister to Chef Darian and chair of the 3rd annual Jamaican Market. So stop-shop-eat and enjoy the Jamaican vibration this wonderful family bring to the city with love and always good vibes. Follow @jamaicanmarketbuffalo on social media for updates.

LARRY SALTER’S SOUL ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO MANDELLA’S THIS SATURDAY! Larry Salter’s Soul Orchestra will return to Mandella’s on Jefferson and Ferry this Saturday, July 15, for another great afternoon of live music from 6-8 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your chairs! See you there!

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

Powerful Beats, Enduring Influence: Hip Hop Icons Doug E Fresh, EPMD, KRS-One, Rakim, and Slick Rick to Rock Blue Cross Arena in a Legendary Celebration on Saturday, July 22!

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of Hip Hop as the Masters of the Mic Hip Hop 50 concert takes center stage at the renowned Blue Cross Arena on Saturday, July 22. This monumental event marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and promises an unforgettable night of iconic performances by legendary artists Doug E Fresh, EPMD, KRS-One, Rakim, and Slick Rick.

Hip Hop lovers, music enthusiasts, and concert goers from Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, New York, and even Canada are grabbing their tickets for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will ignite the spirit of the culture. The Masters of the Mic Hip Hop 50 concert is set to showcase the very best of the genre, paying homage to the roots while embracing the future.

But the Masters of the Mic Hip Hop 50 concert goes beyond the music—it's a celebration of community and recognition of influential figures. As part of the festivities, we are proud to present The Beat 105.5 FM Hip Hop Hero Award. This prestigious award will acknowledge Michael Peace, one of Gospel Hip Hop's first soloists, who hails from right here in Upstate New York (Rochester). Michael Peace has dedicated his life to empowering youth and families through Bethel Express of America, Inc., a remarkable community outreach and ministry program.

As the beats drop and the rhymes flow, the audience will be transported on a musical journey through five decades of Hip Hop history. Doug E Fresh, known as the "Human Beatbox," will mesmerize with his unparalleled vocal percussion skills and electrifying stage presence. EPMD will bring their legendary style and infectious energy, taking fans back to the golden era of Hip Hop. The lyrical genius of KRS-One, Rakim, and Slick Rick will captivate the crowd, reminding us why they are considered the true pioneers of the genre - James Wilson of The Beat 105.5 FM (Hip Hop and R&B).

"This concert is not just about the music; it's a movement that honors the rich heritage of Hip Hop while embracing the positive impact it has made on communities across the nation," said Wilson. "By presenting The Beat 105.5 FM Hip Hop Hero Award to Michael Peace at the event, we also shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done right here in Rochester by a trailblazer who has contributed to the infrastructure of Hip Hop and the positive impact made in Rochester's historically marginalized neighborhoods."

Tickets for the Masters of the Mic Hip Hop 50 concert are still available. Don't miss your chance to witness this historic event that brings together legendary artists and pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. Secure your tickets today by visiting Doris Records, 286 E. Ferry Street in Buffalo OR www.ticketmaster.com or the Blue Cross Arena box office.

2nd Annual 716 Music Awards Celebrating Buffalo's Hidden Talent

July 15 will be another successful year highlighting local artists at the 716 Music Awards. Their first year in 2022 attracted over 400 attendees and the anticipated event this year is expected to bring more enthusiastic support on Saturday July 15 at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Bears Den in Niagara Falls.

This original event is one that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to celebrating the achievements of local artists, producers, engineers and videographers in Buffalo who push the culture forward with fresh innovative creativity in music.

Buffalo is brewing with talent so its no wonder why there are over 20 categories and more than 150 nominees for this years awards ceremony presented music media company Lit City and event planners D&A Events.

Keeping the energy lit for the evening will be hosts Dave Standfield and Solar with performances by Big Boss Blossom, AudioBandz, Dime Doda,ChristopherDoughBoyQui and Friends along with sev- eral special guest presenters throughout the evening.

Doors open at 4p.m. ceremony runs from 5-10p.m. Tickets can be found on Ticketmaster. There’s also an afterparty for the event that will be held at Grand Rapids Theatre,1711 Main street in Niagara Falls with music by DJ Allstar. Visit 716musicawards.com for updates