Logistic Feat Reframes Ideas About WNY Music Festivals

Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.

Music festivals on the West Coast had a certain feel to them – it was usually at a single venue with lots of capacity, on-site camping, local vendors and artisan craft booths from both near and far, plenty of beer tents and lots and lots of “hippies,” of multiple generations and waves. From the EDM bros wearing tropical co-ords to rave girlies barely wearing anything, to elderly “deadheads” in tie dye and families with toddlers in tow, to that one guy wearing an animal onesie – it always felt like a multi-day, mini Burning Man. A lot of the people that regularly attended the music festival circuits back in Nevada were homies with each other due to crossover – and most of them made it their lifestyle to go to the same fests, in the same towns, with the same bands, every single year. It was a tradition, something that made them feel a sense of belonging. 

I’m not going to lie, I was convinced that phase of my past was something I had to let go, and let die. I had a small sliver of time to feel how special that community was, then COVID hit and obliterated those dreams forever. My attempts at reintegrating back into the festival scene in Nevada was fruitless to say the least, so I had my qualms about the scene’s flaws coming out of that club. If you don’t fit the vibe, you are an outsider. And it sucked going to those music festivals alone – but I can still be proud to walk away, knowing I did it anyway. I moved away from all of it, understanding that there was a chance I would never be a part of something like that ever again, and there was a very real grief that came with that realization.

Concerts In WNY: A Fresh Take On Familiar Fun 

After moving to Buffalo, I had some optimism and an open mind for new memories. I knew it would never be the same as the Reno music scene, but I was excited for the first-time experiences I now have the opportunity to live through. I wasn’t disappointed. 

Heart of Music Fest is a festival in the town of East Aurora, a suburb of the Buffalo area. It ran previously for ten years as EA Music Fest, and it is a donation event to raise money for local charities. Dozens of venues and businesses partnered together to hold performances, serve food and libations across the whole city, of which I was impressed. The logistical nightmare of coordinating with so many businesses, bands, restaurants, hotels, and bars blew my mind – but it all seemed to run smoothly, and successfully.

Organizing a multi-venue festival of this caliber is a monumental task, and navigating that insane planning perhaps explains why advance inquiries to the leadership went unanswered. Still, from a journalistic standpoint, the silence remains a let down, a missed opportunity to gain deeper insight into the local music ecosystem, especially given that questions were submitted ahead of schedule. Fortunately, what was lost in commentary was redeemed in execution. The whole affair proved to be a hell of an adventure and a self-evident accomplishment — one that loudly highlighted the vibrant energy of the region, even if the driving forces behind it chose to let the music do all the talking. Still, as I mentioned in my previous blog, I’m starting to get discouraged at how little officials seem to respond to the press here in the Buffalo area, especially if you’re an independent entity and not a formal news station or publication, but I’m sure I’ll have better luck next time. I decided to write this blog anyway despite the crickets, after witnessing the sheer volume of this event and having mad respect for the communication and management it must have required.

East Aurora Music Festival: The Play-By-Play 

We started our day at Wallenwein’s Hotel, with a rock band called Expert Witness. Situated in a big lot next to the building, it was a bright sunny day when we began our journey. I will say – not a lot of people dance on this side of the country. There was a big crowd watching, but I’m used to everyone gathering close to the stage and not caring about who’s watching them boogie down. That wasn’t the case here. The musicians had a very wide berth between the audience and their platform, to the point where I was self-conscious to go up and record some footage. Nevertheless, the music was breezy, upbeat and energetic. They definitely felt like the kind of band I would put on for a roadtrip, with narrative lyrics and bouncy dynamics that were perfect for getting our flow on. It was a great little cup of coffee so to speak, getting us in the mood for the festivities that lay ahead of us.  

Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill was a little more up close and personal, as musicians Greg Zeis and Owen Eichensehr played under the cover of the patio awning. A little more of a mellow vibe, it felt very folksy, almost country with a softer, acoustic palette. It forced us all to slow down and appreciate the moment for a few minutes, like a warm, rustic exhale that matched the momentum of the afternoon. After a few cold drinks and reapplying sunscreen (which for this vampire, is a must) we were ready to charge on. 

There were plenty of other stops for food, including some bomb fries and a snack run to a nearby gas station, but the last performance we watched for a while was at a bit of a strange venue: Main Street Pole, a pole dancing gym. We got there as DJ Nor.th Star was spinning, bringing us back up from the hazy, siesta sun into a little slice of nightlife. With sassy tracks and groovy beats, it was some nice variety from the more mainstream formulas a lot of music festivals typically line up (unless it’s a festival for a specific genre). Her set was vibrant, lively and the cherry on top for the ending of a wonderful journey. 

Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.

After sweating ourselves out of that venture, we made our way back to our cars for the drive home, complete with the most picturesque sunset I’ve ever seen so far. While I still regret not receiving more insight into the culture of East Aurora or deeper knowledge of the music scene there, I’m glad I still attended. As the first big music event after moving away from my hometown, it gave me a new perspective on something I thought I would never be able to enjoy properly again. It gives me hope that maybe one day, I’ll be able to make more friends and be a member of the community myself – and it’s okay if that looks different than what I had before.

And you know what? I sure hope it does. 

For more on the Heart of Music Fest, visit their website here.

Video by Sam Ray-Johnson.