After years of being a vacant bar, Mohawk Place was established in 1990. Initially, it was just another bar in Buffalo. However, due to an already built, yet extremely small, stage in the back, Mohawk Place began hosting various local blues bands, most notably the weekly Friday Happy Hour with noted blues band Willie And The Reinharts.

Although many of these events were successful, it was in 1994 that the bar exapanded its audience by booking both local and national underground bands. Bands such as The Fleshtones and Southern Culture On The Skids performed to capacity crowds and soon Mohawk Place was gaining status as the grittiest, and most diverse, small venue in town. As word spread, legendary shows continued. The White Stripes, The Donnas, The Legendary Shack Shakers, The Sadies and ? and The Mysterians all performed memorable shows on that small stage with only a vocal PA to enhance their sound. After gaining a reputation of being an artist friendly venue and possessing a unique homegrown vibe, other acts such as Wayne Hancock, The Mekons, Pedro The Lion, Songs:Ohia, Rainer Maria, Ted Leo among others made Mohawk Place a regular stop on their tours.

Although Mohawk Place garnered so much attention, the problem was often that there wasn't enough space for many of these shows. As the bar was attracting bigger acts, the bar needed to be expanded and have a larger stage with proper sound equipment. After years of talk and speculation, the entire back room was blown out and redone by sadly departed friend Kevin Miller. Finally, Mohawk Place was able to accomodate both the bands and the crowds. John Cale, Link Wray, Snapcase, My Morning Jacket, Hank III, Drive By Truckers and Pere Ubu all performed insane shows at Mohawk Place after the renovations occurred. All the while, the bar hosted smaller, yet no less memorable, artsts such as Califone, Felice Brothers, Slobberbone, Two Cow Garage and Grand Champeen. These were the sorts of bands that became close to the venue and friends with the employees. In turn, Mohawk Place provided a second home to so many musicians on the road.

However, for all attention the Mohawk received for all the aforementioned shows, it was the local bands that built the venue. From its beginning, Mohawk Place thrived on the local scene and supported and nurtured so many acts that came through the door. In addition, it was these local artists that built so many of the bar's most popular nights. The Annual Joe Strummer Tribute Show, The Irving Klaws Halloween Parties, The Smiths Vs. Cure Dance Party and The Syd Barret Birthday Show all became yearly events that packed the bar and brought music scenes together. All of these are due to the hard work of local artists and the intent to spread art and creativity to Buffalo.

Mohawk Place is an establishment that stays true to the artist friendly attitude it has always had. Everyone who works here is a local musician and is passionate about the music they love. We celebrate commnunity and diversity. Everyone is welcome.

Snail Mail

Phone

Booking Policy and Contact Information

Erik Roesser, In-House Booking Agent