Zaria Black, known as “A Rose in Buffalo,” took the cue for her performance name from the work of legendary rapper and poet, Tupac Shakur, whose posthumous book of poetry was called “The Rose That Grew from Concrete.”   Shakur’s music was always a part of Zaria’s home, as was art and creativity, stemming from the example of her uncle who died early.   “We all liked to chill, have fun, good times,” she said. “So, a beat, food, some cards, a vibe, a time: it was a time to be had. That was just...

Bumble ( Image by Willem Rizzuto ) Bumble — a 19-year-old Buffalo-born hip-hop and R&B musician — will release his first album Sunday titled ‘ A Niw Rad Movement ,’ a musically compelling and lyrically potent LP comprised of songs that examine issues ranging from relationships and community to homelessness.   “I have a craft and I have art. My craft is music and my art is sharing it,” said Bumble. “If I’m not making something that I relate to then I don’t know how other people will look to...

Twenty-seven years after it was recorded, a live performance from the band, birddog — led by Buffalo resident and musician Bill Santen — has been released.   ‘Live at the Hotel Monte Vista’ — available now on Bandcamp HERE — was recorded in 1998 in Flagstaff, Ariz., sometime during the latter half of a U.S. tour before drummer Glenn Kotche left to play with Wilco, and only shortly after tour-mate, Elliott Smith, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song.   Santen, birddog’s founder...