Arts/entertainment

Guitar Lessons Buffalo, NY
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Guitar Lessons Buffalo, NY

Lewis & Klark Corporate Entertainment - Private & Wedding Entertainers - Clubs

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Guitar Duo Entertainment - Lewis & Klark

2026 WNY SUMMER CONCERT/EVENTS SCHEDULES

ALBUM REVIEWS

by Bob Silvestri

Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice

-Who Knows What the Future Holds-

With a career that spans over six decades, including an over twenty-five-year tenure as frontman for Roomful of Blues, Greg Piccolo shows no signs of slowing down. The singer songwriter and Saxophonist continues to explore new sounds including on his latest release with his band Heavy Juice titled Who Knows What the Future Holds. The eleven songs on the album finds Piccolo digging in his songwriting vault for tunes that for whatever reason didn’t see the light of day previously. The album was produced by the legendary Terry Manning who has worked with everyone from ZZ Top to Shania Twain. Sadly, just as the first mixes were completed Manning suddenly passed away. It became both a challenge and a tribute to Manning for Piccolo and the band to complete the record. Piccolo (vocals/Tenor Sax) along with Heavy Juice, Sinichi Otsu (keyboards), Bob Ruggiero (drums), Dean Shot (guitar), Paul Tomasello (bass), Mark Kazanoff (Baritone Sax) and Al Gomez (trumpet) got back to work and completed the album. 14 Karat Soul adds their touch to the title track as well. Memorable tracks off Who Knows What the Future Holds include the rockabilly blues number “I’ve Lost Faith”, the cool vibes of “Truth Is A Sly Fox”, the one drop Reggae tune “People Are Hot”, the swinging “Let’s Play in the Car”, the heartbreaking tale of lost love “She Couldn’t Stay”, the funky grinding groove of “Don’t Tell Me the Truth”, the churchy ballad “Break in the Clouds”, the sweet soul sounds of the title cut “Who Knows What the Future Holds” and the bold and brassy LP closer “I’m Movin’ On”. Filled with clever storytelling, introspective lyrics and an infectious groove like no other the latest album from Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice, Who Knows What the Future Holds, delivers the goods. For more information about Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice and their latest album Who Knows What the Future Holds visit their website at www.gregpiccolo.com or go to www.facebook.com/gregpiccolomusic

Denise La Grassa

- A Crossroads Communion-

Blues and Roots artist Denise La Grassa has released a new album titled A Crossroads Communion a nine song mix of rocking blues with a deep commitment to her faith. The album does not come across as preachy but more rooted in a cautionary study of our troubled times. La Grassa (vocals/organ) is joined for these sessions by fellow musicians Alvin Santner (guitar), John Kregor (guitar), Stephan Ryan (slide guitar), Steven C. Manns (bass/vocals), Timothy Walker (drums) and Pierre Lacocque (harmonica). Highlights from A Crossroads Communion include the chicken pickin’ and scratchin’ opening track “Big Bad Dream”, the funky “These Vain Games”, the dark and stark “Who Will Mourn You”, the jaunty blues number “Boy The Blues Have Been Blue to Me”, the jubilant “Joyride”, the snappy “Go Bad Mouth Yourself” and a raw and throbbing cover of Albert King’s “I’ll Play the Blues for You” that finds La Grassa trading vocals with Manns. For more information about Denise La Grassa and her latest release A Crossroads Communion go to www.deniselagrassa.com or visit her at www.facebook.com/DeniseLaGrassaBand

Sherri Harding

-Storyland-

Canadian based soul singer Sherri Harding’s musical heart has always belonged to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Her long-standing relationship with the musical mecca has found her employing legendary Muscle Shoals guitarist Kelvin Holly on this and her last album, along with The Muscle Shoals Horn section and bringing in Grammy winning engineer Jimmy Nutt to mix the record at his NuttHouse Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals. The songs were written and the album produced by veteran songwriter and member of the Cooper Brothers, Richard Cooper, who was able to capture the art of Canadian storytelling set to the Southern soul sounds perfect for Harding’s powerhouse vocals. Assisting Harding (vocals/flute) on the record are the aforementioned Holly (guitar) and Robert Farrell and Darwin Demers (guitar), Clayton Connell and Jeff Rogers (keyboards), Brian Cooper (bass) and Jamie Holmes and Rob Holtz (drums/percussion). Extraordinary violinist Anne Lindsey who has worked with Blue Rodeo and the Jim Cuddy Band adds her dulcet tones to the proceedings as well. Highlights among the eleven tracks on Storyland include the breezy horn driven album opener “All Around the World”, the soulful and steady “Down in The Shoals”, the bright, sunny and filled with a lot of horns “Money Man”, the outstanding churchy and blue duet with fellow Canadian singer Jeff Rogers “Through It All”, the razor sharp “Rainy Day”, the Latin flair of “Dark-Eyed Junco” with Harding adding flute to the song, the horned laced sassy and soulful number “What’s The Matter (With My Heart)”, the up tempo “Don’t Push (On An Open Door)” and the title cut “Storyland” that closes out the album. For more information about Sherri Harding and her latest album Storyland visit her website at www.sherriharding.com or you can also visit her at www.facebook.com/sherri.harding.9

Lester Winchester McKendree

-They Got It All-

Roots rock/Americana side man Jimmy Lester, Mark W. Winchester and Kevin McKendree have formed a super groove-group and have released their debut album titled They Got It All. Their resumes are extensive with Lester being a founding member of Los Straightjackets, Winchester has been a member of Emmylou Harris’ Nash Ramblers and the Brian Setzer Orchestra and McKendree spent 20+ years as Delbert McClinton’s right-hand man. The three musicians originally got together while backing E-Street Band bassist Garry Tallent on his solo album and subsequent 2017 tour and were eager to play together again. The ten tracks recorded live at McKendree’s Rock House Studio in Franklin, TN feature a mix of Winchester’s songs the trio have been performing live around the Nashville area, some brand-new material and a couple of collaborative instrumentals that band worked out in the studio. Lots of great music to be found on They Got It All including the laid back and carefree opener “I’m No Amateur”, the revved up rocker “Delaney And The Ditch”, the title cut “They Got It All”, the surf rock instrumental “Surf the Allman Ballroom”, the high energy top down rocker “Baby’s Carburetor”, the pulsating “Bad Mantras”, the mid-tempo ballad “The Right Pose” and the grand instrumental and LP closer “Along With The Sunshine”. The debut album from Lester Winchester McKendree They Got It All is a fun feel good record that is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Check them out at www.markwwinchester.com

Lexie Blue

-Too Glam to Give a Damn-

Michigan based blues and soul powerhouse vocalist Lexie Blue has released a new album with the title Too Glam to Give a Damn featuring ten tracks filled with sultry lyrics and smoldering rhythms. Blue who handles vocals is joined on the record by fellow musicians Pete Bullard on guitar, Kevin Schoepke on bass, Gary Martin on the drums, Jack Rivers on keyboards, Mike Puelson on trumpet and Joe Rodrick on trombone. Highlights from Too Glam to Give a Damn include the tight and funky “Sit Down & Hush”, the bold and striking “Break Up Kiss”, the swampy “Walk In My Shoes”, the big and brassy title track “Too Glam to Give a Damn”, the funky horn draped “Ain’t Good at Drinking”, the soul fried goodness of “Darker Shade of the Blues”, the I’m putting foot down declaration “Get the Hell Up Outta My House” and the primal beat of the album closer “Chin Wagging”. The latest from Lexie Blue Too Glam to Give a Damn is a bold and exciting statement from this blues spitfire. For more information about Lexie Blue and her latest album Too Glam to Give a Damn go to www.lexieblue.com or go to www.facebook.com/LexieBlueBand

Dana Fuchs

-Live in Denmark-

Contemporary blues rock powerhouse performer Dana Fuchs has released a new album titled Live in Denmark a raw and unflinching portrait of Fuchs in her element. The album was recorded in a single performance with no overdubs or post production work at Godset in Kolding, Denmark on October 6, 2025 with the backing of Jon Diamond on guitar and backing vocals, Kevin Mackall on bass and Piero Perelli on drums while Fuchs contributes on acoustic guitar, vocals, tambourine and Cajon. This is a killer performance and recording and the album features many highlights including the heavy driving blues rocker “Double Down on Wrong”, the smooth mid-tempo rocker “Blue Mist Road”, the greasy and funky “Superman”, the soulful blues ballad “Nothing You Own” and the roots rock gem “Borrowed Time”. A couple of cover tunes sprinkled among the Fuchs original songs include a biting version of Gil Scott Heron’s “Home Is Where the Hatred Is” and a raucous version of the Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil” that closes out the performance and album. Filled with intensity, honesty, emotion and raw power Dana Fuchs latest album Live in Denmark is a welcome addition to any record collection. To find out more about Dana Fuchs and her latest album Live in Denmark visit www.danafuchs.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/danafuchsverified

Beyond 1969

-Back to the Blues-

Creative guitarist Tom “The Suit” Forst and his band Beyond 1969 have released a new album with the title Back to the Blues a set of ten original tunes recorded live in the studio. Beyond 1969 is comprised of Forst on vocals and guitar, Jeff Bousfield on keyboards, Tony Delisio on vocals and bass and Bryan Caudle on percussion. Highlights to be found on Back to the Blues include the funky blues number “I’m Never Gonna Leave You”, the bluesy tale of an illicit lover “Consolation Man”, the percolating “Comin’ Back To The Blues”, the echo laden blues lament “I’m Not Over You Yet”, the funky and soulful “Darkest Before The Dawn”, the soulful “If I Stay With You Tonight”, the slow blues burner “It’s My Own Damn fault” and the steady rocking “When It All Falls Down” that closes the album. For more information about Tom Forst and his outfit Beyond 1969 and their new album Back to the Blues head over to www.beyond1969.com or you can go to www.tomthesuitforst.com or www.facebook.com/tomthesuitforst

James “JB” Barnes

-My Mississippi Roots-

James Barnes is known throughout the blues scene as “JB” a knowing sign of respect. The smooth voiced bass player was born in Cleveland and can trace hits roots back to the land of the blues, Mississippi, on his father’s side. As a boy he studied all the blues legends but forged his own sound and style, keeping the tradition of the master’s while adding some contemporary flourishes. His latest album My Mississippi Roots showcases his style and with a nod to his musical roots. Barnes brought along his longtime friend, guitarist and songwriter Anthony Krizan who also produced and engineered the sessions and a host of other musicians to assist including Barnes’ son Jarred “ARKTKT” Barnes on keyboards, Carmine Diorio on drums, Moe Dene on guitar, Tommy “Earthquake” Doud on drums and many others. Nuggets to choose from off My Mississippi Roots include the smooth and funky blues number “Get Up and Go Blues”, the ivory tickling blues moaner “Gotta Make a Change”, the driving and powerful take on our current situation “When Did Crime Become Legal”, the soul revival style mid-tempo ballad “Southern Girl”, the swampy, raw and visceral title cut “My Mississippi Roots”, the harp howling instrumental “The JB Shuffle” with harp supplied by Will Wilde and the slinky and soulful with its timeless message “Stand Up and Give Peace & Love a Chance”. A few cover tunes stand out among the originals including a reimaged cover of Hall & Oates’ hit “Sara Smile”, a run through Carey Bell’s Lonesome Stranger”, The Stones classic “Wild Horses” and an outstanding cover of Jeff Beck’s “Brush with the Blues”. For more information about bluesman James “JB” Barnes and his latest album My Mississippi Roots mosey over to www.jbkeepingthebluesalive.com

Fred Hostetler

-Blues Back Pages-

Roots and blues artist Fred Hostetler has released a new album titled Blues Back Pages an eleven song mix of Hostetler originals and cover tunes. Fred along with Karen Lawrence founded the acclaimed Southern California blues band Blue By Nature but this album is Fred on vocal and guitar and in the spotlight solo. Highlights from Blues Back Pages include the rebuke of the Elites on “Hey Corporate Vandals”, the epic tale of adversity and triumph “Taming the Wolf”, the trippy acoustic slide number “Deep Deep Well”, the swampy groove on “Orphan Blues”, the barn burner “New Man” and the gentle blues ballad “You Found Me”. Also, of note are covers of Mose Allison’s “Your Mind is on Vacation”, Bill Wither’s classic “Ain’t No Sunshine” and bandmate Karen Lawrence ‘s “Rain on my Window Pane”. To find out more about Fred Hostetler and his mighty fine new album “Blues Back Pages visit www.fredsheartradio.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/bluebynature

Nicky T and The Snake Charmers

-Ain’t Wasting Time-

The latest release from Nicky T and The Snake Charmers titled Ain’t Wasting Time finds the band on the verge of a major breakout. The band has slowly built a cult following and accolades from some of the blues heaviest hitters including Ronnie Earl and Anson Funderburgh and if Anson says Nicky T is the real deal, then I’m on board too. The band features Nicky T on guitar and vocals along with Pete Berg on drums, Frank Greenhalgh on bass and Andy Szymanski on keyboards. Special guests include Ronnie Earl, Greg Nagy, Chris Codish and a host of others. Not a bad track among the eleven cuts including the sweet soul groove of “That’s All I Need”, the outstanding and swinging “Mistreating Mama”, the pedal to the metal blues romp “Feel Like A Hundred”, a cover of B. B. King’s “Guess Who” featuring Nagy on vocals and the smoking hot track “The Glass” featuring Earl on guitar and Nagy on vocals. Further digging finds the rollicking instrumental tribute to Magic Sam with “Thank You Magic Sam”, the churchy blues moaner and title track “Ain’t Wasting Time”, the made for the dance floor number “Waiting on the Sunshine”, a run through Bobby Blue Bland’s “Lead Me On”, another instrumental “Charming the Snake” and the acoustic blues number “Life on Life’s Terms”. You can find out more information about Nicky T and The Snake Charmers and their latest release Ain’t Wasting Time by heading over to their website www.nickytblues.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/NickyTSnakeCharmers

Zac Harmon & The Drive

-Live-

Award winning guitarist, songwriter and singer Zac Harmon and his band The Drive have released a new album of high energy soul, blues and roots with the simple title Live a ten-song collection the band recorded during their last European and US tours. Fronted by Harmon (guitar/vocals) The Drive consists of Corey “Brown Coy” Lacy (keyboards/vocals), Nate “The Bass” Robinson (bass), Gino “LockJohnson” Igelhart (drums/vocals) and Kingston “Soul Fingers” Livingston (guitar/vocals). Special guests appearing include Jabari Johnson (guitar/vocals), Tommye Young-West (vocals), Lio Saenez Jr (horns) and Bobby Sparks (keyboards). Highlights from Live include the smooth and soulful jazz blues number “NTRO”, the snappy, hand clapping and funky “Hump In your Back”, the muscular blues number “Blue Pill Thrill”, the outstanding slow blues moaner “Feet Back on the Ground”, the rollicking good time blues boogie “Boogie Down” that clocks in at over ten minutes long and even features a snippet of The JB’s “Doing It to The Death” aka “Funky Good Time”. Maceo!! Other nuggets for your listening pleasure include a bold brassy cover of Issac Hayes “Little Blue Bird”, the sweet soul jam “Mississippi Bar B Q” and the danceable work out “Slide”. The latest album from Zac Harmon & The Drive, Live, is smooth as silk and soulful to boot. For more information about Zac Brown & The Drive head over to www.zacharmon.com or visit www.facebook.com/zacharmon927

Anni Piper

-Men Are Like Potato Chips-

Australian born and now Portland, Oregon based recording artist Anni Piper has released her seventh studio album with the title Men Are Like Potato Chips a nine song mix of traditional blues and blistering rock anthems. Piper plays bass and handles vocal duties along with her son Flynn Piper on backing vocals, Ted Swanson with guitar and keyboards, Tim Langford on guitar, Steve Kirin on keyboards, Brian Foxworth and Joe Trump on the drums, John Dover on trumpet, Chris Shuttleworth on tuba and the esteemed Jimi Bott on percussion and in the producers and recording and mixing engineer’s chairs. Highlights off Men Are Like Potato Chips include the scorching blues rocker “Devil Bride”, the jazzy, brassy and humorous title track “Men Are Like Potato Chips”, the high energy rocker “Cactus Girl”, the dark tale of an unwanted suitor “Stalker” and a sweet cover of the John Prine classic “Angel from Montgomery”. Piper pulls out all the stops on the hot strutting temperature rising “Naughty Nurse”, the declaration of infidelity “Cheetah” and the howling rocker that closes out the album “F.I.G.J.A.M.”. With music and lyrics that are both sultry and sensual (along with a wink and tongue firmly planted in cheek) Anni Piper delivers the goods on her latest album Men Are Like Potato Chips. For more information about Anni Piper head visit her web site www.annipiper.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/AnniPiper.music

Mitch Ryder

-Songs from The Road-

Mitch Ryder is a rock and roll icon. A living legend who still performs and is still a relevant voice of rock and roll. In March of 2025 while on a tour of Europe, Ryder and his band Laura Chavez (guitar), Sean Athens (guitar), Tomek German (bass), Denis Palatin (drums) and Lea Worms (keyboards) took over the Frannz Club in Berlin and recorded his latest album Songs from The Road a thirteen-song selection feature Ryder classics and stuff from his most current albums. Highlights from Songs from The Road include the rowdy “Lilli May” which kicks off the album, the bluesy ballad “All the Fools It Sees”, the steady driving “Do You Feel Alright”, the Latin flair on “Oh What a Night” and the searing “War”. More highlights include the soulful with a funky kick number “Fly”, the greasy and swampy jam “It Wasn’t Me”, the dark ballad “The Artist” and an epic thirteen-minute cover of The Doors chestnut “Soul Kitchen”. A companion to the audio disc is a DVD that Ryder and the band had recorded a month prior in Linde Werra, Thuringia a hamlet in Germany that is similar to the audio disc but does feature the track “Tough Kid” that is not on the audio disc. For more information about Mitch Ryder and his latest release Songs from The Road go to www.mitchryder.net or visit www.facebook.com/therealmitchryder

Leeann Athernon

-Good God-

Austin, TX based singer songwriter Leeann Athernon has released a new album titled Good God thirteen tracks steeped in soul, Gospel, roots and the fact that God is Good and so is the groove. Teaming with Elvin Bishop guitarist Johnny Vernazza, who adds his own brand of Southern soulfulness to the proceedings and fellow musicians Mac McNabb on guitar, Edward “Hot” Cleveland behind the kit, Rob Lamonica and Bob Berman on the keys and Mike Burnham, Kevin Cooper and TJ Moss handling the bass. Austin Antherton, Johnny Vernazza, and Laura Jane Willcock add backing vocals. The album is a mix of originals from Athernon and some traditional and Gospel favorites among them the rollicking Leiber/Stoller gem most notably done by Laverne Baker “Saved”, a cover of Jackie DeShannon’s “Put A Little Love in Your Heart”, the soul Gospel classic “This Little Light of Mine”, the revival style “More Peace and Love”, a great cover of the Joe South classic “Games People Play” and a run through the Gospel standard and favorite of Elvis Presley “How Great Thou Art”. Also, of note are three Athernon originals the snappy Gospel inflected “Joy”, the introspective and inspirational “Call On the Lord” and the breezy and soulful “Smack Dab In a Miracle”. For more information about Leeann Athernon and her latest album Good God visit her website at www.leeannatherton.com or you can visit www.facebook.com/leeann.atherton.3

GuitarLessonsBuffalo.com provides adult‑focused, personalized guitar instruction using the Lewis Guitar Method, covering multiple genres, with flexible scheduling.

Private Guitar Lessons one‑on‑one lessons specifically for adults, ages 18 and up. Lessons are customized based on the student’s goals, experience level, and preferred music style.

Offering Personalized lesson plans, Proper technique to avoid bad habits, A blend of theory + practical playing, Learning how to practice effectively

Playing real music early in the process, This method emphasizes fun, musicality, and understanding why things are played a certain way.

For More information Visit https://GuitarLessonsBuffalo.com

CONCERT NEWS & REVIEWS

by Bob Silvestri

Wayne Newton

-West Herr Riviera Theatre-North Tonawanda, NY-April 25, 2026-

Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, returned to the West Herr Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, NY on Saturday April 25, 2026 for his Memories & Melodies Tour a retrospective of his distinguished career. The man is an icon and legendary performer who along with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley made Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world and where he still performs regularly at the Flamingo Hotel. The 84-year-old Newton is the consummate performer with a command of the stage and constant interaction with the audience. The nearly two hour show before an almost full house featured hits from Newton’s career, some popular song selections and a host of videos clips from his career with performances, TV shows, acting, and clips of Newton performing with such luminaries as Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Glen Campbell to name a few. The show kicked off with “Viva Las Vegas” an appropriate opener that had the crowd ready to go. Mr. Newton also features his wife Kat as a part of the show as she acts as emcee and asks questions of her husband from the audience about his life and career and adds some backing vocals on some songs. Some other highlights from the evening included “Help Me Make It Through the Night”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “Red Roses for a Blue Lady”, “Summerwind” and a couple of his hits “Danke Schoen” and “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast”. Newton is also an accomplished musician able to play thirteen instruments yet he can’t read a note of music. He showed his dexterity on the guitar, took on the pedal steel guitar for “Steel Guitar Rag” and showed he can fiddle with the best on “Orange Blossom Special”. Newton also showed his dedication to our troops and first responders by asking any of them in the crowd to stand and be honored for their duty. Newton took over as USO Ambassador after Bob Hope was no longer able to perform the duties and continues to this day. He closed the evening with “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” and “My Way” before sending the crowd home happy. While his voice may not be as strong as it once was Wayne Newton can still put on a heck of a show. For more upcoming shows at the West Herr Riviera Theatre visit https://rivieratheatre.org

The Lewis & Klark Guitar Duo is a premier jazz‑influenced instrumental guitar act specializing in wedding and corporate event entertainment throughout Western New York. Known for their warm, melodic interplay and refined musicianship, they create an atmosphere that elevates any occasion—whether it’s an intimate wedding ceremony, an elegant cocktail hour, or a sophisticated corporate gathering. Their sound blends elements of jazz, Latin, pop, and contemporary acoustic styles, resulting in a musical experience that is both versatile and deeply engaging.

With an extensive repertoire that includes classic love songs, contemporary favorites, and a strong catalog of original compositions, Lewis & Klark tailor each performance to the unique mood and flow of the event. Their arrangements are thoughtful and expressive, often adding a fresh creative spin to familiar songs. Clients consistently praise their professionalism, musicality, and ability to read the room—qualities that make them a standout choice for live event entertainment. Reviews highlight their enchanting sound, seamless performance style, and the memorable ambiance they bring to every setting.

Beyond their live performances, the duo showcases a rich collection of original music that reflects their signature blend of genres and artistic chemistry. Their compositions range from smooth, lyrical pieces to lively Latin‑inspired tracks, demonstrating both technical skill and emotional depth. Whether performing covers or originals, Lewis & Klark deliver a polished, immersive musical experience that leaves a lasting impression on audiences and event hosts alike. Find out more at https://www.lewisandklark.com/