From Justin Bieber to Billy Joel, and the Barenaked Ladies, western New York's hot concert climate is no coincidence.
Dave Wedekindt is the Sales and Marketing Director for Artpark. He said one reason we're seeing an increase in acts is Woodstock. The massive music festival that never came to be was planned just down the road in Watkins Glen in 2019, and Wedekindt said it required acts not play within a certain distance of the festival venue, including Buffalo.
"It definitely had an impact on our bookings last year. It knocked a lot of potential bookings out for us and it happened to a lot of venues in the region."
According to Wedekindt, more concerts are also a product of the industry.
"Honestly, that's how they're making their living now. They're not doing it on record sales so they need to be out there performing live," he said.
That, coupled with all of Buffalo's unique venues makes it a prime spot for concerts.
The Buffalo Waterfront hasn't even announced its concert line up. So, you can expect more announcements in the weeks.
Erin Marra with the waterfront said more acts are showing interest in Canalside as well. She believes recent national attention is helping put Buffalo on the map. "In 2018, the New York Times did an article, and with the extra push to come to Buffalo, they {artists} are willing to add a stop here on their tour list."
