Tag: Cleveland Concerts

Elvis Costello’s Restless Creativity Makes for Slightly Uneven Akron Concert – Cleveland Scene

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Elvis Costello is nothing if not unpredictable.

Even when he’s on a tour with longtime backing band The Imposters that focuses on songs from the first decade of his career, Costello isn’t content to churn out rote recitations. That tinkering can produce occasionally frustrating results, but it’s never boring, as evidenced by the singer/songwriter’s 27-song, 130-minute set Saturday night at the Akron Civic Theatre.

Yes, many of the favorites were played. They just may not have sounded like you remember them.

Costello was making his first appearance in northeast Ohio since a 2016 show with The Imposters at the same venue (which, like Saturday, was also the same night as a consequential Cleveland baseball game). Repeatedly pronouncing the city in which he was performing as “Ack-rohn,” he slyly said it was the “home of sin and mischief.

“That’s what they told me at the chamber of commerce,” he joked.

This time, he focused on material released from 1977 to 1986, when he was on a creative tear and made one rightfully acclaimed album after another that focused on punk, R&B, country, and many other genres. Opening with “Mystery Dance” from debut album “My Aim Is True,” all but one of the songs he played were from this period.

At 71 years old, Costello remains spry and a sneakily great guitarist with a voice that remains impressively intact. His piano-driven take on 1986’s “Poisoned Rose” was a perfect highlight for his range. He still can wail, growl and transition into falsetto, often in the same song.

But not unlike elder rock statesmen like Bob Dylan and Van Morrison, he likes to tweak melodies and arrangements. Whether it’s due to creative restlessness or otherwise, he does it a lot. And it sounds like some of it is done on the fly, which means he occasionally veered off-key.

Some tinkering worked better than others. It made for weird vocal lines and sluggish takes on “Accidents Will Happen” and “Radio Radio,” and an instrumentally neutered “Everyday I Write the Book” (which nevertheless featured some of Costello’s best singing of the night). They detracted from a show that, on paper, is a dream for hardcore and casual fans alike.

But other songs, like a propulsive run-through of Nick Lowe’s “Heart of the City” and a Latin-tinged acoustic take on “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” were near-perfect in their execution. In fact, a stripped-down six-song set was a highlight, and saw him loosening up a bit.

If Costello was slightly inconsistent, it wasn’t because of The Imposters, which features two members of his original backing band The Attractions, which formed in 1977. It also wasn’t the fault of guest guitarist Charlie Sexton, though he was somewhat underused until he busted out the tasteful lines of “Alison” late in the show.

Steve Nieve remains a whiz on every keyboard he touches, weaving around the other instrumental parts with ease. Bassist Davey Faragher proved his prowess on opener “Mystery Dance” and didn’t let up.

And drummer Pete Thomas, who’s the same age as Costello, can still replicate and build on parts he recorded on early records, particularly on a wild “Lipstick Vogue.”

The night was seemingly careening to the finish with a string of classics, climaxing with a definitive take on Brinsley Schwarz’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.” However, after finishing that song, Costello signaled he wasn’t done, a sentiment that appeared to surprise even those in the band.

“Alison” followed, as did an extended take on the eerie and lustful “I Want You,” which also featured snippets of The Beatles song of the same name and Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer.” It was a strange way to end the night (why didn’t he play these songs midway through the show?), especially after the climax of the previous run.

But whatever it was, it wasn’t expected.

Setlist:
1. Mystery Dance
2. Watching the Detectives
3. Green Shirt
4. Waiting for the End of the World
5. Less Than Zero
6. Little Triggers
7. Lovers Walk
8. King Horse
9. Opportunity
10. Accidents Will Happen
11. Lipstick Vogue
12. No Action
13. Poisoned Rose
14. Blood & Hot Sauce
15. Deportee
16. Brilliant Mistake
17. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
18. Clubland
19. Everyday I Write the Book
20. Radio Radio
21. High Fidelity
22. Heart of the City (Nick Lowe cover)
23. (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea
24. Pump It Up
25. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Brinsley Schwarz cover)
26. Alison
27. I Want You

Eric Heisig is a freelance writer in Cleveland. He can be reached at eheisig@gmail.com.

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September 28, 2025
Concert Photos: Michael Schenker Shreds at the Lorain Palace – Cleveland Scene

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Legendary German guitar god Michael Schenker bought his “My Years With UFO” tour to the Lorain Palace Theatre this week, showcasing tracks from his first five studio albums (1974-1978) with the critically acclaimed British band. Jared James Nichols opened the show. Here is all the action we caught.

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

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Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

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Photo by Joe Kleon

Photo by Joe Kleon

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September 26, 2025
Concert Photos: Soccer Mommy at the Globe Iron – Cleveland Scene

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Soccer Mommy played the Globe Iron last night with a seventeen-tune set. Taking the stage sharply at 9:10, the band played until 10:30. Openers Dummy played a dimly-lit stage, offering a forty-five-minute show, warming up the crowd for the shoegazer headliner. Here’s all the action we caught.

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September 26, 2025
Concert Photos: The Darkness Delivered Old-School Glam at the Agora – Cleveland Scene

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People love labels. Movie studios love to herald the release of a new movie as “This year’s…” then, whatever the progeny or two-point-oh they’re trying to push onto the public.

Record labels do the same; Greta van Fleet was heralded as the new Gen Z version of Led Zeppelin, and it worked for awhile, letting the young band act as a gateway to a generation of post-millennial streamers who may have no idea who Zeppelin is.

British hard rock outfit The Darkness can easily draw comparisons to Queen: frontman Justin Hawkins’ falsetto sounds quite a bit like early Freddie and, obviously, drummer Rufus Taylor is the offspring of legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor. Although Rufus didn’t join the band until about ten years ago, his addition to the band cements a valid comparison to one of popular music’s most legendary and important outfits. Queen’s DNA can be found in many of their tunes; Brian May-inspired licks can be heard on “Walking Through Fire” and “Open Fire,” but beyond that, the band has created its own unique sound, maybe flavored by other notorious outfits, but surely a creation of their own making.

Coming to prominence in 2003 with their debut Permission to Land, the band was a smash in their native England. Like many outfits, success caught up with them and two of the original members, including frontman Hawkins, left the quartet in early 2006.

Getting back together in 2011, original bassist Frankie Poullain and Hawkins rejoined the band and they’ve been going strong ever since.

While their name may evoke mystery or the absence of light, their stop at the Agora on Sunday night was anything but. Touring in support of their newest album Dreams on Toast, the quartet played to about a thousand diehard fans gathered to hear some hard rock soaked in old school glam. Sunday night’s tour stop was the last of the North American part of the tour; they came to Cleveland before embarking on a European leg, commencing September 30th in Brussels.

A little after 9:00, Justin Hawkins came out dressed in a large, oversized jacket a la David Byrne/Stop Making Sense. By the fourth tune he had shed the jacket and, by the end of the show, was stripped down to a pair of black shorts, knee-high gym socks and not much else. Donning his guitar, he hopped up and down across the stage, ducking and diving in between the red and orange gels that lit up the auditorium. He remained that way for the majority of the show.

Justin’s brother Dan took lead guitar duties, while Frankie Poullain thumped his bass dressed in an awesome homage to the 1970s and the all-that-glitters decade of excess.

Taylor came out from behind the kit, asked to remove his shirt, took the mic bare-chested, and offered lead vocals on a cover of The Stones’ “Dead Flowers.”

It seems that an obligatory Queen cover needed to be offered, so “Fat Bottomed Girls” became a late-set addition.

Playing a total of nineteen tunes, the outfit left after a two-tune encore, including “Conquerors” and “I Hate Myself.” Leaning heavily on their first album and their newest release, there were no tunes present from their sophomore release, One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back.

Irish openers Mark Daley and the Ravens played a 45-minute warm-up set of hard rock tunes.

Credit: Brian Lumley

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September 23, 2025
Concert Photos: Marky Ramone Tears Through Classic Punk at Beachland Show – Cleveland Scene

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Opening the show Cleveland, Ohio’s WHATEVER.. stormed the stage with a barrage of punk rock anthems. The band was active from 1991-1998 and reunited in 2023.The latest album Into Darker days has 12 new tracks with a few played Thursday night. The band is one of the Midwest’s most fierce punk acts around.

Drummer Marky Ramone is carrying the legacy of the Ramones as the band’s last surviving member, and doing so in fine fashion. He’s developed a new iteration of the iconic punk outfit that’s touring now, with a stop last night at the Beachland. Blasting through more than 30 greatest hits, the quartet thumped through crowd-pleasers like “I Wanna Be Sedated,” “Rockaway Beach,” “Beat on the Brat” and “Blitzkrieg Bop.”

Cleveland’s own Whatever, which reunited in 2023 after disbanding in 1998, opened and set the tone with some Midwest punk. Here’s all the action we caught.

Photos by : Jeff Jones Photography

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September 19, 2025
Sparks Gives Cleveland Career Overview As It Makes Up for Decades-Long Gap Between Local Concerts – Cleveland Scene

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Any concert Sparks plays is bound to disappoint a fan or two.

The art-pop duo of vocalist Russell Mael and his older brother, keyboardist Ron Mael, has made more than two dozen albums since 1971. With 20 song slots in any given show, that means many good ones won’t make the cut. Indeed, this reviewer can name at least five he really wanted to hear as the group prepared to play its first show in Northeast Ohio since the 1980s.

But Monday night’s concert at the Agora Theatre in Cleveland contained plenty of other worthy tunes from throughout the duo’s career. From the hard rock of “Whippings and Apologies” to the robotic dance stylings of “Beat the Clock” to the choral vocals of “JanSport Backpack,” the 100-minute show was a good overview of what the Maels dabbled in over more than five-decades of being stylistic chameleons.

Indeed, everyone who attended should feel fortunate the show even happened. The group was originally booked to play the Cleveland Masonic Temple. However, since venue owner TempleLive ceased operations here and in other cities, Sparks quickly moved a half-mile down Euclid Avenue to the Agora.

That move, and the whole rigmarole of ticketholders having to get their first ticket refunded while also buying a new one, may have explained why the show was far from a sellout. But the Maels didn’t seem to mind. Indeed, they paused multiple times between songs to take in applause.

And the adoration was well-earned. The group musical output, highlighted in the wonderful 2021 documentary “The Sparks Brothers,” has remained consistently strange and strong. That includes its latest album, “MAD!”, which the Males drew five songs from for Monday’s setlist.

The brothers have also earned praise for their foray into movies and being the force behind the Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard-starring rock opera “Annette” in 2021.

But they, as well as their four backing musicians, also brought it live. Russell, at 76 years old, sported a floral-pattern suit while bouncing across the stage, clapping and showing off his still-impressive falsetto. The bespectacled and (slightly) mustachioed Ron, at 80, mostly kept on his play-serious face as he propelled many of the songs with his prowess on the keys.

He emerged, though, to deliver vocals on the Broadway musical-esque “Suburban Homeboy” and old-timey dance moves on “The Number One Song in Heaven.”

The second half contained several of the group’s best-known songs, including the melancholic “When Do I Get to Sing ‘My Way’” and the playfully rocking “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us.” While the energy was high throughout, those songs and the ones surrounding it definitely ratcheted it up and never let it come down again.

So yes, while it’s easy to quibble that certain songs weren’t played, the performance itself was exceptional and ones that were slotted were mostly just as good. There’s just so many to choose from.

So next time, fellas, why don’t you play the following …

Setlist:
1. So May We Start
2. Do Things My Own Way
3. Reinforcements
4. Academy Award Performance
5. Goofing Off
6. Beat the Clock
7. Please Don’t Fuck Up My World
8. Running Up a Tab at the Hotel for the Fab
9. Suburban Homeboy
10. All You Ever Think About Is Sex
11. Drowned in a Sea of Tears
12. JanSport Backpack
13. Music That You Can Dance To
14. When Do I Get to Sing “My Way”
15. The Number One Song in Heaven
16. This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us
17. Whippings and Apologies
18. Lord Have Mercy
Encore:
19. The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte
20. All That

Eric Heisig is a freelance writer in Cleveland. He can be reached at eheisig@gmail.com.

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September 16, 2025
Concert Photos: Weird Al Celebrated 40 Years of Parodies at Blossom – Cleveland Scene

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Posted inMusic

The pop culture icon put on a genre-crossing show united by jokes and jams

by
Joe Kleon
September 15, 2025September 15, 2025

Weirld Al and Puddles the Clown at Blossom Credit: Joe Kleon

Tagged: Cleveland Concerts, Slideshow Gallery, Weird Al Concert

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September 15, 2025
Concert Photos: Alabama Shakes Lights Up Late Summer Night at Jacobs Pavilion – Cleveland Scene

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After going on hiatus in 2018, the Southern Rock band Alabama Shakes went their own ways. Lead singer Brittany Howard focused on a solo career while bassist Zac Cockrell and guitarist Heath Fogg quietly did their own thing.

Starting as a bar band focusing on covers, they quickly established a name for themselves due to Howard’s soulful vocals. Breaking out with their 2012 hit single “Hold On,” the band was subsequently nominated for three Grammys for their freshman effort Boys and Girls.

Their sophomore effort, Sound and Color, was released in 2015 and won them a handful of Grammys.

Drummer Steve Johnson found himself in a morass of legal troubles in 2020; the outfit eventually took a break and focused on their solo efforts.

Earlier in 2025, they decided to get back together, sans Johnson, and hit the road again. Last night’s Jacobs Pavilion was a sold-out affair; fans were on their feet though it was a seated show. Howard, spotlit at center stage, was the star of the show. Cockrell and Fogg, standing in the shadows as bookends to Howard, were barely noticeable in the dim light.

Playing a twenty-two song set with a three-tune encore, Howard and company delivered to fans what they’ve vied for since 2020. Her vocals on tunes such as “Hold On,” “Over My Head,” and “Shoegaze” lit up the brisk Cleveland night.

Opening was Sam Evian, a songwriter whose band played a forty-five minute set.

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September 9, 2025
Nine Inch Nails Thrillingly Vacillate Between Extremes at Rocket Arena

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Eric Heisig

Nine Inch Nails at Rocket Arena in Cleveland

Nine Inch Nails’ latest tour is all about extremes.

From piano ballads to industrial rockers to dance makeovers, the show the band puts on during its “Peel It Back Tour,” which included a stop Sunday at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, represents many of the things leader Trent Reznor and his crew have done since he started the project in this city in 1988.

And that, combined with first-class lights and graphics presentation, made for an exhilarating 100 minutes.

Before we go farther, though, let’s address what Reznor did during the show for Cleveland, which, in his own words, “shaped me into who I became.” The answer: not much. There was little to set this show apart from others on the tour. He even dropped a song from the upcoming soundtrack to “Tron: Ares” that online setlist show was played at other recent stops.

But that’s a minor gripe for what was otherwise one of the most unique concerts the city hosted this year.

Really, the show was about 2 1/2 hours long, as opening DJ Boys Noize played for roughly an hour, sounding like the music playing in a warehouse hosting a dance party as Batman bursts in to beat up the bad guys. There was no set break, and the DJ’s finale cued the curtain covering a small square stage set up in the middle of the arena to drop.

Reznor, whose band was making his first appearance in Northeast Ohio since a 2022 show at Blossom Music Center, was alone. He went right into 2005’s “Right Where It Belongs,” captivating a capacity crowd with just his voice and piano playing. Gradually, his bandmates joined him during “Ruiner” and “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now).”

Then it was to the main stage, where moody lighting, strobes and images projected onto and behind a transparent screen surrounding the band. That’s where Nine Inch Nails ripped into intense, feedback-laden takes on “Wish” and “March of the Pigs.” Reznor, alternating between guitar and clutching a microphone like his life depended on it, sounded just as good at age 60 as he did decades ago.
Special props also go to journeyman drummer/Foo Fighters castoff Josh Freese, who mercilessly pounded the skins throughout the night, and guitarist Robin Finck, who switched from histrionics to more mellow textures in a split second.

The show vacillated between the searing and the dance-y, from hits to deep cuts. For every hyper-aggressive song like “Mr. Self Destruct,” there was a “Copy of A” (which featured cartoon graphics following his stage moves). For every “Head Like a Hole,” there was the band’s cover of David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid of Americans”
And then there was the mid-show collaboration with Boys Noize, which saw the DJ collaborating live on remixes of 1994’s “Closer” and deeper tracks like “Vessel” and “Came Back Haunted.” The segment augmented the intensity of the harder songs with electronic textures. Of course, this is nothing new for the band, but the takes on the tunes were fresh and left this reviewer wanting more (including that unplayed song).

The band closed the show with a stripped-down take on “Hurt,” again providing a showcase for Reznor’s underrated vocals. Like the 18 songs before it, it was unflinchingly raw and intense. But it also showed another dimension to Nine Inch Nails music on a night which already featured many of them.

Setlist (via setlist.fm and my own recollection):
1. Right Where It Belongs
2. Ruiner
3. Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)
4. Wish
5. March of the Pigs
6. Reptile
7. Find My Way
8. Copy of A
9. Gave Up
10. Vessel (with Boys Noize)
11. Closer (with Boys Noize)
12. Came Back Haunted (with Boys Noize)
13. Mr. Self Destruct
14. Less Than
15. The Perfect Drug
16. I’m Afraid of Americans (David Bowie cover)
17. The Hand That Feeds
18. Head Like a Hole
Encore:
19. Hurt

Eric Heisig is a freelance writer in Cleveland. He can be reached at [email protected].

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September 1, 2025
Review: St. Vincent’s Restless Spirit Propels Rock Hall Concert

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Photo by Brian Lumley

St. Vincent at the Rock Hall

St. Vincent gave a solid, sometimes exhilarating performance on Friday in Cleveland, one that showed, as her solo career approached 20 years, why she’s inspired many other indie-minded artists.

The musician, making her first appearance in the area in front of a sold-out crowd outside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since a 2021 show at the Agora Theatre, delivered 14 songs over 90 minutes. The breadth of her material, which includes harder rocking earlier songs, piano ballads and electronic-inspired grooves, was on display, and was proof of what happens when a restless mind has time to create.
That restlessness was on display during the concert. While St. Vincent—real name Annie Clark—acknowledged the set hadn’t changed during the year-plus she toured to promote last year’s return-to-form record “All Born Screaming,” she still found ways to tinker. Whether it was through an extended musical interlude interlude or singing snippets of the Grace Jones-popularized “Warm Leatherette” and Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” before the pulsing backbeat of “Sugarboy” gave way to the song itself, they all seemed like ways for the artist to make the songs feel fresh.

And for the most part, it did. Starting with opener “Reckless”—which began with Clark singing while piano courtesy of Rachel Eckroth wobbled behind her, only to give way to a more intense backdrop—St, Vincent and her quartet of backing musicians delivered renditions that expanded on their studio counterparts.
As for the artist herself, the show was proof how much she’s evolved. Sure, it’s been several years since she used her guitar and considerable chops as a sort-of crutch, but in that time she turned into a commanding performer. Her unique moves, like the demented catwalk turn on “Broken Man” to her dancing and prowling on “Pay Your Way in Pain,” only enhance what’s going on in the music. It’s hard to look away.

She also now wields the guitar only when she has something to say with it, like on a thrashy “Cheerleader” or during a demented solo of “Marrow.”

Her skills as a performer were enough to forgive her for yelling “Hello Cleveland” early on during the show. In her defense, though, she acknowledged it’s played out, but, but did it anyway after noting that Christopher Guest—start of “This Is Spinal Tap,” which is where the jokey phrase was popularized—played her guitar in the upcoming sequel.

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Photo by Brian Lumley

St. Vincent at the Rock Hall

Still, her restlessness occasionally got the best of her. Interjections during “New York” and show closer “Candy Darling” were distracting and momentum-killing. But those were the exceptions, and when St. Vincent focused, the results were often thrilling and showed why she remains revered.

Openers Gustaf delivered 45 minutes of herky-jerky rock that showed the quintet worshipped the dance and punk bands of the late 1970s. When the bass and drums locked in, and the guitar found space between the grooves for some noise, the music bordered on exciting. But it proved to be too much of a good thing, and despite the delivery of lead singer Lydia Gammill—whose aggression strangely lined up with the swarms of midges that repeatedly descended on the crowd—the set was a bit monotonous by the end.

Setlist:
1. Reckless
2. Fear the Future
3. Los Ageless
4. Broken Man
5. Birth in Reverse
6. Dilettante
7. Pay Your Way in Pain
8. Flea
9. Cheerleader
10. Marrow
11. New York
12. Sugarboy
13. All Born Screaming
Encore:
14. Candy Darling

Eric Heisig is a freelance writer in Cleveland. He can be reached at [email protected].

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August 30, 2025
Livewire: 14 of the Best Concerts to Catch Through Early September in Cleveland

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Photo Credit: Charlie Denis

Tate McRae brings her world tour to Rocket Arena. See: Thursday, Aug. 28.

THU 08/28

Ice Nine Kills
The metalcore group that reportedly took its band name from the 1963 Kurt Vonnegut novel Cat’s Cradle brings its summer tour to the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. The group’s latest album, Welcome to Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2, offers the usual quotient of blistering guitar solos and parched vocals. The show begins at 6:30 p.m.
229 East Front St., Youngstown, 330-746-5600, covellicentre.com.

FRI 08/29

St. Vincent
The visually oriented singer-songwriter concludes the Rock Hall’s live concert series with a performance that takes place at 8 p.m. St. Vincent’s custom-made “Daddy” jacket from her 2021 Saturday Night Live performance and her neon green guitar from the 2017 Masseduction solo tour are both on display. In addition, the Rock Hall will mark the occasion by hosting a Revolutionary Women Weekend all weekend long.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.

Streetlight Manifesto
This ska-punk band has been a staple on the scene for more than 20 years. They released their debut album, Everything Goes Numb, way back in 2003 and have toured and recorded steadily since then. They’re touring behind the new album, The Place Behind the Stars, and the LP really shows off their ability to write complex horn arrangements. The tour comes to the Agora tonight. Doors open at 7.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Tate McRae: Miss Possessive Tour
This singer-songwriter and dancer became an overnight sensation back in 2020 when her confessional, Billie Eilish-like “you broke me first” became a massive hit. For her latest album, So Close to What, she teams up with producers such as Timbaland and the Neptunes, who provide the club friendly beats on the release. She performs at 7:30 at Rocket Arena. 7 p.m.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

SUN 08/31

Nine Inch Nails: Peel It Back Tour
The industrial rock group with ties to Northeast Ohio returns to Rocket Arena. The group just released “As Alive as You Need Me To Be,” the first official music from the band in five years. The tune comes from the soundtrack for the forthcoming TRON: Ares film and features noisy guitars mixed with pulsating synths and Trent Reznor’s typically intense vocals (he always sounds like he’s on the verge of a breakdown). The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

TUE 09/02

Dorothy
San Diego-born hard rock singer Dorothy Martin says she sang since she was a kid and found inspiration by sifting through her father’s vinyl collection, listening to everything from Dolly Parton to Credence Clearwater, Janice Joplin and Pink Floyd. After moving to Los Angeles, she put together Dorothy in 2014 with the intention of making hard-rocking music that, as she has put it, metalheads like Beavis and Butthead would like. The group performs tonight at 7 at Globe Iron.
2325 Elm St., globeironcle.com.

THU 09/04

UB40
Formed in December 1978 in Birmingham, England, UB40 has had more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart and achieved considerable international success. Expect to hear its biggest hits — “Red, Red Wine,” “Food for Thought,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You” — when the group performs tonight at 7 at House of Blues. Not ones to rest on their laurels, the group recently had a hit with the poppy “Forever True.”
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

Hudson Westbrook
The singer-songwriter performs at 7 tonight at Jacobs Pavilion as he brings his tour in support of his new album, Texas Forever, to town. The album’s latest single, “Damn Good Taste in Whiskey,” features lilting vocals and a catchy chorus, showing off the young musician’s songwriting abilities (he co-wrote all the tunes on Texas Forever).
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

FRI 09/05

A Day to Remember & Yellowcard
The double bill featuring Warped Tour alumni A Day To Remember and Yellowcard rolls into Blossom. A Day to Remember adroitly mixes metalcore and pop-punk, and Yellowcard famously throws a violin into its mix of punk and rock. Should be a good pairing. The show starts at 6:15 p.m.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

Texas Headhunters
The three members of this blues trio — Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller and Jesse Dayton — represent the last wave of the late Clifford Antone’s discoveries. The Austin-based blues club owner also famously mentored guitarists such Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Kim Wilson and Gary Clark, Jr. The Texas Headhunters will aim to keep his legacy alive when they perform tonight at 8 at the Beachland Ballroom.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

SAT 09/06

Studio-A-Rama
WRUW 91.1 FM’s annual showcase for local music takes place today at Mather Memorial Courtyard The day-long music festival begins at 1 p.m. The Louisville-based post-harcore band Wombo headlines, and Cincinnati’s Artificial Go will perform as well. Admission is free.
11220 Bellflower Rd., 216-368-2208, wruw.org.

Unwound: 30 Years of The Future of What
One of the flagship bands of the Kill Rock Stars label, the post-hardcore act Unwound has reunited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its 1995 album, The Future of What. The album’s angular guitars and droll vocals recall acts such as Jawbox and Slint. The show begins at 8 p.m. at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Harriet the Spy and Deep Essence open.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.

SUN 09/07

Alison Krauss & Union Station
The veteran bluegrass-y band performs at 6 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Arcadia, the band’s first album in 14 years, finds it in great form. Album opener, “Looks Like the End of the Road,” puts Alison Krauss’s voice up front in the mix, and she sounds as sharp as ever. Other tunes like the narrative “The Hangman” show off the group’s bluegrass roots as well as its ability to cast a dark mood with sparse instrumentation. Singer-songwriter Willie Watson opens.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

MON 09/08

Alabama Shakes
The terrific neo-soul group out of Athens, AL established the talent of frontwoman Brittany Howard, a monster guitarist and singer who infused songs such as “Hold On” and “Don’t Wanna Fight” with real grit and determination. Howard left the band to pursue a solo but returned to it last year. The reunited group performs at 6 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Singer-songwriter Sam Evian opens.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

TUE 09/09

The Crooner & the Cowboy: Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett
Soul singer Leon Bridges and alt-country singer-songwriter Charley Crockett bring their Crooner and Cowboy tour to Blossom. Both artists hail from Texas and have rightly received significant acclaim. Bridges has won a Grammy, and Crocket has been nominated for a Grammy. Expect showmanship from both. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

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August 27, 2025
Review: Neil Young Tears Through 60-Year Career Overview at Blossom Concert

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Neil Young at Blossom

Neil Young has a few things on his mind in 2025.

He’s worried about the state of the world politically. He wants the earth to remain habitable. And he’s got mortality on his mind.

But Young, not usually one for subtlety, didn’t hit the Blossom Music Center crowd over the head with his messaging as bluntly as he could on Friday night. Instead, he let some of his best-known tunes and obscurer cuts do most of the talking over nearly two hours. While those looking for a strictly greatest hits set were bound to be disappointed (though, honestly, who expects that from Young after he defied expectations time and time again?), there was plenty to enjoy over the 17 songs torn through by him and backing band the Chrome Hearts.

The alternately ferocious and tender set by the esteemed singer/songwriter/rocker, who made his first appearance in Northeast Ohio since a 2012 show with backing band Crazy Horse at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, had songs spanning nearly six decades. From Buffalo Springfield’s “Mr. Soul” to new song “Silver Eagle,” Young proved what he was capable of at his height and what he can still do as he pushes 80 years old.

The show was a sampler of all his talents, idiosyncrasies and messages, from the calls to “save Mother Earth” on 2003’s “Be the Rain” to the almost hypnotic pump organ-driven “Name of Love” to the powerful “Ohio,” played about 15 miles from the site of the National Guard’s deadly intervention in a 1970 Vietnam War protest that inspired the song. He shouted and sang through a megaphone at times and played behind a huge prop of an orange speaker.

And while we should perhaps feel lucky to see Young live at all—especially after a tour with Crazy Horse last year was called off part way through after it proved to be too much for the band to handle—he showed he doesn’t need any propping up. His guitar work, whether on his “Old Black” Gibson Les Paul on “Cowgirl in the Sand” or on acoustic like on showstopper “Harvest Moon,” remains top notch. His nasally voice is also remarkably intact, which was evidenced by the plainspoken delivery on show opener “Ambulance Blues” and his shout-singing over the cacophony on “Southern Man.”

Also, lucky for him that he’s found ace musicians to shepherd him through the final years of his career.

The Chrome Hearts, put together last year and featured on new album “Talkin to the Trees,” showed it’s more than up to the task. Made up of younger members—guitarist/keyboardist Micah Nelson, bassist Corey McCormick and drummer Anthony LoGerfo—and an old hand in legendary organist Spooner Oldham, the quartet provided whatever its leader needed at a given moment, from the stomp of “Cinnamon Girl” to the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young harmonies of “Looking Forward” and everything in between.

The band’s more polished than, say, the primal garage rock of Crazy Horse, but the Chrome Hearts proved to be more versatile.

After closing the main set with “Old Man”—and turning the song he wrote in his 20s into a reflection of where he is in his life—he returned for a lurching, feedback-drenched “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black).” The song’s performance was another example of what was clear all night: that Young has nothing to prove but can still transcend expectations.

Setlist:
1. Ambulance Blues
2. Cowgirl in the Sand
3. Be the Rain
4. Cinnamon Girl
5. Southern Man
6. Mr. Soul
7. Ohio
8. Looking Forward
9. Silver Eagle
10. Harvest Moon
11. Daddy Went Walkin’
12. New Mama
13. Sun Green
14. Like a Hurricane
15. Name of Love
16. Old Man
Encore:
17. Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)

Eric Heisig is a freelance writer in Cleveland. He can be reached at [email protected].

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August 16, 2025
Livewire: 7 of the Best Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Week

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Courtesy of Terrorbird Media

Mr. Gnome

WED 10/30

Mondo Cozmo
After successful runs in indie rock acts Laguardia and Eastern Conference Champions, singer-songwriter Josh Ostrander formed the indie group Mondo Cozmo. Now, he counts the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Butch Vig as fans. He comes to Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood tonight at 7 in support of It’s PRINCIPLE!, a varied rock album produced by Mark Rankin (Queens of the Stone Age, Adele).
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

THU 10/31

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Dave Alvin and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore play Music Box Supper Club tonight at 7:30 as they bring their tour in support of their second collaborative album, TexiCali, to town. The 11-song collection represents a roadtrip across Alvin and Gilmore’s home states and celebrates their shared musical influences. Songs such as the narrative-focused “Borderland” show off the duo’s sharp alt-country songwriting chops.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

Brother Elsey: A Jar Full of Lighting Tour
On their debut LP, Brother Elsey, a Nashville-by-way-of-Detroit rock act, delivers 13 introspective tracks produced by Drew Long (KALEO, Judah & the Lion). The careening Kings of Leon-like single “Wrong Things” possesses a quiet intensity thanks to gruff vocals and cascading guitars. With a new album due out early next year, the group will likely debut some unreleased tunes when it performs at 8 p.m. at the Beachland Tavern.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

FRI 11/01

GWAR
The shock rock act performs tonight at 7 at the Agora. The live show is a messy good time, and in keeping with the band’s irreverent attitude toward the world, the group just released a cover of “I’m Just Ken,” which it has reimagined as “We’re Just GWAR” (sample lyric: “we’re still the band that spews”). Dark Funeral and Squid Pisser open.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

In the Heartland — The Music of MSB
Former members of the band that backed the late MIchael Stanley bring this tribute to the Kent Stage tonight at 6:30. MSB guitarist Danny Powers will take over on vocals as the group revisits the heartland rocker’s hits. Songs such as “My Town” capture the blue-collar Cleveland ethos and turned Stanley into a regional superstar.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

SAT 11/02

André 3000: New Blue Sun Live In Concert
Outkast’s André 3000 comes to the Akron Civic Theatre at 8 tonight in support of his solo album, New Blue Sun. Coproduced by André and lauded multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño, and featuring the playing of Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R, Diego Gaeta, Jesse Peterson and Mia Doi Todd, New Blue Sun is an entirely instrumental album.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.

Mr. Gnome
The local hard rock act brings a national tour to a close with this show at the Beachland Ballroom. The group’s new album, A Sliver of Space, is its most personal album to date and finds it making the most of its home studio, where it has time to carefully craft its stoner/shoegazer tunes. The music begins at 8 p.m.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

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October 29, 2024
Livewire: 13 of the Best Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Week

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Photo credit: SK1

Mushroomhead returns to the Agora. See: Saturday, Oct. 26.

THU 10/24

Lorna Shore
This hard rock band turned a corner when singer Will Ramos (Moment of a Memory, A Wake in Providence) joined and brought his screechy voice to the group’s hard rock riffs. A song like “To the Hellfire” demonstrates his ability to scream like some kind of tortured animal. The group brings its latest tour to the Agora tonight. Whitechapel, Kublai Khan TX and Sanguisugabogg open. Doors are at 5:30 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

FRI 10/25

Beat
A group featuring former King Crimson members Adrian Belew and Tony Levin along with guitar hero Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey will reinterpret songs from the King Crimson albums Discipline, Beat and Three of a Perfect Pair, arguably the prog rock group’s most accessible work. The foursome represent some of prog rock’s best musicians, so you can expect they’ll nail the tunes even without Crimson mastermind Robert Fripp in the mix. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Agora.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Jerry Popiel Release Party
Local singer-songwriter Jerry Popiel has had a busy year. He says he’s played more than 50 shows so far and has particularly enjoyed performing on the Viking cruise ships when they visit Cleveland, Detroit and Windsor. He also found time to record Edgewater, a new folk-rock EP, and hopes he’s captured what life is like on the shores of Lake Erie. He celebrates the album’s release with tonight’s show at Collision Bending Brewing Company. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
1250 Old River Rd., 216-273-7879, collisionbendbrewery.com.

Janis Siegel + Yaron Gershovsky
Manhattan Transfer singer Janis Siegel will play music from her new release, The Colors of My Life: A Cy Coleman Songbook. Yaron Gershovsky (long time pianist with the Manhattan Transfer, and also pianist on the new release) will accompany Siegel during this special show that takes place in Market Garden Brewery’s, Ohio City Room (lower level). Shows take place at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night.
1947 West 25th St., 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com.

SAT 10/26

Mushroomhead
Thanks partly to the contributions of Ryan “Dr. F” Farrell, a longtime band member who recently went back to school to get his masters in composition, the latest Mushroomhead album, Call the Devil, features some carefully crafted carnival-like moments in tracks such as “UIOP (A Final Reprieve).” Expect to hear it when the local group brings its annual Halloween show back to the Agora. Upon a Burning Body, There Is No Us, Mind Incision, Bittersweet Revenge and Psycho open. Doors are at 5:30 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

WCSB’s Halloween Ball
The local college station’s annual Halloween bash returns to the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern tonight at 6. Mephiskapheles, Noun (Marissa Paternoster), Chris Farren, Pal, Autopolitan, Brood X, Jinari Kemet and OONGOW!!! are slated to perform.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

SUN 10/27

The Dear Hunter: Celebrating 20 Years
What started as a side project for Casey Crescenzo of the Receiving End of Sirens fame turned into a priority shortly after the release of the band’s 2004 demo, Dear Ms. Leading, a proggy affair that possesses elements of Death Cab for Cutie. At 7 tonight, the indie rock group brings its 20th anniversary tour to the Roxy at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

MON 10/28

Sueco
Sueco recently released his first-ever independent album, Attempted Lover, and the rapper has also released a total of 12 accompanying music videos on his YouTube channel. His three singles off of the album leading up to release include the stripped-back “Mulholland Drive,” the fast-paced anthem “Drama Queen,” and the heavy “Outta My Head.” Expect to hear them when Sueco performs at the Roxy at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood. GXTP opens.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

WED 10/30

Mondo Cozmo
After successful runs in indie rock acts Laguardia and Eastern Conference Champions, singer-songwriter Josh Ostrander formed the indie group Mondo Cozmo. Now, he counts the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Butch Vig as fans. He comes to Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood tonight at 7 in support of It’s PRINCIPLE!, a varied rock album produced by Mark Rankin (Queens of the Stone Age, Adele).
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

THU 10/31

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Dave Alvin and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore play Music Box Supper Club tonight at 7:30 as they bring their tour in support of their second collaborative album, TexiCali, to town. The 11-song collection represents a roadtrip across Alvin and Gilmore’s home states and celebrates their shared musical influences. Songs such as the narrative-focused “Borderland” show off the duo’s sharp alt-country songwriting chops.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

FRI 11/01

GWAR
The shock rock act performs tonight at 7 at the Agora. The live show is a messy good time, and in keeping with the band’s irreverent attitude toward the world, the group just released a cover of “I’m Just Ken,” which it has reimagined as “We’re Just GWAR” (sample lyric: “we’re still the band that spews”). Dark Funeral and Squid Pisser open.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

In the Heartland — The Music of MSB
Former members of the band that backed the late MIchael Stanley bring this tribute to the Kent Stage tonight at 6:30. MSB guitarist Danny Powers will take over on vocals as the group revisits the heartland rocker’s hits. Songs such as “My Town” capture the blue-collar Cleveland ethos and turned Stanley into a regional superstar.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

SAT 11/02

André 3000: New Blue Sun Live In Concert
Outkast’s André 3000 comes to the Akron Civic Theatre at 8 tonight in support of his solo album, New Blue Sun. Coproduced by André and lauded multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño, and featuring the playing of Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R, Diego Gaeta, Jesse Peterson and Mia Doi Todd, New Blue Sun is an entirely instrumental album.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.

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Jeff Niesel

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October 23, 2024
Concert Review: My Morning Jacket’s Live Reputation Endures at Sold-Out Cain Park Show

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Photo by Eric Heisig

My Morning Jacket at Cain Park

My Morning Jacket, over the more than two decades it has been together, has learned one thing incredibly well: how to transform compelling studio recordings into something even better live.

Onstage, the Louisville, Kentucky-hailing, psychedelic-alternative country-indie-rock-etc. band’s grooves get looser, the drums get heavier, the solos get longer and the crescendos get louder. Throwing in a first-class light show also helps.

That mastery was on display Friday night at the band’s sold-out concert at Cleveland Heights’ Cain Park (or, if you go by what was erroneously printed on the posters sold at the merch table, Calvin Park). Over 125 minutes and 19 songs, the quintet showed why its reputation as one of rock’s finest live acts endures.

My Morning Jacket last made an appearance in the Cleveland area in 2022 at a show at Jacobs Pavilion. Then, the band battled the summer heat while also showing off its latest self-titled album, and this reviewer noted that its energy appeared to wane by the end.

Not so on Friday night, even if the band was a bit shaggy at times (especially the voice of leader Jim James, though he ably handled most of the high notes), something that no doubt came from the touring the band undertook this summer. The show was the end of a run that began last month, during which the band co-headlined most concerts with Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. It also threw in a few headlining dates of its own.

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Photo by Eric Heisig

My Morning Jacket at Cain Park

Shaggy or not, songs like “Off the Record,” “Lay Low” and “O Is the One That Is Real” powerfully emanated across the amphitheater and onto the lawn to the fervent crowd. So did “One Big Holiday,” “Anytime” and others.

James, when he wasn’t strumming or shredding on guitar, glided across the stage, though props go to each member for different reasons. Some standout moments came from guitarist Carl Broemel and keyboardist (and Lakewood native) Bo Koster. The former’s work on the pedal steel elevated encore opener “Wonderful (The Way I Feel), while Koster’s keyboards were featured in “Least Expected” and main set closer “Circuital.”

click to enlarge

Photo by Eric Heisig

My Morning Jacket at Cain Park

The real treat, however, was a faithful cover during the encore of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon.” The quintet’s interplay was, like on so many other songs, exquisite, elevating a familiar tune into something even more special.

Jade Bird opened the night with a quick set of feisty folk music. The singer/songwriter had the unenviable task of trying on her own to sing over those still filing into Cain Park, and others who preferred to talk with fellow concertgoers. Those who were paying attention, though, heard strong originals that fit well alongside covers of Son House’s “Grinnin’ in Your Face” and Big Star’s “Thirteen.”

Setlist:
1. Off the Record
2. Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 1
3. Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2
4. Holdin on to Black Metal
5. War Begun
6. Aren’t We One?
7. Least Expected
8. Spring (Among the Living)
9. O Is the One That Is Real
10. One Big Holiday
11. It Beats 4 U
12. Gideon
13. Lay Low
14. Circuital
Encore:
15. Wonderful (The Way I Feel)
16. Harvest Moon (Neil Young cover)
17. State of the Art (A.E.I.O.U.) (Jim James song)
18. Mahgeetah
19. Anytime

Eric Heisig is a freelance writer in Cleveland. He can be reached at [email protected].

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October 5, 2024
Livewire: 15 of the Best Concerts to Catch in Cleveland Through Early October

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Credit: Adam DeGross

Versatile singer-songwriter Post Malone comes to Blossom. See: Tuesday, Oct. 1.

THU 09/26

The Airborne Toxic Event
Frontman and band leader Mikel Jollett brings the Airborne Toxic Event back to House of Blues tonight. The group’s tour supports a new album, Glory, as well as Jollett’s memoir, Hollywood Park. Glory features moody numbers such as “Our Own Thunder” and “The Walk,” righteous rockers that aspire to U2-like grandeur. The show begins at 7.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

FRI 09/27

The Black Crowes
Since the battling brothers in the Black Crowes reunited in 2019, they’ve played more than150 shows in 20 countries worldwide. The Robinson Brothers and longtime bassist Sven Pipien headed to the studio with producer Jay Joyce in early 2023 to cut their new long player, Happiness Bastards. They bring their Happiness Bastards Tour (the Reprise) to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.

An Evening with the String Cheese Incident
For the past three decades, String Cheese Incident has cultivated a live show that “continually pushes into unexpected terrain,” as it’s put in a press release. The Colorado-bred six-piece place everything from bluegrass to dubstep and psychedelia. The group performs tonight at 7 at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

$uicideboy$: Grey Day Tour 2024
This raunchy hip-hop duo out of the Big Easy hip-hop group performs tonight at 6:30 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The show comes in the wake of the band’s latest effort, New World Depression, songs with references to drugs and death and destruction that are become sing-a-longs at this show thanks to the gang-style vocals and the group’s relentless energy.
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

SAT 09/28

Burton Cummings
On tour to support his new solo album, A Few Good Moments, the lead singer and principal songwriter of the Guess Who brings his long-time backing band to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The show begins at 8 p.m.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.

Social Distortion
Singer-guitarist Mike Ness brings his punk band Social Distortion back to House of Blues at 7 tonight and tomorrow night. Ness might be in his 60s now, but Social Distortion tunes such as “Ball and Chain,” “Story of My Life” and “I Was Wrong” remain classic punk anthems that bristle with youthful energy. And, of course, the band’s cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” remains the definitive take on the Cash track.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

Twenty One Pilots: The Clancy World Tour
A Grammy-Award winning band with Ohio roots, Twenty One Pilots have been one of the most successful rock acts of the past decade. The group’s breakout LP, Blurryface, became the first album to reportedly notch a RIAA Gold or Platinum certification for every one of its songs. Led by the single “Overcompensate,” the band’s new album embraces an even wider range of musical styles than previous efforts. Tonight at 7, the group returns to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

Under the Rug
Happiness Is Easy, the latest offering from this indie group, features contributions from co-writers like Sam Hollander (Panic! At the Disco, Weezer) and Mason Jenning. Expect to hear songs from it when the band plays tonight at 8 at the Beachland Tavern.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

The War and Treaty
The War and Treaty have had a terrific year that started with their first ever Grammy nominations for Best American Roots Song and for the all-genre Best New Artist. They followed nominations from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association and CMT Music Awards. A terrific live act that draws from country, soul and R&B, the group performs tonight at 8 at the Beachland Ballroom. The Kentucky Gentlemen open.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

SUN 09/29

Air Supply
The light rock act celebrated its 49th anniversary last year and has played over 5300 concerts throughout that time period. It still performs about 130 concerts each year around the world. A highlight of their career came when they performed for Prince Charles and Princess Diana and had dinner with them. A movie biopic is slated for release in summer 2025. The group plays tonight at 7:30 at the State Theatre.
1519 Euclid Avenue, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Iris DeMent
The talented singer-songwriter addresses climate change, the pandemic and social injustice on her new record, Workin’ On a World. She performs tonight at 6:30 at the Kent Stage. Singer-songwriter Ana Egge opens.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

TUE 10/01

Post Malone
You never know what you’re gonna get with Post Malone. The indie artist has now embraced country music, and he and country star Morgan Wallen have released their new radio friendly single “I Had Some Help,” which will appear on a forthcoming Post Malone LP. The versatile indie singer-songwriter performs tonight at 8 at Blossom.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

THU 10/03

Uz Jsme Doma
The art rock band out of Prague returns to the Beachland Tavern. The group’s roots date all way back to the 1980s, and frontman Miroslav Wanek has somehow kept the group together (with a few different lineups) going all this time. Expect to hear Zappa-inspired music that embraces unconventional rhythms and beats. The show begins at 8 p.m. Da Land Brass Band opens.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

FRI 10/04

My Morning Jacket
To date, this terrific Kentucky-based band has released nine studio albums that provide a showcase for eccentric singer-songwriter Jim James. On their most recent release, 2021’s My Morning Jacket, they tried to capture the intensity of their live shows and songs such as the bluesy “Never in the Real World” feature gritty guitars and synthesizer swells. The group performs tonight at 8 at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

TUE 10/08

Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers Spirit Trail 25th Anniversary Tour
The singer-songwriter brings his tour marking the 25th anniversary of his 1998 album Spirit Trail, a collection of roots-y tunes that enables him to show off his piano playing, to the Goodyear Theater in Akron. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and every ticket holder will receive a copy of the Spirit Trail: 25th Anniversary Edition three-CD box set at the show.
1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com.

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September 25, 2024
Livewire: 14 of the Best Concerts to Catch in Cleveland Through Early September

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Courtesy of the En Total Agency

Pitbull brings the party to Blossom. See: Thursday, Aug. 29.

WED 08/28

Built to Spill: There’s Nothing Wrong with Love 30th Anniversary Tour
The indie rock group revisits its 1994 album, There’s Nothing Wrong with Love, for this special show that takes place tonight at 7:30 at the Beachland Ballroom. The group’s dynamic guitar work that sometimes verges on prog rock in tunes such as “In the Morning” distinguishes this veteran act and translates well live too. According to the club’s website, the show is sold out.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper
The two shock rockers bring their co-headlining tour to Blossom. A successful solo artist and moviemaker, Zombie’s legacy also stems from the time he spent with his group White Zombie, which released four albums in the ’80s and ’90s. A Rock Hall inductee, Cooper essentially invented the shock rock genre. The concert begins at 6 p.m.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

THU 08/29

Rosanne Cash
The Americana singer-songwriter who’s famously the daughter of the late Johnny Cash and his first wife Vivian Cash performs tonight at 7:30 at the Mimi Ohio Theatre. Cash started releasing albums in the 1970s and had a hit with “No Memories Hangin’ Around,” a somber ballad about heartache that shows off her gentle voice. She’s steadily recorded and toured since then and has a large catalog of songs from which to draw.
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

New Found Glory
The pop-punk band swings into the Agora tonight as part of a tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their 2004 album, Catalyst. The album yielded hits such as “All Downhill from Here,” “Truth of My Youth” and “Failure’s Not Flattering,” songs that possess a Bad Religion-like sense of urgency. The show begins at 6:30, and Sincere Engineer opens.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Pitbull
Armando Christian Pérez, aka Pitbull, describes himself as an international superstar, education ambassador, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. The co-owner of a NASCAR racing team, he also owns his own record label and has his own SiriusXM channel Known for his high-energy Latin rock performances, he brings his Party After Dark Tour to Blossom tonight at 8.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

FRI 08/30

Faith Kelly & Caswyn Moon
These two solo musicians who live in upstate New York bring their Couple of Wanderers Tour to 8th Day Brewing. Moon usually starts off the night with his American rock music with old country undertones. Then, Kelly plays her spacey folk rock ‘n’ roll with Appalachian mountain twists. They also make daily YouTube vlogs showcasing local businesses, DIY musicians and their adventures nationally, locally and regionally. The show begins at 7 p.m.
11782 E Washington St., Chagrin Falls, 8thdaybrewing.com.

SAT 08/31

17th Annual Multi Music Fest
This annual jazz fest features Kenny Lattimore, Kirk Whalum and Jeff Lorber Fusion. The concert begins at 5 p.m. at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

Hingetown Jazz Festival
The second annual Hingetown Jazz Festival will take place from 2:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bop Stop, Jukebox and the Transformer Station. The free event is presented by the Local 4 Music Fund.
local4musicfund.org

Howard Jones
Eighties pop acts Howard Jones, ABC and Haircut 100 team up for this nostalgic show at TempleLive at the Cleveland Masonic. Jones just released a new live record that he recorded at the O2 Arena in London. The release features live versions of “New Song,” “What Is Love?,” “Like To Get To Know You Well” and “Things Can Only Get Better. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
3615 Euclid Ave., 216-881-6350, masoniccleveland.com.

SUN 09/01

Glen Hansard
The Frames singer-songwriter brings his tour in support of his latest album, last year’s All That Was East Is West of Me Now, to the Agora. The album of folk-rock tunes allows Hansard, who comes off as a modern-day Richard Thompson, to embrace the kind of quiet intensity that made the Frames so special. The show begins tonight at 7. Trousdale opens the show.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Squeeze
On tour to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the British pop band known for hits such as “Pulling Mussels (from the Shell),” “Black Coffee in Bed” and “Tempted” comes to MGM Northfield Park — Center Park tonight at 7:30.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.

Mike Tramp
The former White Lion frontman comes to the Winchester Music Tavern in Lakewood tonight at 7 to revisit the White Lion catalog. He’ll revisit hits such as “Wait” and “When the Children Cry,” which he’ll update with “modern vocals,” as it’s put in a press release.
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, thewinchestermusictavern.com.

TUE 09/03

The Linda Lindas
The Linda Lindas debut album, Growing Up, came out in 2022 and the band spent most of 2022 on a world tour that included shows with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Japanese Breakfast at Forest Hills Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl. They perform tonight at 7 at the Beachland Ballroom. Bacchae opens.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

Mitski
While studying studio composition at SUNY Purchase College’s Conservatory of Music, this indie singer-songwriter recorded and self-released 2012’s Lush and 2013’s Retired from Sad, New Career in Business. Her career has picked up momentum since then; the current tour supports last year’s The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, a collection of tunes that finds Mitski experimenting with choral vocals on album opener “Bug Like an Angel.” Tonight’s show at Jacobs Pavilion begins at 6:30. Lamp opens. Sept. 3.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

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Jeff Niesel

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August 28, 2024
Livewire: 18 of the Best Concerts to Catch in Cleveland in August

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Photo by Jeff Johnson

Hootie & the Blowfish return to Blossom. See: Thursday, Aug. 15.

WED 08/14

Missy Elliott
Ciara, Busta Rhymes and Timbaland share the bill with recent Rock Hall Inductee Missy Elliott, who performs tonight at 7 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Expect Elliott to deliver classic tracks like “Get Ur Freak On,” an intoxicating mix of funk, R&B and hip-hop that celebrates individuality.
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

Sons of Cream
Malcom Bruce and Kofi Baker are sons of two of the original members of the British blues band Cream. The third member of this trio is guitarist Rob Johnson, who is a grandnephew of Cream drummer Ginger Baker. Together, they pay tribute to Cream (and they cover two Blind Faith tunes as well). The group performs tonight at 7:30 at Music Box Supper Club.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

THU 08/15

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter
Known for his work with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter has collaborated with Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Barbra Streisand. For this show at the Music Box, he’ll showcase his first solo album, Speed of Heat. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

Hootie & the Blowfish
When Hootie & the Blowfish played Blossom in 2019, the band began its set with a rousing rendition of “Hannah Jane,” and singer Darius Rucker effortlessly commanded the stage, even though his voice was a bit buried in the mix at the concert’s start. He led the audience through a clap-along “I Go Blind,” and his voice came into focus on a cover of Radney Foster’s “A Fine Line.” Expect a similar performance when the band returns to Blossom tonight at 7.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

FRI 08/16

Chuchito Valdés International Trio
A master of Cuban music, Chuchito Valdés has also extensively studied classical music. His original compositions and arrangements draw on classical harmonic and structural techniques. He draws on many styles including Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz, Bebop, Danzon, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son Montuno and much more. Valdés currently resides in Cancun, Mexico and is a frequent performer in the United State and Canada., He and his band perform at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night at Market Garden Brewery.
1947 West 25th St., 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com.

SAT 08/17

Floyd Nation
The Pink Floyd tribute act performs at 8:30 p.m. at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. The band will even bring backing singers and a saxophonist with it as it recreates tunes by the psychedelic rock act.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

Angie McMahon
This singer-songwriter arrives at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights after playing Glastonbury and in front of 14,000 fans in Australia. Expect to hear some tunes from an upcoming EP featuring songs that were written and recorded during the same period as her new album Light, Dark, Light Again. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.

TUE 08/20

Iron & Wine
This veteran indie rock band recently returned with Light Verse, its first full-length release in over seven years. Standout single, a tune that could pass as an old-time country standard, finds frontman Sam Beam harmonizing perfectly with Fiona Apple. The indie rock act comes to the Agora Theatre tonight at 6:30. Sunny War opens.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

WED 08/21

Glass Animals
Having just released I Love You So Fucking Much, the follow-up to 2020’s hit Dreamland, which sold over 12 million copies globally thanks to the infectious hit “Heat Waves,” reportedly the biggest international hit song from a British band in almost 30 years, the Glass Animals have embarked on a lengthy U.S. tour. The alternative rock act plays tonight at 7:45 at Blossom.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

Koe Wetzel
The Texas singer-songwriter gained a cult following with the release of his 2016 album, Noise Complaint, which mixed country, rock, hip-hop and even grunge. On tour in support of his latest effort, 9 Lives, he performs tonight at 6 at Jacobs Pavilion. Treaty Oak Revival and Dylan Wheeler open.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

THU 08/22

The Doobie Brothers
When the Doobie Brothers opened for Santana at Blossom in 2019, they delivered an opening set laden with their hits from the ’70s. A vibrant saxophone solo put a punctuation mark on a rousing rendition of “Without You,” and the band played “China Grove,” a track that featured pitch perfect harmony vocals, with a real fierceness. Expect something similar tonight when the classic rock act returns to Blossom at 7.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

FRI 08/23

The Avett Brothers
Back in the early 2000s, this folk rock group out of North Carolina started playing a primitive approximation of bluegrass and folk music but has evolved into a band that can adroitly draw from a wide range of influences. On tour in support of a self-titled album, the band performs tonight at 6:30 at Jacobs Pavilion. Sammy Rae & the Friends open.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Band leader Randy Bachman gained fame with both the Guess Who and BTO. He now has more than120 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world. He brings BTO to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.

Samara Joy
Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, this soul/jazz singer won high praise for last year’s Linger Awhile, which even picked up a Grammy. She performs tonight at 8 at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

Graham Nash
The two-time Rock Hall Inductee brings his tour in support of his new album, Now, to the Kent Stage. He’s called the release the “most personal” album he’s ever made.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

SAT 08/24

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Melbourne’s King Gizzard has made a name for itself with its experimental jams that draw from both psych rock and synth pop. The psychedelic rock band comes to town tonight as part of a tour in support of its latest effort, Flight b741. The wacky single “Hog Calling Contest” sounds like Primus on acid. The group plays at 6 at Jacobs Pavilion. The indie rock band Geese opens the show.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

SUN 08/25

The Robert Cray Band and Steve Earle
Bluesman Robert Cray and alt-country icon Steve Earle bring their co-headlining tour to Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. Cray had his biggest hits in the ’80s but has kept steadily recording and touring and so has Earle, who just released his live album, Alone Again (Live), which features his hits “Copperhead Road,” “The Galway Girl” and “Guitar Town.” The concert begins at 8 p.m.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

O.A.R.
Perhaps best known for the quirky underground hit “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” the jam band with Columbus, OH roots returns to Jacobs Pavilion tonight at 6. Fitz and the Tantrums open the show.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.

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Jeff Niesel

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August 14, 2024
Garage Rockers Together Pangea Talk Touring Sober, Making Best-Known Album Ahead of Grog Shop Show

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Together Pangea doesn’t tour for as long as it used to, and for bassist Danny Bengston, that’s OK.

“Doing it less, I’m more stoked to go on tour than I was in, like, 2017, 18, 19 when we were just sort of doing it all the fucking time. It becomes something you regret,” Bengston said. “Now, it’s something I look forward to a lot more, I think, because it’s the less-is-more thing. And I think we also play better and our moods are better when we’re not gone for months at a time.”

The Los Angeles garage rockers, who perform Aug. 13 with Liily and The Rosies at Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, are touring behind an upcoming 10th-anniversary vinyl reissue of their well-known album, “Badillac.” When Scene caught up with Bengston and guitarist/vocalist William Keegan on July 30, the latter was preparing to drive a van from Los Angeles to Boston to begin the three-week tour in earnest. He said he was excited for the journey.

“I’ll probably do an audio book but I haven’t decided which one yet,” he said.
During a half-hour chat, the band members talked about the upcoming tour, the making of “Badillac” and how touring sober has its perks.

The following interview is condensed for length and clarity.

Are you guys doing “Badillac” in full every night?
Keegan: We’re going to play all the songs off the record. We did our first show a few days ago in San Diego and we’re still kind of working out the order of things. But we basically played the whole record and then played a bunch of other stuff afterwards.

Why’d you want to revisit this?
Keegan: I think it’s our most popular record. It’s at least the most streamed. We sold out of the actual physical record in maybe 2018 or 2019 or something. So we went on a bunch of tours where, at the merch table, people were asking us for the record and we just didn’t have it. So we thought, at the 10 year (mark), we might as well repress it and then do something around the repress. And that was kind of it.
For a lot of fans of the record, I don’t think it’s 10 years old to them. I feel like a lot of people have heard it just in the last few years, even since the pandemic.

What do you remember about making “Badillac”?
Bengston: It was a crazy time. Our friend Andrew Schubert worked at a very famous mixing studio in Los Angeles, which used to be Can Am Studios, And (mixing engineer) Chris (Lord-Alge) would allow him to use the studio space in the off hours, as long as everything was clean and back to neutral for the 9 to 5 regular operating hours of that business. So we would go in, usually at like 9, 10 pm, and record until about 3 or 4 in the morning. We did that over the course of two years and that’s how “Badillac” happened.

My biggest memory is us being in that studio very late at night, coming home in the morning, the sun’s coming up, and having a burned CD of whatever we just did, and listening to it as the sun’s out. It was a fun time.

I’ve worked that late and it’s kind of isolating. I don’t know how you did it for that long.

Bengston: Substances were a bigger part of our lives at that point. We were also quite young. We were in our early 20s. and, you know, alcohol and other creative substances played a part in us being able to do that.

What are you looking forward to on this tour?
Keegan: I think, since the lockdowns or whatever, and since getting back on the road, I think I just appreciate playing for people and being in the room with people and that connection. Those songs are a big part of our lives but they’re also a big part of the lives of the people who came. It reminds them of moments in their own lives. Feeling that energy and having people sing the songs back at you, it’s really cool. There’s nothing else like it. So I’m just excited to play.

Bengston: I love touring in the summer. Especially when you go to places like the Midwest. I think people are generally in some of the better moods during that time of year.

When we were touring around “Badillac,” we were touring a lot differently. I remember it was really difficult. We were in the middle of our first major label album cycle, and there’s a lot of PR, and we were barely holding it together. We didn’t have a real tour manager. We were young, we were just fucking getting hammered every night and sleeping in way too late and barely making shows.

Now, it’s much different and we get up early. We go to bed early, as early as we can. And we have more time to enjoy cities. Summertime is the most fun time to tour because of that.

Keegan: Danny and I don’t drink anymore. It’s different touring sober. It’s a lot easier and you remember everything. And that’s pretty fun.

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Eric Heisig

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August 6, 2024
Sleater-Kinney Show Off Latest Evolution at Rock Hall Concert

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Photo by Eric Heisig

Sleater Kinney at the Rock Hall in Cleveland

Evolution has been a part of Sleater-Kinney’s history since it formed, and the band’s concert Saturday night outside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was a reminder of that.

The Olympia, Washington-hailing band has been through many iterations, from its early days as part of the punky riot grrrl movement to its flirtations in the 2000s with psychedelic hard rock to now tinkering with synthesizers and ballads. And while some things haven’t changed, such as the band’s progressive politics and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, it’s good to remember how it has evolved when comparing the current iteration to ones from its past.

The duo of guitarists and lead singers Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker are now working to forge a path as an indie rock institution and determine what that means to them. The 85-minute, 22-song concert—the first in Cleveland since a 2015 show at the House of Blues—shows that they’re mostly succeeding.

To be sure, part of the band’s evolution was necessary, as longtime drummer Janet Weiss departed in 2019. Her thundering percussion left a void and it takes three auxiliary musicians, including current drummer Angie Boylan, to fill it. But the now-quintet proved it can adeptly and powerfully tackle any era of the band’s music, veering from gentle to raucous while always paying special attention to precision.
Tucker and Brownstein also remain forces onstage. The latter constantly bounds about and is airborne while unleashing riffs and solos on her Gibson SG. Tucker’s more stoic, though proved on “Untidy Creature” and show closer “Entertain” that her legendary wail is still intact.

Their guitar work, which sees both members weaving through each other’s playing, also remains impressive.

The duo’s newer songs, including the ones on this year’s “Little Rope,” show them taking a new direction now that they don’t build songs around Weiss’ drumming. The album was represented Saturday by eight songs, and while some are as punky as the band’s output from the 1990s, others are moodier and more atmospheric.

Songs like “Dress Yourself” and encore opener “Say It Like You Mean It” mixed well live with older tunes like “All Hands on the Bad One” and “I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone.”

Tucker noted Saturday that 2024 marked 30 years since Sleater-Kinney came together. Brownstein added that it felt different to see their “life encased in glass” in a Rock Hall exhibit featuring the band’s lyrics and some of Tucker’s clothing.

But Saturday’s concert, which shone a brighter light on music released after the band reformed in 2014, showed that the members were, as Brownstein said, still very much interested in the present. Possibly even the next evolution.

Openers Die Spitz warmed up the crowd with its brand of punk and metal. The Austin, Texas quartet’s songs repeatedly stopped and lurched forward during the 40-minute set. Vocalist/guitarist Ellie Livingston and bassist Kate Halter did most of the heavy lifting performance-wise, though Chloe Andrews and Ava Schrobilgen also showed off their versatility by switching between guitar and drums and taking turns behind the microphone.

Setlist:
1. Hell
2. Needlessly Wild
3. Bury Our Friends
4. The Center Won’t Hold
5. Small Finds
6. One More Hour
7. Oh!
8. Start Together
9. Hunt You Down
10. The Future Is Here
11. All Hands on the Bad One
12. Don’t Feel Right
13. Hurry On Home
14. Price Tag
15. Jumpers
16. Dress Yourself
17. Modern Girl
18. Untidy Creature
Encore:
19. Say It Like You Mean It
20. I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone
21. Dig Me Out
22. Entertain

Eric Heisig is a freelance writer in Cleveland. He can be reached at [email protected].

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July 28, 2024