The Empty Pockets

Sportsmen's Tavern

326 Amherst St.
Buffalo NY 14207
716-874-7734

Sat. October 29 @ 9:30

$10

The Empty Pockets

http://www.theemptypockets.com/home


Quirky and charismatic, The Empty Pockets craft rootsy, often-cerebral and always-catchy Americana rock ‘n roll with a smack of Texas saloon and a taste of Motown soul.

It was a scorching Chicago summer in 2006 when long-time friends Josh Solomon, Danny Rosenthal and Nate Bellon officially became a band. After recording their first original demo, the boys starred in a 2007 theatrical production of the Buddy Holly Story which served as a showcase for the new group. The band attracted the attention of local morning show personality Scott Mackay (WLS-FM) and the show’s success lead to a tribute album and critical acclaim in print, along with television and radio appearances. Playing as Buddy Holly and the Crickets each night was a rock and roll roots education that left an indelible mark on The Empty Pockets’ music, focusing their sound on driving rockabilly grooves thick with rhythm and blues, and thoughtful melodies and harmonies in classic pop song structures.

With the Buddy Holly buzz, the boys went back in the studio to complete an album of their original music. They released "Under the Bed" using early band name, “Josh & the Empty Pockets,” at the beginning of 2008 – a fun, multifaceted album so full of catchy refrains that Nickelodeon licensed the album in it‘s entirety for the shows; iCarly, Zoey101 and Drake & Josh. Produced by industry veteran Rick Fritz (Brian Wilson, John Mellencamp), the single “Fall Right Now” tells the story of a young romance that almost too eagerly becomes true love.

Josh’s muse for “Fall Right Now,” Erika Brett, was soon asked to join the band and the new foursome, now simply “The Empty Pockets,” headed into another studio session, this time for a holiday duet. While on their first tour, The Empty Pockets' single, "Baby It's Cold Outside” – a spirited mash-up of two holiday classics – hit radio with airplay on over a hundred markets nationwide peaking at #25 on the Medibase AC Chart. The band toured extensively, including a showcase at SXSW, piquing the interest of legendary manager David Spero (Joe Walsh, Cat Stevens, Dickey Betts) who added the band to his roster in late 2009.

In 2010, The Empty Pockets had a breakout year, sharing the stage with Jennifer Hudson and Rock 'n Roll Hall-of-Famer, Buffalo Springfield’s Richie Furay and headlining historic venues like the House of Blues Chicago. Their song, “Take Me,” about the conflict in Afghanistan was featured in award-winning documentary, “Patrol Base Jaker.” Energized by these opportunities, the band has toured relentlessly since, opening for comedian George Lopez and artists like Grammy-winning Dickey Betts, Dave Mason, and Kansas, sharing the bill with stars like Jason Mraz, Jimmy Cliff, and FUN., all while recording and releasing two EP’s: “Introducing The Empty Pockets” and “A Holiday Staycation,” both of which received substatial national airplay on Triple-A and Hot AC radio stations.

Having recently finished their first full-length album in the studio they built with their bare hands, The Empty Pockets pride themselves on delivering what they call, "handcrafted rock and roll." These new songs showcase the group's rich, analog sound, as well as the skillful musicianship, fearless singing and spirited showmanship true to their performances onstage. Catch the band as they travel the country in their van, The Pocket Rocket.




"Huge young, talent... Terrific!"
-Chicago Tribune

"Because when The Empty Pockets play, they don’t just go through the motions of belting out tunes and revving their guitars to impress you – their performances are offset with a vibrancy and a sort of energetic showmanship so that space and distance don’t matter in the end – rather it’s more of which of their carefully crafted songs will strike a chord within you first."
-AMDEntertainment.com

"The Empty Pockets, out of Chicago, warmed up the audience with a great sound to lift your spirits. They were a fun band with a sound all their own and a real pleasure to see perform. I will be following their music in the future."
-VintageRock.Com

"As far as the band’s strengths go, it is clearly their original songs... The talent of the band is undeniable, the solid drumming and bass works as the mortar for the guitar and vocals of the band, holding the whole thing together. Brett’s vocals are instantly noticeable and the songwriting and guitar playing of Solomon are both solid. The band has potential to do a lot, it will be interesting to see how far they go."
-VocalsOnTop.com

"The opening act was The Empty Pockets, who feature Josh Solomon on guitar and vocals, Nate Bellon on bass/vocals, Danny Rosenthal on drums, and Erika Brett on vocals. They brought a fun energy and positive, upbeat presence to the stage for their very enjoyable set, getting the crowd primed for Dickey Betts. Initially gaining traction locally as a Buddy Holly tribute trio in 2006, and then with the subsequent addition of Erika on vocals, the band looks to have hit their stride. I highly recommend you checking them out."
-Rock Chicago Magazine

"They are the songs you blast with the windows down while cruising down Lake Shore on the first 70 degree spring day on your way to the Cubs game... Their catchy hooks may be mistaken for pop candy, but listen more closely and you’ll find there are equal parts of sweetness, wit and truth. Throw in the fresh face factor, Midwestern work ethic, and genuine love for what they do, and you get a pop-rock group that is neither over-produced nor underwhelming. What they are is genuine... Their music is accessible, fun-but still poignant and lyrical. They are the younger answer to Jason Mraz’s wordplay. They are the Barenaked Ladies without the substance abuse problem. They are best friends and lovers. They are a humble pop-rock group that makes fun of them selves before anyone else can. They are... the Empty Pockets."
-Stefi Weaver, PBS Music Segment Producer, Chicago Tonight

"Chicago quartet, The Empty Pockets, were a fun mix of hooks, harmonies, standup bass, a coordinated sense of style (sharp red & black outfits!), and strong songwriting. Pretty nice too when you can get intro'd by the legendary David Spero, who had with him Dickey Betts' just-awarded Lifetime Achievement Grammy (it's ok... Dickey gave it to him!).
-Jeff Sweatman, WCNR Final Sunset Sessions Recap

"The Empty Pockets have a bright future. They play intelligent, well-crafted pop/rock with substance that still manages to not get bogged down in its own importance. Buddy Holly would be proud."
-Duke Egbert, Daily Vault Album Reviews

"The songs are melodic and interesting and they're obviously talented musicians that work together... I guess the best word to describe this band is fun. They seem to be having the time of their lives, which is infectious..."
-Amy Lotsberg, Producer of Collected Sounds

"The Empty Pockets pretty much stick to playing fun rock ‘n’ roll on Under The Bed, starting with vocalist/guitarist Josh Solomon’s spirited scat on the opening “Meaningless Words.” “Freedom To Be” is a sarcastic take on politics while “Monsters” glances back at childhood memories in a country & western arrangement. Solomon also offers the homespun romantic ballads,”Beautiful To Me” and “You’re The One.”
-Terrence Flamm, Illinois Entertainer

"These people have a sense of humor. Don't get me wrong, they're more than serious about their work ethic, practice, writing, getting out to the audience, and all, but they write songs that have their Creative Tongue firmly in cheek... This is a Band you should go see if they're anywhere within driving distance. It's great music done by people who like to create FUN, as well."
-Dr. Rex Dexter, The Arts are Global

"We asked our user community on Facebook to give us some names of some of their favorite musicians and amongst those submitted, ...the Empty Pockets came out on top."

Please Note that the artists have a 3 hour window to complete the show. This does not meant the performance will be 3 hours in length.