Concert Review
Kissmas Bash 2018
KeyBank Center
Buffalo, NY
Thursday December 6, 2018
Review and Photos: Joseph Suto
Kissmas Bash 2018 landed inside KeyBank Center this past Thursday. Unlike other years it was not sold-out. Perhaps it was due to the lack of drawing power. The only names that stood out were Marshmello and Sabrina Carpenter. Other acts on the bill included Lauv, Bryce Vine, Loud Luxury, Cheat Codes and opener Madison Beer. Regardless there still was a very healthy crowd that came to see what this years version offered.
While each of these artists seemed to make a connection with the crowd it was Sabrina Carpenter who seemed to be the one who received the loudest response. Carpenter has played the area more times than all of the acts combined including last years KMB. Vine made mention it was his first visit to town.
These days Kissmas Bash seems nothing more than a big stage to expose some up and coming talent. Years past the show was almost like an all-star lineup. The 2004 version for example featured Vanessa Carlton, Gavin DeGraw, Simple Plan, The Madden Brothers (Good Charlotte), JoJo and headliner Avril Lavigne. Perhaps budgets aren’t what they once were? Who knows. All I do know is that over the years it has evolved to where we are now.
This may have been the first Bash to have three DJ acts on it. Perhaps they need to mix it up more with an actual band or two that have drummers, guitarists and such.Not trying to take away from the acts on this years bill as they all put their best foot forward in the short amount of stage time they were given.
The artist we were most pleasantly surprised by was Madison Beer. Beer who at 19 will be releasing her first full length album early in 2019. Her strong voice and stage presence will help her go along way in the music business.
Overall the radio station put on a solid show. It will be interesting to see where these artists are in five years down the road. With the music industry always changing it is good to see these artists are given a chance to strut their stuff. For better or worse.
