What’s Good 8/25-31
Our weekly guide to what’s going on around Buffalo and in the world of pop culture
Thursday, 8/25
Wiz Kahlifa w/Logic (Darien Lake Amphitheater, $29.40-$109.50, doors 6:30)
It’s been three years since Khalifa came through town, but 2022’s a good time to see him, as the 80s-influenced Multiverse found the veteran rapper sounding rejuvenated. Opener Logic’s music is only available on Twitch, so you’ve either never heard him, or you’re all about him.
Mike (Hulu)
I, Tonya screenwriter Steve Rogers turns to another divisive late ’80s sports figure in Mike Tyson, played here by Moonlight’s Trevante Rhodes. Famous for knocking out opponents in a matter of minutes, Tyson was also infamous for allegations of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, and serving several years in prison for rape.
Friday 8/26
Bill Burr (Keybank Center, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, 8pm/7pm doors, $35-85)
The iconic Boston stand-up and Monday Morning Podcast host comes to the arena on his Slight Return tour.
New Movies This Weekend
Three Thousand Years of Longing (in wide release)
George Miller has had a fascinating career, that encompasses both the Mad Max and Babe series, and this year the Australian director gives us this wish-fulfillment fantasy, in which Tilda Swinton accidentally unleashes a genie played by exactly who you’d want your genie to look like, Idris Elba.
The Invitation (playing at AMC Market Arcade, 639 Main St.; Regal Elmwood Center, 2001 Elmwood Ave.; Regal Walden Galleria; AMC Maple Ridge 8, 4276 Maple Rd., Amherst; Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Rd., Lancaster; Regal Transit Center, 6707 Transit Rd., Williamsville)
We’re intrigued by the trailers for this update of Dracula, in which an orphaned young woman is invited by a long-lost cousin to a lavish family wedding. She’s seduced by the aristocratic host, unaware of the dark family secrets she’s stumbled into.
Breaking (playing at Regal Elmwood Center, 2001 Elmwood Ave.; Regal Walden Galleria; Regal Quaker Crossing, 3450 Amelia Dr., Orchard Park; Regal Transit Center, 6707 Transit Rd., Williamsville)
John Boyega plays a Marine vet on the verge of homelessness, who resorts to robbing a bank to be able to provide for his daughter. Based on a true story, this won the Special Jury Award of Ensemble Cast at Sundance — the ensemble includes Connie Britton, Nicole Baharie, and the late Michael Kenneth Williams (Omar from The Wire) in his final role.
Saturday 8/27
Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts (Elmwood between W. Ferry and St. James, all day, FREE)
Buffalo’s favorite end-of-summer tradition features hundreds of artists plying their wares, alongside food vendors, live music, and more.
Urban Farm Day Tour (10am-3pm, FREE)
This self-guided tour is essentially an open house for 18 different farms operating in the city of Buffalo. Highlights include a farmer’s market, pay-as-you-can community cafe, and talks on beneficial insects and organic farming, growing microgreens, and a UB Food Lab presentation on equitable urban agriculture policy. More information, including a map to each farm, on their web site.
That Comedy Show at Babeville (9th Ward, 341 Delaware Ave., 8pm, $10-15)
Can’t afford the big-name comics in town this week? Or just can’t get enough comedy? 9th Ward has 7 of Buffalo’s funniest stand-ups on one bill — Don Johnson, M. Dukes Kargbo, Aidan Licker, John Lockwood, Cassie Puccia, Kai VonDoom, and Artrell Williams.
Monday 8/29
Doug Stanhope (Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St.)
The Joe Rogan-adjacent comic brings his caustic, political stand-up to Helium for a night.
Andor (Disney+)
The Star Wars franchise steadfastly sticks to its template of shows about characters you saw die on-screen, as Diego Luna returns as Rebel spy Cassian Andor, in the years leading up to Rogue One. One reason to be optimistic: Rogue One screenwriter Tony Gilroy is still on board; he also wrote the Bourne series, State of Play, and wrote and directed Michael Clayton, so at least we know the series’ action and espionage is in reliable hands.
The Patient (Hulu)
A 10-episode series from the creators of The Americans, this is a psychological thriller in which a serial killer (Domnhall Gleeson) kidnaps a therapist (Steve Carrell) and forces him to try and treat his violent urges.
Wednesday 8/31
¡MAYDaY! w/Wax (Iron Works, 49 Illinois St., $20, doors 7pm)
Rappers Berz and Wrekonize front a live band as !MAYDaY!; opening is Wax, who started as a YouTube rapper, had a hit with “Rosana” in 2012, and after a brief flirtation with Def Jam has been fiercely independent ever since.
