
What’s Good: January 16-21, 2025
Our weekly guide to what’s going on around Buffalo and in the world of sports and pop culture.
Thursday, 1/16
Hallwalls Annual Members Meeting (Hallwalls, 341 Delaware Ave, 6pm, FREE)
All members (including newly joining ones) are welcome to discuss the gallery’s annual business. Zoom link at hallwalls.org.
Shea’s Centennial Cocktail Hour (Shea’s Buffalo, 650 Main St, 5:30-7:30pm, $19)
Kick off the 100-year celebration of historic Shea’s Buffalo with a glass of champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment, as well as a tour through Shea’s history.
Khan!!! The Musical (Shea’s Smith, 658 Main St, 7:30pm, $19)
A musical Star Trek parody. Through 1/26
The Elovaters (Electric City, 433 Pearl St, 6pm, $32-$69)
Progressive roots rock. w/MoonTaxi, Surfer Girl, Wessanders
Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette (Helium, 30 Mississippi St, 8pm, $25)
The AEW wrestler shifts gears with a monthly showcase of his favorite local comics, and surprise appearances from his opponents in the ring. This month features Liz Reaves, Jacob Morrison, Kevin Thomas, Mike Shanks, and rian Netzel.
Jay/Sharptet (The Caz, 2221 Seneca St, 7:30pm, $12-15)
Versatile jazz ensemble.
Righteous Villains (Nietzche’s, 248 Allen St, 6-8pm, FREE)
Chicago-style blues.
Ryan Southerland (Nietzche’s, 248 Allen St, 6-8pm, FREE)
Bluegrass All Stars (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, noon, FREE)
Eberwine & Friends (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 7pm, $10)
Jungle Steve (Duende, 85 Silo City Row, 6-8pm)
Improv Mixer (Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave #207, 7:30pm, $5 suggested)
Join in some low-stakes improv comedy, or just sit back and enjoy the show!
Poetry Open Mic & Game Night (Twentysixallen, 26 Allen St, 6pm)
Co-hosted by Sara Ali and Meg Specksgoor
Friday, 1/17
Brick Bar Fundraiser (Nietzche’s, 248 Allen St, 4pm-mid, $20)
Two nights of music and art to raise money to help Mulligan’s Brick Bar rebuild after it was destroyed by fire two weeks ago.
Amin/In WNY 2025 (Hallwalls, 341 Delaware Ave, 7-10pm)
Curators John Massier and Kyle Butler make a series of quick studio visits to see what artists are working on right now, resulting in an up-to-the-minute snapshot of local working artists. Contributors include Sheila Bacik, Nia Jael Bronner, Dylan England, Ed Hallborg, Dana Hatchett, Barbara Hart, Lawrence Kinney, RJ Melnyk, and Sara Zak.
Karlous Miller (Helium, 30 Mississippi St, 7:30/10pm, $44)
This former Wild ‘N Out cast member has also appeared on Last Comic Standing, Joking Off, Uncommon Sense, BET Comic View, and Who’s Got Jokes.
Mozart’s Requiem (Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, 10:30am, $16.50-$75)
The BPO and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, “a work shrouded in mystery and unfulfilled promises,” alongside the Overture to Don Giovanni, and Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major for Horn and Orchestra, showcasting BPO principal Jacek Muzyk’s mastery of the French horn’s rich tones.
UB Track & Field @ Al Campbell Invite (Akron, OH)
At their first meet of the season in December, freshman Akuot Kuany tied the school record in women’s high jump at 1.75m, and Stella Kapp was close behind at 1.7m. Fellow freshman Micah Blair was a few centimetres shy of setting the UB record for men’s long jump (he won with 6.98m, and also won the triple jump with 14.01m. Sophomore Kara Moran won her long and triple jump events and finished in UB’s all-time top ten in both events. Senior Kevin Gabalski also cracked the all-time top ten with a 60-meter hurdles personal best time of 8:11. And that was only the first meet! What’s shaping up to be a remarkable season for the Bulls continues in Akron.
Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins (Keybank Center, 1 Seymour Knox Plaza, 7pm, $44-$195)
The Sabres are still in last place, but the Pennies aren’t much better.
Mac Miller Birthday Celebration (Iron Works, 49 Illinois St, 8pm, $20adv/$25, 18+)
A tribute to the rapper who died in 2018, starting with a listening party for Ballonerism, followed by a DJ set and then a live band tribute.
Khan!!! The Musical (Shea’s Smith, 658 Main St, 7:30pm, $19)
A musical Star Trek parody. Through 1/26
Mary Ramsey & Joe Rozler (PAUSA Art House, 19 Wadsworth St, 7pm, $16/$19)
Violinist Ramsey and multinstrumentalist Rozler have been singing and performing together for decades.
Robert Zimmerman Philharmonic (The Caz, 2221 Seneca St, 8pm, $25-29)
Bob Dylan tribute, including a full set of songs from Time Out of Mind.
Donna Rose Band (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 5pm, $10)
Dirty Blanket w/Folkfaces (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 9pm, $20)
Alex McArthur (The Cave, 71 Military Rd, 8pm, $10adv/$15)
Terrie George & the Shadows (Duende, 85 Silo City Row, 6-8pm)
Live Band Karaoke (Rec Room, 79 W Chippewa St, 10pm, $8)
Belt out your favorites in front of a live band.
Severance (AppleTV)
We’ve been holding our breath to see if season two of 2023’s best show can possibly live up to the masterfully done first season of this surreal, dystopian, office dark-comedy-slash-paranoid-thriller. Look for reviews here on Subject.
New Movies This Week
One of Them Days (in wide release)
SZA makes her film debut alongside Keke Palmer in this buddy comedy. Also starring Maude Apatow, Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, and Katt Williams.
Wish You Were Here (Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Rd, Depew)
After a night of romance, Isabelle Fuhrman learns Mena Massoud is terminally ill, and decides to help him make the most of his remaining time, in Julia Stiles’ directorial debut.
Autumn and the Black Jaguar (Elmwood Center, Transit Center)
14-year-old New Yorker Autumn travels to her birthplace in the Amazon rainforest to save her jaguar friend in this kids’ adventure.
Wolf Man (in wide release)
Apparently once a decade we need to have a generically-titled werewolf movie. This is the 2020s entry.
Daaku Maharaaj (Elmwood Center, Transit Cente)
A low-level thief clashes with powerful underworld adversaries. in Telugu with subtitles
Karsang (Elmwood Center, 2001 Elmwood Ave)
Rural drama from writer/director Yam Sherpa. in Telugu with subtitles
Sankrathiki Vasthunam (Elmwood Center, 2001 Elmwood Ave)
An ex-cop has to stage a rescue while juggling his wife and ex girlfriend in this hit comedy. in Telugu with subtitles
Back in Action (Netflix)
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx are ex-spies pulled back into the game after their cover is blown, in this action comedy.
Henry Danger: The Movie (Paramount+)
A feature-length episode of the Nickelodeon superhero series.
Saturday 1/18
Brick Bar Fundraiser (Nietzche’s, 248 Allen St, 4pm-mid, $20)
Two nights of music and art to raise money to help Mulligan’s Brick Bar rebuild after it was destroyed by fire two weeks ago.
UB Women’s Basketball vs Miami-Ohio (Alumni Arena, 2pm, $12)
The bad news is, the women’s squad suffered their first home loss to Ball State last week. The good news is, they bounced back with a win at Eastern Michigan and are now an utterly dominant 14-2, and you’ve got two chances to see them at home this week.
Karlous Miller (Helium, 30 Mississippi St, 7:30/10pm, $44)
This former Wild ‘N Out cast member has also appeared on Last Comic Standing, Joking Off, Uncommon Sense, BET Comic View, and Who’s Got Jokes.
Mozart’s Requiem (Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, 7:30pm, $16.50-$75)
The BPO and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, “a work shrouded in mystery and unfulfilled promises,” alongside the Overture to Don Giovanni, and Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major for Horn and Orchestra, showcasting BPO principal Jacek Muzyk’s mastery of the French horn’s rich tones.
Ice Fest (Canalside, 130 Main St, noon-10pm)
The all-day annual event includes an ice bar, ice luge, ice carving, and show sculptures. A “kids zone” from 1-4pm includes an ice train, Pip the Penguin, face painting, and activities. After 6pm, there’s a live DJ, LED glow sticks to the first 200 atendees, and free curling & curling demonstrations.
That Comedy Show (9th Ward, 341 Delaware Ave, 7pm, $20adv/$25, 18+)
Join some of WNY’s funniest comedians, including Uncle Trent, Dephney Joseph, Don Johnson, Kevin Thomas Jr, and hosts Jameel Key & Tyrone Maclin
UB Men’s Basketball @ Western Michigan
The men’s team are having a rough 2025, having extended their losing streak to 7.
Buffalo Bandits vs Phiadelphia Wings (Keybank Center, 1 Seymour Knox Plaza, 4pm, $27-$195)
The two-time defending champs are off to a 4-0 start!
Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins (Keybank Center, 1 Seymour Knox Plaza, 7pm, $44-$195)
The Sabres are still in last place, but the Pennies aren’t much better.
Adventure Club (Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave #207, 6pm, $5 suggested)
Improv comedy from BIH’s recreational improv program
Good Neighbors (Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave #207, 7pm, $18 suggested)
Improv comedy based on true stories from notable Buffalonians.
Confessions (Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave #207, 7pm, $18 suggested)
Improv comedy based on anonymous secrets submitted by the audience.
Moises Borges (Electric City, 433 Pearl St, 7pm, SOLD OUT)
Brazillian guitarist and vocalist.
Ten Cent Howl (The Caz, 2221 Seneca St, 8pm, $19)
Local Americana group. w/Shaky Stage
Khan!!! The Musical (Shea’s Smith, 658 Main St, 2pm/7:30pm, $19)
A musical Star Trek parody. Through 1/26
Rubblebucket (Electric City, 433 Pearl St, 7pm, $29-$79)
Pop, funk, jazz, and psychedelia. w/Hannah Mohan
Electric Rodeo Dance Party (Iron Works, 49 Illinois St, 7pm, $20adv/$25, 18+)
The DJ spins your favorite country songs, alongside lasers, CO2 jets, and more.
Past Masters (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 3pm, $10)
Fuzzy & the Rustbelts w/Kody Herren (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 8pm, $10adv/$15)
WNY Blues Society (The Cave, 71 Military Rd, 2pm)
Sarah Cole Violin Studio (Duende, 85 Silo City Row, 1-2pm)
Elliot Scozzaro Trio (Duende, 85 Silo City Row, 3-5pm)
The Mood Swingers (Duende, 85 Silo City Row, 6-8pm)
Celtic Sessions (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 4-7pm, FREE)
Sunday 1/19
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens (Highmark Stadium, 1 Bills Drive, 1pm, $119-$629)
After a resounding win over Denver in the wild card round, the Bills face what might be their biggest challenge of the postseason, as Baltimore has a strong defense, an all-pro RB in Derrick Henry, and Josh Allen’s biggest MVP rival in QB Lamar Jackson.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration (Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, 6pm, FREE)
A rememrance of Dr. King’s life, work, and profound impact on America, with music, dance, and speakers including keynote by Mr. Clifford Bell.
Karlous Miller (Helium, 30 Mississippi St, 4pm, $44)
This former Wild ‘N Out cast member has also appeared on Last Comic Standing, Joking Off, Uncommon Sense, BET Comic View, and Who’s Got Jokes.
Inside Out 2 (Shea’s, 650 Main St, 1pm, FREE)
Shea’s Free Family Film Series continues with this Pixar hit, in which teenage Riley’s outsized emotions are personified by a cast that includes Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Lewis Black, Ayo Edibire, Tony Hale, and Phyllis Smith.
UB Wrestling @ Michigan State
The Bulls try and turn around a 2-8 season on the road.
Khan!!! The Musical (Shea’s Smith, 658 Main St, 2pm, $19)
A musical Star Trek parody. Through 1/26
The Wazmopolitans (Duende, 85 Silo City Row, 4-6pm)
Anne Philippone (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 6-8pm, FREE)
Barrelhouse blues and boogie piano.
Jazz Cache (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 8:30pm-mid, FREE)
Live music from a rotating cast of Buffalo jazz musicians.
Monday 1/20
Help On the Way (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 6pm, $15)
A benefit for musicians displaced by the LA wildfires.
Buffalo Sabres @ Seattle Kraken
Leigh Stoner (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 6-8pm, FREE)
Songwriter Showcase (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 8pm-mid, FREE)
Singer-songwriters from 8-9, and then an open mic for the rest of the evening.
Tuesday 1/21
Dancing With the Stars Live! (Shea’s, 650 Main St, 7:30pm, $192-$1380)
The televised dance competition brings its show on the road.
UB Men’s Basketball vs Akron (Alumni Arena, 7pm, $12)
Free True Blue t-shirt to first 750 UB students, faculty, and staff.
Buffalo Sabres @ Vancouver Canucks
Joe “Mr. D” Dombrowski (Helium, 30 Mississippi St, 6:30pm, $39)
This Detroit native has been performing stand-up since age 8, has headlined the Just For Laughs festival, and hosts a monthly show at LA’s Comedy Store.
Baudo Big Band rehearsal (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, noon, FREE)
Twang Gang (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 6pm, $10)
Steam Donkeys (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 6-8:30pm, FREE)
Long-serving “cosmic Americana” group.
Rust Belt Comedy Showcase (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 9-10pm, FREE)
A rotating cast of local stand-ups.
The Stripteasers (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 10pm-mid, $4)
Weekly burlesque show.
Open Mic (Cucina @ Hotel Richardson, 444 Forest Ave, 6-8pm)
This weekly open mic features music, poetry, and comedy. Register at jkonze@douglasdev.com.
Karaoke (Milkie’s, 522 Elmwood Ave, 8pm)
Wednesday 1/22
Kevin Hart (Shea’s, 650 Main St, 7:30pm, $98-$315)
A fourth show by the superstar comic was just added — Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows are already sold out.
Judah & the Lion (Electric City, 433 Pearl St, 7pm, $92)
Nashville-based folk-rock. w/Jonah Kagan
Joe “Mr. D” Dombrowski (Helium, 30 Mississippi St, 6:30pm, $39)
This Detroit native has been performing stand-up since age 8, has headlined the Just For Laughs festival, and hosts a monthly show at LA’s Comedy Store.
UB Women’s Basketball vs Ohio (Alumni Arena, 6pm, $12)
The Paper Roses (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 7-9pm, FREE)
Hot jazz happy hour.
The Autonomous Vehicles (Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St, 9pm-mid, FREE)
Jazzy, folksy vibes.
Baudo Jazz Quintet (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, noon, FREE)
Jamie Holka & Friends (Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, 6pm, $10)
Comedy Open Mic (Milkie’s, 522 Elmwood Ave, sign up 7pm, show 9:30pm)