When I was young my dad would take me to the Blue Note jazz club on Main Street near West Ferry every week to hear incredible local jazz. Unfortunately, that club is no longer around, but I’ve been watching a nearby development that could prove to be promising down the road.
Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, located at 1670 Main Street, has been working on promoting some live music events, and just might become a player in the local music scene where jazz and blues is concerned. About a year ago I noticed one of the owners standing outside of the building and asked what the future might hold. He told me that while they were booking private events, the end goal was to create a music club that would be open to the public on a weekly basis.
From what I have heard, the interior of the club has been described as “nostalgic”. I have not yet been inside The Met, but there is a show currently being promoted featuring one of Buffalo’s own, Faith Harris. Faith is not living in Buffalo at the moment, but I have heard rumors that she might be looking to return.
“Faith Harris smoothly weaves melodic, rhythmic interludes with her uniquely distinct, crystal clear vocals, as she superbly brings her World Jazz message into a wonderfully inspirational crescendo; to boldly affirm that truly, The Time is Right… Right Now!” -Dereke Clements, Jazz World, Inc.
Click here to listen to an interview with Faith Harris on Think Twice Radio. Faith comes from an artistic family here in Buffalo. The interview is a fascinating take on Faith and the pursuits of her dynamic family.
Faith Harris – Facebook
The Met – Facebook
Faith Harris | The Met | November 30 | 8pm
As for The Met, owner Raymond McKnight has opened phase one of the building as a banquet space that is rented out for weddings, performances, dances, parties, anniversaries, etc. McKnight comes from a long line of jazz aficionados in his family – his mother was a singer and his father played the stand-up bass. He has a history in local jazz clubs as well. A mural over the stage depicts many of Buffalo’s jazz greats, along with other world-renowned favorites. The 4000 square foot complex features a dance floor next to the stage, with the main room accommodating 350 people comfortably.
Phase two of the build-out will be a creole restaurant (not pictured), which is currently under construction and is scheduled to open this spring. Hopefully this complex will be a place that pays tribute to Buffalo’s live music traditions for a long time coming. Raymond told me that he is positioning himself to appeal to the over 30 years of age live music lovers. Look for more great shows in the future by following The Met’s Facebook page.