Spud & Guts 3: ‘Not Just a Show, but an Experience’

Halloween may be the season of blood and guts, but in Buffalo the Spooky Season this year also marks the return of Spud & Guts — or to be more exact, ‘Spud & Guts 3 — A Nietzsche’s Halloween Spectacular.’

Founded by Demyia Browning — the popular Buffalo musician who also performs as ‘spud’ — this night of ‘culture and community’ returns to the renowned Allentown music venue this Friday Oct. 24 from 8 p.m (doors) to 2 a.m.

“It's music, visual art, theatre, drag, film, and local organizations all wrapped up into one night to create an event that is accessible, dynamic, and full of heart,” Demyia told 1120 Press. “While I don't believe in expectations, I hope folks can foster new connections and forge some wonderful memories from the ‘controlled’ creative chaos.”

The list of this year’s scheduled music performances is impressive, to say the least, and includes: Bellissima Production’s cast of Lizzie (Heather Casseri, Timiyah Love, and Mia LaMarco), The Snake Oil Serenaders (crusty jazz), Jay Aquarious (sultry, high energy R&B), spud (potato punk), The Mookies (indie rock), and Portcherish (ambient sonic waves).

There will also be live visual artmaking by MJ Meyers and Kristin Brandt, drag performances by Ms. Mills, Gendr01d, Willa DeWhisp, Count Twinkula, and Rocky Switch, a screening of a local horror short by Perishable Films, and to close out the night: live band ‘spooky-oke.’

Vendors, meanwhile, will include Mister Rigormortis, Verdant Buffalo, and Jamey Alea. And tabling the event will be Bellissima Productions, Buffalo Niagara LGBTQ History Project, and Wonder Brink. The night will also feature horror trivia, tarot reading, a temporary tattoo station & more.

Spud & Guts was founded in 2022 as an effort to cultivate community among a diverse group of artists and patrons by crafting a high quality, inclusivity-driven event with accessible pricing.

“In 2022, I was asked to put together a show at Nietzsche's because a date opened up,”

(Photo by Heather Renee Photography)

Demyia said, when asked about the event’s origin and evolution. “The original lineup was Jay Aquarious, Medusa, and I. Us three, some hand-printed merch, a few visual artist friends, and a former vocal student selling spooky candles was the genesis.

“By that time, I had only been gigging for about a year. My reach and resources were very limited, but I wanted to create something that was not just a show, but an experience. The following year, the show happened over the course of two days at Nietzsche's and Hardware and had a lineup of about six to seven performers, a couple of vendors, and a live painter. 

“This year,” Demyia said, “I made a point to include a wide variety of art forms, as well as invite local organizers to table because building community through fun, engaging events is something I want to see more of, and that starts by just doing it. This year there are eight performers, four visual artists and two organizations involved. There will be interactive games and giveaways, etc. All that to say it has evolved by way of expanding the scope of artistry, but there's also more intentionality on my end.”

The event is 21+ with valid ID. Presale tickets are $10 via Venmo @wearespud or CashApp @WeAreSpud (include first and last name). Admission at the door is $15. The first 100 guests will receive a free goodie bag.

“I want the performers involved to have a good crowd and a good time,” said Demyia, “and for those attending to have fun, make new connections, and experience the beauty of diverse expressions of art Buffalo has to offer.”