Interested in getting to know the Buffalo music scene a little better? If that’s the case, then you might want to check out the inaugural 716 Music Expo presented by Music is Art with Buffalo Music Club, Villa Maria College, and GCR Audio.
This is the first trade show of its kind in Buffalo, scheduled to be held at Babeville on Saturday, April 23, 2022, between 1pm – 11pm. The expo will include a number of different music-centric elements, including a trade show, workshops, and performances. Not only will there be plenty of music activities to choose from, there will also be opportunities to meet a lot of the local ‘players,’ who drive the city’s music landscape.
Music is Art isn't new to showcasing the talent here in our own backyard, but this event will focus on the hip hop scene that is making a name for itself locally.
“For this, our inaugural event, we hope to mirror what goes on in the big music cities and offer something for every local musician, at every level. If you play music in WNY, you need to be here,” said Tracy Fletcher, Music is Art’s Executive Director.
The breakdown of the daylong event is as follows:
Trade Show 1 – 5pm | Current participating vendors are: Bittersweet Piano Lounge, Buffalo Music Club, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Episodes Motion Pictures, GCR Audio, Guitar Center, Mark Studios, Music is Art, NCCC Audio Recording Production & Music Programs, Rexy’s Rockin Tees, TM Montante Development, Tuneworks, Twenty6 Productions, Villa Maria College, Xtream Audio Mastering
Workshops 2 – 6pm: Buffalo Music Club’s artists will be presenting a curated line-up of exciting artist workshops, covering a variety of topics related to the music life. Check out the schedule at www.musicisart.org/expo. Also, see Facebook event.
Close out concert with the Black Soprano Family (Rick Hyde, Heem, and Loveboat Luciano), Kenyada Nikile, and Farrow, 7pm. For concert only tickets visit: Eventbrite.
Black Soprano Family: In April 2020, Black Soprano Family announced a deal with eOne Music and on July 31st of 2020 released the first project on Benny’s new label; Benny The Butcher & DJ Drama Presents: Gangsta Grillz X BSF Da Respected Sopranos. Presenting to the world Rick Hyde, Heem, and Loveboat Luciano. The project has earned high praise far and wide, and fans can expect many more projects from the iconic label.
Rick Hyde: Rick Hyde is a 31 year old emcee/producer from Buffalo, New York notable for being a flagship artist on Benny the Butcher’s very own E1 Music imprint Black Soprano Family Records. His debut album Plates that came out at the very beginning of 2019 was pretty solid & after a couple years of teasing a sequel, we’re finally getting it in the form of Ricky’s sophomore album & he’s pulling out all the big guns for it.
Heem: Raheem Trotter Jr, best known as Heem, is an American rapper who specializes in gangster rap music. With over three-thousand followers and subscribers on Instagram, his content attracts views by the masses, as followers become enthusiastic fans. Heem has collaborated and performed with Benny the Butcher, Ricky Hyde, and DJ Shay of B.S.F (Black Soprano Family). He has released two singles, ‘Pride’ and ‘Sometimes’ and has masterfully depicted inner-city struggles since 2002
Loveboat Luciano: Griselda affiliate Loveboat Luciano, who’s part of Benny The Butcher’s Black Soprano Family collective, is ready to make his mark. Luciano is certainly a cemented name in the click and with each release, he shows that he’s only getting better with time.
Farrow: An all original Rock ‘n Soul band from Buffalo, NY. With thought provoking lyrics, strong melodies, and deep grooves, this diverse group of musicians bring to life a vibe reminiscent of decades past whilst grounded in a modern sonic landscape. Led by producer/bass player André Pilette and singer/lyricist Michael Farrow, the band features Tim Webb on drums, Michael Ruopoli on percussion, Cory Clancy on guitar, Rufus “Breezy” Cole Jr. on keys, and Danielle Johnson on backing vocals. Joy is Revolutionary.
Kenyada Nikile: Triple-threat singer, songwriter and actress Kenyada Davis are better known as Kenyada Nikile has carved out her own niche in the music world thanks to her raw talent, heartfelt lyrics and genuine good vibes. What’s Kenyada’s secret recipe? A sweet soulful, gospel, street sound mixed with a whole lot of pain.
Tickets are on sale now and range from $10 – $50. For a complete list of vendors, workshops and performers, or to purchase tickets please visit www.musicisart.org/expo or www.babevillebuffalo.com