Buffalo Country music fans in Western New York are gearing up for an unforgettable night as Rascal Flatts brings their “Life Is a Highway Tour” to the KeyBank Center on February 28, 2026, marking the grand finale of their 21-city trek. The iconic trio—Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney—will cap off their much-anticipated 2026 tour with a high-energy performance, joined by special guests Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane, promising a night of nostalgic hits and heartfelt harmonies.
Following a sold-out 2025 tour celebrating their 25th anniversary, Rascal Flatts is back to “keep the party going,” as DeMarcus enthused, with a setlist packed with fan favorites like “What Hurts the Most,” “Bless the Broken Road,” and, of course, their anthemic “Life Is a Highway.” The tour, named after their 2006 hit and recent Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets album, showcases the trio’s signature blend of soaring vocals and arena-ready energy, reimagined with collaborations from artists like Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
Fans in Buffalo can expect a nostalgic yet fresh performance, with Alaina and Lane adding their own chart-topping flair to the evening.
The KeyBank Center show, set to kick off at 7:00 PM, is already generating buzz, with tickets starting at $39 on Ticketmaster and VIP packages offering premium seats, exclusive merchandise, and access to the Rascal Flatts VIP Lounge. After a five-year hiatus, the trio’s return has been met with overwhelming fan enthusiasm, and Buffalo’s passionate country music scene is ready to deliver a raucous sing-along to close out the tour.
Don’t miss your chance to see Rascal Flatts light up Buffalo on February 28, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at RascalFlatts.com and VIPNation.com. With a limited run of shows, this is one highway you’ll want to ride to the very end.
Atlanta rapper JID, born Destin Choice Route, is set to ignite stages across North America with his “God Does Like Paradise Tour,” the North American leg of his expansive “God Does Like World Tours.” This blockbuster run, supporting his critically acclaimed fourth studio album God Does Like Ugly (released August 8, 2025, via Dreamville/Interscope), kicks off October 15, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, and wraps with a two-night finale at Brooklyn’s Paramount on December 15 and 16. With fellow Atlanta native Young Nudy as a special guest for most U.S. dates, alongside additional acts like Baby Kia, DC The Don, and Kai Ca$h, JID is poised to deliver a high-energy celebration of hip-hop that showcases his lyrical dexterity and electrifying stage presence. For fans in and around Rochester, NY, the tour offers several nearby shows to catch this rising star in action.
JID’s Background: From East Atlanta to Global Stages
Born on October 31, 1990, in East Atlanta, JID grew up immersed in his parents’ collection of classic funk and soul LPs, which shaped his eclectic musical palette. Influences like OutKast, Goodie Mob, Lil Wayne, and Wu-Tang Clan fueled his passion for hip-hop, while his fluent rapping style and intricate wordplay have earned him widespread critical acclaim. JID first gained recognition with independent projects like Route of Evil (2012), Para Tu (2013), and DiCaprio (2015). His big break came in 2017 when he signed with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records, releasing his debut album The Never Story, which featured the standout single “Never.” Subsequent projects, including DiCaprio 2 (2018) and The Forever Story (2022), solidified his reputation as a lyrical powerhouse. His 2021 single “Enemy” with Imagine Dragons, the theme for Netflix’s Arcane, became his highest-charting hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
JID’s latest album, God Does Like Ugly, has been hailed as one of 2025’s strongest hip-hop releases, with critics praising its ambitious production and introspective storytelling. Featuring heavyweights like Clipse, Vince Staples, Ciara, and Westside Gunn, the album reflects JID’s evolution as an artist who carries “the weight of Atlanta’s past, present, and future” on his shoulders. The tour’s title, God Does Like Paradise, nods to the album’s themes of resilience and redemption, promising fans a live experience that’s both raw and reflective.
Tour Highlights and Rochester, NY Proximity
The North American leg of the “God Does Like Paradise Tour” spans 31 shows across major cities, with Young Nudy bringing his signature trap energy to all U.S. dates (except Canadian stops). The tour’s itinerary includes stops in Chicago, Seattle, Miami, and more, but for Rochester, NY, fans, three nearby shows stand out:
• October 22, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL: Just a three-hour drive from Rochester, this show at the 2,500-capacity REBEL nightclub offers an intimate setting to experience JID’s dynamic performance. Note that Young Nudy will not appear at this Canadian date, but JID’s solo set, likely featuring tracks like “WRK” and “Surround Sound,” will keep the energy high.
• October 24, 2025 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS: A four-hour drive from Rochester, this stop at the 2,300-capacity MTELUS venue promises a vibrant atmosphere. Like the Toronto show, it’s a Young Nudy-free performance, but JID’s reputation as a “notorious live performer” ensures a memorable night.
• December 15-16, 2025 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount: Approximately a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Rochester, these back-to-back shows mark the tour’s grand finale. The 2,700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount will host JID and Young Nudy, delivering a high-octane close to the North American leg.
What to Expect from the Tour
JID’s live shows are known for their raw, unfiltered energy, transforming venues into “high-octane, crowd-shaking celebrations.”. Additional acts like Baby Kia and DC The Don will bring fresh voices to the stage, amplifying the tour’s appeal. JID’s promise of a special Atlanta hometown show (date TBD) underscores his commitment to his roots, but for now, Rochester fans can plan road trips to Toronto, Montreal, or Brooklyn to catch him live.
Tickets for North American shows are available through Ticketmaster.
His journey from East Atlanta to global stages mirrors the hustle and heart of his music, making these shows a must-see for fans of lyrical precision and authentic storytelling. Whether you’re vibing to “151 Rum” or reflecting on the personal narratives of God Does Like Ugly, JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” is set to be a defining moment in his career—and a thrilling experience for North America
In a sudden and disappointing turn, Joey Bada$$‘ highly anticipated “Dark Aura Tour,” has been reportedly cancelled.
New York’s own Joey Bada$$ is set to ignite stages across North America with his Dark Aura Tour, a 25-date run kicking off October 16, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, and wrapping up November 21, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tour, named after his latest single “Dark Aura,” features hip-hop heavyweights Ab-Soul and Rapsody as special guests, promising a night of introspective lyricism and high-energy performances. With his forthcoming album Lonely at the Top dropping August 29, 2025, Joey is poised to make 2025 a defining year. Fans near Rochester, New York, will have several opportunities to catch this powerhouse trio at nearby stops.
Joey Bada$$: From Pro Era Prodigy to Hip-Hop Luminary
Born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, Joey Bada$$ emerged in 2012 with his debut mixtape 1999, a nod to East Coast rap’s golden era that showcased his lyrical skill at age 17. As a co-founder of the Pro Era collective, he blended raw storytelling with boom-bap beats. His albums B4.DA.$$ (2015) and 2000 (2022) cemented his status as a voice for conscious rap. Beyond music, Joey’s acting roles in Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, along with his entrepreneurial and activist work, highlight his versatility. His upcoming album Lonely at the Top explores fame, isolation, and resilience, with singles like “Dark Aura” and “The Ruler’s Back” setting the tone. The Dark Aura Tour marks his first headlining run since 2022, joined by Ab-Soul’s cerebral rhymes and Rapsody’s poetic flow.
Tour Highlights and Rochester-Area Shows
The Dark Aura Tour hits major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Brooklyn, but fans in Rochester, New York, can catch the show at several nearby venues. The closest stops include:
• October 20, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL (approximately 85 miles from Rochester, a 1.5-hour drive across the border). This show at the vibrant REBEL venue brings Joey, Ab-Soul, and Rapsody to Canada’s hip-hop scene, making it the most accessible option for Rochester fans.
• October 21, 2025 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland (approximately 225 miles from Rochester, a 3.5-hour drive). The intimate House of Blues will amplify the trio’s lyrical intensity, perfect for a road trip.
• October 22, 2025 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore (approximately 300 miles from Rochester, a 4.5-hour drive). This stop at the historic Fillmore Detroit offers a high-energy night for fans up for a longer drive.
The Toronto show is the closest and most convenient for Rochester fans, though a valid passport is required for Canada.
What to Expect
The Dark Aura Tour promises a showcase of hip-hop’s lyrical core. Joey will likely perform tracks from Lonely at the Top alongside classics from 1999 and 2000. Ab-Soul, fresh off his 2022 album Herbert, brings philosophical depth, while Rapsody, a Grammy-winning lyricist, delivers poetic flows from works like Eve. This trio’s commitment to substance over flash makes the tour unmissable for hip-hop purists.
Ticket Information
Tickets are live via www.joeybadass.com or platforms like Ticketmaster. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so Rochester fans should act quickly, especially for Toronto and Cleveland.
Why This Tour Matters
The Dark Aura Tour follows Joey’s struggles with label delays at Columbia Records, which pushed Lonely at the Top from its original August 1 release. His defiance shines in “Dark Aura,” produced by Chuck Strangers, with lines like, “Independent mindset, we ain’t f**kin’ with the majors.” Paired with Ab-Soul and Rapsody, this tour celebrates hip-hop’s authenticity. Rochester fans, grab tickets early for a night of raw lyricism—whether in Toronto, Cleveland, or Detroit. Follow @joeybadass on Instagram and X for updates.
The Rochester Americans have scored the first goal in each of their first five games this season and seven of eight dating back to the end of the 2023-24 campaign. (Photo: Micheline Veluvolu)
ROCHESTER, N.Y — The Rochester Americans (Amerks) ignited their home crowd with a thrilling 6-1 victory over the Cleveland Monsters at The Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday night.
Six different goal-scorers lead Rochester to decisive 6-1 win over Cleveland
A pivotal moment in the game came when the Amerks scored two goals in a blistering seven-second span, leaving the Monsters reeling. This momentum-swinging sequence propelled the Amerks to their first home win of the season.
With this decisive victory, the Amerks improve their record and build momentum for their next showdown.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — New Rochester Americans head coach Michael houser will get another shot at adding his second win to his professional coaching record and first in front of his team’s home crowd Wednesday when The Amerks return to the Blue Cross Arena to face Cleveland Monsters.
Despite jumping out to an early lead, Rochester Americans came up short in Toronto, dropping the Saturday matinee by a final score of 3-2. (Photo: Micheline Veluvolu)
The American hockey team has been gearing up for another exciting season, and their last two games have been thrilling matchups. In this post, we’ll break down the highlights and key takeaways from their recent performances.
Big Picture:
Toronto Marlies defeated the Amerks back-to-back games over the weekend. Once on the road. Once at home.
**Game 1: Home vs Toronto Marlies
Date: October 18, 2024
Score: 2-4
Location: Blue Cross Arena
The Amerks allowed the other hockey team to score four unanswered goals – including three in the second period. Viktor Neuchev earned an assist on an Amerk goal. He has totaled two goals and four assists over his last six games. Also, two-of-four goal scorers from the opponent are former Amerks.
**Game 2: Away vs Toronto Marlies
Date: October 19, 2024
Score: 2-3
Location: Coca Cola Coliseum
In the second game, The Amerks clashed with Toronto, resulting in a loss. The team continued its trend of scoring first, showcasing its early-game prowess. Goaltender Michael Houser (1-1-0) made 20 saves in his second appearance of the campaign but took the defeat in the crease.
Key Takeaways:
The team’s consistent early-game momentum and resilient performances underscore its determination.
Anton Wahlberg has points in back-to-back games while Nikita Novikov has two points (1+1) in his last three.
Goaltender and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Matt Murray (Toronto Marlies) (2-0-0) picked up his second win of the season as he stopped 35 of the 37 shots he faced, including 25 through the first 40 minutes of play.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Amerks defeated Utica Comets 4-1 on the road Saturday, October 12, 2024, to secure their first win of the season.
With the win Saturday at the Adirondack Bank Center, Rochester’s first of the campaign, the club concluded its opening weekend with a 1-1-0(2-Points) mark and outscored its opponents 6-4 in its first two contests of the season. (Photo: Jeff Pexton / Utica Comets)
Led by Isak Rosén and Viktor Neuchev, both forwards recorded two points, assisting and/or scoring on 75% of the team’s total goals.
Unlike Friday’s matchup against the Belleville Senators, The Amerks managed to win the shot stat chart line getting double the shots as Utica Comets, their in-state rivals.
The Amerks net protector Michael Houser stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced while the opponent goalie had to face 40 shots.
Max Willman scored Utica’s lone goal on the night in the second period from Dylan Wendt and Shane Bowers while Comets goalie Nico Daws (0-2-0) suffered his second straight defeat.
The win is also Michael Leone’s first as head coach of the Amerks and a professional coach.
The Senators ruined Amerks season opener celebrations Friday night defeating the home team 3-2.
Amerks had 24 shots. Senators had 31 shots.
With Amerks players spending vast amounts of time enjoying the game with fans in Section 106 — Senators took advantage of the Americans mistakes scoring both their goals on man-down Powerplays.
ROCHESTER AMERICANS UPCOMING SCHEDULE
(10/13/24 Updated)
Friday, October 18 // Home vs Toronto Marlies
Saturday, October 19 // Away at Toronto Marlies
Wednesday, October 23 // Home vs Cleveland Monsters
Saturday, October 26 // Away at Cleveland Monsters
Only Black Kid stops by The Fillmore Silver Spring to watch New Politics, The Wrecks and The Dreamers walk on top of crowd, backflip off drumsets and more at the “Lost in Translation” tour.
New Politics has devoted fans that hold them up literally.
Covering two concerts in two days in Silver Spring, Maryland; Monday night, we found ourselves, Only Black Kid – amongst an audience of 600 headbangers as Danish rock band New Politics played The Fillmore Silver Spring – which has a 3,000 max capacity – in part of their “Lost In Translation” tour which is to promote their latest album release of the same title.
New Politics lead vocalist and frontman David Boyd was in peak performer mode. Whether Boyd was backflipping off bandmates Louis Vecchio’s drumset, walking on top of the crowd’s hands while singing “Everywhere I go,” or break dancing during band’s guitarist Søren Hansen guitar instrumental; the content crowd remained focused on living in the moment and focusing on who was there with them and not who wasn’t.
A lineup that continued to build from the opening act to the headliner; alternative bands The Wrecks and The Dreamers got the party going early.
The Wrecks were the first act to take the stage and their energetic opening performance set the tone for the night. Eccentric frontman and lead singer, Nick Anderson, bounced on and off the stage to perform with the fans on the barriers as the five-piece band performed tracks from their “Panic Vertigo – EP.” Despite being the first act on the bill, The Wrecks received a positive crowd reaction during their set, getting the audience to sing during songs “Favorite Liar,” “James Dean” and “Turn it Up.”
An energy you can not re-live unless you were there to witness it for yourself; the three bands remained enthusiastic and never failed to bring energy to the stage. What opening acts The Wreckers and The Dream lacked in stage design and lights compared to New Politics, they attempted to make up in energy and spirit. However, when you have a 40-year-old Boyd moving the way he did without breaking a hip, all the rising artist could do is sit back and enjoy New Politics as they progress through their touring circuit.
A rocker girl is a person with beauty and their own thoughts. They do not seek approval from other people, but only from themselves. Though, their style is out there, they have a unique look and fashion. They are beautiful, funny and smart. If you have any FUCKING mind at all — do NOT, and I repeat — DO NOT make them angry. — Urban Dictionary
Don’t forget the booze! Rocker girls love booze.
Transcending from our computer screens into the nation’s capital —SuicideGirls.com have hit the road to share their sexy talents and unique body modifications and will be bringing their one-of-a-kind Blackheart Burlesque show to the Howard Theatre, Friday, March 30, in part of their 31-date North American tour.
Showtime is scheduled for 8PM and tickets may be purchased online at blackheartburlesque.com.
The Blackheart Burlesque is a product of SuicideGirls.com. SuicideGirls.com is a moderated pinup girl website — think Bettie Page with tattoos and piercing — that host beautiful nude images of tattooed and pierced girls. A community site since 2001 —SuicideGirls.com was created so like-minded women could come together, meet people, make friends and be supportive of each other; all while sharing their nudes and not have to worry about jerks in the comments.
The SuicideGirls are a movement that started when it was uncommon for women to have tattoos and piercings all over their body while posing nude on the internet and social media platforms. I had the opportunity to chat with the founder of SuicideGirls.com, Missy Suicide to discuss the Blackheart Burlesque tour, feminism vs exploration, keeping the original vision of company alive and more.
What is the Blackheart Burlesque tour?
Missy Suicide is the co-founder of online community SuicideGirls.com (SuicideGirls.com)
The Blackheart Burlesque tour is a pop culture-themed burlesque show — each member is themed out to represent your favorite comic book, TV show, movie, video game or book character. It’s very pop culture relevant — like Pokemon you have to catch all the references.
It’s super fun and has an amazing soundtrack. The girls are all highly trained dancers and they’re all different and unique and beautiful. When they get up on stage, they just radiant this confidence and joy and love. It’s a beautiful thing to watch and to witness — seeing how the audience reacts and seeing how the girls take that in and give it back to them.
The show is a once in a lifetime sort of experience. You have to go experience it live. It contains your life, literally. We’ve had couples who met at the show and got married. There are girls who are now a part of the tour who started as audience members. It’s really a beautiful and unique sort of experience. I really can’t stress enough how much love and energy, focus, fun, silliness, and sexiness you’re going to see.
What kind of music is played during the shows?
There is everything from The Black Keys to Kendrick Lamar and The Knife. It’s a pretty eclectic soundtrack but all the songs are amazing. Even the K-pop song; everyone is going to be jumping to it.
How are the girls chosen to be in the Blackheart Burlesque show?
Everyone auditions. They are all suicide girls on the website or hopefuls. They all audition because they have to be able to shake and shimmy.
Do you work with the dancers on a personal level?
When the girls are in the rehearsal process a lot of them are not from Los Angeles — they are from all over — so they end up staying at the [SuicideGirl] house. I get to know them and get to hang out with them. The girls that are from Los Angeles — that have been a part of the tour for five years — it’s really amazing to get to know them and help them grow and flourish into the best they can be.
Our choreographer [Liyrc] started out as a dancer on the tour. She didn’t get chosen to go on the Australian tour — which was the first tour she auditioned for — but she stuck with it and kept rehearsing. Now she’s the choreographer and working on her own stuff in Arizona and growing her own business. I’m just so proud of her and excited to see what she can create and do.
How did the website translate into other ventures; movies, comic books, vape pens, tours and more?
It’s really been a journey. I took the idea of creating a space where my friends could be appreciated for being the beautiful unique people that they were and created a website around it. In creating that website, I thought what else interested me: books, movies, burlesque tour and TV shows and other sorts of things.
I feel really lucky to have been able to create a space and a world that is accepting of what I want to do in the world and what I would want to see. It has also allowed other women to create their own space in the world and make a living out of doing what they love.
It’s been one of those things where if you open a door and walk through, more doors have to open up.
Three years ago we had a conversation about you breaking the SuicideGirls into reality television. Any updates?
I have a meeting tomorrow so let’s hope it goes well. It’s crazy that it’s been three years and I’m still working it and still trying to get it. It will happen eventually.
Everything takes time. Do you have an ideal situation you would prefer to present it on?
I feel like it’s changed. I feel like if it was three-years ago, it would be network TV. But now I feel like going to a Netflix, Amazon or streaming service would be better. We will see what happens.
Hopefully, you bringing it up is the charm!
Over the course of time — when things didn’t go particularly how you may have wanted them – what have you used personally for motivation to keep going?
For me personally, it’s been the girls. People are finally starting to come around to the original vision that I had: that women bodies are beautiful and not shameful and something we have to hide. That you can be feminist and proud of your body. Every time that I go to a show there are people there that talk about how it changed their life and what it means to them. That to me is super amazing and humbling.
Canadian rock band Walk off the Earth close out their first headlining US tour in three-years with a sold out show at The Fillmore Silver Spring.
While Canadian rock band Walk off the Earth has built their name thanks to viral videos of them remixing popular songs on their 2.9 million subscribers’ YouTube channel, the group’s ability to produce music videos and bring them to life while on tour has helped set them apart from your typical cover band.
Ending the US leg of their 2018 tour with a sold-out show at The Fillmore Silver Spring, I found myself – The Only Black Kid – partying with a majority-white all-age 3000-person audience, as Walk off the Earth made their way back to Silver Spring, Maryland for the first time in three years.
A venue special to the group; members Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Luminati informed me during an interview, prior to the show, that in 2014 the venue was their first-ever sold-out headlining show in America.
Taking a risk in an uncontrolled environment – built around bringing their corky yet creative D.I.Y. videos, which have garnered multi-million views on YouTube, to a live show – Walk off the Earth’s stage set is one giant circus. Whether there was 5 peeps playing 1 guitar at the same time during the cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Use To Know,” plastic pipes slamming against a table to create a baseline during their cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” or giants balloons floating on top of the crowd as wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube men blew erratically on both sides of the stages during Outkast’s “Hey Ya!,” Walk of the Earth kept the audience on their toes, blending genres to fit their custom sound.
Walk of the Earth does an impressive job at multitasking and allowing each member to have their own shine while still keeping the best interest of the band. During performances of original songs – “Taekwondo” and “Nomad,” – the band cuts back on visual effects, allowing the crowd to focus on their singing and harmonizing skills.
Meet and greet ticket holders had the opportunity to witness a raw, stripped down version of the band prior to the show. Gathering around the five-piece band to participate in a campfire type singalong, Walk of the Earth performed an acoustic pre-show jam session before having an intimate Q&A session with the audience; all while Blackwood and Luminati’s seven-month-old infant played peacefully on daddy’s lap as strangers stared at him and took pictures.
Blackwood, Luminati, Marshall, Cassidy, and Taylor are a gang of rhythm. More than 2,500 people – ranging from toddlers to elderly – gathered as the Canadian band provided great music over festive effects to end the US leg of their 2018 tour. Walk off the Earth does not come around here very often, but it is a treat when they do.
When it comes to the popular R&B artists out of Canada, Toronto’s Milosh may not be high on the popularity radar however with his vocal abilities he should not be left of the most talented list.
Monday night I found myself – Only Black Kid – in 9:30 Club with a largely white audience as Milosh’s R&B musical project, Rhye, made their way to Washington D.C. in part of their three-country tour.
A visual that Rhye keep mysterious throughout the show, the group opened up their set performing an interpolation of debut LP record “3 Days.” Forcing the music out in front of the six-piece band’s physical presence, Rhye hid behind a gloomy purple lighted shadow, that remained dark during the group’s hour-long setlist.
Rhye’s setlist included a balance of slow-tempo records – “Major Minor Love,” “Stay Safe” and “Waste” – that allowed couples to get mushy and be romantic in the packed crowd, and with a few key upbeat records – “Open” and “Last Dance.- the band provided the ambience for patrons to hold hands and dance the night away.
Milosh’s vocal ability was at peak during Rhye’s acoustic guitar performance of “Song For You.” With the band giving Milosh space to shine, one could hear the surge of emotion in the singer’s voice, resembling an energy and sound to Sade’s “Love Deluxe.”
The balance of uptempo and slow-tempo records allowed Rhye to keep control of the audience, however Milosh’s subtle acknowledgment of the crowd made the show very impersonal; hearing only from Milosh when he requested for two photographers to stop their conversation in the photo pit and when he gave a very bland story of the last time he performed in the city and how it was cold outside midwinter.
While we should not attempt to box ideas into a single category, and rather enjoy them at face value, it is difficult not to consider the majority of what Rhye was performing as soft rock. At times, paying no homage to the general conscious of the R&B genre and its originators, Rhye’s sound during cuts from their latest album “Blood” lacked substance, and exemplified an artist attempting to remain safe while gentrifying sexy soulful singing and a strong backbeat to fit a fanbase moved by internet-driven trends. An artist attempting to recreate black music for people who shop at Whole Foods.
OBK CHANNEL 