I don't usually do concert previews.  Actually I never have done a concert preview.  But, for this one time I am stepping away from my obsession with architecture to urge you to see Academy Award winners The Swell Season. They will be playing Asbury Hall at Babeville Tuesday July 27.  Why should I take such an interest in this group you ask?  Well their music is wonderful and the venue is great architecture too - oops there is that obsession again.  The Swell Season is Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (they are often backed by Irish rockers the Frames, so you get a two for one in this show).  I have a bit of a connection to this group as well. My good friend and neighbor manages the band so I have had the pleasure of seeing them several times.  Each show has been unique, as if it was developed just for that specific show.  

Glen is an amazing performer.  He is outgoing and energetic on stage interspersing songs with wonderful personal stories.  I have not heard the same story yet, so he has a lot of them.  Glen puts tremendous energy into each song, often building to a powerful crescendo.  He sings directly from the heart.  By contrast Marketa has a shy demeanor on stage but is able to project her soft angel like voice into emotionally haunting melodies.  Each alone is a great musician, but together they create musical magic.  This magic was seen first seen by most people in the tiny budget movie "Once" - Marketa and Glen both starred in and sang and wrote the music for the movie.  Of course they also won an Academy Award for their work in that movie making it the hit indie film for the year.  Our neighbor called from the red carpet that evening bringing a glimmer of Hollywood glamour to our humble street.  Although they won the award for their musicianship they are also great actors.  See the movie if you have missed it so far.

The Swell Season - Tuesday, July 27th, join Asbury Hall at Babeville for Academy Award winning artists, The Swell Season.  Tickets are $32.00 in advance and $36.00 the day of the show plus a $2.00 fee.  Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. for this all ages show.  Tickets are available at all www.tickets.com outlets including Tops Markets, the Babeville box office (open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), charge by phone 888-223-6000 and online at www.tickets.com.  Asbury Hall at Babeville is located at 341 Delaware Avenue and for more information call 716/852-3835 or visit www.babevillebuffalo.com.