Now that Thursday at the Square has permanently become Thursday at the Harbor (or Thursday at the Skyway!), I shed one last tear for future generations of downtown Buffalo concertgoers who will never have a chance to have the Lafayette Square experience. I still remember the very 1st square, on the South West corner of Main and Chippewa, before twin skyscrapers were built on barren flatlands. Before “In the Park” was renamed “In the Square”.
But now we have the best…
But through all of the years one main ingredient was missing from Buffalo’s free concerts… the beauty of Buffalo’s waterfront. To me there is not a more breathtaking sight then the sun setting on Lake Erie, the melodies we hear dancing on the waves, harmonies singing in tandem with boats gliding in the harbor, and the tranquility of these moments unmatched anywhere in Western New York. And I mean anywhere.
Lockport Fridays
Another great lineup this year. Yes, they have water, but it is locked up and out of view, and after a 45 minute drive the mostly-classic rock venue is actually just a large parking lot surrounded by buildings, and no water view.
Niagara Falls Saturdays
I have to like the diversified international lineup this year, just behind the Hard Rock stateside. Ironically Niagara Falls is one of the seven wonders of the world, and the city is named after it, but … you can’t even see any water from the concert area. But… you can see the casino hotel! That is, if you are lucky enough to find parking.
Last but not least Lewiston Tuesdays
Rewinding to last year’s Tuesdays, some shows had attendance shooting up some 30,000 plus. But with such huge crowds there were overcrowding problems, and some ladies were groped with no security to be found. Simple solution that… just cut off the crowd at, say, 20,000 fans, and problem solved. Artpark used to cut off crowds in year’s past.
Free Tuesdays are no longer free
Instead, Artpark is going to a paid model for its Tuesday lineup (Wednesdays remain free as always, with a less expensive lineup but a more relaxed atmosphere). Presale $5 and $10 depending on the act, and $5 more the days leading up to the show.
What this will mean…
So after a 45 minute drive, say hello to scalpers that bought for $5 and are selling for $20. With attendance capped at 10,000 I would not be surprised to see some “sold out” shows only garnering a few thousand fans. That will certainly cut into their $7 beverage sales compared to last year when 30,000 folks were being served.
And now for the biggest reason
It seems to me that the biggest problem is that most of my friends decide the day of show whether they want to go, and more importantly find out whether their friends are going. They are not going because their favorite act is performing, but if the music is even tolerable the experience takes care of itself. The Lewiston magic is going to leave us forever, at least for us Buffalo people. Artpark will survive, but I believe Buffalonians will choose to stay local. I predict a trend that other Buffalo Tuesday events like the Bidwell Elmwood concert series will have record crowds as a result.
And so Buffalo’s Thursday at the Harbor is now the best around
Now more than ever I believe the best free concert series resides in Buffalo this year. You can drive, bus, walk, train, bike, skateboard and limo there. Love the water view. Food and beverages are reasonably priced. What a great lineup created by Artie Kwitchoff and Donny Kutzbach of Funtime Productions, and what great organization by Team Buffalo Place. Thank you for really getting it.
Please tell us what you think about this year’s venue and lineup!
My top picks for Thursdays are Fitz and the Tantrums, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The concert series at the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf has 12 straight Thursdays starting off with the Cult on June 7th . All of the shows are 5:00-9:30PM this year. For the complete lineup, please see queenseyes’s take from the news conference at Labatt’s worldwide headquarters in downtown Buffalo . Can’t wait to see you at The Harbor!
– June 7th: The Cult, Against Me! and The Icarus Line
– June 14th: Fitz and the Tantrums, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds and ZZ Ward
– June 21st: Built to Spill, Matthew Sweet and Hey Rosetta!
– June 28th: Fountains of Wayne
– July 5th: Arrested Development
– July 12th: Seether
– July 19th: Young the Giant, Bahamas and The Ruby Spirit
– July 26th: Arkells, Gomez and Elliott Brood
– August 2nd:The Jesus And Mary Chain and Wildlife
– August 9th: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Ron Hawkins and the Do Good Assassins
– August 16th: Salt-N-Pepa
– August 23rd: Matthew Nathanson and Lights