ty for several mainstream bands and musicians, most famously Rick James, Billy Sheehan and The Goo Goo Dolls. Vincent Gallo, Buffalo-born filmmaker and musician, played in several local bands. Jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra also got its start in Buffalo. Well-known indie artist Ani DiFranco hails from Buffalo, and it is the home of her "Righteous Babe" record label. 10,000 Maniacs are from nearby Jamestown, but got their start in Buffalo, which led to lead singer Natalie Merchant launching a successful solo career. Death Metal band Cannibal Corpse reached national fame in 1994 when they appeared in the movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, at the request of lead actor Jim Carrey. The director agreed and decided to actually have Jim jump on stage with the band and start singing a song of theirs in the film to escape two pursuing goons. Other bands including Every Time I Die, Snapcase, Cute Is What We Aim For, Malevolent Creation and moe. also started off in Buffalo. Power Pop/Indie Punk Trio, Lemuria also derive from Buffalo. Dark Bluud, most notably associated with Juggalos and the underground scene, got his start in Buffalo. Several Hip-Hop artists also founded in Buffalo include group Joe Public, and rapper Chae Hawk.
Theatre
Buffalo has a vibrant theatre community, with over 20 professional companies. Major theatres groups include The Alt at the Warehouse, American Repertory Theater of Western New York, Brazen Faced Varlets, The Irish Classical Theatre, The Kavinoky Theatre, Lancaster Opera House, The New Phoenix Theatre, Road Less Traveled Productions, Shea's Performing Arts Center, The Subversive Theatre, The Theatre of Youth, and Torn Space Theatre. These companies present a variety of theatre styles and many present original productions by Buffalo playwrights. Each year, the weekly publication ArtVoice sponsors The Artie Awards, celebrating the year in theatre by recognizing top shows and performances. Scores of
