Is it possible to capture the essence of a musical era, a haven for raw talent, within the confines of bricks and mortar? For decades, Mohawk Place in Buffalo, New York, has done exactly that, and now, the music stops.
Tonight, the call echoes, "join us for one last time." Mohawk Place, a name whispered with reverence and nostalgia, is more than just a venue; it's a chapter in the story of music in New York, a testament to the power of live performances, and a nurturing ground for artists. Nestled in a building erected in 1896, the place has welcomed some of the biggest names in rock and indie music, etching its mark on the hearts of countless concertgoers and musicians alike. The venue at 47 E. Mohawk Place, a hub for local talent, will soon shut its doors, ending a legacy that spanned nearly 35 years. The venue confirmed, and is set to close, leaving fans in the lurch, and forcing the city to mourn the loss of a cherished cultural touchstone.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mohawk Place |
| Location | 47 E. Mohawk Place, Buffalo, New York |
| Operational Years | Approximately 1990s - Current |
| Building Construction | 1896 |
| Genres Hosted | Blues, Rock, Indie, and various others |
| Notable Acts | The White Stripes, The Black Keys, Paul Westerberg, Jonathan Richman, local and regional bands |
| Closure Reason | No official reason provided |
| Atmosphere | Grungy, High-Octane, Welcomed Mosh Pits, Slam Dancing, and Crowd Surfing |
| Legacy | Cornerstone of Buffalo's music scene, sanctuary for musicians and fans |
| Owner (Early 1990s) | Pete Perrone |
| Associated Incidents | Controversy and recent lawsuit; injury during a concert involving a band member of Trophy Eyes |
| Impact | Served as a launching pad for local bands and a venue for national acts |
| Closing Date | Soon |
Mohawk Places story began in the early 1990s, under the ownership of Pete Perrone, a figure fondly remembered by many. Initially a blues and rock venue, it evolved over the years, embracing a diverse range of genres, attracting visitors from around the world. This evolution mirrored the changing landscape of music itself, making Mohawk Place a mirror to its audience and its artists.
The venue was more than just a stage; it was a crucible where raw talent and burning passion collided. Local bands, eager to cut their teeth, found a platform, while national acts discovered an intimate, gritty space to connect with a city that thrives on authenticity. The memories of those historic evenings are emblazoned in the minds of all who experienced them. Moments like Paul Westerberg meandering from the stage, Jonathan Richman delivering one of his most lively performances, and the countless rollicking gigs by Buffalo bands like Handsome Jack, Irving Klaws, Evil Things, Malarchuk, 9 Layers Deep, Iron Fist, Pine Fever, and Huns, all formed the essence of Mohawk Place.
Mohawk Place was a place for everyone, as photographer and writer Parisi would say. It was a place where you could sip on good drinks while listening to great music. The venue was celebrated for its high-octane atmosphere, embracing mosh pits, slam dancing, and crowd surfing, an environment that fostered the energy of a live show.
In its nearly 35 years, Mohawk Place hosted a plethora of bands including the White Stripes and the Black Keys, serving as a foundational element of Buffalos music scene. The impact of Mohawk Place extended beyond the stage, as it offered artists a place to hone their skills and establish their presence in the music industry. The venue hosted shows on January 4, 5, 10, 17, 18, and 25, and February.
The closure of Mohawk Place is not an isolated event. The venue joins a lineage of other legendary venues such as Marcella's, the Old Pink, Swannie House, and Brick Bar. The venue is going in the same direction as countless other venues in Western New York. While the reasons for its impending closure remain officially unstated, the community is left grappling with the loss of an invaluable cultural asset. Its a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of the music scene, with iconic spaces inevitably giving way to new models.
Recently, Mohawk Place faced controversy. Friends established a GoFundMe page for Bird Pich\u00e9, who was severely injured during a concert on April 30th when a band member from Trophy Eyes dove from the stage and injured her. This incident may or may not have played a part in the decision-making.
The departure of Mohawk Place leaves a void in the cultural landscape of Buffalo, its absence leaving a legacy of musical innovation, and a space where raw talent was celebrated and nurtured. The venues closing underscores the importance of supporting local music venues, as they provide a critical stage for artists, and create a sense of community that transcends the music itself. As the final curtain falls, the echoes of the music continue to resonate, reminding us of the value of these unique cultural hubs.
