The Big Easy in Buffalo

Sunny Side - The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
2024-08-03 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Duende at Silo City, 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY, 14203, US
Sunny Side – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
All Ages
Saturday, August 3
Show 7pm – 10pm
Duende at Silo City
Free (but please tip the band)
New Orleans Trad Jazz band Sunny Side returns to Buffalo! We’ll be inside, upstairs, and yes there will be room to dance.
Sunny Side, a jazz band based out of New Orleans, is heavily influenced by the music of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Fats Waller, and many other early jazz legends. During the 2020/2021 quarantine, Sunny Side provided a ‘Jazz in Coliseum Square Park’ series in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans hosting a variety of live music including themselves. Many locals expressed much gratitude for the music during the challenging time. Sunny Side is planning their fourth national tour for summer 2024!
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Duende, and National Fuel Gas Co.

KeyBank Live at Larkin with Big Easy in Buffalo presents: Terrence Simien and the Zydeco Experience
2024-07-31 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 745 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY, United States, New York 14210
Thanks to Big Easy in Buffalo for bringing us from New Orleans, Terrence Simien and the Zydeco Experience, a stellar group of artists who for more than four decades have been creating a hypnotic blend of New Orleans funk and brass- reggae-flavored-world-blues-American and zydeco roots music. Simien has found an authentic and artful way to deliver his roots music as a relevant, evolving artist who is clearly rooted in Louisiana Creole music traditions. Also in the group is Buffalo native trumpeter Michael Christie!
Joining the fun from Buffalo is El Bateys Agua de Liberté, a Puerto Rican Bomba youth ensemble that delivers captivating performances of traditional Bomba songs with authentic percussion and dance arrangements. Bomba is Puerto Rico’s oldest musical tradition, reflecting the island’s rich folklore, culture, and history.
Enjoy food and refreshments from Bratts Hill in Larkin Square along with a selection of food Trucks. The event, including parking is free thanks to @keybank and @independenthealth.ih

Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience - The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
2024-07-31 17:00 (America/New_York) | Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY, 14210, US
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
wsg El Batey’s Agua de Liberte
Wednesday July 31, 2024
Show 5pm – 8pm
Larkin Square
Free
The Big Easy in Buffalo returns to the free Live at Larkin series with Grammy-winning band Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience, with special guests El Batey’s Agua de Liberte.
For 40+ years, two-time GRAMMY award winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien has been shattering the myths about what his traditional Zydeco roots music is – and is not. It most certainly is Black American roots music and it is music born of the African American/Black and mixed race French speaking Creoles of South Louisiana. Simien is blessed with an extraordinary vocal talent and on- stage charisma. He expresses our deepest human emotions through the original instrument: The Voice. He and his band mates take their audiences on a multicultural tour of the world as the many countries they’ve visited while touring have informed their musical language.
This stellar group of artists create a hypnotic blend of New Orleans funk and brass- reggae-flavored-world-blues-American and zydeco roots music, that beckons you to your feet and into the groove. Simien has found an authentic and artful way to deliver his roots music as a relevant, evolving artist who is clearly rooted in Louisiana Creole music traditions. Well known for his legendary live performances, Simien also helped change the often (mis) perceptions of his genre by introducing complex vocal harmonies, diverse repertoire and carefully crafted high quality recordings.
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.
Live at Larkin is sponsored by Key Bank. 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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, and National Fuel Gas Co.

Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
2024-07-05 21:00 (America/New_York) | Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY, 14207, US
DWAYNE DOPSIE & THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
Friday, July 5, 2024
Sportsmen’s Tavern
$15 advance, $20 day-of
Doors 8pm, Show 9pm
TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://www.showclix.com/event/-dwayne-dopsie-the-zydeco-hellraisers
“America’s Hottest Accordion” winner, Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin, plays a unique, high energy style of zydeco. Although inspired by tradition, he has developed his own high energy style that defies existing stereotypes and blazes a refreshingly distinct path for 21st century Zydeco music. This singer/songwriter and accordionist has performed all over the world since debuting his band, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, at age 19. Dwayne, born March 3, 1979 in Lafayette, Louisiana, hails from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world, and attributes his musical abilities to his father, Rockin’ Dopise, Sr., a pioneer of Zydeco music. “This is my calling – Zydeco music is in my blood and it is my heart and soul.”
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Sportsmens Tavern, and National Fuel Gas Co.

Helen Gillet w/ Sally Schaefer & Tyler Bagwell in the 9th Ward, Buffalo, NY
2024-06-04 20:00 (America/New_York) | The 9th Ward
Big Easy in Buffalo presents Helen Gillet live in the 9th Ward, with special guests Sally Schaefer & Tyler Bagwell opening the show.
7pm Doors, 8pm Show
Tickets: General Admission Seated tickets, $10 advance / $15 day of show, can be purchased on TixR.com or in person at the Babeville Box Office (M-F 11a-5p) (in person: fee free cash sales, 3% credit card fee)
Helen Gillet is a singer-songwriter and surrealist-archeologist exploring synthesized sounds, texture, and rhythm using an acoustic cello. For someone with her varied background, New Orleans, with its mix of cultures and musics, seemed like a natural place to call home. She was born in Belgium, raised in Singapore from the ages of 2 to 11, and routinely shuttled between the homelands of her Belgian father and American mother. Over the years — working in New Orleans with musicians of all stripes, from avant-garde jazz and classical to pop and funk — Gillet has developed a singular polyglot style. The core of her work is solo performance with live looping, layering cello parts and vocal lines. Rhythmic figures emerge with bowed or plucked ostinatos or a variety of rubbing and slapping on the body of the cello, then enhanced with melodies played or sung in her haunting alto. Her mixed musical vocabulary is commensurate with her disparate travels — French chanson of the 1940s, Belgian folk tunes sung in Walloon, a mix of rock and punk from the likes of PJ Harvey and X-Ray Spex, and her own affecting originals, like audience favorite “Julien,” sung in a mix of French and English. Gillet’s solo performance is known for its enigmatic quality as she fabricates each song with innovative use of the cello and true mastery of live looping technology.
Buffalo-based acoustic folk duo Sally Schaefer (fiddle, vocals) & Tyler Bagwell (guitar, vocals) breathe fiery new life into old folk songs, bluegrass standards, classic country hits, popular Americana numbers, and a treasure trove of Celtic music. Sally is an ethnomusicologist and well-established musician around the Western New York area, appearing with numerous bands representing an array of musical genres including Creek Bend bluegrass, Buffalo Bluegrass Allstars, and Celtic rock outfit McCarthyism. Tyler is a songwriter and historian with a vast repertoire of songs and stories. His original pieces are reflective of narrative folk writing styles melded with a fervent interest in local history. Find the duo’s new album, Irish Songs & Tunes, online via your favorite streaming platform, or pick up a copy at the show.
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, and National Fuel Gas Co.

Mia Borders w/ Grace Stumberg in the 9th Ward, Buffalo, NY
2024-05-16 20:00 (America/New_York) | The 9th Ward
The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA series present Mia Borders live in The 9th Ward w/ Grace Stumberg
7pm Doors, 8pm Show
Tickets: General Admission Seated tickets, $10 advance / $15 day of show, can be purchased on TixR.com or in person at the Babeville Box Office (M-F 11a-5p) (in person: fee free cash sales, 3% credit card fee)
Mia Borders is a renowned singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful voice, electrifying performances, and diverse musical style. Born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, her passion for music was evident from an early age and she quickly developed into a multifaceted artist, defying genre boundaries. Borders’ live performances are nothing short of electrifying, infusing her soulful vocals with a contagious energy that leaves audiences spellbound. Whether she’s performing in intimate clubs or on grand stages, her charisma and connection with the crowd are unparalleled. Her ability to seamlessly transition between high-energy anthems and intimate ballads showcases her versatility and depth as a performer. Heralded locally and nationally as one of the city’s best talents, Borders has earned numerous accolades for her exceptional talent. Her music has also been featured in popular television shows and films, further cementing her status as a celebrated musician. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Borders is deeply rooted in her New Orleans community, using her platform to uplift and support various charitable causes. Off stage and outside of the studio, Borders runs Third Coast Entertainment, a booking agency and event production company aimed at elevating women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC artists. She also founded The Borders Foundation to support artists from marginalized communities. Mia Borders continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, consistently delivering powerful and emotive music that touches the hearts of listeners around the world. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her authentic storytelling and soulful delivery, has made her beloved by her fans, and her impact is sure to resonate for years to come.
Grace Stumberg is a Buffalo, NY based Singer-Songwriter. A soulful voice and lyrics. For the past 8 years she has been The “Co-Singer” of Folk legend Joan Baez singing on stages all across the world. Grace has also opened for artists such as The Indigo Girls, Josh Ritter, Rusted Root, Chastity Brown and Sean Rowe. Her original material can be described as raw, heartfelt, and organic. No autotune, no tricks, just a voice and guitar. But as always, come see a show and say what it is yourself!
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, and National Fuel Gas Co.

Buffalo's Best Kielbasa Contest 2024
2024-03-23 12:00 (America/New_York) | Potts Banquet Hall, 41 South Rossler Ave., Buffalo, NY, US
Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa Contest is back! Saturday, March 23 at noon at Potts Banquet Hall. Applications are due March 13.
This year we’re looking for the best homemade (non-commercial) kielbasa in the following categories:
– Fresh Traditional
– Holiday Traditional
– Fresh Holiday (w. marjoram)
– Smoked Holiday (w. marjoram)
– Non-Traditional
The event is free and open to all to attend. In addition to the contest there will be live music by Captain Tom & The Hooligans, and Potts will have food and libations available to purchase.
A panel of judges will award a top prize in each category, as well as awards for the 2nd and 3rd place finishers. For a fillable pdf version of the application or if you have any questions, email buffalobestkielbasa@gmail.com
Thanks to Mitch Nowakowski, Potts Banquet Hall, The Sausage Maker, and The Big Easy in Buffalo for organizing and supporting this year’s event!

Organ Fairchild and Carina & The Six String Preacher - The Big Easy in Buffalo Local Series
2024-03-01 21:00 (America/New_York) | Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY, 14207, US
Organ Fairchild and Carina & The Six String Preacher – The Big Easy in Buffalo Local Series
Playing Separately AND Together!
Friday March 1, 2024
9pm Doors, 9:30pm Show
$15 advance, $20 day-of
https://www.showclix.com/event/organ-fairchild-carina-six-string-preacher
Funk Jams meet Sulty Noir Jazz as two of Buffalo’s coolest bands heat things up as they join each other’s sets for some one of a kind collaborations!
ORGAN FAIRCHILD
Jam scene mainstays Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie and Dave Ruch met in 1983 as members of Buffalo NY Grateful Dead cover band “Wild Knights,” but it wasn’t until early 2020 that they wrote their first original music together, this time as three-piece instrumental organ trio/funky jam band Organ Fairchild. Individually, these veteran musicians have played music with (not in support of) Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Nels Cline, Tony Rice, moe., Oteil Burbridge, Steve Kimock, Keller Williams, Strangefolk, Gibb Droll, Big Leg Emma, Juggling Suns and more. But since 2020, they’ve been joined together in the pursuit of groovy tunes and juicy jams in a high-powered organ trio format.
CARINA & THE SIX STRING PREACHER
A spicy blend of crime jazz, surf, latin, and pop with a touch of blood and a dash of cinnamon, Carina and the Six String Preacher’s signature sound is a modern day jazz noir with a twist. The band — formed by singer/songwriter Carina M. and guitarist/songwriter Vincent James Mastrantonio— has been independently writing, recording, and producing music and music videos since 2013. Recently joined by esteemed drummer Erik Eimiller in 2018, the band continues to perform at some of the most renowned venues and festivals in the region.
THE BIG EASY IN BUFFALO
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, National Fuel Gas Co., and Sportsmen’s Tavern.

Mardi Graski w. The Buffalo Touch & LeeRon Zydeco
2024-02-04 15:00 (America/New_York) | St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church / Diocesan Shrine of Saint John II
Mardi Graski 3 – LeeRon Zydeco & The Buffalo Touch – The Big Easy in Buffalo Local Series
St. Stanislaus Social Hall
Sunday, February 4, 2024
2pm Doors, 3pm Show
$20 at the door
There’s plenty of room to dance and plenty of seats this year as The Big Easy in Buffalo celebrates Mardi Gras, Buffalo style with local legends LeeRon Zydeco and The Buffalo Touch polka band, playing separately AND together. Whether it’s a two-step or a polka, some blues or an oberek, get ready for MARDI GRASKI 3!
LEERON ZYDECO
Ron Davis aka LeeRon Zydeco is a professional musician with over fifty years of experience in recording and live performance. His credits include the Four Tops, Spencer Davis, Otis Rush, Bernard Purdie, Sean Costello, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. In 1991 he formed LeeRon Zydeco & the Hot Tamales. The band was the first in the Buffalo area to blend bluesy Cajun and Tex-Mex music into a roots sound. The group performs throughout the Eastern United States.
THE BUFFALO TOUCH
High energy, entertaining, a good time, and “plenty of dancing” is how to describe shows performed by The Buffalo Touch. This Award-Winning Polka Band performs music sure to put a smile on the face of everyone young and old alike. The Buffalo Touch has received three Grammy nominations for “Best Polka Album” and were the sole representatives of Western New York at the 45th, 46th, and 51st annual Grammy awards.
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, National Fuel Gas Co., and Sportsmen’s Tavern.

Big Game Squares
2024-01-17 11:30 - 2024-01-31 11:30 (America/New_York)
Ready for some BIG GAME SQUARES? We got ’em for just $20 each, to benefit our free and low cost programming. Venmo @The-Big-Easy-In-Buffalo and make sure you include your email and what number you want. Thanks for the support!

Tab Benoit & Dirty Dozen Brass Band - The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
2023-12-12 19:00 (America/New_York) | Town Ballroom, 681 Main St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, US
Tab Benoit and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
Tuesday December 12
Town Ballroom
Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
$35 – $65
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/48096559/tab-benoit-the-dirty-dozen-brass-band-buffalo-town-ballroom-buffalony
“Tab rarely plays the same show twice and eschews a standard setlist. He treats his shows like he treats his songs. He stretches things out and totally jams out making every night and half the time every song a bit different which adds to the entertainment and uniqueness of every night he plays.” – Splice Magazine
“The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is arguably the most influential ensemble to emerge in New Orleans over the last 25 years. Its sway on the brass band scene has been staggering, spawning bands like the ReBirth, New Birth, Hot 8, Li’l Rascals, Soul Rebels and just about ever other young brass ensemble presently performing.” – Offbeat Magazine
Tab Benoit is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30+ year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues, acquiring a devoted legion of fans along the way, as well as 5 Blues Music Awards, including BB King Entertainer of the Year (twice) and an induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He has recorded and/or performed with Junior Wells, George Porter Jr, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Billy Joe Shaver, Maria Muldaur, James Cotton, Cyril Neville, Kenny Aronoff, Allen Toussaint, Kim Wilson, Jimmy Thackery, Charlie Musslewhite, Kenny Neal, Chris Layton, Ivan Neville, Jimmy Hall, Jim Lauderdale, Anders Osborne, and Alvin Youngblood Hart to name a few.
Celebrating over 45 years since their founding in 1977, the GRAMMY Award-winning New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&B/Soul. This unique sound, described by the band as a ‘musical gumbo,’ has allowed the Dirty Dozen to tour across 5 continents and more than 30 countries, record 12 studio albums and collaborate with a range of artists from Modest Mouse to Widespread Panic to Norah Jones. Forty five-plus years later, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world famous music machine whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances.
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, GIVE 716, and National Fuel Gas Co.

Meat Raffle RESCHEDULED!
2023-11-17 18:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY, 14220, US
The Big Easy in Buffalo Meat Raffle scheduled for Friday November 17 is being rescheduled to early April (exact date announced soon).
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.

Krasno Moore Project at Borderland - The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
2023-09-15 13:00 - 2023-09-17 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Knox Farm State Park
Krasno Moore Project – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
Borderland Festival
Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora
Krasno Moore set is Sunday 9/17 at 1:30pm
Festival is Friday 9/15 – Sunday 9/17
Eric Krasno is a founding member of Lettuce and Soulive and Stanton Moore is a founding member of Galactic and Garage-a-Trois. The two met each other in the mid nineties. Through their work with their respective bands they have crossed paths and shared the stage together countless times over the past 25 years. Both are GRAMMY award winning artists who together have worked with a vast array of both classic and current musical artists. They came together this year to release the “Book of Queens” album and tour together.
The Borderland Festival is now in its 5th year. The 2023 line-up features Trey Anastasio with Classic TAB from the legendary jamband Phish on Saturday night, as well as the new hottest band on the festival circuit, Goose, as the festival’s first Friday night headliner. One of Buffalo’s own favorite bands, Moe. will also be closing out the weekend for a sunset performance on Sunday, September 17th. The artist lineup also includes Dawes, The Infamous Stringdusters, Sammy Rae & Friends, Neal Francis, Mighty Poplar, The 502s, and a full weekend of local bands including Big Easy in Buffalo fave 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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Borderland, and National Fuel Gas Co.

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen at Buffalo Iron Works | SEPT 12
2023-09-12 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Iron Works
The Big Easy in Buffalo Presents: Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen make their Buffalo Iron Works Debut on Tuesday September 12th, 2023!
EVENT DETAILS:
Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: $22 ADV | $25 DOS | 18+
Ticket Link: https://wl.seetickets.us/event/Jon-Cleary-and-The-Absolute-Monster-Gentlemen/564802?afflky=BuffaloIronWorks
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
Jon Cleary’s love and affinity for New Orleans music goes back to the rural British village of Cranbrook, Kent, where he was raised in a musical family. Cleary’s maternal grandparents performed in London in the 1940s, under the respective stage names Sweet Dolly Daydream and Frank Neville, The Little Fellow With TheEducated Feet – she as a singer, and he as a crooner and tap dancer.
As a teen Cleary grew increasingly interested in funk-infused music and discovered that three such songs that he particularly admired – LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” RobertPalmer’s version of “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” and Frankie Miller’s rendition of “Brickyard Blues” – were attributed to Allen Toussaint as either the songwriter, the producer, or both. Cleary’s knowledge of Toussaint’s work expanded significantly when his uncle returned home to the U.K., after a two-year sojourn in New Orleans, with a copy of a Toussaint LP and two suitcases full of New Orleans R&B 45s.
In 1981 Cleary flew to NewOrleans for an initial pilgrimage and took a cab straight from the airport to the Maple Leaf Bar, a storied venue which then featured such great blues-rooted eclectic pianists as Roosevelt Sykes and James Booker. Cleary first worked at the Maple Leaf as a painter, but soon graduated to playing piano there – even though his first instrument was the guitar, which he still plays and has recently reintroduced into his live performances.
As word of Cleary’s burgeoning talent began to spread around town, he was hired by such New OrleansR&B legends as Snooks Eaglin, Earl “Trick Bag” King, Johnny Adams, andJessie “Ooh Poo Pah Doo” Hill, while also gaining the respect of the greatCrescent City pianists Dr. John and the late Allen Toussaint. Years later, in2012, Cleary recorded a critically acclaimed album of all-Toussaint songs entitled Occapella.
Today, Cleary’s work pays obvious homage to the classic Crescent City keyboard repertoire created by such icons as Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Art Neville, Dr.John, and James Booker – while also using it as a launching pad for a style that incorporates such other diverse influences as ’70s soul and R&B, gospel music, funk, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and much more.
Deciding to stay in New Orleans, Cleary recorded his first album of nine, to date, in 1989. His ever-elevating profile led to global touring work in the bands of Taj Mahal, John Scofield, Dr. John, and Bonnie Raitt. Cleary has led his own group, the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, for over two decades now, but he still collaborates frequently with these old friends. At the 2018 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, for instance, Cleary performed alongside Raitt in a heartfelt tribute to FatsDomino.

The Big Easy in Buffalo at Music is Art!
2023-09-09 11:00 - 23:45 (America/Halifax) | Riverfest Park
Music is Art and The Big Easy in Buffalo go back a long way, and once again our director Tod is programming some bands at the festival. We’ll be on two stages on Saturday September 9 for this FREE festival:
PATIO STAGE (Riverworks Side):
12:30 – The Beard & the Bird
1:15 – In Crowd
2:00 – Elliott Scozzaro Trio
WHARF STAGE (River Fest Park Side):
7:15 – Kody & Herren
8:15 – Ten Cent Howl
9:15 – Yellow Jack
10:15 – Captain Tom & the Hooligans
That’s just part of the 200 bands, 120 DJs, dancers, artists, photographers, and assorted organized chaos that is the MiA Fest, so make a day (and night) of it and explore, but don’t forget to stop by our stages for some great bands!

John Papa Gros Solo Piano Show - The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
2023-08-25 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Halifax) | Bittersweet Piano Lounge, 391 Washington St Buffalo, Ny, Buffalo, NY, 14203-2106, US
The Big Easy in Buffalo presents JOHN PAPA GROS performing a special solo piano show.
Doors at 7, show at 8.
$20 advance (plus fee)
Just 60 seats available – this one will sell out so get your tickets now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-papa-gros-solo-piano-show-tickets-686629646757
“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
“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.”
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Duende, and National Fuel Gas Co.

Sunny Side - The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
2023-08-12 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Halifax) | Duende at Silo City, 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY, 14203, US
Sunny Side – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
Saturday, August 12
Show 7pm – 10pm
Duende at Silo City
Free (but please tip the band)
New Orleans Trad Jazz band Sunny Side returns to Buffalo! We’ll be inside, upstairs, and yes there will be room to dance.
Sunny Side, a jazz band based out of New Orleans, is heavily influenced by the music of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Fats Waller, and many other early jazz legends. During the 2020/2021 quarantine, Sunny Side provided a ‘Jazz in Coliseum Square Park’ series in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans hosting a variety of live music including themselves. Many locals expressed much gratitude for the music during the challenging time. Sunny Side is planning their third national tour for August 2023, stopping in cities and towns between New Orleans, New York, and Michigan while debuting their brand new album “The Felicity Sessions” coming out soon!
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Duende, and National Fuel Gas Co.

The Rumble feat. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr, Olmsted Dub System
2023-08-02 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The Cave, 71 Military, Buffalo, NY, 14207, US
The Rumble feat. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. plus Olmsted Dub System – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
Wednesday, August 2
The Cave
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
$10 advance, $15 day-of
https://www.showclix.com/event/the-rumbl-823
On Mardi Gras morning, your eyes may feast on the intricate and elaborate beadwork of the Indians as they dance down the street, but the first thing you’ll hear when they make their way toward you is the back line, known as “the rumble”. Featuring six Grammy-nominated musicians, The Rumble is more than just a band – it’s an opportunity to be immersed in a wholly unique facet of New Orleans culture. Composed of Second Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of the Golden Eagles, trumpeter Aurélien Barnes, trombonist José Maize Jr., bassist TJ Norris, guitarist Ari Teitel, keyboardist Andriu Yanovski, and drummer Trenton O’Neal, the group fuses iconic New Orleans funk in the vein of The Meters and The Neville Brothers – but updated, modern and vibrant befitting the next generation – with electrifying brass and the singular visual splendor of the Black Masking carnival tradition. Their live show is a symphony of rich color and propulsive sound, with each member sharing vocal duties and engaging the audience in the classic Mardi Gras Indian-style call-and-response chanting. The group pays homage to trailblazers like Wild Magnolias and Golden Eagles, both of which featured the vocal stylings of Boudreaux’s father, Monk Boudreaux. The Rumble continues the fight to preserve the legacies and traditions of the community for the next generation while bringing new layers of depth to their live performance. The Rumble provides audiences with not only a top-tier musical event, but a chance to participate in a culture that, while deeply rooted in centuries-old tradition, is thriving and evolving through the active work of this next generation of bold and passionate culture-bearers.
Olmsted Dub System, led by George Olmsted, features the finest lineup of professional musicians in the Buffalo area. George is the glue, and his band is the glitter – providing roots, reggae, and dub vibes.
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Sportsmens Tavern, and National Fuel Gas Co.

John Papa Gros Band w. Randle & the Late Night Scandals - The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA Series
2023-03-04 20:00 (America/New_York) | The Cave, 71 Military, Buffalo, NY, 14207, US
John Papa Gros Band w. Randle & the Late Night Scandals – The Big Easy in Buffalo NOLA series
Sportsmen’s Tavern
March 4, 7pm doors, 8pm show
$20
https://embed.showclix.com/event/john-papa-gros-band-323
“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, including Needle in the Groove, which was co-produced by New Orleans legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Allen Toussaint. 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.
In 2016, Gros returned to the spotlight yet again with his second solo album River’s On Fire, the much anticipated follow up to his 2004 debut Day’s End. Co-produced by Gros and Tracy Freeman (Harry Connick Jr, Rebirth Brass Band, Bonerama), the album’s fiery funk rock showed how Gros had matured as both a songwriter and bandleader. It firmly established Gros’ identity as a solo force. In 2020 Gros released Central City, his third solo album. The album is a collection of classic New Orleans songs, both new and old, filtered through his decades of dedication to his craft. The album features Gros’ feel good originals alongside his takes on beloved songs by Allen Toussaint, Lloyd Price, and John Prine. Joining Gros on the album are a who’s who in the keepers of the New Orleans tradition, including singer Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk), drummer Herlin Riley (Wynton Marsalis), banjoist Don Vappie, guitarist Brian Stoltz (Neville Brothers), trumpeter Mark Braud (Harry Connick Jr.), trombonist Mark Mullins (Bonerama), clarinetist Tim Laughlin, and his former boss George Porter Jr. (Meters). Together, they perfectly exploit the similarities between New Orleans jazz and early rock ‘n’ roll on songs such as “Yeah Yeah Yeah” and “Personality.”
“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.”
Randle & the Late Night Scandals steadily increased their loyal fanbase & have become one of the must-see bands in the Western New York region. With an aggressively modern sound that blends traditional blues, soul, funk, and rock & roll, this Buffalo, NY-based band refuses to settle into any single genre, preferring a continuous evolution of original music. The Scandals have shared the stage with many national acts including Living Colour,The Gin Blossoms, Los Lonely Boys, Gord Downie, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, and members of Rusted Root, proving they can please just about any audience. Randle & the Late Night Scandals has played at such legendary venues as the Town Ballroom, Sportsmens Tavern & the Hard Rock Café.
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, National Fuel Gas Co., and Sportsmen’s Tavern.

J#TET & FOLKFACES - The Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam
2023-02-24 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | DHU Strand Theatre, 540 Oliver St, North Tonawanda, NY, 14120, US
THE J#TET and FOLKFACES – playing separately and together! – The Big Easy in Buffalo Local Series
NEW DATE – Friday, February 24
DHU Strand Theatre
$10 (+fee) advance, $15 day-of
Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
ONLY 70 TICKETS AVAILABLE, get yours now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-easy-in-buffalo-the-jaysharptet-and-folkfaces-tickets-472359127867
Jazz, Americana, and even some New Orleans favorites – It’s a Mardi Gras Jam! Each band will take the stage for their own set, then join together for a grand finale jam. Get your tickets, bring your favorite libations, and get ready to experience something completely different!
Based in Buffalo, New York, and founded by Jacob Jay and Dalton Sharp, the J#tet performs music with a focus on original compositions and arrangements. Inspired by the ensembles lead by the great Miles Davis, the group strives to make every performance a unique musical statement. Past performances include the Northwest Jazz Festival, the Queen City Jazz Festival, the Colored Musicians Club Jazz Festival, and Pausa Art House.
Folkfaces is New York state based roots music quartet. Folkfaces play a mix of original and traditional music. The group takes its influence from weird old American music. An energetic variety show and traveling music review. Exploring a wide range of genres including country blues, traditional jazz, rock and roll, honky tonk, western swing, bluegrass and oldtime, jugband music and more. The music is driven by songwriter and frontman, Tyler Westcott (Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Kazoo) who founded the band in 2011. The rest of the band has taken many forms over the years, but the current lineup includes multi-instrumentalist and fiddler Brendan Gosson, upright bass player, Patrick Jackson, and percussionist Dan Schwach on drumkit and washboard. Each of the band’s members come from different musical backgrounds, but find common ground in the rare and captivating sound of Folkfaces.
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, Dick & Jenny’s, Sportsmens Tavern, and National Fuel Gas Co.

LeeRon Zydeco & The Buffalo Touch - Mardi Graski 202Tree!
2023-02-18 20:00 (America/New_York) | Sportsmens Tavern, 326 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY, 14207, US
Mardi Graski 2 – LeeRon Zydeco & The Buffalo Touch – The Big Easy in Buffalo Local Series
Sportsmen’s Tavern
Saturday, February 18, 2023
7pm Doors, 8pm Show
$15
https://www.showclix.com/event/mardi-graski-2-leeron-zydeco-the-buffalo-touch
Last year’s show sold out, so get your tickets now!
The Big Easy in Buffalo is celebrating Mardi Gras, Buffalo style with local legends LeeRon Zydeco and The Buffalo Touch polka band, playing separately AND together. Whether it’s a two-step or a polka, some blues or an oberek, get ready for MARDI GRASKI 2!
LEERON ZYDECO
Ron Davis aka LeeRon Zydeco is a professional musician with over fifty years of experience in recording and live performance. His credits include the Four Tops, Spencer Davis, Otis Rush, Bernard Purdie, Sean Costello, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. In 1991 he formed LeeRon Zydeco & the Hot Tamales. The band was the first in the Buffalo area to blend bluesy Cajun and Tex-Mex music into a roots sound. The group performs throughout the Eastern United States.
THE BUFFALO TOUCH
High energy, entertaining, a good time, and “plenty of dancing” is how to describe shows performed by The Buffalo Touch. This Award-Winning Polka Band performs music sure to put a smile on the face of everyone young and old alike. The Buffalo Touch has received three Grammy nominations for “Best Polka Album” and were the sole representatives of Western New York at the 45th, 46th, and 51st annual Grammy awards.
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, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, National Fuel Gas Co., and Sportsmen’s Tavern.
