Rock Show Critique

Concert Review
Kansas
Rockin’ The Downs Concert Series
Friday August 15, 2025
Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
 

Kansas made their way to the Batavia Downs on Friday to close out the 2025 Rockin’ At The Downs Concert Series. It marked the band’s first appearance at the distinguished Batavia Downs. I think in all my years of going to this Batavia series, this show had the best sound I heard. It was immaculate. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Billy Idol
Joan Jett
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
Sunday August 17, 2025
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Billy Idol and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts do not come to town often so it was a no brainer when this show was announced that it would be a decent draw. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) was the place to be Sunday night as both artists not only took one back to the better days of the past but at the same time gave everyone a taste of where they stand today. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Goo Goo Dolls
Dashboard Confessional
Saturday August 9, 2025
KeyBank Center
Buffalo, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

The Goo Goo Dolls made their hometown return Saturday night. The show at KeyBank Center was their first since 2022 in the Buffalo area. The atmosphere was electric as many fans were happy to finally see their hometown boys. This caused many to scarf up tickets to see them since it has been quite a while and it helped make it the first time the band ever completely sold out the arena. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Fitz And The Tantrums
Tuesday August 12, 2025
Artpark Amphitheater
Outdoor Stage
Lewiston, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

With temperatures once again surpassing 90° it was another blistering day in Lewiston. Things only appeared to get hotter once Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage at 8:30 PM. It first appeared it would be a very light crowd but by the time the band took the stage the venue filled in nicely. Looking at the Artpark schedule when this one was announced I was quite surprised to find the last time I saw the band was 2016. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Foreigner
Thursday August 7, 2025
Erie County Fair Grandstand
Hamburg, NY
Choir: Starpoint Chorus
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

It was not a night like any other night Thursday out at the Erie County Fair. Foreigner making their first ever appearance at the fairgrounds were also honoring vocalist Kelly Hansen as he made his final western NY appearance with the band. Hansen has been in the band since 2005 and recently announced his retirement from the band. His final show will take place in October. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Lou Gramm
Friday August 1, 2025
Rockin’ The Downs
Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lou Gramm made a triumphant return to Batavia Downs Friday night. This show drew the biggest crowd of the season to date as a part of the Rockin’ At the Downs 2025 concert series. It also marked his first appearance at the venue since the inaugural 2017 season of the Downs. Gramm brought his all-star band and boy did they deliver. The band featured guitarist Gary Hoey, bassist extraordinaire Tony Franklin, keyboardist Jeff Jacobs, multi instrumentalist Scott Gilman and last but far from least Gramm’s brother Ben on drums. Continue reading →