Renovated concert space welcomes Niagara University's 2011 Live Music Series

Major renovations to the lower level of Niagara University's Gallagher Center will provide an entirely new backdrop to the university's popular Live Music Series. SIRSY, The Brass Monkeez and That 80's Hair Band headline the 2011 schedule, which gets under way on Sept. 16.

All shows are open to the public and take place from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door and includes pizza. Refreshments are also available.

Sept. 16 - SIRSY with The Brass Monkeez

SIRSY, an Albany-based duo, returns to Monteagle Ridge for what promises to be another outstanding show. The group's charismatic leader, Melanie Krahmer, has been described as possessing a "stunning voice capable of a lion's roar and a floaty whisper." Krahmer also plays the drums, bass parts, flute and melodic. All of the other instruments (guitar, piano, bass keyboard and snare) are handled by Rich Libutti. The critically acclaimed SIRSY has played with Maroon 5, Lifehouse, Collective Soul, Third Eye Blind, Train, Blues Traveler, Cheap Trick, Vertical Horizon, Fuel, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Boys Like Girls and many other top-tier bands.

The twin bill also features The Brass Monkeez, local favorites from Niagara County. The band specializes in classic rock, "jam-band" rock and mixtures of jazz, funk and the blues. They pride themselves on writing original music in the style of bands such as The Beatles, The Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, The Grateful Dead and The Who. Winners of Niagara University's High School Band Showcase and the Music is Art High School Battle of the Bands, the band consists of Steve Fleck, age 16, Ryan Dallavia, 17, Evan Waterstrat, 16, John Snell, 17, and Tyler "Smidge" Midgley, 17.

Nov. 4 - That 80's Hair Band

With its big lights, big sound, spewing fog and hairspray cans in tow, That 80's Hair Band makes its first-ever appearance at Niagara University. The multiple award-winning quintet consists of Rob Neubauer, Joe Q, Jeff Duke, Rob Mann and Chris Olivieri.

For more information on NU's Live Music Series, visit www.niagara.edu/live-music-series.