The grapevine

February is a notoriously hard month for UB students. Classwork and bad weather return in full force, making it pretty miserable. The Buffalo music scene, despite the low morale, continues to draw in big acts for local fans.  

The Spectrum assembled a collection of some of the most attractive shows and events happening around the area throughout the first few weeks of classes. 

Saturday, Feb. 16

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness - The Rapids Theater

Indie rock artist Andrew McMahon will be performing under his moniker Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness next week. He is best known for his 2014 single “Cecilia and the Satellite,” an indie-pop song dedicated to his infant daughter. McMahon is known for mixing contemporary instrumentation with modern synthesizers and digital effects. 

He will be touring to promote his recent album “Upside Down Flowers.” The album explores the artist’s past, relying heavily on lyrical nostalgia. The tracks “House in the Trees” and “Teenage Rockstars” highlight different points through his adolescence. The album also acknowledges his current relationships, including songs for his wife and daughter. 

 

Friday, Feb. 22

Blake Shelton - KeyBank Center

Country superstar Blake Shelton will be taking a break from hosting “The Voice” to headline at the KeyBank Center during his “Friends and Heroes Tour.”  Shelton has been leading the country charts since his debut in 2001. The tour will promote his 11th studio album “Texoma Shore.” 

The artist has experimented with a variety of different country subgenres but returned to his Oklahoma-styled roots for the latest album. Shelton’s musical message remains down to earth, despite his critical success. He explores different emotions within his relationships and nostalgia. 

Saturday, Feb. 23

Marsha Ambrosius - Tralf Music Hall

R&B singer and famed lyricist, Marsha Ambrosius, will be touring to promote her album “Nyla.” The artist is known for her 2014 hit “Old Time” and as the co-writer of Michael Jackson’s “Butterflies.” 

“Nyla” came out after Ambrosius’ four-year hiatus. The album balances her heavy-hitting lyrical messages over her usual grooving sound. 

Wednesday, Feb. 27

Michael Bublé - KeyBank Center

The king of the Christmas season will be returning from his year-long hiatus for his “An Evening with Michael Bublé Tour.” The singer will be returning to the spotlight with a newfound appreciation for life after the remission of his 5-year-old son’s liver cancer. The tour will showcase the 2018 album “Love,” an album that he claims to be his “most romantic album to date.”

Bublé is known for his rich, powerful vocals. The artist lends his powerhouse vocals to new tracks like “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “La Vie en Rose”; romance ballads to draw in your mom and aunts from miles around. 

Thursday, Feb. 28

Travis Scott - KeyBank Center

Multi-platinum selling artist Travis Scott is coming back from his halftime-show success to perform at the KeyBank Center this month. This is Scott’s third time in Buffalo, with the first being his 2016 Fall Fest show at Alumni Arena.

But Scott has grown since then. And he has a number-one single, “Sicko Mode,” too. He gained critical acclaim for his uniquely ambient sound and his latest release is no different. His 2019 “Astroworld - Wish You Were Here Tour 2,” which supports his 2018 album “Astroworld,” will show off the record in all its glory.

The album showcases Scott’s unique approach to lyricism and sound in trap. He revisits his expected rhythmic hypnotism, but the album features a variety of singles that combine musical genres and guests. The single “Stop Trying To Be God” samples a harmonica solo from the legendary Stevie Wonder and features vocals from James Blake. The rapper often features elaborate stage and lighting effects throughout his live performances. Expect to see a roller coaster and some theme-park-inspired stage work at the show.

Samantha Vargas is the asst. arts editor and can be reached at samantha.vargas@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter @SamVargasArts

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