Friday, September 26

Don Z in 9th Ward with Erik Vickerd and Rick Smith

Tickets: $5 on sale Thursday, 5/7 at Ticketweb.com, Babeville Box Office (M-F 11a-5p), Rust Belt Books, and Terrapin Station, or charge by phone 866-777-8932

7pm Doors 8pm Start

Local singer/songwriter Don Z brings a unique blend of folk, rock, pop, country and blues to the Ninth Ward for the long-awaited debut of his first studio album, Faded Stones.  These songs have been perfected over the years through performances at various venues around Western New York including the Sportsman’s Tavern (where it all began), area Farmer’s Markets and as a featured performer at Ten Thousand Vines Winery in Hamburg, NY and the Elmwood Festival of the Arts amongst others.

“Faded Stones” features thirteen all-original songs crafted by Don. Local artists lending their support to selected tracks include Alison Pipitone, Grace Stumberg, Dee Adams, Erik Vickerd, Kevin Lewis and Mike Skowronski.

Scheduled to open the evening will be solo performances by Erik Vickerd and Rick Smith.  Erik has been active on the Western New York music scene for two decades, as a member of the Alison Pipitone Band and as a singer/songwriter for his side project Giants of the Weather.

In Buffalo’s Old First Ward and Allentown districts a dashing figure may often be seen in a distinctive cowboy hat/boots/sports jacket combo, a bushy moustache, and a voice spreading good humor in a man’s-man arc. This is Rick Smith, captain of industry, arts patron, musician, and tireless promoter of all things Buffalo River. Rick is a creator of friendly original music that grabs the ears of any listener, with a strong folk/acoustic influence and some upbeat, almost rockabilly, moments. This is rolled together with Smith’s sincere, honest storytelling lyrics that tug at your heartstrings or wrap you up in a warm happy glow.