SOUNDLAB + MOHAWK + NIETZSCHES + TOWN BALLROOM

Sportsman's Tavern, Club Diablo, The Mohawk Place

What is it about them, specifically, that qualifies them for your "favorites" list? Anybody have interesting, factual information about the histories of these buildings? A few days ago, someone mentioned to me that Mohawk Place used to be a hotel.

Indeed, Alison

The hotel used to be owned by the uncle of Mark Costantino, the lead singer of the band, Exit Strategy.

He owned it in the 1960s 'til 1978 when he retired and sold it off.

It was used as a hotel for actors of touring theater companies.

Your band can rent out an old room to practice in for $100/month. You don't get much in the way of emmenities, but then no one calls the cops when you get too loud!

Soundlab! What a great spot. Drinks are just a tad pricey, but if that's what it takes to keep things there running, I will gladly oblige. Mohawk Place is also wonderful and is just as charming as it is divey.

Nietzsches, Town Ballroom

Soundlab is a great space, but it seems sinfully underutilized. A lot of really cool experimental stuff goes through there. Doesn't seem to be a regular spot - just scheduled shows.

Mohawk is pretty much the heart of the original scene for everybody who isn't a member of the brash young punks who strap on a guitar and play until there's blood. Those guys go to Custer Street.

Infinity probably has the best sound, but it's a huge room and for the most part, isn't really an option for bands in Buffalo. Personally, I love the Tudor Lounge although it's not really a "nice" place. Nietzsche's is rightfully a staple.

Sportsmen's Tavern has a crazy amount of talent going through there for being a little dive bar on Amherst Street. (I mean this with all due respect)

Totally agree with your comment about Soundlab. What a gorgeous space!

You brought up sound quality - a pretty important component to any live show. Besides Infinity, which venues do you think have the best sound? How about best sound engineers?

photo taken at Club Infinity...

Broadway Joe's has been the hip hop haven in Buffalo for many years now. However, I enjoy Soundlab just as much.

I'm looking for the most internet savvy bands in this city.
Hi, everyone, I'm Kenny Macdonald, Buffalo Avenues Producer.

I want to know who you think is doing the best job of promoting themselves on the web---who has the flashiest website and who's getting out the most music digitally. Talk to us and we’ll talk back!

Is it Hussalonia with thousands of albums distributed over the web for free? Or is it the self-marketing guru Chae Hawk and his crew, Team Radio (listener discretion advised!)?

Let me know, attach some links to your favorite tech savvy Western New York music groups.