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05.12.26
M&T Bank Presents 10th Anniversary season of Thursday & Main: Robert Randolph & Hollerado return to the outdoor stage in Downtown Buffalo
Buffalo Place is proud to announce the 10th Anniversary season of Thursday & Main, Downtown Buffalo’s free outdoor summer concert series, returning to Fountain Plaza weekly from June 4th through July 30th (with no event on July 2nd). Presented by M&T Bank, the milestone season will feature a dynamic and diverse lineup of local favorites, nationally touring acts, and crowd-pleasing favorites – continuing a decades-long tradition of bringing live music to the heart of Downtown.
This free, open-to-the-public happy hour concert series, held Thursday evenings at Fountain Plaza on Main Street (south of Chippewa Street), carries forward the mission of Thursday at the Square: to create vibrancy in Downtown Buffalo while supporting local restaurants, bars, and businesses through increased foot traffic and community engagement.
Now, in its 10th anniversary season, Thursday & Main continues to build on that legacy with an exciting lineup that blends regional talent, nationally recognized performers, and unforgettable live music experiences in the heart of Downtown Buffalo.
“Celebrating 10 years of Thursday & Main is a meaningful milestone for Buffalo Place and for Downtown Buffalo,” said Peter Burakowski, Executive Director of Buffalo Place. “This series has always been about more than great music – it’s about creating energy, supporting our local business community, and giving people another reason to come together Downtown. This season’s lineup reflects how far we’ve come, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum for years to come.”
To kick off the 2026 season on Thursday, June 4th, Buffalo Place is pleased to welcome Handsome Jack back to Fountain Plaza, joined by The Burkharts. Known for their signature blend of boogie, blues, and soul-infused rock ‘n’ roll, Handsome Jack has built a reputation for gritty riffs, swampy grooves, and powerhouse vocals that channel both classic influences and a distinctly modern edge. With a sound rooted in American blues traditions yet constantly evolving, the band continues to captivate audiences far beyond Western New York. Opening the evening, The Burkharts bring their own brand of indie surf pop tunes that wallow in a 60s Californian dream, setting the stage for a dynamic and high-energy start to the season.
The momentum continues on Thursday, June 11th, as a Western New York summer tradition returns with The Strictly Hip, joined by acclaimed vocalist Erin Hoyle. Since 1995, The Strictly Hip have served as passionate ambassadors of The Tragically Hip, performing with a level of precision and reverence that has earned them a devoted following across the region and beyond. With Erin Hoyle’s powerful and dynamic vocal presence elevating the evening, audiences can expect a moving, high-energy celebration that resonates with longtime fans and new listeners alike.
On Thursday, June 18th the series shifts into high gear as our partner, The Big Easy in Buffalo, takes us down to New Orleans for an electrifying night of “swamp and soul,” featuring The Soul Rebels and Honey Island Swamp Band. Hailing from New Orleans, The Soul Rebels have redefined the modern brass ensemble by blending elements of funk, jazz, hip-hop, and soul into their unmistakable sound. Known for their high-energy performances and innovative approach, the group has built an international reputation for turning every show into a full-scale dance party. Honey Island Swamp Band complements the evening with a rich mix of Southern rock, Americana, and swampy grooves, creating a layered and immersive musical experience. “As The Big Easy in Buffalo marks our 20th season of bringing the best in Louisiana music to Western New York, we’re thrilled to be part of the 10th annual Thursday & Main series for this free community celebration,” said Big Easy in Buffalo Director Tod Kniazuk. “Thanks to Buffalo Place for letting us join the party!”
The energy carries into Thursday, June 25th, as Buffalo Place presents a night of iconic hits and local talent with The Black Rock Beatles and The Shakermakers. A beloved staple of the Western New York music scene, The Black Rock Beatles are known for their faithful and energetic renditions of The Beatles’ legendary catalog, capturing both the precision and spirit of the original recordings. Kicking off the night, The Shakermakers will deliver a crowd-pleasing tribute to Oasis, packed with anthemic hits and singalong favorites.
On Thursday, July 9th, the series returns following a brief Independence Day break with local favorites Lazlo Hollyfeld. Led by Buffalo music community leader Sonny Baker, the trio is known for its expansive, instrumental-driven soundscapes and dynamic live improvisation. Long regarded as a staple of the region’s jam and progressive rock scene, Lazlo Hollyfeld’s performances balance intricate musicianship with atmospheric build, creating a deeply immersive listening experience that resonates with both dedicated fans and new audiences alike. Opening the evening, Buffalo-based One Foot Up will kick things off with a high-energy blend of original alternative rock and familiar covers, delivering a guitar-driven set built for the live stage.
On Thursday, July 16th, Buffalo Place welcomes Canadian indie rock standouts Hollerado to the Thursday & Main stage. Known for their infectious hooks, anthemic songwriting, and anything-can-happen live performances, Hollerado has built a loyal fanbase through their energetic and deeply engaging shows. Their ability to blend feel-good indie rock with a playful and unpredictable stage presence creates an immersive concert experience that extends well beyond the music itself. Opening the evening, Buffalo-based Amateur Hockey Club will deliver a fresh, energetic indie sound that perfectly complements the night’s lineup.
Thursday, July 23rd will feature an evening with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, offering audiences an extended and immersive celebration of the music and legacy of Dave Matthews Band. For over two decades, the group has performed thousands of shows across the globe, earning a reputation as one of the premier tribute acts in the country. Their performances transport audiences back to the height of the 1990s jam band era, complete with intricate musicianship, improvisational energy, and crowd-wide singalongs.
Closing out the 10th anniversary season on Thursday, July 30th, Buffalo Place is thrilled to welcome Robert Randolph to Fountain Plaza for what promises to be a powerful and unforgettable finale. A virtuoso of the pedal steel guitar, Randolph is widely celebrated for his genre-defying sound that blends rock, funk, soul, and gospel into an electrifying live performance. Having collaborated with an impressive range of artists and earned widespread critical acclaim, he is known for his technical mastery, magnetic stage presence, and ability to turn every performance into a joyful, high-energy experience. His appearance serves as a fitting and dynamic conclusion to a milestone season of Thursday & Main. Kicking off the night, Damone Jackson Outcome brings a vibrant mix of soul, funk, and R&B, creating the perfect lead-in to an electrifying finale.
The 2026 Thursday & Main Series Schedule is:
June 4, 2026: Handsome Jack and The Burkharts
June 11, 2026: The Strictly Hip with Erin Hoyle
June 18, 2026: The Big Easy in Buffalo presents: The Soul Rebels with Honey Island Swamp Band
June 25, 2026: The Black Rock Beatles with The Shakermakers
July 9, 2026: Lazlo Hollyfeld with One Foot Up
July 16, 2026: Hollerado with Amateur Hockey Club
July 23, 2026: An evening with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
July 30, 2026: Robert Randolph with Damone Jackson Outcome
Guests will enjoy a rotating roster of local restaurants. Bijou Grille, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, and Jack Rabbit will be a part of the event each week with wonderful food items available for purchase.
The series traces its roots back to 1987, when Fountain Plaza hosted the first season of Thursday at the Park, produced and managed by Buffalo Place. Just one year later, growing crowds prompted a move to Lafayette Square, where the series became Thursday at the Square – a beloved Buffalo tradition for decades. In 2016, Buffalo Place reintroduced the series as Thursday & Main, returning live music to its original home at Fountain Plaza while honoring its rich history and community impact.
Thursday & Main is made possible with the generous support of our official sponsor family. The series is presented by M&T Bank and supported by Big Ditch Brewing Company, Iroquois Construction Services, Katz Americas, Lawley, National Grid, Premium Parking, The Buffalo News, Try-It Distributing, VanDette Law, WKBW-TV 7, and Yuengling.
