podcast

April showers bring more tunes

97X, Concert Listings, Concert review, Music, podcast

Actually, April showers bring May flowers. And Mayflowers bring Pilgrims. And Pilgrims bring smallpox. But that’s not why we’re here. (Actually, it IS why we’re here here.)

Man, this turned dark quickly… let’s make like Plymouth and Rock this month! 

But first, before the strong rains come and wash all the crops away (shout-out Clarence Carter’s “Patches”), some non-broken breaking news: my son took a hard tumble in his backyard (the perils of homeownership) and messed up his elbow. Thankfully no bones are broken, but his band The Collies had to cancel their gig Friday night at The Vault. (Despite our pleas to channel his inner Rick Allen.) 

Instead of the Collies, you can catch the Funky Ducks, Eastwood, and Dilly & the Doves at MOTR or Organized Gentlemen (featuring my co-worker George Simon) at Ghost Baby.

Here’s hoping our son recovers quickly — and that he doesn’t become the Wally Pipp of the Collies.

There’s more animal action on Saturday: Gorilla Biscuits and the Circle Jerks at Bogart’s. (BTW, Circle Jerks are the official band of April.) 

That same evening, Southgate House hosts a Jimmy D Celebration of Life.

Here’s the full lineup:

And Ludlow Garage has Sabbath: Long Live Ozzy. (Do you want to tell them or should I?) 

Patterson Hood (of the Drive-by Truckers) and John Moreland play Ludlow on Sunday. I’ll be in the house Garage for that one. Over at the (Southgate) House, it’s Handsome Dick Manitoba, The Strains, and Rat Trap. And the Comet Bluegrass All-Stars play the venue that gave them their name.

Mirah plays the Woodward on Tuesday to wrap up March. Oh, and Good Flying Birds, Touch Girl Apple Blossom, and Personality Hire play an in-store gig at Feel It Records on Ludlow in Clifton.

This coming Wednesday isn’t just Ween Wednesday at The Columbia. It’s also April Fool’s Day. 

For people of a certain age who grew up in the Cincinnati area, it’s the annual reminder that WEBN used to not suck.

On April Fool’s Day, my slightly less sarcastic brother-from-another-mother Daniel Tosh will celebrate at the Peter Brady.

Meanwhile, Mammoth (Wolfie Van Halen’s band) will be at Bogart’s. The Aronoff hosts The Simon & Garfunkel Story. And Memorial Hall has “Seals & Crofts 2” (Brady Seals, cousin of Jim and former co-lead singer of Little Texas, and Lua Crofts, daughter of Dash Crofts). 

True story: Dash Crofts (at right in the photo above) was the real inspiration for the middle child in The Incredibles. 

Uh, they took some artistic liberties.

On Thursday, April 2, it’s a double dose of Jo(h)nny and Nicole. Tunes & Blooms kicks off at the Cincinnati Zoo (6-8 p.m. – free admission after 5) with Jonny Estep on the main stage, and Nicole Polara in the Grove. Meanwhile, Danielle Nicole plays Ludlow with Gina & Johnny.

Friday, April 3:

  • Nick Hexum (311) plays Ludlow Garage
  • The Redmoor has “Fins Up!” (a Jimmy Buffett tribute show)
  • Ludlow has “Rick Nelson Remembered (starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson).” I don’t really remember Rick, but I remember Matthew & Gunnar had — and perhaps still have — luscious manes of hair. 

(Are we sure they’re Rick Nelson’s kids, and not Fabio’s?)

On Saturday, April 4:

  • The Tillers and Harlot play Southgate
  • Avery*Sunshine plays Ludlow
  • Rachel Holt and Brooks Werner are at the Liberty Theater.

Jeffrey Lewis & the Voltage play Southgate on Sunday, April 5. 

On Tuesday April 7, “platinum-selling* indie superstar” Ben Rector plays “Songs from America” with the Cincinnati Pops at the Aronoff, and Our Lady Peace rocks Bogart’s.

*Let’s call Ben Rector on April Fool’s and say “I would like to purchase some platinum from you.”

On Wednesday the 8th, Madison Cunningham plays Memorial Hall with special guest Sam Weber, list member John S. and his TyeDye band play Arnold’s from 6-8 p.m., and The Emo Orchestra featuring The Spill Canvas is at the Taft.

“Known for transforming emo and alternative hits into cinematic arrangements alongside a popular band from the genre, Emo Orchestra and The Spill Canvas bring a unique show that merges nostalgia, emotional storytelling, and orchestral grandeur. Together, on stage, they will perform a curated mix of their own fan-favorite songs alongside reimagined classics from across the emo genre—backed by the full orchestra. Fans will hear songs by My Chemical Romance, New Found Glory, A Day To Remember and more in a way they never have before.” [Guyliner sold separately – Ed.]

Shows on Thursday April 9:

  • Jim Lauderdale & the Game Changers play Southgate House with Krystal Peterson opening – I’ll be there!
  • Memorial Hall has An Evening with Chris Thile
  • Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers at the Taft
  • Tunes & Blooms: Jake Speed & the Freddies (main stage) and Clark Jenkins (Grove)
  • Stillhouse Junkies and Stone & Snow play a listening room to be named later in Northside
  • The old Annie’s has The Broken Hearts: A Tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
  • Soul Asylum plays an acoustic set at Ludlow Garage with special guest Corey Glover – it says so right on the LG website visual:

Not so fast, my friend! Turns out that it’s not Living Colour lead singer Corey GLOVER.

Instead, it’s Corey CLOVER.

It’s pretty bad when AI is calling YOU a deepfake:

(Good luck searching the interwebs for “Corey Clover” though. Our computer overlords keep trying to give Corey Glover results.)

Gigs on Friday April 10:

  • Wayne “The Train” Hancock plays Southgate’s main room, with Kyle Eldridge opening
  • Brett Newski plays a free show in the Southgate Lounge — I’ll be at that one
  • Ludlow garage has Steely Dead (“a sonic fusion of the Grateful Dead and Steely Dan”)
  • AJ and Allie play Bogart’s
  • Sami Riggs hosts a “Listening Factory” show at Factory 52 featuring Ryce Mullins and Scott Siefferman
  • Beth Stelling

Gigs on Saturday April 11:

  • Lee Fields and the Monophonics are at the old Annie’s
  • 49 Winchester place the Ovation
  • Pat Metheny’s Side Eye III+ is at the Taft
  • Jim Trace & the Makers play Plain Folk Café
  • Tony Holt and The Wildwood Valley Boys play the Liberty Theater
  • Southgate has Back 2 Mac (Fleetwood Mac tribute) with No Good Ponies (music of Linda Ronstadt)

My under the radar gig of the month (UTRGOTM for short) is Sunday April 12 at the Northside Tavern: Gladie headlines with Maura Weaver and Eatt also on the bill. Damn straight I’ll be there- school night be damned! Gladie’s new album absolutely rocks.

Their previous one was great too, and lead singer Augusta was kind enough to include a personal note when vinyl versions were delayed.

 That same evening (4/12), Southgate’s Revival Room has “Girls Rock Cinci Remix Showcase” with Girl Gordon, Moonbeau, Swelle, Milque, and Blue Light Room. And Penny and Sparrow played the Ludlow Garage

Lake Street Dive is at the Ovation on Tuesday April 14

The Surfragettes play Southgate on Wednesday the 15th with Bethlehem Shalom as the opener.

Thursday April 16:

  • The Del McCoury Band plays Memorial Hall
  • Tunes & Blooms features the Shelby Lore Band and Cecil Jackson & Dry Ridge
  • Stick Men featuring Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto and Markus Reuter at Ludlow Garage
  • The Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, IN has their “Third Thursdays Tribute Series” with “Aja, the Music of Steely Dan.”

On Friday April 17:

  • The Silos place Southgate House. I’ll be there along with list members Dave T. (co-host of the 97X Rumblings from the Big Bush podcast) and our friend El Blanco.
  • Organized Gentleman (a Cincinnati-based instrumental trio blending guitar, organ, and drums into a groove-forward mix of funk, soul, and jazz, inspired by bands like The Meters, Soulive, and Ghost-Note) play Radio Artifact. You can get tickets here.
  • Hard Rock Casino has many temptations but it’s doubtful any of them will be in the band listed as “The Temptations” (actually Otis Williams is still in the mix!). The other band on the bill is The Four Tops (minus all four of the original members).

Dead Centric and The Electric Indigo place Southgate on Saturday April 18 and the Michelle Robinson Band plays the Liberty Theater.

On Sunday the 19th Puscifer (Maynard James Keenan of Tool with some friends) plays the Taft with the amazingly hilarious Dave Hill as the opener.

That same evening  Ambrosia plays Memorial Hall, and my son’s other band VanWinkle plays MOTR, with Bugday and Hummingbird.

Chuck Meade from BR549 plays Southgate on Wednesday April 22 with Laid Back Country Picker as the opener.

This guy was a laid back country picker too:

Shows on Thursday April 23:

  • Kenny Wayne Shepherd plays a 30th anniversary of his album Ledbetter Heights at the Taft
  • Jess Lamb & Friends are at MOTR
  • Tunes & Blooms: The Tillers and Stick & Bindle
  • Ludlow Garage has Bohemian Queen – which is either a tribute to Freddy Mercury’s old band or to the barefoot, dreadlocked lady who sells grilled cheese sandwiches in the parking lot at Phish shows.

Oh, speaking of barefoot, I’ll be here:

On Friday April 24:

  • The Reverend Horton Heat, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, and Piñata Protest play Southgate’s big room while in the Revival Room you can catch Portland (Oregon) singer-songwriter Jeffrey Martin
  • Ana Popovic plays Ludlow
  • Memorial Hall has Genesis ReTouched… which is not nearly as dirty as it sounds.

(It’s actually a tribute to the Genesis concerts of the late 80s through the late aughts.)

Shows on Saturday, April 25:

  • Ethel Cain plays the Ovation
  • The Hard Rock Casino has Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (I guess the “Jefferson” part of Jefferson Starship moved on up)
  • Downtowne Listening Room Sirens of Spring tour: Mama’s Black Sheep + Regina Sayles + Colleen Clark

Vanessa Carlton plays Ludlow garage on Sunday the 26th

On Wednesday April 29:

  • Mary Gauthier and Stephen Kellogg are at Ludlow Garage.
  • The Toasters celebrate 45 years of reggae with Rat Trap and U.S. Daggers at Southgate House.
  • TyeDye plays Wunderbar in Covington

And the month wraps up on Thursday April 30 with a Supertramp tribute at Memorial Hall. (Breakfast in America sold separately.)

Taking a quick sneak peek into May: I’ll be heading to Indy on Friday, May 1 with list members Deuce and Matt for the David Byrne show at the Old National Theater. That same evening, The Outlaws play Ludlow Garage.

We love it live!

The supergroup R.E.M. tribute show at the Bluebird in Bloomington was absolutely amazing. Some dude named Mike Mills sat in on several songs. 

And he had great things to say about his experience:

Future house concert performer Jason Narducy was all agog too!

Hat tip to list member John Sandman for the Shawn Colvin ticket – great show at Memorial Hall. 

List member Matt Lacefield (catch his “Side Effects” show on Inhailer Radio Saturday evenings 7-9 p.m.) and I  I brought up the average age of attendees by about 20 years at the Snõõper, Shrudd, and Pal show at the Woodward. But all three bands brought such great punk energy that we felt decades younger.

Check out Blair from Snõõper getting into the crowd:

The Downtown Listening Room singer-songwriter showcase at The Columbia was a bit twangier than my usual musical adventures but thoroughly enjoyable. Such a great venue!

And last but certainly not least, Wussy rocked the Woodward!

It was great hanging with list members Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube (on Inhailer Fridays 11a-3p) and David & Amy Groff. 

We love live poetry too! 

Manuel Iris is a treasure, and his readings from his latest book of poetry called The Whole Earth is a Garden of Monsters at the Mercantile Library were powerful and moving. He says he writes poetry as if it’s music – by rhythm. 

Manuel’s new book also won the 2025 Ambroggio Prize. The Prize is given annually for a book-length poetry manuscript originally written in Spanish and with an English translation. His English translator is Kevin McHugh, a friend from my ad agency days.

Radio people are happy even when they’re sad

Gary Burbank’s Celebration of Life was a wonderful tribute to a radio legend. It was good to reconnect with my old radio homies too. They’re all crazy, of course, which is what makes them so much fun to be around.

Former WLW superstar salesman Dan Lewis was not in attendance. He had another modeling gig.

Jason Narducy at my place – Thursday, May 14

Jason’s playing a “songs and stories” solo gig at Casa de d2 on May 14th. 8-9:30pm (perfect timing for a school night). You can get tickets here. If you’re not familiar with Mr. Narducy, his first band inspired Dave Grohl to start making music. And he not only organized the R.E.M. tours with Michael Shannon (read more here and here) and assembled a killer band, but he’s also the bassist for Bob Mould, touring bassist for Superchunk, makes solo records as Split Single, and has a new book of road stories out.

Here’s a fun video for a Split Single tune, with the aforementioned funnyman Dave Hill and Anya Marina:

And here’s the full Split Single live set on KEXP:

Don’t let the TicketBastards get you down

Last week I made a box office run to Ovation, Bogart’s, and Ludlow Garage to get tickets for my friends and me. 7 shows. 19 tickets. 1 hour of my time. And we saved $180 in fees.

They don’t make it easy (Ovation box office is only open Tuesday through Friday from 10a-3p… although the woman at the box office said they stay open until 4.) But it’s totally worth it if you know the show won’t sell out. FWIW, the Mike Brady box office is open M-W-F 11a-3p (and you can park right by the box office) and they also sell tickets to Taft and Riverbend/PNC shows there. Ludlow’s box office hours are W-F, 4-9p, and Sa-Su 11a-9p. Bogart’s is noon-5p M-F and also longer hours on show days.

College rockin’

List member Daniel passed along a fun article from Loudwire:

Check it out here and let the debates begin!

Shameless self-promotion

The latest episode of the “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast features Rob Mason, who interned at 97X and later went on to start Old Flame Records.

Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)

I mostly love your track suit. And your Doug Henning vibes.

Who knew Julia Child had a side hustle?

I’ve never seen someone less excited about love. I think he’s being forced to play guitar against his will, and the Stockholm Syndrome hasn’t fully kicked in yet.

Speaking of kicking in, we can smell what Larry’s smoking with his “High Time” album title and the greenery behind him. But his shirt has made me forget all about Mickey Thomas’ track suit.

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Rob Mason of Old Flame Records

97X, Music, podcast

After discovering 97X as a Miami University student and interning for Barb Abney, Rob Mason channeled his love of music into founding and running a record label. Old Flame Records featured releases from a slew of bands, including Cloud Nothings, Twin Tigers, and Cincinnati artists such as Carriers, Moonbeau, Frontier Folk Nebraska, and Dawg Yawp. And he’s our only guest (so far) to have released music from a group that won a Norwegian Grammy. Rob shares his stories (including babysitting Kings of Leon during their Oxford visit) and talks about how he’s still passionate about helping cool bands get their music heard.

Here’s an excerpt from Rob’s description of Old Flame in Impose Magazine:

From my days as a Music Director at WMSR to being an intern at WOXY, I found my love of discovering and exposing people to new music. Different jobs at labels and record stores and even mortgage lenders helped shape me in terms of learning what I liked, what worked/didn’t work, and what I wanted to do and not do with my time and my life.

Here’s a screen grab of the Old Flame roster on Bandcamp -it’s quite impressive:

You can check out Old Flame playlists on YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazing Radio, among others.

During our interview, Rob mentioned the self-titled debut release from Dawg Yawp, produced by Rob Fetters (Raisins, The Bears, Psychodots).

Here’s Dawg Yawp’s NPR Tiny Desk performance:

Feb-YOU-ary rocks

97X, Concert Listings, Concert review, Music, podcast, woxy.com

Don’t come at me for not pronouncing the “r” in “February.” Nobody pronounces the “r.” Other than insufferable snobs.

February is more of a “Meat Diamond” month. Even for vegheads like me!

Don’t pronounce the “r” – unless it’s in “rock!” Let’s see what’s rockin’ the Tri-State in the alleged shortest month.

Actually, because this might get to your eyeballs while Jam-uary is still winding down, just a quick reminder that the triple bill of Sharp Pins, Good Flying Birds, and Artificial Go is at the Woodward on Friday night. I’ll be there! And if JAM-uary is more your jam, Umphrey’s McGee plays the Greg Brady.

Oh, and the extremely talented and gregarious T. Lipscomb plays Camp Springs Tavern on Friday, and South of Sin is there Saturday. And The Tillers, Maria Carrelli, and 2-22s are at Southgate on Saturday, and my son’s band The Collies play The Vault in Mt. Lookout that evening (8-11) too!

FebYOUary kicks off Sunday:

  • East Nash Grass with Andrew Hibbard at Southgate
  • Downtowne Listening Room has a matinee show (2:30 start) at the Historic Boone County Courthouse featuring Buffalo Rose with Bryce Mullins
  • Ricky Nye hits the Wiedemann’s Brewing stage early, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Diana Krall plays the Aronoff
  • The Lovin’ Spoonful* plays Ludlow Garage

*Note that The Lovin’ Spoonful does NOT contain a full day’s supply of vitamins and minerals. Nor does it contain John Sebastian – he’s too busy welcoming back Mr. Kotter. And he has an excuse note from Epstein’s mother.

Monday is Groundhog Day.

If we pause for a moment to think about it, Bill Murray owes a lot of his career success to rodents.

Let’s focus on seabirds instead: Dean Johnson and Lily Seabird play the Southgate House on Wednesday. [Aren’t you glad I didn’t write “let’s focus on Johnsons instead”? (Get your mind out of the gutter! I am referring to Ray, of course…)]

Actually, let’s focus on another Johnson instead, like list member Rico does. He really likes the new album by Dean Johnson, so he’ll be at that show, which mean’s it’s an official RicoReco™.

Next Friday, February 6, is a busy night for gigs:

  • Magnolia Boulevard plays the Liberty Theater, with the Mama Said String Band opening
  • The Laurelys have an album release show in Southgate’s Revival Room, with Lydia Shae, Maria, etc., and Jim Trace & the Makers joining them on the bill.
  • Ward Davis plays Southgate’s main Sanctuary room

Shows on Saturday, February 7:

  • Dead Low Brewing hosts “Brews & Browse Sweetheart Market” (a hippie-leaning local artist craft fair) from 2-6 p.m. with The Rec playing Grateful Dead tunes. So you can tie one one and tie-dye one on!
  • Highly Likely hosts the Midwinter Meltdown (boy, we sure can use that!) at Stanley’s
  • Daniel Wayne and Matt Mooney play a free show in Southgate’s Lounge
  • Ben Levin Organ Trio plays Japp’s
  • The New Wave Orchestra* plays the Taft

*per the press release: this immersive concert event takes the most iconic New Wave tracks of the 1980s and transforms them with a vibrant orchestral sound, electrifying neon-lit staging and striking 80s-inspired costuming

(Or you could just re-watch John Hughes movies.)

Next Sunday, February 10, is Super Bowl Sunday.

Over the Rhine (the band, not the neighborhood) plays an “Infamous Love Songs” gig at the Mercantile Library on Tuesday, February 10. Tickets were expensive ($60) but the OTR faithful snapped them up, and it’s sold out.

Mike Dawes (Brit fingerstyle guitarist) plays Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys play Southgate on Thursday, Feb. 12, and Liberty Theater has a Songwriters in the Round free show featuring Tanner Dane and Mason Hutchinson.

Shows on Friday the 13th:

  • Memorial Hall has “On a Winter’s Night” featuring Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and Patty Larkin
  • The Wombats play Bogart’s
  • Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and John Cowsill (The Cowsills… and Beach Boys) play Ludlow Garage
  • Ben Levin Organ Trio feat. Candice Ivory at Caffè Vivace

Saturday, February 14th is Valentine’s Day. [This reminder brought to you by Esther Price Candies, Hallmark, FTD, and the National Restaurant Association.]

Let’s focus on another Johnson, like list member Rico does. Here’s a printable card you can use for your (current or future) sweetie:

VD shows:

  • Drink The Sea (featuring Peter Buck, Barrett Martin, Alain Johannes, and Duke Garwood) is at the Taft
  • David Lacey & Ten Pound Hammer with the Naomi Carman Trio at Liberty Theater
  • Joe’s Truck Stop plays their monthly Honky Tonk Dance at Southgate

Here’s some PR info about Drink The Sea: Expect an evening of original music from the supergroup’s two debut albums, along with classic songs from their former bands. The performance will also feature original films by award-winning filmmaker Tad Fettig, synchronized to the setlist.

(I didn’t know a band could have two debut albums… that’s impressive! Also, I think The Rock’s fanny pack is a Tad Fettig.)

The Descendents and Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls play the Jan Brady on Sunday, Feb. 15.

On Wednesday, February 18:

  • Kelsey Waldon & the Muleskinners and Gabe Lee play Southgate
  • Taft Theatre has The Rush Tribute Project, playing Moving Pictures plus “hits and deep cuts”

Your humble scribe’s first-ever concert was Rush at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas back in 1981, on the Moving Pictures tour. I had way more hair back then, and here’s the candid high school yearbook photo (replete with Rush concert t-shirt) to prove it:

(I’m giving Epstein’s hairdo a run for its money… )

On Thursday, Feb. 19:

  • esperanza spalding (apparently a fan of e e cummings) plays memorial hall Memorial Hall
  • There’s a James Taylor Tribute at The Redmoor in Mt. Lookout
  • Liberty Theater has The Eagles Project as part of their “Third Thursday Tribute Series”

(Oops, that’s a real Henley, not a bogus one!)

Friday, Feb. 20:

  • Ben de la Cour at Southgate
  • Badflower at Bogart’s (BYOC – Bring Your Own Claritin)

Saturday, Feb. 21:

  • Ricky Nye Inc. featuring Noah Wotherspoon at the Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, IN
  • The New Usuals album release show, with Heavy Hinges, and The Spectacular Fantastic

OR, you can take your pick from a Tribute Band twin spin:

  • Cincinnati Transit Authority (tribute to Chicago) at Memorial Hall
  • Ludlow Garage has Classic Stones (either a tribute to Mick, Keef & the boys or a tribute to fossils… same difference, actually)

On Sunday, Feb. 22:

  • The Lone Bellow at the Taft Theatre
  • Adam & Ringo (of Mad Anthony) have a 40th Birthday Bash at Southgate House. It’s an early show (because they’re 40) and it features Mad Anthony plus pulled pork and sides! Music + food for $10. Such a deal!

Dave Hause & The Mermaid plus Two Cow Garage are at Southgate on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Guitarist Matteo Mancuso plays Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Thursday, Feb. 26:

  • The Low Gap show that was postponed due to Snowmageddon ’26 is at Southgate (for reals this time). Julia DiGrazia opens.
  • Liberty Theater has a Songwriters in the Round free show featuring Sarah Asher, Tay Bronson, and T. Lipscomb

Friday, February 27 is more like Februar-ME, because my faves Wussy are playing a full-band gig at The Woodward Theater, with Advance Base and Moontype as the openers.

That same evening, Nat Myers and Jay Skaggs are at Southgate.

FebYOUary wraps up on Saturday, Feb. 28 with a Downtowne Listening Room show at The Columbia in the East End (home of WEENsdays starting in March!):

If you’re unfamiliar with the Downtowne Listening Room process, you need to request an invite via this link, indicate the # of tix you want, and then you’ll be on the list. More info:

We ask $20 donations (cash) per attendee at door on show day. 100% goes to the artists. There will be free snacks, sweets and soft drinks. Plus free parking.

Other shows on 2/28:

  • Sylmar has a record release party at the Woodward
  • Joe Bonamassa plays the Taft
  • Nicholas Jamerson is at Southgate
  • Tasting Color plays Stanley’s
  • Roger Klug Power Trio and Frontier Folk Nebraska at MOTR
  • Laid Back Country Picker with Adam Wade Gilliam at Liberty Theater

Laid Back Country Picker is what I would look like now if I had stayed in Arkansas:

(That’s a party line telephone, just like the one we had when I was growing up in the sticks.)

February is the Billy Barty of calendar months.

So we may as well include Sunday, March 1 in our listings:

  • Snõõper plays the Woodward
  • The Wood Brothers are at the Taft (yes, we know, Wood Brothers at the Woodward wood make it funnier)
  • Memorial Hall has “All You Need is George” (Jam-band legends Jackie Greene, Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli, Reed Mathis, Berry Duane Oakley, and Gil Assayas unite for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of George Harrison’s timeless legacy)

House concert early notice

Jason Narducy (Split Single, bassist for Bob Mould, touring bassist for Superchunk, soon to be touring with actor Michael Shannon and a crack band doing REM’s Lifes Rich Pageant album – I’ll be seeing that tour in Bloomington, IN on 3/16) will be playing my house on Thursday, May 14th. Mark your calendars now. Ticket info to come later. The gig was originally slated for Friday, May 15th, but I got “Pirner-ed”:

An ovation for the Ovation venue

The PromoWest indoor/outdoor spot in Newport (with the redonk name) is finally lining up some strong gigs:

We love it live!

Real Estate put on a strong show at The Woodward!

Art Imitates Life Imitating Art (or Jeff)

Check out this surreal scene down in Mexico:

The original Instagram post is here.

Brother, can you spare a dime… and another $1,499,999.90?

The O.G. Southgate House is up for sale. Let’s go not quite halfsies and buy it!

David + David (and this dumbass)

List member David Groff has an entire box of Alpha-Bits cereal after his name:

All those letters mean he’s good with crunching numbers. He created a mega-list of all the songs that ever appeared on a 97X Modern Rock 500 (other than the missing 1998 list – help us find it!) then joined our 97X Rumblings from the Big Bush podcast to quiz Dave and me.

Suffice it to say that the Daves I know are a lot smarter about modern rock than I am.

And if you’d like to listen to all the 97X Modern Rock 500 songs in chronological order (by release date) from oldest to newest, check out the playlist Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. 

He fought the law and HE won

Ken Katkin is one cool kat. Not only because he hosts the always rockin’ Trash Flow Radio on WAIF-FM (Saturdays, 3-5 p.m.), but also because he did this:

Let that be a lesson for all of us. Don’t let the law-breaking goons get away with it!

Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)

It’s probably not Bernie. Bob maybe, but not Bernie.

If “quartet” is what they’re going for, I’d say five is more than enough.

These fine folks are struggling with basic math too, but we’ll grade them on a curve because they used a sweet font that conjures up memories of Evel Knievel’s jumpsuit.

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: The Ultimate Modern Rock 500 Quiz (and how to fail it)

97X, Music, podcast, woxy.com

97X superfan (and self-professed “data nerd”) David Groff crunched the numbers on all* the Modern Rock 500s from 1989-2009 and in this episode, he quizzes Dave and Damian about it.

How many different songs were #1? What band had the most different songs on the MR500 through the years? How many songs made the countdown every single year? How can Damian be so dense? Find all the answers –and a listener quiz too — in this episode:

*the list for 1998 is missing – please help us find it! 

David’s year-by-year Modern Rock 500 uber-list ( a true labor of love) is here.

And if you’d like to listen to the songs in chronological order (by release date) from oldest to newest, check out the playlist Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. 

Do you know the answer to the listener trivia question in the podcast? Email 97Xwoxy@gmail.com with your answer, and all correct entries will be entered into a drawing for… some sort of prize.

In our podcast chat with David, we reference an infamous outtake from Casey Kasem’s American Top 40. It was a long-distance dedication letter from a guy in Cincinnati. Enjoy! (But cover the ears of your kids and pets!)

Jam-uary rocks!

97X, Concert Listings, Concert review, Music, podcast

Let me be the 427th person to wish you a Happy New Year!

But also let me be the first person to wish you a Slappy New Year!

My resolution is to let you know about the cool musical artists coming to our area as we celebrate “Jam-uary” – which is a rockin’ portmanteau that I totally stole from Camp Springs Tavern in scenic Camp Springs, Kentucky. CST is putting the “jam” into January by hosting live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday all month long:

  • Bluegrass Jam on Thursdays – Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – starting at 6pm (shows below start at 7pm)
  • Slim Pickin’s on Friday the 9th
  • Stick & Bindle on Saturday the 10th
  • Betsy Smith on Friday the 16th
  • Witches of the Rifle Range and Kait & the California Kings on Saturday the 17th
  • Dave Webster on Friday the 23rd
  • Kurt Adams on Saturday the 24th
  • T. Lipscomb on Friday the 30th
  • South of Sin on Saturday the 31st

Whereas I will be jamming more Fig Newtons into my piehole all month long.

OK, let’s take a gander at the other gigs:

Tonight, The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars play… you guessed it… the Comet. Note: The Comet bar is not to be confused with the cleaner that young Robby Benson used to hawk.

On Thursday:

  • Maggie Antone plays Southgate’s Sanctuary, with Ava Hall opening
  • A1A (the official and original Jimmy Buffett tribute show) will be at the Ludlow Garage

Hmm, that “A1A” name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?

On Friday:

  • Joe’s Truck Stop plays Northside Tavern
  • Bogart’s has Ten, A Tribute to Pearl Jam
  • The Funky Ducks play MOTR with the Brian Bacon Band and SUN.DYLE
  • Laid Back Country Picker and 9 LB Hammer play Southgate.

Hmm, “Hammer” sounds familiar. Where have I heard that before?

Catch Richard Lloyd Group with The Dummy Ups at MOTR on Saturday. (Richard Lloyd was in Television. Word on the street is that he’s a decent guitarist…)

That same evening, the Liberty Theater has bluesman Mike Milligan & Steam Shovel, and Bogart’s hosts The Four Horsemen. They are billed as “the only album-quality Metallica tribute” but this one works too:

Real Estate plays the Woodward on Tuesday, January 13. I’ll be there, and you should be too! Note: purchasing a ticket to Real Estate does not require a regular mortgage or a reverse mortgage.

G. Love & Special Sauce will be at the Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, January 14. (G. Love & Special Sauce is not to be confused with “Glove and no special sauce” which was a scene from Animal House.)

Jess Lamb & Friends play MOTR on Thursday, January 15, and Southgate has Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus songwriter showcase.

On Friday, January 16, Amythyst Kiah plays Southgate, and Ludlow Garage has The Ultimate Doors. (“Ultimate Doors” in a Garage are not to be confused with the garage door company named after Amy and Erin.)

On Saturday, January 17:

  • Trampled by Turtles plays the Taft
  • Denitia (an NPR “artist to watch”) plays the Liberty Theater, with Maria Carrelli opening.

Eaglemania hits Ludlow Garage on Sunday the 18th. Note: Eaglemania may result in excessive hotel charges.

Liberty Theater has Back2Mac (Fleetwood Mac tribute) on Thursday, January 22.

On Friday, January 23:

  • Charlie Starr (of Blackberry Smoke) plays Ludlow Garage
  • Bogart’s gets in on the tribute band action with Thunderstruck (“America’s AC/DC tribute band.”)

on Saturday, January 24:

  • Low Gap plays Southgate with Julia DiGrazia as the opener
  • Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Souther-Hillman-Furay Band) is at Ludlow Garage
  • Rob Thomas plays the Hard Rock Casino

Hey look, it’s another tribute band: Pet Sounds plays Ludlow Garage on Sunday, January 25. Note: “Pet Sounds” (the Beach Boys tribute band) is not to be confused with a See ‘n Say:

On Monday, January 26, The Faux Frenchmen play Memorial Hall.

The Sadies and Krystal Peterson play Southgate on Wednesday, January 28.

On Thursday, January 29, it’s The Infamous Stringdusters with Mountain Grass Unit at the Taft.

Gigs on Friday, January 30:

  • Umphrey’s McGee plays the Peter Brady
  • Woodward Theater has a very nice triple bill with Sharp Pins (GBV-esque), Good Flying Birds, and Artificial Go. I’ll be at that gig with list member Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube (he’s on Inhailer Fridays 11a-3p)
  • Southgate has a Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds tribute band called Monkeys on a String.

Annnd the month wraps up on Saturday, January 31 with:

  • The Collies (my son’s in that band!) playing The Vault in Mt. Lookout from 8-11 p.m. First beer’s on me!
  • The Tillers and Maria Carrelli at Southgate
  • Jimmy Davis Blues at Liberty Theater
  • And yes, there are not one but two tribute band shows: Let’s Groove Tonight (Earth, Wind & Fire) plus a Kool & the Gang tribute band at Ludlow Garage, and Madison Theater has “Tell Me Lies: The Fleetwood Mac Experience.”

We love it live!

Erika Wennerstrom playing a sold-out show at The Columbia: spellbinding! (Great to see list members Kevin, Tom, Jamie, Rico, and Coffee Kyle in the house too!)

(If you’re keeping score at home, Erika’s show was Concert #40 for me in 2025.)

The dreaded “In Memoriam” section

Joe Ely was a rare gem.

Raul Malo had a voice from the heavens.

Steve Cropper was a soul man through and through.

Record exec Howie Klein was one of the few good “suits.”

Perry Bamonte played guitar with The Cure for 15 years and rejoined them for their recent tours.

My admiration for their admiration

I get positively giddy when artists I like show some love for other artists I like.

And Chuck and Lisa from Wussy gave a shout-out to Buffalo Tom on one of their recent “Forever Sounds Radio” shows on WAIF-FM:

Speaking of Buff Tom, lead singer Bill Janovitz speaks the truth:

A list of the lists

The website Album of the Year (one of my go-to sites for new releases) has links to dozens of year-end “best of” lists.

And shout-out to John Richards of KEXP for putting this 2025 release from the band Suzzallo on my radar – it’s a rocker:

Here’s Suzzallo’s live in-studio performance on KEXP:

Shameless self-promotion

The three most recent “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast episodes feature Dave Tellmann and I chatting with:

  1. the folks behind Undertow Music (they book the house shows that I’ve hosted).
  2. Chris DeVille, the managing editor of Stereogum and author of the new book Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion.
  3. former 97X DJ Rictile and list member Todd Butler about the old 97X Home Invasion live broadcasts (warning: post contains photos of scantily clad men).

Out, out, damned Spot(ify)!

Speaking of Stereogum’s Chris DeVille, he lists several bands who have pulled their music from Spotify.

Laura Burhenn (The Mynabirds) also makes a strong case for choosing an alternative on the Undertow site.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has invested €600m Euros — nearly $700m USD — in Helsing, an AI military start-up of which he is now Chairman. Spotify is literally using money generated from artists’ work to create death and destruction in our world. And recently, Spotify has started taking money from their US subscribers to pay for ICE recruitment ads.

Hot ticket alert

Wussy is playing a full band show at The Woodward on Friday, February 27. Get tickets here.

Letters to the editor (and hope for the future)

From list member Lisa Collins:

Album Cover(s) of the Week(s): New Year, New You!

Leg warmers sold separately.

I’m all for figure control, but if I tried Fran’s cover pose, I’d fracture several vertebrae.

Yes, “Boogie” will be my morning exercise routine in 2026. Especially if I can scale walls and crash through windows like the S.W.A.T. team:

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Home Invasion memories with Rictile

97X, Music, podcast

DJs in PJs. Wiener dogs in chariots. Bowling in a pool. A surprise birthday party. Crab crawl contests. Jarts. A bogus wedding. And of course, Rictile in a Speedo. The 97X Breakfast Club “Home Invasion” live broadcasts were a way to take the insanity of the 97X DJs out of the studio and onto the road. Havoc and hilarity always ensued. We talk to former 97Xer Rictile — who originated the Home Invasion idea at the station — and longtime listener Todd Butler, who hosted one of the early home invasions. They share their memories from the live broadcasts – and once again, havoc and hilarity ensue.

Rictile does the nearly-nude news while Randy the Redneck makes sure he stays hydrated.

Below is a special t-shirt that was created for a Breakfast Club Reunion/Home Invasion in Lebanon, Ohio at the home of John and Pat George in August of 1998.

Is this Rictile at a home invasion? Maybe, maybe not. But he’s definitely in a home – that counts, right?

Screenshot from our chat with Rictile and Todd. Rictile is NOT shown below the waist. You’re welcome!

As you can see, Rictile has matured a lot over the past 30+ years. He no longer wears a Speedo in public (unless you ask). Nowadays, he makes appearances as the “Dirty Mayor” in a suit jacket and tie. Oh, and no pants, of course!

Todd, Rictile and Dave show off their 97X promo items.

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Chris Deville, author of Such Great Heights

97X, books, Music, podcast

Chris DeVille is the managing editor of Stereogum and the author of a new book called Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion. He joins us to talk about his book, aptly billed as “the definitive history of 21st century indie rock—from Iron & Wine and Death Cab for Cutie to Phoebe Bridgers and St. Vincent—and how the genre shifted the musical landscape and shaped a generation.”

We discuss what “indie” means, the effect of easier access to music via streaming, how Stereogum is a kindred spirit of 97X, why the book title works on multiple levels, and the ongoing need for music curation. 

Here’s Chris’ own description of the book from his article in Stereogum:

Photo credit: Tim Johnson/Columbus Monthly. Check out the Columbus Monthly interview with Chris here.

I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Each chapter includes a recommended soundtrack of songs that are mentioned in that chapter. The Chapter 1 soundtrack will be quite recognizable to 97X listeners:

This book page has links to purchase the book at multiple retailers.

And of course our post wouldn’t be complete without The Postal Service:

‘Tis the season (for songs)

97X, Concert Listings, Concert review, Music, podcast, woxy.com

It’s a December to remember. Especially with 0% aper.

Unfortunately for music lovers like you (and me!), the ol’ Koncert Keeper tends to be mostly holiday shows. But there are a few nuggets worth digging for in the music mix. Let’s peek at our presents:

This Wednesday is Ween Wednesday at The Columbia in the East End. They’ll be spinning the live At The Cat’s Cradle album from 6-10 p.m. BYOB.

On Thursday, the Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana hosts a free Songwriters in the Round show featuring Anne Bangert, Steve Covington, and Charlie Overman.

Friday shows:

  • The Raisins (the Cincinnati ones, not the California ones) kick off a two-night stand at the Woodward
  • MOTR hosts a free Indie Rock Extravagant-za with Girl Gordon, Kind Skies (Lexington), and Pout
  • Moviola, the Wussy Duo, and Nervous Verbs play The Comet
  • Damien Escobar is at Ludlow Garage. (If you go, tell him he spells his first name incorrectly.)
  • Old Crow Medicine Show has a “Holiday Hootenanny” at the Taft Theatre
  • Monday Night Big Band Holiday Show at the Redmoor
  • Yung Gravy (not a Thanksgiving leftover) is at Ovation

Saturday:

  • The Raisins are back at the Woodward. I have a ticket for this show but can no longer use it – if you want it (free!), hit me up via text, or the comments, or passenger pigeon.
  • Dead Centric plays Stanley’s
  • Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus (songwriter showcase) at Southgate
  • Ludlow Garage has Aja, a tribute to Steely Dan

On Sunday, December 7:

  • Soul Coughing plays the Madison Theater
  • Steel Panther plays Bogart’s

Heart plays the Carol Brady on Monday, December 8.

(Carol had too much of Alice’s favorite dish: “Sam The Butcher’s Sausage Stuffing.”)

Thievery Corporation plays Bogart’s on Tuesday, December 9. (Fun fact: “Thievery Corporation” is the official LLC name for Ticketmaster.)

Oh, and the Phil DeGreg Trio plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Memorial Hall on 12/8 and 12/9.

The Taft Theatre hosts back-to-back holiday shows:

  • Straight No Chaser “Holiday Road” on Wednesday, 12/10
  • Preservation Hall Jazz Band “Creole Christmas” on Thursday, 12/11

Gigs on Friday, 12/12:

  • Eric Gales at Ludlow Garage
  • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder do a Christmas show at Memorial Hall
  • The New Royals (funk revival) play two sets at MOTR

Saturday, 12/13:

  • Samantha Fish, Cedric Burnside and Jon Spencer at the Ludlow Garage
  • A Very Motherfolk Christmas at Bogart’s
  • Cinci Folk Festival (Maria Carrelli, The Montvales, Jolly Old Hawk, et al.) at Southgate
  • Crown Watts performs the music of Rush at the Madison Theater

Ludlow has Irish Christmas in America on Wednesday, 12/17.

Shows on Thursday, 12/18:

  • Liberty Theater has another free Songwriters in the Round show with Rachel Holt and Naomi Carman
  • Jess Lamb & Friends do a jam session at MOTR
  • The SunBurners and Queen City Silver Stars play an Island Christmas show at The Redmoor (they do the same show on Friday 12/19 also)

Friday, 12/19:

  • Erika Wennerstrom plays a sold-out solo show at The Columbia on Eastern Avenue. Didn’t get tickets? You can’t say I didn’t warn you:

That same evening, Over the Rhine kicks off their three-night “Acoustic Christmas” stand at Memorial Hall, and Chris Isaak plays the Hard Rock Casino

Saturday, 12/20:

  • The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at Southgate
  • Over the Rhine at Memorial Hall
  • “An Olde English Christmas” with Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits at Ludlow – there’s a matinee show and an evening gig. BYOB.

Then, the Xmas lull kicks in. But there’s still time to get the perfect gift for someone special.

On Boxing Day (Friday, 12/26), Ludlow has ESC4P3 (a Journey tribute band).

On Saturday, 12/27:

  • Bershy plays Madison Live, with Multimagic and Phanta
  • The Woodward Theater hosts a “Holiday Hangover” show with Sylmar and Mosant

And finally, the year will wrap up with a bait-and-switch bang as the Hot Red Chili Peppers host a Red Hot countdown to 2026 at the Ludlow Garage on New Year’s Eve.

That same day (Lord willin’), your humble scribe will be celebrating yet another birthday.

We love it live!

The Mynabirds (a.k.a. Laura Burhenn) put on a great show at The Columbia last night. Laura is super-nice, she had high praise for woxy.com, and she brought her dog along on tour.

The Cereal Killers masquerading as The Distractions were note-perfect on their Elvis Costello set, and Dot.Dot.Dot. did justice to their R.E.M. covers at The Village Theater in Covington.

Foxy John loves it live too!

Speaking o’ R.E.M., here’s a shot of list member John Fox (2nd from right) hanging out with Mike Mills and Steve Gorman (Black Crowes) after the Howl Owl Howl show in Indy. Steve and his brother (at right) went to WKU with John’s brother and sister.

Live on tape is pretty cool as well!

MJ Lenderman & The Wind on Austin City Limits is well worth the watch – go to the 26:37 mark for the start of their set.

Two thumbs up for new Crooked Fingers

Eric Bachmann and friends with a new tune called “Cold Waves” – so hot right now!

The “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast gets Freek-y

Dave and I chatted with Freekbass. Check it out here or wherever you get your podcasts, and check out the post on the 97Xbam website for some bonus content, including a throwback Sleep Theater show on video.

Letters to the editor

List member Bruce Frasure shared this bit of musical lore via Jason Narducy’s Instagram:

Nearly seven years ago, I did a blog post about the sudden disappearance of the band Sons of Bill featuring brothers James, Sam, and Abe Wilson. Just this week, 1/3 of the mystery was solved via this comment:

And list member and official Old People Fall Headguard Hat Spokesmodel Dan Lewis aired yet another grievance after we published this photo in our last post:

You’re right, Dan, I am the worst. Speaking of Python, you might want to spend some of your retirement time tutoring the youth of America.

Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)

Yes, needlepoint rocks!

Uh, the photo perspective really highlights Steve’s pants, which are so tight we can tell what religion he is. Somebody please cover that with a Dawn throw pillow!

Ah, yes, a balm for sore eyes. But wait, is that Steve Gibbons in the back? Is he wearing pants?

2 responses to “‘Tis the season (for songs)”

  1. Lisa+Collins Avatar
    Lisa+Collins

    Hey Damian! Thought of you today when I was at Plaid Room Records getting nostalgic! I was perusing The Smiths section when a young man – couldn’t have been twenty yet – told me they have the really good albums “in the back”. He was looking for the same albums – my faith in the youth of America was restored!

    Reply
    1. Damian Avatar
      Damian

      That’s great, thanks for sharing, Lisa! (P.S. you told him Morrissey was a wanker now, right?)

      Reply

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97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Getting funky with Freekbass

97X, Music, podcast

Legendary musician Freekbass got his start in Cincinnati bands like Sleep Theater and Shag. Both got airplay on 97X, and Sleep Theater played the 97X 10th Year concert at Bogart’s with Barenaked Ladies, Too Much Joy and the Royal Crescent Mob. We talked to Chris about his roots (and The Roots), his friendship with Bootsy Collins, his Times Square billboard, the freek-y way that Jimmy Fallon wound up impersonating him on The Tonight Show, his sense of style, and his current gigs on TikTok and YouTube. 

Freekbass will be playing his annual Funksgiving hometown show on Friday, November 28th at Radio Artifact (the inner sanctum of the Urban Artifact taproom in Northside). He’ll be joined by Rico Lewis (Parliament Funkadelic) on drums, and Cincinnati singer-songwriter Matt Waters opens the show. You can get tickets here.

You can find Freekbass doing his thang (“The Freekquency”) for his legion of fans (a.k.a. the FreekSquad) six nights a week on TikTok. And he’s now doing a couple of weekly shows on YouTube. (You can also keep up with his latest escapades on Instagram.)

As discussed during the podcast interview, Damian wrote a profile of Freekbass for the July issue of Cincinnati Magazine. That article featured some really cool photography from Devyn Glista, and a Cincinnati Magazine reader sent the main photo spread to The Tonight Show for Jimmy Fallon’s recurring “Lookalikes” segment. Here’s what happened next:

Freekbass was featured on a Times Square billboard last December.

Freekbass’ wife Angie Wilson is a DAAP grad and helps create and source his amazing wardrobe. She even made this panda bear suit that he wore to the TikTok Global Creators awards show.

[Photo by Devyn Glista for Cincinnati Magazine]

Freekbass is a protégé of the #1 Funkateer, Bootsy Collins, who gave the erstwhile Chris Sherman his nickname/stage name.

The “Others” listed on the 97X 10th Year Concert ticket shown above wound up being Sleep Theater.

Here’s footage of a Sleep Theater show from back in 1987, with Rob Hamrick on guitar and vocals, Johnny Miracle on drums, and Itaal Shur on keyboards.

Itaal – Chris’ boyhood buddy – would go on to become an in-demand songwriter and producer. He co-wrote the Santana/Rob Thomas smash “Smooth.” (You can read an oral history of that song in Rolling Stone.)

We went deep into the interwebs to find more Sleep Theater tunes. You’re welcome!

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Howard Cohen is the main Distraction

97X, Concert Listings, Music, podcast

Howard Cohen, lead singer of the “Rumblings from the Big Bush” house band Cereal Killers, joins the “Rumblings” dynamic duo to talk about a fun gig the night before Thanksgiving, when he and his bandmates will be covering Elvis Costello & the Attractions songs as “The Distractions.” And they’ll be joined on the bill by the band Dot.Dot.Dot. covering R.E.M. tunes, and Chalk Eye. Howard also talks about 97Xposure and why he and his bandmates keep on keepin’ on. 

You can find out more about the Cereal Killers on their Facebook page.

Dot.Dot.Dot. – the band on the bill covering R.E.M. — includes Wes Pence of Middlemarch and The Ready Stance, as well as Justin Lynch (Filthy McNasty, Poke, and Wojo) and Aaron Zlatkin (Wojo) with Kyle Knapp (The Turkeys) handling the Michael Stipe vocal duties. You can read Brian Baker’s profile of the band in CityBeat for more info.

Here’s a shot of Cereal Killers as The Ramones from Halloween last year.

And here’s Howard with his cherished 97X box cutter.

See you at the show on 11/26!