CHLOE KOWALYK
Editor in Chief
Poster provided by JOHN TOOHILL
Late nights of dancing and moshing on the old wooden floors of Black Jack’s bar in downtown Fredonia are back.
Seasoned Fredonia students and members of the scene remember their times entering through the bar’s narrow door marked by a crooked red arrow signifying that you’re now entering BJ’s territory.
BJ’s bar has been a distinctive part of the Fredonia music scene for quite some time, inviting artists to play shows for over a decade.
Shows at BJ’s are organized through Last Call Entertainment, an entertainment company that works in the Fredonia and Buffalo music scenes.
This year, the bands are being booked by Jordan Budd, a senior double-majoring in journalism and music industry; Budd is acting as the bar’s concert promoter.
The introduction of Budd as a new promoter brings several changes.
In previous years, shows at BJ’s have been held on Wednesday nights, leading many students to choose to forget about class and their responsibilities for a few hours.
However, shows will now be held on Thursdays, with doors still opening at 9 p.m. and music starting at 10 p.m., as they did in the past.
Perhaps Thursdays are a better option for college students yearning to see a show, but fearing the sleepy consequences that come the morning after.
According to Budd, the time change was something new proposed by the bar this year.
Uniquely, BJ’s allows scene-goers under the age of 21, with a minimum age of 18, to enter with a ticket price of $5. For those ages 21 and older, ticket prices are $2. Admission is paid at the door.
This semester, Budd is introducing an eccentric mix of artists and genres.
“I’m definitely trying to do as many genres as possible,” Budd said. “I do have some fun mixed bill ideas where you’re getting a hardcore band with a guy that used to mostly do rap, playing with a heavier rap group.”
Budd explained that the Fredonia music scene is very rock and punk-centered, which leads to many shows featuring rock and punk groups.
However, Budd hopes to bring some new hip hop shows in — a genre that is not commonly performed at Fredonian venues.
BJ’s several-year-long presence in the Fredonia music scene has made a lasting impact on both artists and students.
Playing BJ’s is “a staple,” Budd said, for many Buffalo and Fredonia artists.
This is especially true for bands with members who attended or are currently attending Fredonia.
“BJ’s is just a well-known DIY music venue that I think a lot of bands [in the Fredonia and Buffalo area] know. Some even consider it their favorite place to play in the world,” Budd said.
With the bar’s close ties to the Fredonia and Buffalo music scenes, many bands from both areas will be performing at BJ’s this semester, including Fredonia alumni.
This year, Budd is also using a new avenue regarding poster creation — giving artists an opportunity to create posters. “If I have the opportunity to get an artist to do it, I’d rather do that than come up with my own graphics or something like that,” Budd said.
The posters of the first two shows of the semester were created by the lead singer of each of the headlining bands.