The time has come for a new era of soul music, and the voice leading the way is that of Nikki Hicks. Simply stated, many an industry insider has described Nikki as “The Voice." Utilizing a rare blend of pure tone and sheer power in combination with a strikingly strong stage presence, Nikki becomes one with her audience. Famous in her days with local Buffalo band Animal Planet for knocking down the walls with her power, Nikki now shows her true self in the realm of soul music. It is music from the heart, created in conjunction with her band The Soul Music Souljahs. Blending the sound of classic soul with a throw-down of gospel, funk, and new soul, Nikki Hicks And The Soul Music Souljahs have arrived!

Long recognized for their professional presentation, punchy vocal harmonies and wide ranging repertoire “from Sinatra to Shania,” Total Eclipse is always a good time.

The year was 1999. Swing bands such as “Big Bad Voodoo Daddy,” “Cherry Poppin’ Daddies,” and various other “Daddy” bands were leading a short-lived resurgence in swing music throughout the country. Meanwhile, here in Buffalo an eight-piece band was forming that would take the Buffalo music scene by storm. JJ Swing was born.

It began in the back of a bus. Jim Runfola, while touring with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, began writing horn charts from groups such as Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Blues Brothers, and Chicago with the help of a Casio keyboard and a Walkman. He knew these tunes would form the basis for a great horn band. Charts in hand, he now had to find the right guys to pull it off. His first choice for a front man was Joe Mahfoud. Jim had worked with Joe previously and knew his voice and guitar were the right combination to make the project fly.

National Trust is a three piece band with a big sound and equally big repertoire of music for all ages. The big sound is accomplished with the use of keyboard and bass sequences, which Sam Guarino programs. Every keyboard and bass sound has been played by Sam and entered into a sequence. In addition to keyboard and bass sounds, horns and strings are also used. Sam is the lead singer, sax player, and rhythm guitarist. To round out the sound is the talented Ted Nagel on lead guitar and vocals and the rock steady Sticks Davis on drums and vocals. As Glenda Morgan, the city clerk of Mobile, Alabama put it, "How can three people come up with such a big sound?"

The Urban Renewal Band, a local favorite, has been rocking Buffalo for over 15 years. Check 'em out tonight at Shadow Lounge.