Blissmas 2025 returned to Buffalo RiverWorks on December 13, delivering a night that once again proved why the annual hometown show has become a cornerstone of Buffalo’s live music calendar. Drawing fans from across Western and Upstate New York, Blissmas continues to feel equal parts major concert event and genuine celebration of the city’s tight-knit music community.
For those unfamiliar, Buffalo RiverWorks is a multi-use entertainment complex along the city’s waterfront and one of the area’s most prominent venues for large-scale shows. Its industrial architecture and open-floor layout create an ideal environment for high-energy performances while still accommodating a packed crowd—something that proved essential for a night like this.
The evening kicked off early with strong opening sets as fans filtered in to grab merch, stop by Oxford Pennant’s table for special-edition patches, and claim spots on the floor or balcony. Johnny Booth, Koyo, and Teen Mortgage set the tone, with the crowd steadily filling in as each band took the stage. Rather than trickling in for just the headliner, fans showed up early and stayed engaged, giving the entire lineup the attention it deserved.
Haywire took the stage next, immediately igniting the room. Familiar faces sang along word for word as frontman Austin brought unhinged energy—leaping into the crowd and fully immersing himself in the chaos. Their set was one of the night’s most fun, and honestly felt too short; they’re a band worth catching every chance you get.
Onyx, Saves The Day, and Terror kept the momentum charging forward, each set met with loud sing-alongs and nonstop movement. Not a beat was missed as the night barreled ahead, with Glassjaw briefly pulling the reins back just enough to let the room breathe before launching everyone headfirst into what was coming next.
As the curtain dropped and anticipation built, the energy in the room shifted. When Better Lovers finally took the stage, it hit all at once—physically, emotionally, and somewhere much deeper. The first riff triggered immediate chaos: the pit erupted, the floor seemed to move, and any concept of personal space vanished.
Up close, Greg Puciato’s vocals were raw, feral, and completely unfiltered. It didn’t feel like a performance directed at the crowd so much as an experience he was dragging everyone into with him. The band was locked in and relentless, leaving barely a moment to catch your breath between songs. Adding to the surreal intensity were festive Christmas-themed stage decorations—including a bright, oversized lollipop swinging through the air mid-song. Somehow, it worked perfectly.
By the end of the set, standing amid ringing ears and shouted lyrics, the experience felt deeply cathartic. It was loud, messy, and honest—the kind of show that leaves you a little wrecked but strangely grounded. I went into Blissmas not fully familiar with Better Lovers’ catalog, but by the time the night ended, they had made a lasting impression. Their music was the first thing queued up on the drive home.
Blissmas 2025 wasn’t just another show—it was a reminder of why Buffalo’s live music scene continues to thrive. Until next time, I’ll see you in the pit.
– Amanda Miller
