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Step out… to a concert!

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

We hear the CEO of Astronomer is a big fan of stepping out to see Coldplay in concert.

Uh, make that the former CEO of Astronomer.

Let that be a lesson to you: if you’re gonna be on a kiss cam, make sure you’re in full KISS makeup!

Let’s turn our attention to the state of affairs in concerts, instead of affairs AT concerts.

Tonight, Beck plays PNC Pavilion with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Molly Lewis — a whistler! — is the opener.

Tuesday shows really run the gamut. You’ve got Mavis Staples (Memorial Hall), The Crane Wives (Bogart’s) and Pantera (Riverbend).

Thursday is action-packed:

  • Silverada (formerly Mike & the Moonpies) at Southgate
  • Ben Turner and TyeDye (featuring list member John Sandman) play the free “Roots Revival” show at Washington Park – I’ll be at that gig
  • RiversEDGE in Hamilton has Jeremie Albino and CFG & the Family for free
  • Silversun Pickups play the Burl in Lexington
  • The Cincinnati Music Festival kicks off with a celebration of Hip Hop at the Carol Brady (Scarface, Goodie Mob, Sugarhill Gang with the Furious Five, and Young MC)
  • The Village People hit Ludlow Garage

Breaking news, the Village People gig has been cancelled. Guess they’re too old to tour anymore.

Friday shows:

  • Dinosaur Jr., Snail Mail and Easy Action play the Jan Brady (I’ll be there!)
  • Rick Wakeman (keyboard wizard for Yes) plays Ludlow Garage
  • The Offspring will be at Riverbend with Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory
  • The Cincinnati Music Festival moves to Please Pay Trey Hendrickson Stadium, with Earth, Wind & Fire headlining
  • Punkadelick and Us, Today play Northside Tavern
  • Goldpine and The Burney Sisters are at Southgate in the Revival Room
  • Coastal Club plays MadTree’s Pop-up Christmas Party in their Oakley taproom/dog kennel

More breaking news: the Rick Wakeman show has been postponed. He must’ve sprained his ankle playing pickleball with the Retirement Village People.

On Saturday:

  • Sami Riggs has an EP release show at Southgate, with Coy Comer, The Laurelys, and Veronica Grim also on the bill
  • LL Cool J tops the CMF lineup
  • The Rose Music Center in Huber Heights features Bachman-Turner Overdrive with The Marshall Tucker Band and Jefferson Starship
  • School of Rock Cincinnati plays a free show to wrap up the Glendale Summer Concert Series.

Peter Mayer plays Southgate on Sunday, July 27.

If you’re up for a road trip, Ducks Ltd. play the Rumba Café in Columbus next Monday.

On Tuesday, July 29, Cyndi Lauper plays Riverbend, and Todd Lipscomb hosts the open mic session at MOTR pub.

On Wednesday, July 30, you’re in for a surprise… a Rainbow Kitten Surprise. They play an outdoor show at the Ovation in Newport.

Next Thursday, July 31, there are a trio of free shows on the docket:

  • Sonya Moomaw and Bedel & Hibbard play the freebie at Washington Park
  • Ace Monroe plays the Levitt in Dayton
  • Queen Legacy (a Queen tribute band) plays RiversEDGE in Hamilton, with The Wonderlands opening

And Sheila E. kicks off a two-night stand at Ludlow Garage (the Friday show is sold-out)

On Friday, August 1, the On Point Music Festival kicks off a two-day run at Sawyer Point, with a boatload of local bands. Here’s the full lineup:

Other 8/1 shows:

  • of Montreal plays the Woodward
  • Ovation has John Lodge of The Moody Blues (“John Lodge” would be a great name for the communal restrooms at a KOA campground)
  • Sheila E. is back in the Garage
  • The Harmed Brothers play Southgate’s Revival Room with Sug Daniels and The Pinkerton Raid (the leader of Pinkerton Raid is a friend of list member Chuck W.
  • Blueprint plays a freebie at the Levitt in Dayton
  • Jim Trace & the Makers play at Arnold’s
  • One of the 5,827 country artists named “Luke” plays Riverbend

On Saturday, August 2, The Collies (a.k.a. the band my son Gabriel is in) play the patio at Anderson Township Pub.

Stop by, say hi, listen to some rock covers and a few originals. First beer’s on me!

Other 8/2 shows:

  • The On Point Music Festival continues at Sawyer Point
  • MOTR has Saving Escape, Mosant, and Satellite Dog
  • April Wine, Molly Hatchet, and Sweet play the Rose
  • If you prefer savory to Sweet, Dayton still has you covered: Fraze Pavilion hosts Bacon Fest!
  • If you prefer blues to bacon, Dayton’s Levitt Pavilion has Chambers DesLauriers with Heather Redman & the Reputation

On Sunday, August 3, you don’t need a time machine…

… you just need a ticket to one of these throwback shows:

  • Macy Gray is at the Ludlow Garage
  • Air Supply celebrates 50 years of soft rockin’ your face off at the Rose
  • Toto, Christopher Cross, and Men at Work play Riverbend

Seeing Toto and Christopher Cross on the Riverbend bill reminds me that I need to remind you to watch ALL of the Yacht Rock spoofs. But Toto and CC figure prominently in this one:

More time machine tunes are sailing into the Rose on Tuesday, August 5 – this time it’s the 90s, with Toad the Wet Sprocket, Semisonic, and Sixpence None the Richer.

We love it live!

Great show from Father John Misty, Lucinda Williams, and Hamilton Leithauser at the Bobby Brady last week (with list member “Rico”). Lu is one of my all-time faves, and while the stroke she had a few years ago has slowed her down, she’s still out there rockin’ in the free world, and her voice is still amazing.

Another road dog, Chuck Prophet, put on a fantastic (and totally free) show at the Levitt with his Cumbia Shoes band on Thursday. List members Kevin S. and Geoff S. were in the house (we should’ve carpooled!).

Keep that Ford Econoline going, Chuck!

We’re talking Honky Tonkin’!

List member Eric Weltner has a new movie premiering at the Southgate House on August 23. And because the movie is about Honky Tonkin’, there will be some lively live music too!

The official movie trailer is below, you can learn more about the project on Facebook here, and you can get tickets to the flick/gig here.

River Roots: it’s “Sweater” weather

The old “Tall Stacks” is sorta-kinda back – it’s now called “America’s River Roots Festival.” The musical headliners for Oct. 10, 11, and 12 are Mt. Joy, Weezer, and Maren Morris, respectively, and the full lineup is here. It’s not quite up to the level of some of the old Tall Stacks lineups, which were killer.

Shameless self-promotion (while also promoting reading)

In addition to my day job (trying to make corporate communications slightly less boring – wish me luck!) and my second job (playing pickleball) and my third job (whatever this music blog/newsletter thingy is…), I sometimes manage to carve out a bit of time to do something productive. In this case, it’s a story in the July issue of Cincinnati Magazine about Freekbass.

Check it out! Cincinnati Magazine‘s July issue is on sale now wherever fine periodicals are sold. But list member John Fox (editor of the aforementioned Cincinnati Magazine) and I both think you should subscribe. Come for the Chicken Parm, stay for the Freekbass.

I even got a byline on the cover. This is the sort of spontaneous publicity — your name in print — that makes people!

Tell a buddy, bring a friend

A tip o’ the cap to list members Dan Bockrath and Geoff “Swine Dawg” Schwein (who makes the world’s best spicy pretzels… I can hook you up if you want proof!) for sharing the music list love with some friends who have subscribed (against their better judgment, no doubt). If you know someone who enjoys haphazard lists of local concerts, delivered sporadically, in a difficult-to-follow “format”, then by all means send them my way! Maybe I can eventually monetize this mess and sell some ads, like this one:

“Talented musician”… we all know it’s former REO Speedwagon keyboardist Neal Doughty.

Guess he had to settle for the first two items on his list, as he never found “music innovations.”

Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)

(Photo taken in Newport Beach, California by Neal Doughty talented musician)

I have no idea what’s going on in this album cover photo, but I know a talented musician who wants in on the action.

May the Concert Force be with you

97X, Concert Listings, Music

I still owe you a beer, because Cereal Killers had to cancel their Earth Day gig:

I blame global climate change. But I’ll try to stay positive, like CK and The Hold Steady advise.

Rather than lament what could have been, let’s take a look at the future.

Tonight, Ben Folds plays Music Hall with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Shakey Graves is at Bogart’s. Music Hall has an orchestra pit, and Bogart’s is a pit… same difference.

Tomorrow night, Tesla plays the Greg Brady. Greg used to drive a Tesla.

Too soon?

On Friday night, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit kick off a two-night stand at the Cindy Brady. My lovely bride and I will be at that show courtesy of list members Whit and Barb Gardner.

Also on Friday, Will Kimbrough plays Southgate, and “Tusk” (either a Fleetwood Mac tribute or a tribute to Smedley the original mascot for Cap’n Crunch Peanut Butter) plays Ludlow Garage.

Jason Isbell will be whipping out his 400 Unit again on Saturday at the Peter Brady. (That’s not as dirty as it sounds.)

Speaking of not dirty, you can’t get more squeaky clean (and let’s be honest, lily white) than the Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church. And that’s the venue for a Downtowne Listening Room show featuring 3 Nashville singer-songwriters: Rob Harris, Marcia Ramirez and Mike Waldron.

Another Saturday night gig is “An evening on the farm with The Tillers” at Lost Bridge Beverage Co. in North Bend. (Weather permitting.)

August Burns Red plays Bogart’s on Sunday, and the “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” tour comes to Woodward Theater.

On Monday, May 1st, Memorial Hall hosts Majesty – A Tribute to Queen. Rumor has it Harry and Megan are miffed that they aren’t on the guest list.

On Tuesday, May 2nd, Snail Mail plays the Woodward. List member Mighty Joe Sampson and I will be there, bringing the average age up by 15 years.

Father John Misty plays Bogart’s on Wednesday, May 3rd. Speaking of misty, Bogart’s now has a misting tent… wait, my bad, that’s actually just spray from a broken toilet.

Other 5/3 gigs:

  • Robert Plant and Alison Krauss play the Rose Music Center in scenic Huber Heights
  • Gary Clark Jr. is at the Cindy Brady

Kamasi Washington is at Ludlow Garage on Thursday, 5/4 and Memorial Hall is really living up to the “memorial” in their name, with yet another tribute: The Electric Light Orchestra Experience… “the American ELO!”

Next Friday is Cinco de Mayo… a day when many Americans like to pay tribute to a historic victory by the Mexican Army by… getting hammered on Corona and margaritas?

That’s kinda f*cked up… speaking of which, F*cked Up is playing the Woodward that night. Jess Lamb & the Factory are at City Nights (like a local version of Austin City Limits). And Ludlow Garage hosts Live at the Filmore (Allman Bros. tribute).

Next Saturday, May 6th:

  • Houndmouth plays the Ovation (yes, the Ovation, not using that ridiculous corporate name)
  • Billy Idol sneers his way through a show at PNC Pavilion
  • The Amy Ray Band (she of Indigo Girls fame) plays Ludlow Garage with Kevn Kinney as the opener – that’s a heapin’ helpin’ of ATL goodness!
  • Sylmar, Massing and Moonbeau (that’s 3 local bands, not a law firm) are at Southgate.
  • Some horses run around a track in Louisville.

On Sunday, May 7th, Australian songwriter John Butler plays Memorial Hall.

Distant Early Warning

The Beths are playing the Woodward on August 21st… if you don’t go to that show, we can no longer be friends.

“Future” Reminder

Dave Tellmann and I will be co-hosting a 97X book event at the Mercantile Library on Thursday, May 11th. Here’s how Dave sold the Merc on us:

Album Cover of the Fortnight

Wow, I’m shocked that this album has a Parental Advisory!

The Long Winter

97X, Concert Listings, Music, podcast

Whatever happened to The Long Winters? I loved that band.

Let’s talk live music during our long winter… which could get even longer if a rodent sees his shadow in the week ahead.

Tonight:

  • The not-always-cheerful Neko Case plays Memorial Hall
  • Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket) is at Ludlow Garage
  • The Mortals headline a MOTR show
  • Bret Michaels (of hairband and hair band fame) plays the Hard Rock Casino

Wait, I’ve just been informed that it might be Fergie who is playing the Hard Rock:

On Saturday, the Tillers play Southgate, the Harlequins play Northside Tavern, and The 5th Dimension (featuring one original member… no, not Marilyn McCoo… no, not Billy Davis Jr. either) brings their beautiful balloon all the way down to Ludlow Garage.

The Wailin’ Jennys are at Memorial Hall on Wednesday.

The Way Down Wanderers play Southgate on Thursday. It’s Groundhog Day, so if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, they will play there for six weeks.

Next Friday, there’s a tribute to local legend David Rhodes Brown at Southgate House, featuring members of the Warsaw Falcons, 500 Miles to Memphis, Chalkeye, The Star Devils, The Tammy Whynots, Maria Carrelli, Dead Man String Band, The Modified, Missy Fairmount, Paul and Sylvia Mitchell, KY Timbre and the Hillbilly Harem, Mister Moriah, Veronica Grim.

R.I.P. D.R.B.

That same evening, John Cowan plays Ludlow and .38 Special plays the Hard Rock Casino. They will be rockin’ into the night slot machines.

On Saturday, Feb. 4th:

  • Dan Bern plays Southgate, with Brandon Costello as the opener
  • Macy Gray plays Ludlow Garage
  • Ovation in Newport hosts An Evening with Lotus

On Sunday, 2/5, Bogart’s has Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime

Noted opera singer Adam Sandler plays the Coliseum on Monday, 2/6.

On Tuesday, 2/7, Supersuckers are at Southgate.

The Dirty Streets and Heavy Hinges play Southgate on Thursday, 2/9.

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder are at Memorial Hall on Friday, Feb. 10th. Kentucky Thunder is usually a harbinger of Kentucky Rain… which has been known to create this:

There’s quite a grab bag of shows (and venues) on Saturday, Feb. 11th:

  • Blackberry Smoke plays the Lawrenceburg Event Center
  • Joe’s Truck Stop, Willy Tea Taylor and Jordan Smart play Southgate’s Revival Room
  • The Judds (featuring one original member!) are at the Nutter Center in Dayton
  • The Coliseum hosts the Legendz of the Streetz Tour (in case you hadn’t guessed from the use of the “z plurals” — there will be hippin’ and/or hoppin’ at that show. Per the show description, it will be “an interchanging ensemble of some of the most Iconic names in Hip-Hop including Rick Ross, Jeezy, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Jadakiss, Cam’ron with Special Guest Jucee Froot”
  • Last, and most incongruously of all, Michael Bolton will be at the Hard Rock Casino. (Which might be the first time that “Michael Bolton” and “Hard Rock” have been used in the same sentence.)

The Dearly Departed

I’m afraid to check the news these days, as it seems like musicians young (Jeremiah Green of Modest Mouse), not-so-young (Terry Hall of The Specials) and old (Christine McVie, Jeff Beck, et al.) are shuffling off this mortal coil at an ever-increasing pace. I do want to note two folks who did a lot to champion indie music:

Gary Smith was the founder of Fort Apache Studios in Boston.

As a producer and manager, Gary shepherded the careers of some of the era’s most influential artists, among them Pixies, Throwing Muses, Tanya Donelly, Juliana Hatfield, and Natalie Merchant. But his impact transcended the realm of records and contracts. Gary brought people together, cultivating a sense of family that sustained him and the many outsiders, misfits, and dreamers fortunate enough to travel in his orbit.

Read Gary’s full obit here

Lin Brehmer was a host on WXRT in Chicago for 30 years.

Lin Brehmer often ended his radio essay segment “Lin’s Bin” by saying, “Take nothing for granted. It’s great to be alive.”

Read the entire tribute here.

Hot ticket alert

The Woodward Theater recently added three cool shows:

  • Snail Mail on Tuesday, May 2nd (list member Mighty Joe Sampson and I will be in the house for that one)
  • F*cked Up on Friday, May 5th (lead singer is Damian… cool name!)
  • Damien Jurado (great guy, despite misspelling his first name…) on Friday, June 2nd.

Hot tunes alert

boygenius (Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers) announced a full-length album. Check out three choice tunes from it here on Stereogum or below.

Hot Pod Alert

Remember that time when a Goo Goo Doll tried to beat up a sound man? The staffers who were at 97X back in ’93 (Steve Baker, Phil Manning, Jae Forman, etc.) recall that ill-fated “Day in Eden” concert that turned into a day from hell, and they share their memories here.

Recommended Reading

The New Yorker has a nice (albeit short) feature on Wet Leg. Love this quote from Rhian Teasdale of that band:

Recommended shopping

Hat tip to list member Todd Butler for the video

Album Cover of the Week… or just February 2nd

Step aside, Punxsutawney Phil!