John Papa Gros Band
The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series Presents John Papa Gros Band with The Brass Bachine Ages 12+, Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent Government Issued ID Required “John ‘Papa’ Gros is a bedrock New Orleans artist, a keyboardist, singer and songwriter who draws on funk, rhythm & blues and Americana songcraft; he also knows his way around the Mardi Gras music repertoire about as well as anyone.” – Keith Spera The New Orleans Advocate Between 2000 and 2013, Gros led Papa Grows Funk, a highly revered group that mixed hard-hitting funk grooves with often unpredictable jazz spontaneity. The band released six critically-acclaimed studio albums. The group’s weekly gigs at the world-famous Maple Leaf became a staple for both locals and tourists alike, eventually leading to Gros touring in far off countries like Japan and Brazil. After Papa Grows Funk dissolved, Gros briefly returned to sideman work, playing organ for a series of all-star tributes to Dr. John and the Neville Brothers. The 2014 Dr. John tribute, The Music Mojo of Dr. John, was later released as a critically-acclaimed live album that featured Gros playing with Bruce Springsteen, Mavis Staples, Jason Isbell, and John Fogerty. More importantly for Gros, those tribute concerts allowed him to play alongside his two biggest influences: the Doctor and Art Neville, both of whom passed in 2019. Turning his attention back to being a bandleader, John has now released four albums, including this year’s “Giants” which pays tribute to some of his main musical influences. “I’m walking in the same path [as Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, and Art Neville,]” explains Gros. “I’ve been following them my whole life. Now, they’re no longer in front of me. They’ve gotten off the path but the path is still very clear.” The Brass Machine lays down funky New Orleans-style street beats. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of jazz, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic brass-y package. Having performed alongside national acts such as Earth, Wind, and Fire, Starship, The Soul Rebels, Rebirth Brass Band, Bonerama, John Papa Gros, CJ Chenier and more – The Brass Machine is hittin’ the streets HARD. Led by frontman “Kidd” Kyle Yagielski, the group has been named the best FUNK BAND in Western New York three years in a row by JazzBuffalo. If you want to hear music that’s good for your souls and soles, come party with The Brass Machine! Since 2007 The Big Easy in Buffalo has brought New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture to the Western New York region several times a year for free and low cost live performance, as well as music education and mentoring for local musicians, students, and the community. Through The Big Easy in Buffalo thousands of students, dozens of local bands, and countless audience members in Western New York have been exposed to this unique American culture. The Big Easy in Buffalo is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, Erie County, Goldfarb Financial, Erie County Legislator Michael Kooshoian, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Town Ballroom, and National Fuel Gas Co.
Hatebreed: SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR 2026
Funtime Presents Hatebreed SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR 2026 with Incantination Snuffed On Sight Balmora Face Yourself Ages 12+, Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent Government Issued ID Required
Hawthorne Heights: 20th Anniversary of If Only You Were Lonely
After Dark Presents Hawthorne Heights 20th Anniversary of If Only You Were Lonely with letlive. & Creeper 16+ Admitted with ID / Under 16 Admitted with Guardian / No One Under 12 Admitted
Buckcherry
Funtime Presents Buckcherry with Tim The Truth Loveboxx Ages 12+, Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent Government Issued ID Required
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Funtime Presents Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Ages 12+, Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent Government Issued ID Required
MINUS THE BEAR – Menos El Oso 20th Anniversary Tour
Funtime Presents MINUS THE BEAR Menos El Oso 20th Anniversary Tour with Keep Minus The Bear VIP Soundcheck Package -One General Admission Ticket -Early Entry to the venue -Access to an intimate preshow soundcheck with Minus the Bear -Q&A with Minus the Bear -Group photo with Minus the Bear from front of stage -Limited edition Menos El Oso poster; autographed -Exclusive VIP Merchandise Item -Official Soundcheck VIP laminate -Priority merchandise shopping -Limited availability Ages 16+ Government Issued ID Required
Emily Ann Roberts
Funtime & Back II Back Present Emily Ann Roberts with SJ McDonald Emily Ann VIP Meet & Greet Upgrade This experience includes: Unforgettable Meet & Greet with Emily Ann Individual Photo with Emily Ann Early entry into venue 1 hour prior to doors Early access to merchandise *VIP Upgrade purchasers MUST have a ticket to the show *This is NOT a ticket to the show Ages 12+, Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent Government Issued ID Required
Jammy Buffet
Funtime & MassConcerts Present An Evening With Jammy Buffet Lakes below The Mountains Tour Ages 12+, Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent Government Issued ID Required
POSTPONED: Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE’s Home on the Range Tour
POSTPONED: NEW DATE TBA Concert Crave Presents Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE’s Home on the Range Tour with SURF GANG Earl Sweatshirt x MIKE Early Entry VIP Package • One general admission ticket • Early entry into the venue • Limited edition tour poster • Custom Earl Sweatshirt x MIKE woven beanie • Commemorative VIP laminate and lanyard • Priority merchandise shopping • Limited availability Ages 12+, Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent Government Issued ID Required
BLADE RAVE
Funtime & MassConcerts Present BLADE RAVE Ages 18+ Government Issued ID Required Step into the Vampire underworld as Blade Rave turns our venue into a reimagined night inside the iconic Bloodbath rave scene from the film Blade. Arrive early, stay late, just be on the look out for Vampires. This event includes DJS playing a mix of goth / techno / house and additional sub-genres of EDM, GoGo Dancers dressed to impress and ready to bite Themed cocktails and limited Blood Bags Event photos + video recap posted on bladerave.com Cosplayers Customized visuals created by @deadeyesart A midnight bloodbath Suggested Attire: goth / industrial / steampunk / vampire / super hero cosplay Please note, if you are in the crowd during the blood bath, you may get wet. “Blood” is washable but there’s always a small chance it may leave a stain. For a refresher on the iconic scene from the original 1998 Blade Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZd7eptgdfQ