Check it out: a bar dedicated to the world’s most popular sport. It’s Més Que (142o Hertel Avenue, right by the North Park Theater), and, while it has been quietly catering to soccer fans for a little while, it officially opens tonight.

In an effort to elevate the region’s happiness quotient, the Steam Donkeys will perform from 5:30pm-8:30pm tonight at Sportsmen’s Tavern. Labor leaders, business moguls, political operatives, philosophy professors, bicyclists, board chairmen, bankers, and members of the local honky tonk community are praising the move.

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve had a long week. Thank God it’s Friday, and thank God I can enjoy a cold beverage and honest original music for a full three hours after I punch the clock today,” said one health care professional, on condition of anonymity.

“When we were offered this “Happy Hour” gig, I was initially hesitant,” recalls Buck Quigley, songwriter and front man for the Steam Donkeys (a noted music act and global think tank), “I didn’t think it was fair that happiness be limited to just one hour.”

The band held out for three, and the booking agent was only too happy to comply—since he didn’t have to pay them anything extra.

What’s more, legendary Stone Country will follow on the same stage starting at 9:30pm. Friday is payday for many western New Yorkers, and the mix of pleasant weather compounded by the presence of delightful company and great eats has the potential to create a “perfect storm” of happiness, with a chance of delirium.

The recently relocated Allegro Cafe (1633 Hertel Avenue) is gearing up for the holiday season with a shopping event this evening (Nov 29) from 5-9pm. Holiday Shopping at the Cafe, a 21+ event, will feature coffee, dessert, wine tastings, and a Chinese Auction along with gift items for sale such as leather bags, costume and fine jewlery, floral arrangements, chocolates, accessories, hair and spa gift certificates, and more. Admission is $10 and proceeds benefit the St. Margaret’s and St. Mark’s Scholarship Fund.

Participating sponsors include Hertel Parker Liquors, Mimi’s Salon @ Cynergy, D & M Handbags, Eaton Chocolates, Korona Jewelers, North Park Florist, Minuteman Press of Downtown Buffalo, & more.

5-9pm. Allegro Cafe,1633 Hertel Ave. $10.

For the musically inclined progeny of established rock legends, living up to their parents’ legacy and simultaneously pursuing their own unique styles is a burdensome task. Not to say, however, that it hasn’t been done before; Sean Lennon pulled it off in 1998 with his debut album Into the Sun, managing to both embrace his musical heritage and break into the music industry in his own right.

So did Devon Allman, son of southern blues rock household name Gregg Allman. Contrary to what Gregg Allman’s superstar status might lead you to believe, Devon Allman grew up in the suburbs as a regular teen, discovering his father’s vast musical presence much later after he had already picked up the guitar of his own accord. Much like Sean Lennon, Devon Allman makes music that isn’t overly conscious of his father’s fame. While remaining true to his roots in southern blues rock, Devon Allman draws inspiration from his own broad range of influences and fuses them to create an unexpected but irresistible spin-off.

Devon Allman’s Honeytribe’s latest 2010 album, Space Age Blues, is a groovy blend of blues, jazz, rock n’ roll with a sci-fi inspired cosmic flavor that Allman describes as “Darth Vader meets B.B. King.” The familiar soulful melodies are still there as well as the electrifying rock ‘n roll grit, but the umbrella term “blues rock” seems a little deficient. Allman himself calls it “science-fiction blues,” and though it may not yet be a “real” genre, Honeytribe is well on its way to changing that. See them perform at DBGB (253 Allen St) tonight (Nov 11) at 9 pm. -max soeun kim

Tonight (Nov 11) at 7pm taking the stage in support of his new album is singer songwriter Mat Kearney. The full length album Young Love, (Aware Records/ Universal Republic) features the well known single “Hey Mama,” and came out over the summer. His music is a mix of rock, folk, and soul.

Kearney, born in Oregon, first received attention for his debut album Nothing Left to Lose, in 2005. Three years later he released his second album, City of Black and White. He takes his songwriting to higher levels on “Young Love.” Kearney spent this past July opening for Owl City and has now embarked on a month long tour, with a stop at the Town Ballroom tonight and then heading off to North Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio. Fans can find a list of tour dates and other information at matkearney.com. -ariel peters

7pm. Town Ballroom, 681 Main. $20.

Tired of overthrowing dictators? Need a break from assassinating terrorists? Too cold out to occupy Buffalo during October? Then head up to the Falls!

This evening (Friday October 21 at 9:30 pm) Dave Nolf and crew plan to occupy Club 101 in the Seneca Niagara Casino. Enjoy the sounds of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Marc Scibilia, John Mayer, and the All American Rejects. And even better: Dave’s originals – before they’re released in his album – all in a warm and cozy nook of enterprising capitalism.

Tonight (Oct 12) at 7pm in the Burchfield Penney Art Center Auditorium (1300 Elmwood Ave.) the Modern and Classical Languages Department at Buffalo State College will present the second of their five part French film series. The film, De Dieux Et Des Hommes (Of Gods and Men) (2010) is a sublime tale of faith and doubt based on a real incident, Of Gods and Men chronicles the story of eight French Trappist monks living in an impoverished Algerian village. When faced with threats of violence from fundamentalist terrorists and the Algerian military, the monks must decide whether to seek safety or risk their lives and stay with the local villagers who have come to trust them and rely on their aid.

All screenings are free and open to the public thanks to a grant from the French American Cultural Association. The films feature French dialect with English subtitles.

Film: Un Homme Qui Crie (A Screaming Man)
Date: Tuesday, October 18
Time: 7:30pm-10pm
Location: Bulger Communication Center, room West 2

Film: Potiche
Date: Wednesday, October 26
Time: 7pm-9:30pm
Location: Burchfield Penney Art Center Auditorium

Film: La Belle Endormie (The Sleeping Beauty)
Date: Wednesday, November 2
Time: 7pm-9:30pm
Location: Burchfield Penney Art Center Auditorium

Taking place tonight (Oct 4) is the fifth annual Men Who Cook celebration presented by Crisis Services. From 6pm to 9pm in the Ellicott Square Building Lobby (295 Main St.) come and celebrate the art and science of food by experiencing delicious dishes and beverages from some of Buffalo’s finest amateur chefs. Local restaurants serving include The Left Bank, Merge, Ulrich’s, Joe’s Deli, Redlinski Meats, Buffalo State Campus House and Auntie Rose Cookies. Providing beverages will be Premier Wines, Flying Bison Brewing Company, and Premium Coffee Roasters.

Tickets are $50 per person or $85 per couple.

For more info contact call 831-4467 or visit crisisservices.org

—ariel peters