‘Live Music Series’ evolving

by Joshua Maloni
Niagara Frontier Publications, March 29-31, 2007

Arsenic

When Fred Heuer became involved with Niagara University’s “Rockin’ the Ratt” during the 2001-02 school year, the live music “showcase” was little more than a sporadic cover band performance in the Clet Hall Rathskeller.

Slowly, he developed a student fan base – as shows were scheduled more regularly – and earned praise as he habitually found Buffalo’s most talented performers.

“Rockin the Ratt” soon moved across campus to the Lower Level Gallagher Center’s more spacious “Under the Taps” lounge. The room received a makeover – including a new stage, lighting and sound equipment – and students found a permanent place to hang out, eat pizza and hear great music.

But Heuer still wasn’t content.

So, this school year, he’s made an increased effort to attract future NU students. He’s invited high school bands to perform – and compete (see below) – and that’s created an atmosphere that’s appealing to younger audiences.

Teen-agers have come out and danced, mingled with college students and enjoyed themselves.

“(I’ve asked high school students) do you have a place where you can go and hear live music? They said ‘not really,’ ” Heuer, assistant vice president for marketing, said of the idea to invite younger crowds. “Niagara University is a nice, safe area.”

Heuer has one more goal he’d like to attain with the “Ratt,” now known as the “Live Music Series.” He wants to create an NU experience.

You see, sometime around 1977, Heuer ventured over to Clet with some friends to hear a rock band from New York perform. Expecting to see a bunch of guys covering ’70s-era rock tunes, he found a New Wave foursome, complete with a pregnant bassist.

“We were just stunned,” Heuer said. “We said, ‘Wow. They’re not going to be playing the Doobie Brothers.’ ”

Not too long after, Heuer wandered into a record store and found The Talking Heads’ albums lined up, charting nationally behind songs like “Psycho Killer” and “Take Me To The River.”

“I said, ‘Wow, that’s kind of cool,’ ” he said.

Mud Puppet

NU showcases high school bands

Niagara University closes out its 2006–07 “Live Music Series” with its second annual High School Rock Band Showcase, sponsored by Jackson Music.

The show is slated for Friday, April 13, from 8 to 11 p.m., in the Gallagher Center’s “Under the Taps” Club. The event features five of Western New York’s best high school bands, including:

•Cryptic Haze (Grand Island): Band members DJ Perri – bass/vocals, Kyle Kraft – drums/vocals and Cody Hogrewe – guitar/vocals.

•Achilles Revival (North Tonawanda): Band members Derek Drass – bass, Jayson Clark – guitar/ vocals and Adam Van Hise – drums.

•Arsenic (Lewiston Porter): Band members Tyler Gagliardi – guitar, Carmen Lally – guitar, Rob Wright – vocals, Mike Gifford – drums and Rob Campbell – bass.

•Aqueous (North Tonawanda): Band members Brad Darrall – drums, Mike Gantzer – guitar/vocals, Dave Loss – guitar/vocals and Evan McPhaden – bass.

•Mud Puppet (Niagara Falls/Niagara Catholic): Band members Mike DePietro – vocals, Sherman Wiser – bass, John Agnello – guitar and Clay Crossley – drums.

Judges for the competition are Bruce Wojick and Denny Pelczynski of Klear, and Glenn Bernardis from Stone Row.

Bands will be judged on originality, appearance, technical merit/talent and audience response.

Prizes include a $300 Jackson gift certificate, plus free studio recording time at GB Audio.

Admission price includes pizza and wings. For more information, contact Fred Heuer at 286–8655.

Cryptic Haze