Milkie’s on Elmwood is Back
Let’s face it — Milkie’s wasn’t exactly a shining star at the corner of Elmwood and Utica. Legendary as it was for hosting the late Lance Diamond, I wouldn’t have pegged it as a top spot see a band in downtown Buffalo. I wouldn’t have even put it in the top 10.
That being said, it’s a place I’ve performed at many a time over the years — folk duo gigs, Pink Floyd and Beatles covers with Mystery Machine, solo sets, The Moon Hunters and a handful of opening and headlining slots with Meat Raffle.
Milkie’s was actually the place where Meat Raffle got its start, playing our debut show there back in August 2021. But after a series of gigs, many of which left us far less than satisfied, we decided to call it quits, erasing the venue from any future plans.
For a number of reasons, the shows we played there weren’t going to make the highlight reel. They were mired with sound problems from wonky monitors and a seemingly stone-age soundboard, and it was hard to even get anyone in there most nights. So, when there’s no one to play for and your sole profits are coming straight from the door, you’re basically just holding a practice where you might make enough to grab a post-show burger. Might.
The final straw came in 2022. Meat Raffle was mid-set when a fight broke out involving a disorderly patron — a strange guy who had already been making me uncomfortable at the bar before we went on. As the police showed up, the set was put on pause while the situation settled and afterwards, I think we only ended up playing two more songs before calling it a night. I went to collect the money a few days later.
One month after the March 2023 passing of the bar’s namesake, Mike Milkie, I spoke with Milkie’s co-owner Nikki Rosenberg in an interview for WIVB. Nikki knew there were necessary changes to be made in order to keep Milkie’s moving into the future, but she had no intention of losing the elements that gave it a certain quirky charm. Looking at it now, I think she found the right balance.
This past Friday, almost exactly one year from the day of that interview, Meat Raffle made our return to Milkie’s on Elmwood with a renewed sense of hope — one of many bands sharing that same mindset. And although there may have been a touch of skepticism going in, at least for me, it didn’t take long to put that to rest.
Right as I entered the front doors, I noticed an immediate change. The floors were clean, the main room was newly painted, and the pungent smell of urine had left the atmosphere. It was a solid start to the night.
Additionally breathing life into the venue were a brand new food menu, new kitchen materials, a whole new sound system (thank god for functional monitors), and best of all — people! The place was packed!
Meat Raffle kicked off a 45-minute opening set, blazing into it with “Tight Closed Fist.” After we finished, I walked off that stage with my amp in hand and a deep sense of satisfaction.
Watching the next band, A House Safe for Tigers, more evidence of a working sound system was cemented into place. Isn’t it great when both the audience and the band get a good show? I sure think we all did. As the band kept playing, I knocked back a Blue Moon and soaked it all in. Milkie’s was back, and after everything, I assured the promoter that Meat Raffle would be coming back, too.
Meat Raffle performing at Milkie’s on Elmwood (February 2022/Photo by Tom Lembke)