Two of the most technically gifted guitarists alive — Joe Satriani and Steve Vai — bring their collaborative project, the SatchVai Band, to Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7 p.m. This is the Surfing With The Hydra North American tour, the band’s first-ever U.S. run following a successful European debut, and Buffalo is one of the stops. Animals as Leaders support. Tickets are on sale now at kleinhansbuffalo.org.
A Guitar Event, Not Just a Concert
Satriani and Vai have separate legends — but together, as the SatchVai Band, they’re doing something neither does alone. The full-band configuration includes drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Marco Mendoza, and guitarist Pete Thorn. Live, they pull from both of their catalogs, debut material from their collaborative record, and take on iconic covers — the kind of performance that rewards both guitar nerds and first-timers alike.
Animals as Leaders, the instrumental progressive metal trio, opens — making this a show that’s genuinely top-to-bottom impressive before the headliners even take the stage.
Kleinhans Music Hall — Buffalo, NY
Kleinhans Music Hall at 3 Symphony Circle is Buffalo’s premier concert hall. The room’s acoustics and size make it an ideal setting for a guitar-forward show that rewards careful listening. See the Kleinhans Music Hall venue guide for seating, parking, and event-night details.
For more rock and guitar-driven shows coming to Western New York, browse Western New York concerts.