Buffalo, USA
By Michelle Matthews

Buffalo - you know, that other city in New York state. The home of such better known "indie" acts such as Ani DiFranco and Every Time I Die, Buffalo hosts a small, humble, yet diverse indie scene. Not surprising considering the city is home to more than 20 colleges and universities - most notably SUNY's University at Buffalo and Buffalo State College (alumni includes legendary indie-inspired photographer Cindy Sherman). While you're in town, be sure to munch on some of our world famous local cuisine, take a gander at our many art galleries (try Albright-Knox and Hallwalls) or check out the unique archictecture such as the art deco stylings in our city hall, the Prairie style Darwin Martin House or the several Frank Lloyd Wright projects within the city and its surrounding areas.

99 Custer Street
If you're into the basement scene, this is the place to go. Well known around town for its notorious hardcore punk history, it also features indie pop punk bands, twee pop and indie alt-country acts.

Kitchen Distribution
20 Auburn Avenue (near Niagara St)
Kitchen Distribution is an independent art space in Buffalo, NY that has been producing events for just over one year. Tucked away at 20 Auburn Avenue within an elusive warehouse. Books mostly experimental projects, but will host an occasional indie pop band.
(www.kitchendistribution.com)

Mohawk Place
47. E Mohawk St.
Buffalo's legendary rock club has hosted several indie bands ranging from Dressy Bessy to Tilly and the Wall. It's also the home of the bimonthly Tranmission Dance Parties - in addition to being known for their Cure Vs. The Smith events, it's a great chance to hear some synthpop, alternative and indie dance music courtesy of Bill Page and Jason Draper.
(www.mohawkplace.com)

Nietzches
248 Allen St
Though it's not their usual fare, occassionally Nietzches will host indie acts such as Iron and Wine, Tuuli or Team Chocolate.
(www.nietzsches.com)

Soundlab
110 Pearl Street (corner of Swan)
Adorable art space located deep within Buffalo's downtown, it's a difficult spot to miss, but one you wouldn't want to. Home to the occassional Button Up! Indie Dance Parties and bands such as Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Dan Deacon and Tracy and the Plastics.
(http://www.bigorbitgallery.org)

La Luna
52 W Chippewa Street
Trendy bar located in the heart of the Chippewa Strip. E-Love & Don spin rock, Britpop, indie, & new wave on occasion.

The Old Pink Flamingo
223 Allen Street
A crowded, smelly dive where you're sure to run into everyone you've ever met in Buffalo. Most popular amongst aging hipsters and punk rockers.

Home of the Hits
1105 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222
Best place in Buffalo for indie vinyl and rarities.

New World Record
765 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 14222
Buffalo's largest non-chain indie record store. Decent selection in virtually every style of music.
(www.newworldrecord.com)

Sit & Spin
5866 Transit Rd, Depew
A little off the beaten path, Sit & Spin is mostly good for their used CDs and better known indie new releases.
(www.sitandspin.com)

Local Bands

The Failures Union
A mid-90's influenced indie rock band; Think Dinosaur Jr. and R.E.M.
(www.thefailuresunion.com)

Ice Cream Social
Synth pop pulling influences from The Anniversary and The Rentals.
(www.londonvsnewyork.com)

La Cacahouette
90s shoegaze meets 60s psychadelia.
(www.frenchforpeanut.com)

Lemuria
Indie pop-punk ala Discount and Jawbreaker.
(www.lemuriapop.com)

London Vs New York
Japanather worship indie punk.
(www.londonvsnewyork.com)

Artvoice
Can be found at most any public place or on any street corner. The only reliable source in print for upcoming events and local happenings.
(www.artvoice.com)

Amys Place
3234 Main Street (At Sutton Lane)
Buffalo's legendary Lebanese cuisine served up greasy dinner style.

Squeaky Wheel
712 Main Street, 716 884 7172
Squeaky Wheel is a grassroots, artist-run, non-profit media arts center that provides tailored workshops in video production and media literacy and screens local and touring film and video artists.
(http://www.squeaky.org)

If you'd like to recommend a club, bar, record shop, band or any indie delight for inclusion in the Indie Travel Guide, please email us. If we've included a link to your band/shop etc, it would be lovely if you could link back to us. Thank you!