Concert Review: Buffalo Ska Fest Celebrating Vibrant Music and Culture in the Queen City

The third annual Buffalo Ska Fest was an incredible two-day, all-ages ska music celebration featuring Big D and the Kids Table, The Aggrolites, along with Buffalo punk ska bands Working Class Stiffs and The Abruptors. The festival was presented by Riot Squad Media and took place on August 15th and 16th at Buffalo Iron Works, located in Buffalo's Cobblestone District.

Friday night started out with a bang from Turkey Blaster Omega. This band is high-energy and blends ska, funk, jazz, punk, and progressive rock into a chaotic yet infectious experience. The horn section is tight, and the musicianship is on point. Turkey Blaster Omega defies labels and isn't afraid to have some dark humor mixed in the DIY craziness. They were the perfect band to open up the weekend!

Philly's own The Manipulators hit the stage with their gritty, punchy anthems that ring loud in the DIY scene. The Manipulators were a perfect follow-up act to Turkey Blaster Omega with a blend of high-energy riffs, fun horn sections, and some reggae riffs that had the pit skanking and the crowd dancing to the beat.

Buffalo's own Skamagotchi has a charm to their live performance. They don't take themselves too seriously, and the mix of punk, emo, alt/indie, and ska is all part of their appeal. They have songs that you could insert into Tony Hawk's Pro Skater soundtrack and not think twice about whether it belongs or not, while having songs like "No Money/No Shows" that are more heartfelt with lyrics that are true to the scene. I have seen them multiple times opening up for touring bands or at other Buffalo festivals, and they always put on a great show with great vibes.

The What Nows?! had the crowd skanking throughout their performance, delivering a high-energy party with tight horn riffs reminiscent of Streetlight Manifesto and lyrics that inspire sing-alongs.

The Kilograms were my personal favorite on Friday night. It's also hard not to say that when you have former members of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Bouncing Souls, who were some of my favorite bands growing up, in this band. They have some groove-heavy rhythms with punk boldness like you hear from the legendary band Rancid. But they also have that reggae soul style in the lyrics that puts you in a great mood. They had the crowd skanking, including me with my camera in hand.

Buffalo's very own The Abruptors have been making music for the past ten years. With three full-length albums and an EP, they fuse soul, reggae, and rocksteady with heartfelt lyrics to craft their unique sound. The Abruptors have been vital in sustaining the Buffalo ska scene, delivering live performances that are a must-see.

The Aggrolites headlined Friday night's finale, bringing their unique blend of 1960s soul, funk, and reggae grit from L.A. Their performance was exceptional. As I watched, the crowd was either skanking, nodding to the rhythm, singing along, or doing all three. The energy between the band and the audience was truly authentic, particularly during their song "Dirty Reggae."

Friday night was an ideal kickoff for Buffalo Ska Fest. The lineup included a great blend of local and touring bands, featuring both reggae ska and punk ska, creating an energetic atmosphere. I ended the night eager for more, excited that there was still a full day ahead.

Saturday was more punk-infused ska than reggae ska, which was the previous night. Opening the show was local band Part-Time Genius, who blend funk, rock, and alternative. I had never heard of them, but after watching them perform, they have made me a fan. I was impressed with how tight they sounded and how much fun they were having. It was a great way to open the show and continue the vibes from the previous night.

Next up was The Chemical Imbalance, a wild ska band from New Jersey that you either love or hate. Their sound can be described as a mix of Streetlight Manifesto, The Chariot, and Better Lovers in a musical brawl... and I absolutely love it! At times, the crowd was skanking, and moments later, mosh pits would erupt. It was unpredictable and fantastic!

Following The Chemical Imbalance was another New Jersey band called The Best of the Worst. The name says it all because they combine genres of punk, ska, metalcore, hardcore, emo, and jazz to create something that is cathartically powerful. There must be something in the New Jersey water if they are creating DIY ska bands that just defy all rules, and I am all for it!

My top pick for Saturday was Hans Gruber & the Die Hards. Their performance was outrageous, featuring sock puppets thrown into the audience, toga lines, playing brass instruments on the bar, and crowd surfing, all while dressed in underwear or swim trunks—I'm still not sure which. It was pure chaos, and I loved every moment of it. Their music is a blend of punk, ska, and hardcore, combined with humor and wild antics that leave you unsure of what to expect. They are a band you have to experience for yourself, and it's definitely worth it.

The horn-fueled Buffalo band Do It With Malice followed Hans Gruber & the Die Hards, and they did not disappoint. After seeing pure chaos and that level of high energy, I wasn't sure if Do It With Malice could keep that energy up, but they did. The ska grooves mixed with punk and hardcore aggression are a great blend between bright brassy hooks and breakdowns, giving them an edge in the punk ska world.

You couldn't have a ska fest without some classic punk ska music, and that's where the Potato Pirates come in. The rowdy ska band based in Denver, CO, brought the raw punk energy that is fast, fun, and rebellious. The perfect band to play before Kill Lincoln would take the stage. If I weren't photographing the show, I would have been in the circle pit and dancing like a madman with two left feet.

I still can't quite describe Kill Lincoln's live performance. They're a modern punk ska band from Washington, D.C., known for their fast-paced, punk rock sound, lively riffs, and abundant brass. Each song is filled with horns, driving guitar riffs, catchy shout-along hooks, and an incredible amount of energy, perfectly blending nostalgic punk ska with a fresh twist. Watching them live felt like experiencing my brain's energetic and chaotic moments, with so much happening at once that I couldn't decide where to focus, all while grinning amidst the chaos. The best way to sum up Kill Lincoln is as nonstop punk ska chaos that you have to witness live!

Working Class Stiffs is a Buffalo band that brings a completely different style of energy to their shows. While Kill Lincoln is nonstop punk ska chaos, Working Class Stiffs is more like blue-collar energy with an unapologetically raw sound. They have punk attitude written all over them, but they also blend it with upbeat rhythms that create a sound that is rebellious and fun.

Big D and the Kids Table will be closing out the festival on Saturday night. The only word that comes to mind for Big D and the Kids Table is legendary. Throughout their career, they have explored every style of punk ska, with classic tracks like "L.a.X." and the soulful reggae ska sound of "Shining On." Their live performance featured a perfect mix of all the ska styles Big D has embraced, and the crowd was energized. At times, there were multiple pits, one for skanking and another for a circle pit. Ending Buffalo Ska Fest with the anthem "L.a.X." was the perfect choice, delivering full throttle energy right to the end.

In between sets, I was able to walk around and see what vendors were in attendance. Besides merch tables for the bands, there were a few other vendors that were a mix of bags and patches, vinyl records, guitars, and of course, the Punk Rock Saves Lives tent.

Timeless Babez is a shop located in Buffalo, NY, offering distinctive vintage and handmade items. They combine fashion, local art, and DIY culture. At the festival, they sold patches for denim jackets, ideal for a punk ska festival, along with some uniquely styled vintage handbags.

Reverend Guitars, a company located in Toledo, Ohio, is known for its distinctive guitar designs, striking finishes, and features that distinguish them from traditional big-name brands. These guitars are crafted to be reliable workhorses and are truly stunning in appearance.

It was fantastic to see the Punk Rock Saves Lives (PRSL) tent at Buffalo Ska Fest this year. PRSL is a nonprofit that effectively channels the energy of the punk rock community to educate people about wellness, equality, and activism. At their tent, they distributed candy, ear protection, Narcan, and much more to those in need. PRSL is truly a wonderful presence in the community.

An unexpected vendor at Buffalo Ska Fest was DCxPC, a small DIY record label. This label and live show promotion company focuses on capturing the raw, live energy of punk, hardcore, ska, and metal bands. DCxPC produces limited-edition vinyl records that encapsulate the live performances of these bands. They are dedicated to documenting the underground music scene and supporting artists through their live music recordings.

We need more companies and people like this in general in our scene. DCxPC is giving opportunities to bands that are not selling out arenas and are not making all the money in the world. DCxPC knows they are not going to make all of the money in the world doing what they do, but what they are doing is something far greater than what money can give.

Buffalo Ska Fest is an amazing DIY festival experiencing rapid growth. It began at Mohawk Place three years ago and has now expanded to multiple nights at Buffalo Iron Works, which is truly remarkable. It's essential to acknowledge Riot Squad Media and its leader, Laura, who organizes Buffalo Ska Fest.

Riot Squad Media has brought back the punk and ska scene to Buffalo. They have been able to find these small bands and give them a platform and a stage for us to hear. Without Buffalo Ska Fest, I would not have heard of most of these bands.

If there's one thing to remember, it's to support local bands and those touring in a DIY manner. Listen to their music, and if you enjoy it, show your support by purchasing an album, merchandise, or a ticket to a show. Also, support the small vendors and Riot Squad Media who organize the events. They have upcoming shows in Buffalo, NY, and Boston, MA, as well as the annual Camp Punksylvania festival. Without these bands, vendors like DCxPC, or promoters such as Riot Squad Media, Buffalo wouldn't have a ska fest or much of a local music scene.

Buffalo Ska Fest was amazing, and I hope it keeps expanding and developing each year as it has been. Perhaps in a few years, it will take place at Buffalo RiverWorks, allowing for multiple stages and more vendors. Riot Fest and Warped Tour began as DIY events and grew into what we cherish today. Support your local bands, venues, vendors, and your community!