I have a friend that always says things are in his top 5. Sometimes he will say six different things but still say they are his top 5.
Since we are in the off week for shows at BJ’s, I wanted to take a look at 5 of my favorite shows I have attended there. I will be putting them in chronological order (not in order of preference) and you may see some repeating bands. Also I could pick a favorite part of every show I have been to, however, if you take a look at how long this is already you will understand why I kept to only five.
Also, as I was compiling this list I noticed most of the shows I chose to highlight were in 2019. Could this be because I miss pre-covid shows or because that was the last of my teen years? Maybe both.
Kicking it off with some soft rock and indie bands, Cooler, Younger Then, and Superficial.
This was the first time I saw Cooler and Younger Then; my jaw was on the floor the entire time. Cooler
has the hit “Metal Moth”, off their EP Phantom Phuzz, which I recommend listening to.
“Bad Life” by Younger Then, off their album Bad Life, is also worth checking out.
Last but certainly not least is the band Superficial. Now I am quite biased because they are one of my most listened to local bands. My favorite song, although it rips my heart out every time, is “I Don’t Think I Wanna Know”. It is off their EP superficial.
This show brought a lot of my friends out to the bar. It was a great night with even greater music. All three bands had an enchanting stage presence.
Next up is BJ’s Fest 2019. BJ’s Fest is held annually at the end of the semester (you
will see it mentioned later on as well).
In 2019 the fest was two days in May. This show featured Johnny & the Man Kids, Church Girls, Fallow Land, and Vintage Pretty on day one. On day two they had Kill the Clock, Ghostpool, Mallory Run, Speed Dial, and Eerie Shores.
Oh man, I don’t even know where to begin about this show. I think this is the show where I got a concussion and was carried out at the end, however, it is still has special place in my heart .
If you are familiar with the Fredonia music scene I am sure you recognize some of these amazing bands. And if you aren’t, I highly recommend checking out some of their work.
Actually three years ago today (October 9th, 2019) yet another one of my favorite shows took place.
All three bands being alternative rock or heavy rock.
This show was the release show for Eerie Shores’ EP Wicked Disposal.
They had support from Rochester band, The Joke’s on Us and Erie band, The Standby.
This show was back before BJ’s got rid of the $6 mason jars. I remember I was in the pit shoving around, as you do in a pit, and someone dumped their entire drink on my head then dropped the jar on the ground. I was having such a wonderful time that I didn’t care. It wasn’t until I was walking home after the show that I realized how much my hair smelled like tequila. Good thing I always showered after shows anyways.
Yet another great show held at BJ’s was the Pool Party, featuring
bands Ghostpool, Carpool, and Ashford.
This show was stacked with kickass bands; all three are leaning toward Alternative rock.
What is really cool about shows held here is that there are steps leading up to the stage so if you’re in the crowd you could hop on stage and sing along to your favorite song with the band. This really creates a bond between the artists and the audience, something you might not get at a larger concert.
This was for sure a show for the homies. I hope we get to see some more of these bands this semester.
And here we are, at another BJ’s Fest. This show featured some of the bands previously mentioned such as Carpool, Johnny & the Man Kids, 
and Eerie Shores. Joining them was the band The Sonderbombs, one of my favorites(!).
This show was the first BJ’s Fest after Covid began, but the crowd didn’t disappoint.
One of the things that makes this a top 5 is getting to scream along with my close friends to some of our favorite songs from all of the bands.
I think it is really cool that we see some bands multiple times at BJ’s. It is neat to watch them and their music grow as we do too.
If you follow me on instagram @birdpiche , you will see when I post to my blog.
Also all the posters were from the Last Call instagram.