Live Nation Thinks We’re Stupid, Part II; New concert announcements, including Trey Anastasio at Kleinhan’s; and this week’s picks (and beyond).

By Jeff Miers

(Above: AI Art by Kim Miers)

Have a cool concert or interesting event you know about? Email all the info and links to jeffmiersmusic@gmail.com to be considered for inclusion in Where the Bands Are.)

Hey there, fellow music-lovers.

Here’s a quick update on the Live Nation-Ticketmaster anti-trust lawsuit I’ve been following and reporting on here over the last few weeks.

After Trump’s DOJ reached a sweetheart settlement with the concert promotion/ticketing giant, thereby ending the government’s case without pursuing the anti-trust issues at the heart of the complaint, attorneys general from Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Ill., Kans., Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Nev., N.H., N.J., N.M., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Ore., Pa., R.I., Tenn., Utah, Vt., Va., Wash., Wis., Wyo. and D.C. said ‘Nah! Don’t think so!’ and declared their intention to carry on the lawsuit.

New York Attorney General Letitia James led the charge. (Again.)

“For years, Live Nation has made enormous profits by exploiting its illegal monopoly and raising costs for shows,” James said in a statement following the announcement of the DOJ settlement.

“My office has led a bipartisan group of attorneys general in suing Live Nation for taking advantage of fans, venues, and artists, and we are committed to holding Live Nation accountable. The settlement recently announced with the U.S. Department of Justice fails to address the monopoly at the center of this case, and would benefit Live Nation at the expense of consumers. We cannot agree to it. My attorney general colleagues and I have a strong case against Live Nation, and we will continue our lawsuit to protect consumers and restore fair competition to the live entertainment industry.

“We will keep fighting this case without the federal government so that we can secure justice for all those harmed by Live Nation’s monopoly.”

Oh, but there’s more. A few days after the Trump DOJ/Live Nation-Ticketmaster settlement was announced, Slack messages between Live Nation employees leaked, offering an inside look at the toxic Bro-sphere behind the company’s greed. As reported by USA Today, an exchange between employees dating back to 2022 reveals the company’s contempt for the poor suckers paying their salaries — in particular, the absurd VIP Parking and Club Access add-ons that can raise the cost of a concert ticket by nearly $300, in some cases.

“These people are so stupid,” one Bro wrote. “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them.”

To which his Bro buddy replied, “Robbing them blind, baby.”

Just so we know who we’re dealing with here …

Now, on to the fun stuff — new concert announcements!

New and Noteworthy

An Acoustic Evening with Trey Anastasio ft/Jeff Tanski

Saturday, June 20, 6 p.m. doors at Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NY. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m.

First Wonderfull Soul Sessions curated by Linda Appleby

Thursday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. at Tri-Main Center, Suite 441, Buffalo, NY. $5 suggested donation

“Our way of building community is entrusting in our creatives to take the lead in designing experiences that highlight their interests, taste and expertise. So we created an Artist-Residency where our selected artists/musicians are curating a mini-concert for the community, raising the vibration through joyFULL musical performances.

Our first concert is designed and curated by the legendary Linda Appleby, featuring the talents of her hand-selected Villa Maria students.”

Djo wsg/Pond

Thursday, July 23, 8 p.m. at Artpark Amphitheater, Lewiston, NY. Tickets on sale Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. $59.50 seating/$79.50 front of stage/ Early Bird GA Lawn Tickets $45/$55/$65

Passion Pit

Wednesday, July 22, 7 p.m. doors at Electric City, Buffalo, NY. Tickets on sale now.

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

Thursday, August 13, 7 p.m. doors at Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY. $35.84

of Montreal w/CorMae

Friday, June 26, 7 p.m. doors at Asbury Hall in Babeville, Buffalo, NY. $27/$30

Andy Grammer w/Walk Off The Earth

Friday, August 21 at 7 p.m. at Artpark Amphitheater, Lewiston, NY. $59.50/$49.50/$29.50. Tickets on sale Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m.

Vinny Appice’s Sabbath Knights wsg/Stealin’

Friday, July 17, 7 p.m. doors at Showplace Theater, Buffalo, NY. $27.37+

Minus The Bear wsg/Keep

Monday, September 14, 7 p.m. doors at Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY. Tickets on sale now.

Thank You Scientist

Thursday, May 21, 7 p.m. doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY. $22/$25

Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band

Tuesday, July 7, 7 p.m. at Asbury Hall in Babeville, Buffalo, NY. $59/$69. Tickets on sale Friday March 20 at 10 a.m.

Judy Collins: Sweet Judy Blue Eyes Farewell Tour

Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. at Asbury Hall in Babeville, Buffalo, NY. $75/$55. Tickets on sale Friday March 20 at 10 a.m.

Will Holton’s QUEENS UNITED Part II: Featuring Kimera Lattimore, Ali Critelli, Lisa Santiago, Pan Cakes, Amina the Empress, DeeAnn DiMeo

Saturday May 9, 7 p.m. doors at The CAZ, South Buffalo, NY. $60 seats

Big Shrimp w/ Tsavo Highway

Thursday, June 4, 7 p.m. doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY. $15/$20

Emily Ann Roberts

Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m. at Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY. Tickets on sale now.

Marcus King Band w/Penelope Road

Sunday, June 14, 7 p.m. gates at Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B, Buffalo, NY. Tickets on sale now.

Robyn Hitchcock (w/Band)

Sunday, June 7, 5 p.m. gates at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo, NY. $35/$40

EMF wsg/Ecce Shnak and The Arcade & DJ Nicholas Picholas

Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. at Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY. $32.40

Franz Ferdinand

Sunday, August 2, 7 p.m. doors at Electric City, Buffalo, NY. Tickets on sale now.

This week…

Eberwine & Friends

Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m. at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo NY. $10

Inner City Bedlam

Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m. at PAUSA art house, Buffalo NY. $17/$20 seated or $15/$17 bar

Dirtwire

Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m. doors at Town Ballroom, Buffalo NY. $33.40

JOE TREBBLE BIRTHDAY SHOW w/ The Waves, Beatnik Picnic, and Sasha Fleet

Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m. at the Lounge at Revolution Gallery, Buffalo NY. $10

Slow Animals – Justice For Migrant Families WNY Fundraiser

Friday, March 20, 7 p.m. at Revolver Records (Elmwood), Buffalo, NY. $10

Back in Black – The True AC/DC Experience

Friday, March 20, 7 p.m. Doors at Electric City, Buffalo, NY. $41.42

Crystal Ship – A Tribute to The Doors

Friday, March 20, 7 p.m. doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY. $25.26

The Internet Explorer Tour: bbno$

Friday, March 20, 7 p.m. doors at Buffalo Riverworks, Buffalo, NY. $39.50/$85

Little Mountain Band

Friday, March 20, 8 p.m. at Molly Maguires, South Buffalo, NY.

Dee’s Grand Ole Opry

Friday, March 20, 8 p.m. at Penny Lane, Clarence, NY. $10

45 RPM British Invasion Band

Saturday, March 21, 5:30 p.m. doors at The Caz, South Buffalo, NY. $20

The Floyd Concept

Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m. doors at Asbury Hall, Buffalo, NY. $24.72

Just Good Business – Jerry Garcia Tribute w/ Workingman’s Dead

Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m. doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo NY. $19.59

Gary Numan

Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m. doors at Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY. $49.82

DR. BOAT

Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m. at Molly Maguires, South Buffalo, NY.

Buffalo Dead All Stars Sunday Brunch

Sunday, March 22, 1 p.m. at Jack Rabbit, Buffalo, NY.

The Bleeding Hearts

Sunday, March 22, 5:30 p.m. doors at The Caz, South Buffalo, NY. $20

Whitford Klyma Band

Jim Whitford, Greg Klyma, Cathy Carfagna, Colin Brydalski, Jamie Sunshine

Sunday, March 22, 4 p.m. doors at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo NY. $10

Dan Kelly of Fortunate Youth

Sunday, March 22, 6 p.m. doors at Iron Works, Buffalo, NY. $19.59

THE FELL w/ Jim Crean Band, Loveboxx, & Thom Conde Project

(Billy Sheehan • Toby Rand • Mike Krompass • Nick Chiarore)

Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m. at Evening Star Concert Hall, Niagara Falls, NY. $30

Joyce Manor w/Militarie Gun, Teen Mortgage, Combat

Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m. at Asbury Hall in Babeville, Buffalo, NY. $35/$40

First Wonderfull Soul Sessions curated by Linda Appleby

Thursday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. at Tri-Main Center, Suite 441, Buffalo, NY. $5 suggested donation

Coming up…

Metal Spring Fling- Feat: New Reality, Fooled By Eve, City Divide, Under The Black, Babayaga, & Adam Foster

Friday March 27, 7 p.m. at Nietzsche’s, Buffalo, NY. $19.75

Theivery Corporation

Friday March 27, 7 p.m. at Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo, NY. 34.50+ adv

The Scales

2 Sets of Phish

Friday, March 27, 7 p.m. at The Cove, Buffalo, NY. $10

Hot For Teacher and IOU2

Covering Van Halen and U2

Friday, March 27, 8 p.m. at The Cave, Buffalo, NY. $15

Analog Kids: Rush Tribute Experience

Friday, March 27, 7 p.m. doors at Asbury Hall, Buffalo, NY. $24.72

Kickstart Rumble

Friday, March 27, 7 p.m. at The CAZ, South Buffalo, NY. $15-$20

Ansley Court and The Tails wsg/Night Music

Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m. doors at Nietzsche’s, Buffalo, NY. $15

The DMV (performing music of The Cars) w/Sonny Baker & Crew playing The Violent Femmes

Featuring: Dave Calos, Nick Gonzales, Geno McManus, Scott Molloy, Bill Wachowiak, Sonny Baker, and Ryan Campbell

Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m. at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo, NY. $15/$20

Gwar w/King Parrot & Soulfly

Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m. doors at Nietzsche’s, Buffalo, NY. $47.99

Pocketship

Saturday, March 28, 9 p.m. at Jack Rabbit, Buffalo NY. $5

Buffalo Dead All Stars

Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m. at Molly Maguires, Buffalo NY.

Harry Styles Night w/ Letter to Elise

Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m. doors at Iron Works, Buffalo NY. $19.59

Taste of Buffalo Battle of the Bands

Sunday, March 29, 5 p.m. at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo NY.

The Garage Doors

Sunday, March 29, 3 p.m. doors at The Cave, Buffalo NY. $10/$15

Two Feet

Tuesday, March 31, 7 p.m. doors at Electric City, Buffalo NY. $39.36+

Consider the Source w/ Shapes

Friday, April 3, 8 p.m. at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo NY. $18/$23

Our Lady Peace: 30th Anniversary Tour w/The Verve Pipe

Friday, April 3, 7 p.m. at Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo, NY. $220 SoudcheckVIP only left

THE STRICTLY HIP – Nights 1 & 2

Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m. at The CAZ, South Buffalo, NY. $20-$25

Cheap Trick

Saturday, April 4, 8 p.m. at Seneca Niagara Event Center, Seneca Niagara Casino and Resort, Niagara Falls, NY.$49.50, $60.50, $82.50, $104.50

The Cure vs. The Smiths Dance Party

Saturday, April 4, 8 p.m. at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo NY. $8/$10

5th Annual John Prine Tribute ft/Maria Sebastian, Charlie Coughlin, Bill Smith, Jungle Steve, Chris Panfil, Sally Schaefer & Tyler Bagwell, Leroy Townes, Marty Peters, and Folkfaces

Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m. at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo NY. $20

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