Support Local Music With Band Together Buffalo

The state of live music is in dire straits in this time of COVID-19. But in spite of the lack of in-person shows, our favorite artists are still hard at work doing what they do best: creating music to delight, uplift, provoke, and inspire. 

For all the stories of disconnect and fracture that have become a feature of our daily lives, there are many more stories of communities coming together in solidarity and mutual support. One such story is that of Band Together Buffalo’s Shutdown Showcase.

The Shutdown Showcase is an upcoming multi-week livestream showcase featuring over 100 local musical acts. It’s made possible by the support of over two dozen local businesses, including venues, recording studios, production companies, and restaurants.

Audience members get to see a rare survey of what WNY has to offer musically. Artists have the chance to win prizes including compensated studio time, produced video content, and booking once shows are back on. It’s the very definition of a win-win.

If you’re a passionate fan/supporter of local music, or if you’re just looking to immerse yourself in our local scene, this is perhaps your best chance to do so. You also have the added benefit of materially helping artists out in a time where they need it most. Just as with elections, your vote counts!

Band Together Buffalo Schedule

Round 1

Voting for the first round starts on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 and runs until Feb. 1, 2021. You can vote at BandTogetherBuffalo.com. You get one ballot but can vote for as many acts as you like on it. The 60 top-scoring acts move on to Round 2. 

Round 2

Beginning on Feb. 9, 2021, there will be live premieres of artist-submitted content every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for five weeks, with time to vote on each. The top 16 artists move on to Round 3.

Round 3

Beginning on March 31, 2021, professionally produced showcases will premier every Wednesday and Thursday for three weeks. Voting is the same as in Round 2, and the top four acts will move onto the Grand Finale.

Final scores will be tabulated in part by public voting and in part by a panel of local industry professionals. You’ll also have a chance to tip the artists through Venmo and PayPal. 

So if you want to be part of history in the making, or if you’d like a version of “American Idol” that doesn’t suck, check out Band Together Buffalo. It’s a great chance to discover and support WNY musicians, and it may just scratch your itch for live music.