Violent Femmes rock.......and the Old 97's are a must see.

"You tell me that you want me You tell me that you need me You tell me that you love me And Iknow that I'm right Cuz I hear it in the night"

The romantics, does it get any worse than this?

I agree with Sally. Thursday at the Square has really gone downhill. I dont know half these bands and the ones I do know I have no interest in seeing. I think Artparks Tuesday in the Park and Tonwandas canal concert series are way better. This was not the case three or four years ago. This is the second year in a row I wont be coming to the Square because of the entertainment. Im not saying they arent good but they arent my style.

If you skip the Violent Fems you are making a big mistake

Last time I went to the square I paid way to much for warm beer and then waited in line 30 minutes to p@#$ in a urinal full of vomit. I am not impressed by the line-up, although it might be fun to watch all the drunk south buffalo m@#$ fight eachother in the pit when dropkick murphys play "shipping up to boston"

teacherchick is spot on. Dirty Dozen Brass Band shoot be a hoot on a warm August night.

and Joan Osborne can sing her face off.

to the critics:

1. it's free 2. it's free 3. it's free

just go, have some fun, and enjoy the city as the backdrop.

Can't please everyone, but really... this lineup is extremely lame, Sam Roberts V. Fems, OK, but the rest??? At least the concessions will be even busier...more money for next yr.

While I imagine it is hard to put together a line-up to please everyone, I can never help to notice that the TATS lineup is not really diverse - um, how do I put it - it's very white. Where's the hip-hop (the good stuff, not the gansta crap), what about some reggae or world music? Very rarely do the white & black communities in Buffalo come together to celebrate - good music can accomplish that mission.

In November I had to transfer to Annapolis for a promotion. I am bummed that I am missing the vibe of the Sabres playoff run but the T.A.T.S. lineup announcement really makes me homesick. As someone who has been to nearly every Square in the past 14 years I have to say it has never been about the music. It's about enjoying our brief summer, seeing friends, making new connections, checking out girls, starting the weekend a day early, cheap beer, being part of a community, and showing WNY how great a 24 hour downtown could be. The music is the candy rose on the frosted cake.

As an unabashed Buffalo booster, who has moved away, I can say that the one thing I appreciate most about Buffalo is this: it is big enough to pull off events like this, but small enough so that it feels like the whole city is joining in on the fun. Where else would 1 percent of a county's population stand outside to watch a hockey game on TV? Or stand outside in a monsoon to watch the Goo Goo Dolls. It can't just be the hockey or the music. It's about loving your city and it's why I'm working as hard as I can to be able to come back some day.

last year they did have India Arie, very few white people were there. why don't tehy ever have any polka bands

many Polish people stay away becasue of that.

This line up is lame because its not full of 97 Rock artists? I guess Artpark has succesfully cornered that market ;) If you want Kenny Loggins youu'll have to go there this year.

It is an opportunity to possibly turn onto something new while enjoying life outside in the city. I always aim to hit everyone of them.

Dropkick Murphies is going to be one awesome finale, I wish they would be kicking it off:

"We are the ones who will never be broken We are the ones who survive This is the sound that brings us together You are the one by our side And through it all, the spirit's alive And through it all, your spirit's alive"

The line-up has gone downhill b/c the Casinos are paying top dollar to the bands who normally would of played Thursday in the Square. It economics. If you were a decent band be offered $15k more to play at the Casino the answer is easy. I'm actually surprised they were able to pull off some of the acts they got. Maybe someone should file a lawsuit to stop it. All those people in the square was never what Olmstead envisioned, and where will the birds go during that 3-4 hours.

Soul Asylum!!!! YES!!!! How has no one mentioned them yet?!!? I'm freaking psyched!!!!!

MOE. is a must see. During my "married with young children" years, I used to see cars with the MOE. bumper stickers and always wondered "What the hell is MOE." Well I found out a couple of years ago and have never missed a MOE. show in Buffalo since. They are definitely the JAM Band of 2k. Great guys with Buffalo Roots (SUNYAB). Whats cool about their jams is they are actually really catchy songs that will stay in your head after you have heard them once or twice. They also bring followers from all over the country. And they are not your typical "dirty feet" delivering the baby in the parking lot DeadHeads. I was excited to see they are playing the whole set with no opening act. I have talked to many peeps that are already taking the following Friday off.

Speaking of Buffalo Bands...I'd like to see some local acts on the opening bill...to get the exposure that they deserve and need. And some day have a surprise act show up unannounced. And make it a "I was there the day__________ showed up and jammed wtih _______.

Maybe the Goo Goo Dolls could show up and do something nuts, unconventional, like rip into a set of there early Continental days...when they where a heavy metal band.

People actually go to this for music! The line up does look lame, except for a few acts. Possibly someones personal mp3 play list from Buffalo Place? Regardless of the music I always seem to have a great time thanks to repeat performers John Labatt and Co.

Why the urge to criticize the list? There quality bands here every year and the show is FREE. With Darien Lake charging $75 for a lawn seat to see a band I'd rather drive to the 930 Club in DC to see for $12, these shows are awesome. I am from Rochester but lived on Elmwood for a couple of years and went to every Thursday in the Square I could. So please keep in mind, when you're going to this free show, I have to pay $30 to see the SAME BAND the same week here in Rochester. These shows bring me back to Buffalo on Thursdays in the summer when I can, to see a show, hang downtown and then call into work the next day.

I couldn't have said it better springbud. I know a lot of people who are amazed at the FREE music in Buffalo and especially this year's line up. Yes I admit that many of these artists aren't household names and perhaps never will be, but that doesn't mean that their music is of the highest quality. And there's something for every musical taste in the line up. To the promoters - GREAT JOB, keep this kind of stuff coming EVERY YEAR!