Best Group/Writer

[winfield31]

No postings in this thread ? Come on , who were the BEST music groups , song writers , singers , etc. to emerge from WNY ????

[wheresthesun]

No postings in this thread ? Come on , who were the BEST music groups , song writers , singers , etc. to emerge from WNY ????
I love Ani. She writes, sings, and plays like nobody's business.
Billy Sheehan is a legend.

[Sylvan]

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[winfield31]

I'm talking like The Goo Goo Dolls , Spyro Gyra , yes Ani DiFranco , the guy who wrote "Somewhere Over The Rainbow from Wizard of Oz (forget his name , sorry) , etc. !

[winfield31]

<OBJECT height=355 width=425>

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UinSqmNdSpo&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></OBJECT> (http://<object width=) Syl , LOL , that song is local , or "loco" weed ? Funny stuff.......:) </P>

[bigpoppapuff]

grover washington jr
dyke and the blazers
rick james

[bigpoppapuff]

I'm talking like The Goo Goo Dolls , Spyro Gyra , yes Ani DiFranco , the guy who wrote "Somewhere Over The Rainbow from Wizard of Oz (forget his name , sorry) , etc. !



harold arlen...

[Harlem World]

grover washington jr
dyke and the blazers
rick james

Darrell Banks

[Dumbfounded]

Goo Goo Dolls hands down

[winfield31]

harold arlen... Thanks bpp , I was to lazy to "google" that last night.............

[bigpoppapuff]

cory wells (three dog night)...had a group prior to leaving for california...cory wells and the avengers...

[speaker]

I'm talking like The Goo Goo Dolls , Spyro Gyra , yes Ani DiFranco , the guy who wrote "Somewhere Over The Rainbow from Wizard of Oz (forget his name , sorry) , etc. !

Harold Arlen. OOPS. Didn't see your post, bbp.

[winfield31]

How 'bout Barbara Sinclair & The Pincushions ? Remember her , I hear she's still around ? Plus Wilmer & The Dukes "(Give Me One More Chance" went national)......... I forgot about 3 Dog Night's Corey Wells , his mom live 3 houses away from me , plus Reznik of the Goo Goo Dolls is/was related to my cousin through marriage........MAN , also forgot Rick James (although I was not a fan of his....)

[alicewaits]

sweet! a music forum!

Barbara Sinclair does indeed still play out. she's fantastic.

i'm a fan of all that Robby Takac has done around here. Music Is Art is a program i deeply support.

[winfield31]

sweet! a music forum!

Barbara Sinclair does indeed still play out. she's fantastic.

i'm a fan of all that Robby Takac has done around here. Music Is Art is a program i deeply support. :) Please excuse my ignorance alice , but who is Robby Takac ? Is he/she contemporary or from the past like Sinclair ? Does anyone remember "Chuck Roast & Jack O'Lantern" , they used to play a lot at "The Red Balloon" on Sheridan/Colvin before Jerry Korab (Sabres player) bought it , then they changed their name to "Bananas" , they were very good with vocals & music , but mostly noted for their comedy , like that "other" nut case (I really enjoyed him though) who sang the "hard-core" rough music.............John Valby !:D

[alicewaits]

:) Please excuse my ignorance alice , but who is Robby Takac ?

he's the bass player in the Goo Goo Dolls. stayed in buffalo (well, part time, i think) and has done a ton of work to promote music in our schools, and heads the Music Is Art program which has a music showcase festival of both national and local acts.

[winfield31]

he's the bass player in the Goo Goo Dolls. stayed in buffalo (well, part time, i think) and has done a ton of work to promote music in our schools, and heads the Music Is Art program which has a music showcase festival of both national and local acts.:) Thank you very much for the info , I had no clue ? You'd think that name would ring a bell ?

[raoul duke]

Peter Case (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Case)

[wheresthesun]

Rob Falgiano and he's still making music, locally. :)

[alicewaits]

Rob Falgiano and he's still making music, locally. :)

i do think he's one of the best local cats. i do shows with him a lot and we've become great pals.

www.myspace.com/robfalgiano

[wheresthesun]

i do think he's one of the best local cats. i do shows with him a lot and we've become great pals.

www.myspace.com/robfalgiano
I've been trying to get to a Song Circle gig...and will! ;)

[alicewaits]

april 5th, with the amazing Noa Bursie, and with Tina Marie Williams, oh, and me ;)

if anyone hasn't heard Noa yet...git to gittin': www.myspace.com/noabursie

[wheresthesun]

Nietzsche's - Wed. Mar. 5

248 Allen St., Buffalo, NY - 18 and over with ID - FREE (TIPS ENCOURAGED!)

Fantastic Four Song Circle #32 - Hosted by Rob Falgiano, with Dee Adams, Noa Bursie & Tina Marie Williams, 8pm-11:30pm

[Jazz]

april 5th, with the amazing Noa Bursie, and with Tina Marie Williams, oh, and me ;)

if anyone hasn't heard Noa yet...git to gittin': www.myspace.com/noabursie

Tina Marie Williams is wonderful. I've known her since she was about 8. Nice voice, nice girl.

[alicewaits]

i agree. she has a hella voice for such a small girl - she has quite a future ahead.

sadly, i have been socked with the flu or something, and won't be sharing the song circle with her tonight. i normally NEVER cancel on a gig but a) i feel like **** and will sing like **** and b) it would not be very nice of me to spread the germs.

Tina and Noa and Rob are sooooooo worth seeing - go check them out.

[alicewaits]

oops, didn't know i couldn't use the s word here, sorry :o .

i also didn't realize i messed up the date in the first post there - yes it is indeed tonight, MARCH 5th. the April show will be on the 9th.

[bigpoppapuff]

feel better,dee....

[Riven37]

cory wells (three dog night)...had a group prior to leaving for california...cory wells and the avengers...


Cory Wells
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Cory Wells (born February 5, 1942 in Buffalo, New York) is an American singer, best known as one of the three lead vocalists in the band Three Dog Night.


[edit] Life and career
Wells, who was born Emil Lowendowski, came from a musical family and began playing in Buffalo-area bands in his teens. His father, who was married to someone else, died when he was a small child, leaving his mother to struggle financially until she eventually remarried. She gave Cory her maiden last name so not to implicate his natural father. Having survived childhood in a rough, racially polarized neighborhood and an even more brutal home environment fueled by an abusive stepfather[citation needed], Wells joined the United States Air Force directly out of high school. While in the Air Force, he formed a band of interracial performers, inspired by his boyhood love of a similar popular band called The Del-Vikings, who had a national hit with the doo-wop song, "Come Go with Me."

Following his military tour of duty, Wells returned to Buffalo and was asked to join a band named the Vibratos. It was here that he was heard by a manager and asked to travel to California with the band. They changed the name to "The Enemy", working all the clubs in the LA area, San Diego, Las Vegas and Sacramento. After being the house band at the Whisky a Go Go for a year and being in several movies and TV shows (The Beverly Hillbillies, Burke's Law, Riot on Sunset Strip, Harper with Paul Newman and Shelly Winters), Cory was asked by Cher at the Whiskey a Go Go to tour with Sonny and Cher. It was on that tour that Cory met Danny Hutton, his future partner in the rock band Three Dog Night. At a time when many bands who were about to become household names were taking their formative steps - groups such as The Doors, Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds and Spirit. The Enemys had minor hits with recordings of "Hey Joe" and "Sinner Man".

Danny and Cory got together to form Three Dog Night. Danny had met Chuck Negron at a Hollywood party so when Cory and Danny looked for the third singer, the found him in Chuck Negron. Danny Hutton, a former songwriter/performer for Hanna-Barbera Productions, Cory and Chuck met The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. The three recorded demos under the name Redwood with Wilson as producer (this at the same time when he was producing songs for a rather unsettling singer/songwriter named Charles Manson). The sessions produced a potential single, "Time to Get Alone" but was stopped by Beach Boy member Mike Love. Having perfected their three-part harmony sound within Redwood, Wells, Hutton and Negron, with the addition of a four-piece backing group made up of friends and others they had had worked with, began performing as Three Dog Night in 1968. That group became one of the most successful bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Unlike many other rock musicians of the day, Wells was able to abstain from serious drug and alcohol problems, nor did he squander his earnings on the lavish life style of a successful rock star, choosing to live a somewhat more moderate existence. After Three Dog Night broke up in 1977, Wells tried a solo career, recording the album Touch Me for A&M Records in 1978. Wells helped re-launch Three Dog Night in the mid-1980s, recording an EP called "It's A Jungle." A falling out with Negron left Hutton and Wells with the name "Three Dog Night" as an entity, under which they continue to perform successfully today, and the pair (along with original members Mike Allsup and Jimmy Greenspoon) tour regularly each year.

As of 2007 Wells, who is also an avid fisherman, continues to tour with the band. His longtime marriage to wife Mary resulted in two daughters, Corrie Ann and Dawn Marie , who has worked as an effects animator for Walt Disney Pictures.

[Riven37]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Harold Arlen

Harold Arlen, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1960
Born Hyman Arluk
February 15, 1905(1905-02-15)
Buffalo, New York
Died April 23, 1986 (aged 81)
New York City, New York
Spouse(s) Anya Taranda (1937-1970)
[show]Awards won
Academy Awards
Best Original Song
1939 The Wizard of Oz
for Over the Rainbow

Harold Arlen (February 15, 1905 – April 23, 1986) was an American composer of popular music. He was an important composer of 20th century popular music, with over 400 songs written, a number of which have become known the world over. His 1938 song "Over the Rainbow” was voted the twentieth century's No. 1 song by the Recording Industry Association of America [1

[bigpoppapuff]

interesting story,(i think)....the drummer for cory wells and the avengers was a childhood friend of mine,dave treger.....after they moved to california,they played a bit...then broke up....when cory got involved in the three dog night project,he called dave and asked if he wanted to be the drummer for the new group....dave had taken a job outside of music and turned cory down....had he accepted,he would've been the drummer for three dog night.....could've been a wrong decision on dave's part...

[Riven37]

Jim Cialfi, lead singer and guitarist, traveled with Yes and Asia.

[Riven37]

Vincent Gallo (born in Buffalo, New York on April 11, 1962) is an American film actor and director, producer, screenwriter, and musician. Although he has had minor roles in mainstream films such as Goodfellas, he is most associated with independent movies. Buffalo '66, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, is considered his most notable film. In the 1980s, Gallo worked as a figurative painter in New York City, performed in a rap duo and played in a band called Bohack. In the late 1990s, Gallo played in a rock band called Bunny, and in the early 2000s, he released several recordings.

[Riven37]

an oldie Stan and the Ravens 1960

[Riven37]

10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, formed in 1981 and active with various line-ups since that time. Their best-known member is Natalie Merchant, who left the band in 1993 to pursue a solo career.

Contents [hide]
1 1981-1993
2 1994-2001
3 2002-2007
4 Band members
5 Discography
6 Singles
7 References
8 External links



[edit] 1981-1993
The band was formed as Still Life in 1981 in Jamestown, New York, by Dennis Drew (keyboards), Steve Gustafson (bass), Chet Cardinale (drums), Robert Buck (guitar), and Terry Newhouse (Buck's ex-wife and vocalist). Steve Gustafson invited Natalie Merchant, who was 17 at the time, to do some vocals. John Lombardo who was in a band called The Mills (along with brother guitarist/vocalists Mark Liuzzo and Paul Liuzzo and drummer Mike Young) and used to play with Still Life occasionally was invited to join permanently on guitar and vocals. Newhouse and Cardinale left the band in July, and Natalie Merchant became the main singer. Various drummers came and left. The band changed its name to Burn Victims and then to 10,000 Maniacs after the low-budget horror movie Two Thousand Maniacs!.

They performed as 10,000 Maniacs for the first time on September 7, 1981 - Labor Day, with a line-up of Natalie Merchant, John Lombardo, Robert Buck, Dennis Drew, Steve Gustafson, and Tim Edborg on drums. Tim Edborg left and Bob "Bob O Matic" Wachter was on drums for most of the 1981 gigs. Tired of playing cover songs - though oddly enough their first notable American hit was a cover of the Cat Stevens song "Peace Train" - the band started to write their own music, usually with Natalie Merchant handling the lyrics and John Lombardo the music. In February-March 1982, with Jim Foti on drums, the band recorded an EP album called Human Conflict Number Five. More gigs followed in 1982. It was during this time that they lived in Atlanta, Georgia for a short while at the encouragement of friends who said that many gigs were available there. After raking leaves and selling their plasma to pay rent, the band moved back to Jamestown in November 1982.

At the beginning of 1983, Jerry Augustyniak joined the band as their permanent drummer. The Maniacs met Augustyniak when they played in Buffalo, New York, where he was in a punk band called The Stains. Between March and July, the band with Albert Garzon producing, recorded songs for a second record, Secrets of the I Ching - their debut full-length album, which was pressed by Mark Records for the band's own label Christian Burial Music. The record was well-received by critics and it caught the attention of John Peel - DJ at Radio BBC Radio 1 in London. One song, "My Mother the War" turned out to be a minor hit in United Kingdom, and it entered the independent singles chart. During 1983 and 1984, touring was a way of life for the band, which included gigs in the UK.

Peter Leak, an Englishman living in New York City, became interested in the band, made contact and was made their manager. With the help of Leak and Elektra Records A & R man Howard Thompson, 10,000 Maniacs signed to Elektra in November 1984. In the spring of 1985, they recorded their second full-length album, The Wishing Chair, in London at Livingston Studios, with Joe Boyd as producer. Though the album was not a blockbuster hit, its status as the band's major label debut did win it some notice, and it received significant critical acclaim.

Music sample:
"Because the Night" excerpt


The 10,000 Maniacs cover of the Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith song "Because the Night". It was featured on their MTV Unplugged album. This sample includes the final chorus of the song.
Problems listening to the file? See media help.
Co-founder John Lombardo left the band during a rehearsal on Monday, July 14, 1986. The remaining five members started the recordings of a new album in Los Angeles, with Peter Asher as the producer. In My Tribe, a more pop-rock oriented record, was released on Tuesday, July 7, 1987, hit the charts where it stayed 77 weeks, peaking at #37 and established a large US audience for the group and was also well received in the UK. The next album, 1989 Blind Man's Zoo hit #13 and went Gold, further increasing the group's following. In 1990, with the help of John Lombardo, they remastered their first two records Human Conflict Number Five and Secrets of the I Ching and released them as a compilation called Hope Chest: The Fredonia Recordings 1982-1983. John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey, who had formed a folk act called John & Mary, opened gigs for the Maniacs on the Hope Chest Tour in 1990. In 1991, during the recordings of a new album, Natalie Merchant revealed to the other members that she would be leaving for a solo career in two years' time. In 1992, Our Time in Eden was released. On Wednesday, April 21, 1993, 10,000 Maniacs recorded MTV Unplugged and Natalie Merchant announced her leaving the band on MTV on Thursday, August 5, 1993. The MTV Unplugged (10,000 Maniacs album) album was released in October 1993. The band also played President Clinton's Inaugural Ball in January 1993, with Merchant a vociferous supporter of the Democratic Party.

[edit] 1994-2001
In late 1993/early 1994, the remaining members of 10,000 Maniacs (Augustyniak, Buck, Drew, and Gustafson) asked John & Mary to join the band and continue on. The revamped band began performing new material almost immediately, initially calling themselves John & Mary, Rob, Steve, Dennis, & Jerry, before they were to legally regain control of the name 10,000 Maniacs.

10,000 Maniacs released two albums with Mary Ramsey on vocals. In 1997 they released Love Among the Ruins on Geffen Records and followed up in 1999 with The Earth Pressed Flat on Bar/None.

In December 1998, lead guitar player Rob Buck took some time off from the band, moving to Texas to focus on a new project called League of Blind Women. The band recruited Buffalo-based Michael Lee Jackson of the band Animal Planet to step into the lead guitar role. Buck returned to the band in the summer of 1999, though fans noticed a huge change. The man on stage sure sounded like Rob Buck, but he didn't look like Rob Buck. The once robust man on lead guitar had aged and lost a lot of weight.

On Friday, November 3, 2000, 10,000 Maniacs played with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, in Buffalo, NY. It would be the last concert they would perform with Rob Buck.

On Tuesday, December 19, 2000, founder and lead guitarist Robert Buck died of liver failure at the age of 42. He was buried in Mission Cemetery in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania.

The band took a break. Steve Gustafson and Dennis Drew, with Jeff Erickson - guitar started a band called The Mighty Wallop!. Jerry Augustyniak joined a band called Only Humen. On Wednesday, December 5, 2001, a 10,000 Maniacs line-up comprising Steve Gustafson, Dennis Drew, Jerry Augustyniak, John Lombardo, and Mary Ramsey played on a benefit concert in Toronto, with Rob Buck's former guitar technician Jeff Erickson on lead guitar.


[edit] 2002-2007
In 2002, Steve Gustafson, Dennis Drew, and Jerry Augustyniak decided that they wished to continue on with a new lead singer. John Lombardo showed up at the first band practice, found out that the band had hired Jeff Erickson to play lead guitar and Oskar Saville of the Chicago-based band Rubygrass to sing, and quit the band. This lineup toured sporadically between 2002 and 2006, playing a greatest hits show at various festivals. Mary Ramsey rejoined the current edition of 10,000 Maniacs for several dates in 2006, playing viola and singing backing vocals.

In Summer 2006, John and Mary re-formed a folk-rock band called the Valkyries, they appeared August 26 and 27 at the Elmwood Village Festival of the Arts in Buffalo. The Valkyries are composed of several longtime Buffalo music scene stalwarts.

On Tuesday January 27, 2004, Elektra/Asylum/Rhino Records released Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings, a two CD set compilation, with 31 digitally remastered songs, four of them demos and one unreleased. The second disc contained B-sides and outtakes throughout the band's career up to that point, including many covers. Jackson Browne's "These Days" and Tom Waits's "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You" were among those included, as was Cat Stevens's Peace Train which had been removed from later U.S. pressings of In My Tribe. Oskar Saville left 10,000 Maniacs in the summer of 2007 and was replaced by Mary Ramsey for the final show the band played that year.

[edit] Band members
10,000 Maniacs have gone through a variety of musicians throughout the history of the band. Here is a partial list of the past, present, and touring musicians:

Jerry Augustyniak - Jerry has been the drummer of 10,000 Maniacs since 1983. He's also played with the bands The Stains, Only Humen, League of Blind Women, The Michael Lee Jackson Band, Buffalo Rising, The Damn Straights, etc. He has been the band's main backing vocalist since 1994.
Rob Buck - Rob was the lead guitar player from 1981-1999. He co-wrote many of the band's most popular songs. Rob died December 19, 2000 of liver failure at the age of 42.
Duane Calhoun - Duane played lead guitar for 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 while Rob Buck was officially in the band, but not performing with them.
Chet Cardinale - Chet was an early drummer for the band. He left to pursue a career in acupuncture.
Jim Colavito - Jim played saxophone with the band in 1981.
Dennis Drew - Dennis has been the keyboard player in the band since 1981. He's also played with The Mighty Wallop!, where he co-wrote much of the band's material, played keyboards, and had lead and harmony vocal duties.
Jeff Erickson - Jeff took over lead guitar after his friend and guitar teacher Rob Buck died, beginning by playing a short set during the band's only 2001 appearance. The first time he played with the band was December 12, 1998 on the song "These Are Days", while Buck was away from the band. Jeff was a lead singer/guitar player in the short-lived band The Mighty Wallop!.
Tim Edborg - Tim played drums with 10,000 Maniacs in 1981.
Morgan Fichter - Morgan was a touring musician with the band in 1992-1993, playing violin and singing backing vocals. She's also played with Camper Van Beethoven and Phish among others.
Jim Foti - Jim was the studio drummer for the band's 1982 EP Human Conflict Number Five.
Steve Gustafson - Steve has been the band's bass player since 1981. He has also been one of the band's backing vocalists in their live performances since 1994. He was also the bass player in The Mighty Wallop!.
Debbie Heverly - Debbie played piano with the band in 1981.
Michael Lee Jackson - Michael replaced Rob Buck as the touring lead guitar player on December 11, 1998 and stayed in that spot until the summer of 1999, when Buck returned. Michael has played in Animal Planet and The Michael Lee Jackson Band.
Amanda Kramer - Amanda was a touring musician with 10,000 Maniacs in 1992 and 1993 as a second keyboard player, also lending her harmony vocals to some of the songs. Occasionally, she'd back Rob up on guitar, picking up an acoustic on several songs.
John Lombardo - John, the band's rhythm guitar player and occasional odd vocalist, co-wrote most of the early Maniacs songs, but left the band in 1986, right before the band "made it big." He returned in 1994 with his duo partner Mary Ramsey, and picked up right where he left off by writing and shaping the band's music. He left the band again in 2002 after the first rehearsal before the "hits" tour.
Natalie Merchant - Natalie was the voice of 10,000 Maniacs from 1981 until she decided to embark on a solo career in 1993. In her later years with the band, she played piano as well.
Terry Newhouse - Born February 19, 1957 in Corry, Pennsylvania, Terry was a keyboard player and vocalist in the band "Still Life", which was the band's name before they began calling themselves "10,000 Maniacs." At one time, she was married to Rob Buck. Newhouse died June 8, 2005 at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, New York at the age of 48.
Mary Ramsey - Mary opened up shows with John Lombardo as John & Mary in 1990 and would play viola and sing backing vocals with the band on a few songs in 1990-1991. She a touring musician with the band in 1992-1993, playing viola and singing backing vocals. When Natalie Merchant left the band in 1993, Mary replaced her on lead vocals and added the viola as a main instrument of the band, starting with live shows in 1994 and continuing on until 2001. Oskar Saville replaced her as lead singer in 2002, but Mary agreed to become a touring musician with the band in 2006, singing backing vocals and playing viola on select songs. Mary agreed to be the lead singer for the band again for their final show of 2007 after Oskar Saville left the band.
Oskar Saville - Oskar took over lead vocals from Mary Ramsey in 2002. She occasionally plays acoustic guitar during live performances. May 8, 2003 was her first live performance with the band. During the song "Stockton Gala Days", she pulled the band's webmaster (at the time) Adam Zeitz on stage to share lead vocals. Oskar was the former lead singer of Rubygrass and also has a solo career. She left the band in late Summer, 2007 and was replaced by the woman she replaced, Mary Ramsey.
Bob "O'Matic" Wachter - An early drummer for 10,000 Maniacs, Bob never appeared on a Maniacs album, but was an official member from 1982-1983.
Max Weinberg - Best known for his work as the drummer in The E Street Band as well as his drumming on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Max stepped in and was the Maniacs' touring drummer for Fall 1992 shows, when Jerry Augustyniak was hit by a car and broke his collarbone.

[bigpoppapuff]

Ah....vincent gallo is a no-talent hack...

[Riven37]

Billy Sheehan (born on 1953 March 19 in Buffalo, NY) is an Irish American bassist known for his work with Talas, Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr Big, and Niacin.

Sheehan has won Guitar Player Magazine's "Best Rock Bass Player" readers' poll five times for his "lead bass" playing style. Guitar Player has likened his soloing on the four-string instrument to Eddie Van Halen's on the six-string guitar. Sheehan's repertoire includes the use of chording, two-handed tapping and controlled feedback. However, Sheehan is also noted as a steady "true" bassist, fulfilling the traditional supportive role of the electric bass in the rock idiom.

He has also been with the Church of Scientology since 1971[1] and appeared on the street offering to defend it during Project Chanology.[2]

All post from Wikipedia

[bigpoppapuff]

an oldie Stan and the Ravens 1960


if not mistaken...the drummer??....another old friend of mine....sandy konikoff...

[Riven37]

Home • Calendar • Photo Archives • Video Archive • Bio


Dave Constantino has a tasteful & polished blues rock style that has made him a

legendary Western New York and National Guitarist and Singer. In the mid sixties

he founded The Tweeds and wrote the 1967 regional hit "A Thing of the Past". In the

early seventies he joined forces with Drummer, Paul Varga and Bassist, Billy Sheehan

to form the powerhouse trio, Talas. Talas became a Western New York success story

and gained international recognition with classics like Dave's song, "See Saw". Their

popularity extended into the 1990's when they played reunion concerts to sold out

shows, which led to live CD releases and international concerts. Dave has established

himself as a regional icon with bands like Shyboy and most recently, The Dave

Constantino Band with Ted and Tom Reinhardt. The Reinhardts are legends in

their own right and perfectly compliment Dave's bluesy rock style, to create a

dynamic and powerful performance. The Dave Constantino Band performs live

throughout Western New York and has released "Bump in the Road" to rave reviews.


You can find Dave Constantino web page under his name

[Aaron O'Brian]

I posted this to my blog last December...

Over the last 6 month my late band Last Exit played through out the Buffalo music scene (Merlin's, Club Diablo, Ms. Kitty's, blah, blah, blah…). During this time I've had the chance to see quite a few original local bands. I just wanted to recognize a few that I've seen which really left a lasting impression on me.

A note to these bands and their fans: If I compare the band to a famous band, please don't be offended. I'm only doing this for a frame of reference to the reader.

Aediem – This band sounds like a cross between heavy Tool guitars, with a tight rhythm section and a soulful singer/front man. There is a lot of power that pour off the stage with these guys. They're singer A.D. Lewis sings like a cross between Marvin Gaye and Seal. His vocals are a lot more controlled and smoother than most other singers. The guitar plays with heavy effects that wash around you in the club. These guys are cut above most other bands.

Chylde – The band is a sonic force. A three piece with will blow your mind. There is this sonic assault when you see them live. The sound is huge, like a tidal wave! When I've seen them I feel like I'm seeing a young Black Sabbath play for the first time. Their music and energy on stage is such presence you can't do anything but stare and listen. It is like darkness spread into sound waves. All metal fans apply within - John Denver fans need not apply.


Siriun Geometry – Another great metal band, but from Niagara Falls area (close to Buffalo). They play with an aggressive energy that is inhuman. You watch these guys turn their flesh into water. Danny J is exhausting to watch as he pours all his soul the songs. With a mix of the political and the mystical the band tries to explain the insanity of this world.

Redwater – This band (in my opinion) has a real radio appeal to a large mass audience -think Incubus or Hoobastank (don't be angry Redwater). The band plays with tremendous energy and has a great singer/front man. The guitar work is a perfect mix of classic rock and modern alternative. If you like well written songs, a great performance and a bunch of guys with a sense of humor – go see Redwater!!!

The Habit – Here is a local band that has been kicking around for sometime. These guys have written some amazing songs. They are another three piece that squeeze every last sound out of their instruments. I'm reminded of Nirvana, REM and Tom Petty (as crazy as that mix sounds). Their songs have a simple brilliance to them. The songs groove and rock all at once. It's weird.

The Pug Mahones – The singer from Jackdaw went his way to form the Pug Mahones some years back. If you are looking for a cross between Irish-punk and pirate-rock this is the band to see. You cannot believe the way a club/bar explodes with crazed south Buffalo fans when these guys start playing. Believe me it's an experience. They will impress the most cynical music fan.

If you have a chance please go out and see one of these bands – if not all, it will be worth your time. Please support these local musicians; they are not being paid (well not much) to play these shows. They do it because they love their music and it shows.

[Aaron O'Brian]

Home • Calendar • Photo Archives • Video Archive • Bio


Dave Constantino has a tasteful & polished blues rock style that has made him a

legendary Western New York and National Guitarist and Singer. In the mid sixties

he founded The Tweeds and wrote the 1967 regional hit "A Thing of the Past". In the

early seventies he joined forces with Drummer, Paul Varga and Bassist, Billy Sheehan

to form the powerhouse trio, Talas. Talas became a Western New York success story

and gained international recognition with classics like Dave's song, "See Saw". Their

popularity extended into the 1990's when they played reunion concerts to sold out

shows, which led to live CD releases and international concerts. Dave has established

himself as a regional icon with bands like Shyboy and most recently, The Dave

Constantino Band with Ted and Tom Reinhardt. The Reinhardts are legends in

their own right and perfectly compliment Dave's bluesy rock style, to create a

dynamic and powerful performance. The Dave Constantino Band performs live

throughout Western New York and has released "Bump in the Road" to rave reviews.


You can find Dave Constantino web page under his name

Dave Constantino is one of Buffalo's hidden jewels. What an amazing blues player! I seen him play a lot. The best show was his Bump in the Road CD release show. Billy Sheehan played at the end of the show. Holy Moley!!!! I was blown away!

[Aaron O'Brian]

:) Please excuse my ignorance alice , but who is Robby Takac ? Is he/she contemporary or from the past like Sinclair ? Does anyone remember "Chuck Roast & Jack O'Lantern" , they used to play a lot at "The Red Balloon" on Sheridan/Colvin before Jerry Korab (Sabres player) bought it , then they changed their name to "Bananas" , they were very good with vocals & music , but mostly noted for their comedy , like that "other" nut case (I really enjoyed him though) who sang the "hard-core" rough music.............John Valby !:D

I think I grew up with Chuck Roast's singer Chuck Miano's son. That guy is such a ham, what a great performer.

[winfield31]

I think I grew up with Chuck Roast's singer Chuck Miano's son. That guy is such a ham, what a great performer.miano , is that the guy who owned/ran one of those burger/hotdog joints on River Rd. by Isle View Park in Tona. ?

[bigpoppapuff]

miano , is that the guy who owned/ran one of those burger/hotdog joints on River Rd. by Isle View Park in Tona. ?


pretty sure it's his son.....chuck and his brother own ol' man river....chuck and his son are musicians.....

[Aaron O'Brian]

miano , is that the guy who owned/ran one of those burger/hotdog joints on River Rd. by Isle View Park in Tona. ?

One in the same. He doesn't owner Old Man River anymore.

[Aaron O'Brian]

pretty sure it's his son.....chuck and his brother own ol' man river....chuck and his son are musicians.....

David his oldest son is a musician, but is a professor in Ancient History in San Diego, CA.

Charlie his youngest son is a musician, who is an amazing artist that lives in Florida.

Sarah his daughter is a writer that lives in London, England. She wrote a pretty good fictional book based in Buffalo called Encyclopaedia Of Snow (http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopaedia-Snow-Sarah-Emily-Miano/dp/0330411780/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207935194&sr=8-1).

It's a pretty talented family.

[winfield31]

David his oldest son is a musician, but is a professor in Ancient History in San Diego, CA.

Charlie his youngest son is a musician, who is an amazing artist that lives in Florida.

Sarah his daughter is a writer that lives in London, England. She wrote a pretty good fictional book based in Buffalo called Encyclopaedia Of Snow (http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopaedia-Snow-Sarah-Emily-Miano/dp/0330411780/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207935194&sr=8-1).

It's a pretty talented family.sounds like a pretty talented family , I know when hey was "Chuck Roast & Jack O'Lantern" , he & his band could be hilarious at times but their music was pretty good as well............