Going to see live shows has seemed like a more than regular occurrence for so many in the last couple of years. That being said, like it or not, local venues are still doing what they can to recover from pandemic shutdowns. Spectrum News 1 looks at an inaugural local festival and what it means well beyond the stage.

"It has gotten really whitewashed in the United States. A lot of people think it's punk with horns," said Skamagotchi's lead singer Philip Sivecz.

The genre has fallen prey to jokes for the likes of TV shows like "Brooklyn 99," "Scooby Doo" and some others in the mainstream. But for anyone who's ever had enough musician friends to put an entire ska band.

"Being a band geek, I was like, 'Oh man, this is awesome. Like, I can play trumpet and be cool'," said trumpet player Matt Zubrzycki.

As cool as you may or may not think bands like Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones or Five Iron Frenzy may be, bands and musicians in general have been able to rejoice over the last couple of years.

"Pre-pandemic we made a living off of playing music regularly and we were hit very hard when shows closed," said Sivecz.

So the recent collection of state and region-wide acts for the inaugural Skafest?

"I think it's important to get out there with, you know, your friends and go see a band," added Zubryzcki.

"Now that shows are back in full swing. It's really amazing to see how many people are excited to come out and participate in the local music scene," noted Sivecz.

The fest couldn't have come soon enough to help out the music scene.

"We've already lost a few great venues, more people maybe, really sometimes, like losing their favorite restaurant during the pandemic, which I lost mine," said drummer Nick Borgosz. "I think it was something like 70% of the tickets sold in the first week it was announced and it was announced months ago."

Which is not just great for Skamagotchi, but venues across the state like Buffalo's Mohawk Place.

"You know, a lot of times operating the venue at a loss to support smaller bands and acts," said the venue's general manager Mike Thorpe.

In historically busy summers now with people excited, it means future generations of local band fans and players alike.

"Seeing it through their mind's eye, I know keeps you going every day for all the shows," Thorpe added. "It means we can keep doing what we do and keeping the lights on and keep the shows rolling."

"If we want to support our music community, we need to be part of it and help support these bands that are trying to do things," said Sivecz.