Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield of Too Much Joy also perform as Wonderlick, and Wonderlick’s songs as just as catchy, witty, and entertaining as TMJ songs are. Tim and Jay clearly still enjoy engaging with fans too. In fact, they see many advantages to the house concert shows they’ve done of late.
We were thrilled to have Tim and Jay joined us to share road stories. talk about Wonderlick’s new release Wonderlick Goes to War, and reminisce about 97X and their appearance at the station’s 10th anniversary show.
Dave and Damian caught Wonderlick’s recent house concert in Hamilton.
The show was hosted by an English teacher – given Wonderlick’s literate lyrics, that totally tracks. Their band name is based on a character from a Don DeLillo novel, and their song “Rhinoceros” from the new album is based on Eugène Ionesco’s play of the same name.
Here’s a quick clip of that song from the Hamilton house show:
Tim Quick chronicled their house tour adventures with a daily tour diary. You can read all the entries here.
Wonderlick’s latest release is Wonderlick Goes to War.
The cover art for the album was done by Ian Drescher.
Longtime 97X fans will remember that Too Much Joy was part of the 97X “10th Anniversary” sold-out show at Bogart’s back in 1992.
Both Tim and Jay have interesting careers off stage too. Tim was a key figure in the development of the Rhapsody music player, serving as music editor and VP of music programming, and then helped with content programming for Google Play, and still works in the digital content realm.
During the Hamilton house show, Tim mentioned how a beer jingle helped pay for his family’s health care. You can read more about that here.
Yep, it’s Ween Wednesday at The Columbia (4311 Eastern Ave.) and they’ll be Rocktobering the Vote!
Also playing this evening: Franz Ferdinand at Bogart’s The Madison Theater. (The bathroom struggle is real at Bogart’s.)
Thursday shows:
Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel at Ludlow Garage (list member Dave Green will be there)
Hayes Carll & his band at Southgate
On Friday:
Tyler Childers and Hayes Carll (hmm, didn’t he just play?) at Riverbend (list member Dave “Double Dip” Green will be there)
Scotty Bratcher Band featuring Noah Wotherspoon at the Liberty Theater in L-burg, IN
Madison Theater has “Women in Blues from Beale Street”
The Orchestra (starring ELO and ELO Part II members) plays the Taft
Beth Stelling does a comedy set at the Woodward
Saturday gigs:
Sungaze plays the Liberty Theater
WAIF radio celebrates 50 years at Five Points Alley in Walnut Hills (6-10 p.m.), with free music from WAIF DJs including the Wussy Duo, Nick Maurer, and more.
Judas Priest and Alice Cooper play Riverbend
On Sunday:
Here Come The Mummies come to Bogart’s The Madison Theater (they used all the Bogart’s toilet paper for their stage outfits)
Ludlow Garage features “the Music of ABBA” (not scheduled to appear – not even in hologram form: Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn, and Anni-Frid)
Newport (the NKY city, not the cig brand) features Mammoth Music & Arts Festival, with headliners Fishbone and Cowboy Mouth.
The Psychedelic Furs play Ovation on Tuesday, with Gary Numan as the opener.
Next Wednesday, Rocktober 8th, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram plays the blues at Taft, and the headliner-less River Roots Festival kicks off and runs through Rocktober 12. Full music lineup is here.
On Friday, Rocktober 10th:
Johnnyswim is at Bogart’s The Madison Theater (If Johnnyswim at Bogart’s, Johnnygetdysentery)
Maria etc. plays the Liberty Theater, with Evan McMillian
Shows on Saturday, Rocktober 11th:
Southern Culture on the Skids at Southgate
Noah Smith does a live recording of his Crooner Circus at the Liberty Theater
Papadosio plays the old Annie’s
T-Pain is at Ovation
Madison Live has Walk on Homeboys (a Pantera tribute)
On Sunday, Rocktober 12, Hiss Golden Messenger does a solo show at Southgate, with Rett Madison. That same evening, Foghat plays the Ludlow Garage. I hope they get the name right on the marquee:
A.J. Croce is at the Taft on Monday, 10/13.
Neko Case plays the Taft on Tuesday, 10/14. I still haven’t forgiven her for her Taft meltdown several years ago.
Nellie McKay is in Southgate’s Revival Room on Wednesday, 10/15 and Sungaze, Glimmer, and Dravin & the Ravens are at Northside Tavern.
Shows on Thursday, 10/16:
Donna the Buffalo (also the nickname of my prom date) plays Memorial Hall
Rock this Town Orchestra with Sweet Megg in Southgate’s main room
Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus plays Southgate’s Revival Room
We love it live!
It was well worth the trip to Detroit to see The Tubs at Third Man Records. They are so good – and nice dudes too!
I wore my Merge Records shirt… and The Tubs drummer informed me that they had just signed with Merge!
Opener Ryan Allen was cool too.
I also saw All-American Rejects at the Kroger Wellness Festival last week. (That’s a sentence I never imagined typing.) I’m not very familiar with their catalog, but my son wanted to go and I have to pretend to be a good dad every once in a while.
And now, the sad part (Parts I and II)
We recently lost two great dudes who contributed a ton to the Cincy music scene for decades: Jimmy D and Dave Cunningham.
It’s hard to believe Randy Cheek, Jimmy D, and John Erhardt (above, L to R) are no longer here.
A heartfelt note from list member Michael “Rico” Carrico:
I lost my brother to cancer six years ago, and before he passed, I promised him that I would do anything that I could to help fight the terrible disease that took him from us too early. One of the initiatives that our family has taken up is to help fundraise for the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation, which provides scholarships to young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Our primary fundraiser is a memorial golf outing, which will be held this year at California Golf Course on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at noon. In the first four years of our outing, we have raised funds to award 95 of these scholarships, and we hope to add on a bunch more this year with the help of friends like you. Whether that is getting a team together to play in the scramble, providing sponsorship, or donating items for auction, any and all support is welcome and appreciated.
File this one in the “Things I never thought would happen” folder. A woman in West Chester read my Freekbass profile in the July issue of Cincinnati Magazine (I hope you did too!) and sent in the main photo to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon for his “Lookalikes” segment. Hijinks ensued.
(Irate) letters to the editor
List member Dan “Hey, at least the Reds made the playoffs” Lewis has a bone to pick with my pathetic prose… and my paltry props for his prowess in identifying talent:
I think Dan “Get off my lawn” Lewis has been doing too much day-drinking since he hung up his sales outfit.
But it’s true, Dan was waaay ahead of the curve on Dwight and The Mavericks. However, his track record isn’t exactly unblemished:
It’s also true that I could have pushed that Dwight show harder. Mea culpa X dos. BTW, Los Lobos wound up opening the show. The Mavericks had to cancel due to Raul Malo’s cancer battle.
We’d like to dedicate this next number to cancer:
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)
He’ll probably get a restraining order instead.
Whoever named this band and album needs some remedial math and English classes.
Fall (season, not band) means it’s time to sip on your Pumpkin Spice latte. Or dip your Pumpkin Spice Oreos into Pumpkin Spice Almond Milk. Or have a bowl of Pumpkin Spice Frosted Flakes. Or spread some Pumpkin Spice cream cheese on your Pumpkin Spice bagel. Or snack on some Pumpkin Spice pretzel crisps, or Pumpkin Spice graham cracker Goldfish, or a Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tart.
Or better yet, just put on some Pumpkin Old Spice deodorant, and get thee to a Fall gig or three.
You’ll be falling for Fall shows so much that your friends will start calling you Mrs. Fletcher.
Tonight, the Front Bottoms “10 Years of Back on Top” tour is at the Ovation in Newport. And Peach Pit plays Bogart’s* the Madison Theater… although it’d be more on-brand if they played the Peach Pit After Dark in Beverly Hills.
It’s worth noting that Steve was ahead of the curve on non-alcoholic “functional” beverages. They later helped him fight flying sharks.
*Note: several recent and upcoming shows have been moved from Bogart’s to the Madison Theater. Apparently, Bogart’s had some “unforeseen venue maintenance” – which probably means all those years of having hideous restrooms are coming back to haunt them.
On Thursday:
The Avett Brothers play Ovation, with Heartless Bastards – great double bill!
Leo Kottke is at Ludlow Garage
Southgate hosts the monthly “Crooner Circus” songwriter showcase
Friday shows:
Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls play PNC Pavilion
John PayCheck (son of Johnny) and Wes Shipp are in the Southgate Sanctuary
Eric McM and Sharp Toys play “a doom-folk nightmare carnival” free show in the Southgate Lounge
Mosant, Harlow, and Happy Tuesday are at MOTR
GWAR is at the Madison Theater… bumping TUSK: the classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute… and breaking the Cincinnati area’s streak of having a Fleetwood Mac tribute band every month.
We’re at that age where rock stars are at that age
Billy Joel cancelled his Paul Brown Stadium gig with Rod Stewart that was originally slated for Saturday. And the X & Los Lobos “99 Years of Rock ‘N Roll” show at the Rose in Dayton on Sunday has been cancelled. In fact, that entire tour has been scrapped. Major bummer, as I was really looking forward to that gig.
But there still are a few shows on tap for the weekend.
Saturday:
Inhaler (a.k.a. the band that Bono’s son is in, not Inhailer Radio) plays Bogart’s The Madison Theater (you definitely didn’t want to inhale when you were in Bogart’s bathrooms)
Sungaze, Leggy, and Laveda are at MOTR
Sunday:
Mat Kearney is at the Taft
Walter Trout plays Ludlow Garage
Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds play MOTR with Motorbike
On Monday, The Damned plays Bogart’s Madison Theater (Bogart’s bathrooms were damned… and the toilets and urinals were dammed).
Papa Roach and Rise Against are at PNC on Tuesday.
Next Wednesday, 9/24, Kaleo plays the Taft with Stephen Day and Júníus Meyvant. Meanwhile, your humble scribe will be in Detroit, to see The Tubs at Third Man Records.
The Whispering Beard Festival kicks off on Thursday, September 25. Tickets.
Also on Thursday, the always-entertaining Low Cut Connie plays the Woodward, and Liberty Theater has a Songwriters in the Round free show with G.W. Garner and Ben Turner.
Shows on Friday, 9/26:
Dwight Yoakam and The Mavericks (great double bill!) play PNC
The Gibson Brothers play the Liberty Theater
Whispering Beard keeps on beardin’ with beardos
The AmpFibians (surf rock) play Southgate’s Lounge (tickets are $2 – a low-dough show!)
Ludlow Garage has “Live from Laurel Canyon” – billed as “an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid 1960’s and 70’s.” (not scheduled to appear: some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid 1960’s and 70’s)
The Talk low festival (similar to the old MusicNow festival) kicks off and runs through Monday, 9/29. Full lineup is here.
On Saturday, 9/27, the Filthy Heathens play the Liberty Theater. “Filthy heathen” was what Aunt Esther loved to call Fred G. Sanford.
Other 9/27 shows are of the tribute variety:
Signs of Life: The American Pink Floyd at RiversEDGE (free!)
The Redmoor double dips their Macca with The Ultimate Beatles & Wings Experience (unless it’s just a Beatles tribute band and a sale on Buffalo wings).
On Sunday, 9/28, Matt Hecker and Joe’s Truck Stop play the Southgate, and Lene Lovich is at Ludlow Garage.
Monday, 9/29 features the show you’ve been waiting for all month – if you’ve been waiting for the legendary double bill of BabyTron and ShittyBoyz. They are playing Bogart’s The Madison Theater. (When you think of ShittyBoyz restrooms, you naturally think of Bogart’s.)
Septuneber (yes, it’s still a thing!) wraps up on Tuesday, 9/30 with:
Garbage and Starcrawler at the Ovation (indoor show)
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Nicholas Kristof will discuss his new book Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Life at the Aronoff. Tickets. (BTW, balcony seats are $5, Loge is $10, and Orchestra level is $15.)
We love it live!
James McMurtry and his band were superb, as always, at the Woodward. List members Geoff S. and Kevin S. (no relation) were in the house.
The next night I was back at the Woodward for Momma and Villagerrr. Taylor from Inhailer was there, of course. He goes to more shows than I do!
Noted local photographer Jon Calderas was there too, and offered me tickets to the Weird Al/Puddles Pity Party show last night…
… where I ran into list members David and Amy G. Weird Al put on a great show, too!
My house concert worlds are colliding
Craig Finn (who played my house in 2018) interviewed Chuck and Lisa of Wussy (who have played my house several times) for his That’s How I Remember It podcast. The episode is great, and it’s here. It also features Lisa’s shout-out for 97X:
You can never step into the same River Roots Festival twice
Because you’ve changed. And the River Roots Festival organizers have cancelled the headliners.
My guess is that “a changing entertainment landscape” = “we’d have a mountain o’ debt because tickets aren’t selling.” Speaking of “a changing entertainment landscape” I hope the Bogart’s bathrooms are OK.
Maybe Big in Iowa will finally live up to their name
Dave Tellmann shared this AmericanaUK (not an oxymoron, I suppose) article about Big in Iowa in their “More People Should Really Know About” series.
“So why are a band defunct for over 25 years worth seeking out? Because they were good. They released four albums that should be in any self-respecting collection of Americana…”
Shameless self-promotion
Speaking o’ Dave Tellmann (“the Gene Rayburn of modern rock” – shown below), he and I chatted with longtime 97X listener and “Rumblings from the Big Bush” superfan Jayson (not Jason) Alexander on our latest episode. Check it out and get some bonus content here.
Kids these days…
They have talent! List member Anne Robinson shared this clip of a local 16-year-old guitar virtuoso, playing live in the new Cincinnati Public Radio studio recording space.
Town Hall invaded by robot!
I hope he comes to a Cincinnati City Council meeting next. See the amazing footage here!
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)
In honor of Roktoberfest…
Oh Käpt’n, my Käpt’n!
The Vokal Produktion on this album is wunderbar! And the cover model is the Teutonic Olivia Newton Johann.
Wow, the 97X “Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast has really come a long way. Now we’re interviewing A-list celebrities like Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza on Seinfeld!
Wait just a minute, I’m getting breaking news from the Aye Team News Bubble. It’s not Jason Alexander, it’s Jayson Alexander. Which is even better! Let’s check the stats:
Jason Alexander has never listened to a single second of 97X
Jason Alexander has never heard of — much less heard — the Rumblings podcast.
Jayson Alexander listened to 97X for years.
Jayson Alexander has listened to every one of our “Rumblings” podcasts… and yet somehow is still considered to be of sound mind.
Jason Alexander won an Emmy, a Tony, and a SAG Award for “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series.” But Jayson Alexander’s accomplishments are even more impressive:
He won a 97X frisbee
He knows two guys named Tony
He won a saggy pants award for “Outstanding Performance in an Old-Timey Base Ball Game”
Jayson, who first started listening to 97X in the 90s, shared tales of Ben Harper close encounters, being the lead singer of Ozomatli, leading the old-time baseball league in putouts, and absolutely crushing pins in several Rock & Bowls.
Jayson also got to sit in with Rictile on the Breakfast Club one day when co-host Kevin Couche was out. He was “Couche for a Day”… and Rictile did him dirty with the alleged “news” he gave him to read cold after Shiv…
Jayson had more luck answering Trivia Ahoy questions as a listener.
We don’t have a photo of Jayson from the old time “base ball” game they played against the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings vintage team. So these 97X softball team shots will have to suffice.
Below is a bit more info about the old timey game and its rules – as Jayson mentioned, their code of conduct was quite strict.
This isn’t Jayson’s car, but it should be:
Thanks for listening, Jayson! You have inspired Dave to put more effort into his podcast prep work:
Hey, if “classic rock” radio stations can use the terms “Rocktober” and “Rollvember” then the staff at 97Xbam (all one of us) can coin our own phrase for the 9th month of the year.
We hope your Labor Day weekend was gloriously labor-free. Now let’s get back to work on the gigs:
Tonight:
Ani DiFranco plays the Taft with Hurray for the Riff Raff opening
Woodward Theater has The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis with Touchdown Jesus
It’s another Ween Wednesday at The Columbia. Tonight they’ll be spinning the Ween album Quebec
Thursday:
Ludlow Garage has the Texas Headhunters feat. Ian Moore, Jesse Dayton, and Johnny Moeller
Burning Witches play Madison Live
(Remember that before you burn a witch, you have to make sure she weighs the same as a duck.)
The Whimmydiddle Festival kicks off a two-day stand at RiversEDGE in Hamilton on Friday, with The Devil Makes Three and Town Mountain on the bill. Saturday, Grace Potter headlines with Taylor Hunnicutt and Clay Street Unit.
Other Friday shows:
Red Wanting Blue and Justin Wells plays Southgate’s main room
Colby T. Helms & the Virginia Creepers play the Southgate Revival Room
Electric Cars and Tragic Blonde Weekend are at the Woodward
CFG & the Family play the Liberty Theater
Miller & Other Sinners do the free gig at the Levitt in Dayton
The Redmoor in Mt. Lookout hosts Fleetwood Gold, which is either a Fleetwood Mac tribute band or a classic Cadillac
Ludlow Garage has Toast: the Ultimate Bread Tribute
Note: Toast is the Ultimate Tribute to the band Bread, and this is the ultimate tribute to toast:
It should be noted that Ludlow’s Toast is NOT on a stick.
Saturday is jam-packed with gigs:
Whimmydiddle Night 2 (Grace Potter, Taylor Hunnicutt and Clay Street Unit in case you’ve already forgotten the info from a couple paragraphs ago… and I get it!)
Carriers play a free show at MadTree Oakley, with the Wussy Duo and Lylak also on the bill, starting at 6 p.m.
Bonnie Raitt plays the Rose in Dayton, with Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-a-Whirl Band opening
The War and Treaty play Music Hall
The Brooks Werner Band will be at the Liberty Theater
Barrington Levy plays Ludlow Garage
The Red Clay Strays and The Dip are at the Carol Brady
The Redmoor has the Dead Revival Band
Dead Centric is at Stanley’s, with I Dig Pig as the opener
Back in high school, I dug the Pig too. My afterschool job was at the Piggly Wiggly in Morrilton, Arkansas.
Morrilton is also home to Petit Jean Meats, makers of a Mock Chicken Loaf.
Was there really a need in the lunch meat category for “mock chicken loaf”…???
Speaking of mockery, The Beach Boys play the Fraze on Sunday.
That same evening, Jerry Cantrell and Filter play Bogart’s, and Southgate House features Renegade: The Songs of Warren Zevon.
Shows this coming Tuesday:
Bob Mould does his solo electric thing at Memorial Hall, with J. Robbins
Bogart’s has the Yacht Rock Revue
Katie Pruitt and Jess Nolan play Southgate’s Sanctuary
Upstairs in the Southgate Revival Room, it’s Thelma and the Sleaze with Leggy
Shows next Wednesday, the 10th of Septuneber (yes, I’m sticking with it until it sticks):
Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett (“The Crooner and the Cowboy”) play the outdoor stage at the Marsha Brady*
Soccer Mommy is at Bogart’s
Chevelle plays the PNC Pavilion
AJ Lee & Blue Summit (California bluegrass) at Southgate in the Revival Room
Skerryvore (Scottish music) plays Ludlow Garage
*we chose Marsha for the outdoor stage because it always reminds us of this classic outdoor clip:
Shows on Thursday, Septuneber 11:
Gangstagrass plays Ludlow Garage
Scotty Bratcher and Johnny Mullenax play a free show at RiversEDGE
Liberty Theater has a free Songwriters in the Round show with Ryan Moore, Dave Lacey, and TC Eckstein
Erin Viancourt (country music… from Cleveland!) and Andrew Hibbard are at Southgate
Little Big Town plays Riverbend with Wynonna Judd and Shelby Lynne
(Morrilton, Arkansas is a Little Big Town, because it has a population of 6,992 yet it still has the temerity to mock chicken.)
Friday, Sept.(up to you whether it’s an abbreviation for September or Septuneber) 12:
James McMurtry and his band play the Woodward, with Betty Soo opening (I’ll be at that gig)
Bonnie Raitt and Jimmie Vaughan circle back to the area to play the Greg Brady
The Doobie Brothers and the Coral Reefer Band play Riverbend
Carson Lowe & Kayla Rose with Harley Day at the Liberty Theater
Poppy plays Bogart’s with MSPaint
Southgate House has Back to Mac, which is either a tribute to Fleetwood Mac or Mac Davis (Mac D. had the better perm back in the day)
Shows on Saturday, September (I give up) 13:
Momma plays the Woodward, with Villagerrr (not a typo) – I’ll be there!
Conan Gray is at Riverbend
The Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana has an improv comedy show (featuring one of my co-workers in the troupe called Crash Course)
Tuesday, September 16:
“Weird Al” Yankovic and Puddles Pity Party are at the Ovation in Newport
blink-182 is at Riverbend – this was their finest hour:
We love it live!
I think we had a record number of folks cash in their “free beer” coupon at the last Cereal Killers show at Big Ash. Which was great. But the tunes from Cereal Killers were even greater.
Dave T. and I also attended a joyful house show featuring Jay and Tim from Too Much Joy — now in the band Wonderlick — in Hamilton.
(Tim and Jay might be coming soon to a podcast near you… )
Speaking o’ podcasts
The Kelce Bros and T-Swift…
… are no match for the “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” Bros and Julie Maxwell.
Saw this posted on a shop window in Portland and fell even more in love with Maine:
It’s a New Tunes Bonanza!
Uh, that’s not what I had in mind. (But I still love you, Hoss!) I was referring to the new releases from Superchunk (below), Kathleen Edwards, and The Beths. Put yer ears on ’em!
Reason #2,327,097 why I love Chuck Cleaver
This exchange between Dave Tellmann and Chuck on FB was pure gold!
Akron rules!
Album (and 45 rpm) Covers of the Week(s)
The Bonanza cover above was a bonus. But here’s the back cover, so you can see an action photo of Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Pernell Roberts contributing those sweet vocal harmonies to mix:
Spoiler alert: It involves booze. Thomas returned to the Hotel Chelsea, declaring, “I’ve had eighteen straight whiskeys. I think that’s the record!” Which means the record above is a record of the record.
Two dudes from Ohio had a pop princess on their podcast and damn near broke the internet.
Not to be outdone, two other dudes in Ohio (Dave, the Boobie Clark of Modern Rock, and Damian, the Coy Bacon of modern rock) are rebooting the “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast… and we’ve got the greatest promotions princess of all time: Julie Maxwell!
Most 97X listeners know Julie from her time on-air at the station, starting when she was a Miami student in 1988. She served as a co-host of the Breakfast Club for many years, first with Steve Baker and later with Rictile. But when she (mostly) stepped away from the mic, she took over as the station’s promotions manager and took our giveaways, contests, and charitable involvement to… wait for it… new heights!
Below are some photos from Julie’s treasure trove of 97X promotions materials.
Matchbooks were quite popular back in the day…
… as were condoms.
Julie’s our hero for scoring this David Bowie “Heroes” limited edition print.
And the Kristin Hersh self-portrait doodle not only is amazing, but also started a trend of 97X asking artists to donate drawings and doodles to the annual Modern Rock Auction.
[Pro tip: click on any image in the galleries below to see it full size, and use the arrows to scroll through the entire gallery.]
Julie also was responsible for making sure 97X had a presence at modern rock concerts around town… seems like one or more superfans really took a shine to the 97X promotional banner:
Julie used her creativity to dream up great promotions like the Ever-Expanding Prize Package and the 97X Gift Grab, and used her powers of persuasion to get record labels and local businesses to help underwrite them.
She also had a hand in the great 97X ads from that era.
Yes, it’s time for the obligatory annual Neil Diamond album cover:
We certainly hope he’s playing air guitar and not miming… er… playing the upright organ.
Then again, our current president’s signature “dance move” makes him look like he’s… pulling a Rick Wakeman and playing with two organs at once.
But enough about that wankfest.
Speaking of hot August nights, it’s also time for the semi-annual promotion of a Cereal Killers live gig. Their shows are more precious than a diamond (Neil or otherwise), and they’re back at Big Ash Brewing this Saturday, August 23.
My usual Cereal Killers offer will be in effect: show up, rock out to their vintage punk, modern rock, and new wave tunes (it’s 97.7% straight from 97X playlists – Elvis Costello, The Clash, X, REM, Guided by Voices, The Jam, Billy Bragg, The Smiths, Squeeze, The Cramps, Southern Culture on the Skids… ), and get a free beverage from me! Worth it just to watch the moths fly out of my wallet!
But before you get thee to Big Ash on Saturday, here are a few other gigs to consider.
On Thursday:
Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus (a recurring songwriter showcase) rolls into the Southgate House Revival Room (lineup is here)
Rachel Mousie and the Casey Campbell band play Washington Park
Ludlow has Black Circle, a Brazilian band doing 90s grunge songs.
On Friday, Dave Tellmann (co-host of the 97X Rumblings from the Big Bush podcast*) and I are seeing a free house concert in Hamilton by Wonderlick (band featuring Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield of Too Much Joy). Well, I think we’ll be seeing two former members of Too Much Joy play an acoustic house show… it’s quite possible that some rando from Hamilton mentioned “two dudes” and “too much joy” to Dave and offered him a free “Wonderlick.”
*If you were one of the 13 regular listeners of the 97X podcast and wish Dave and I would do some new episodes, you wish just might be granted. Soon.
Other Friday gigs:
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is doing a free show at the Levitt in Dayton
Lou Barlow (Sebadoh) and Bobby Bare Jr. (GBV) are doing an acoustic song swap at Southgate
Stacy Mitchhart plays Ludlow Garage
The Outlaws play the Fraze in Dayton
The Collies (a.k.a. the band my son Gabriel plays drums in) will be at Big Ash Brewing
Saturday shows:
Cereal Killers at Big Ash Brewing (great tunes, free beer)
Southgate hosts the world film premiere of Honky Tonkin’ and the Honky Tonk Hoedown with Jason Ringenberg, The Royal Hounds, and Jerry King & the Rivertown Ramblers.
The Del McCoury Band plays the old Annie’s – this gig has been cancelled
The Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg has Briscoe with Miles Miller
311, Badflower, and Sitting on Saturn are at the Ovation
Rob Thomas is at the PNC Pavilion
Mama’s Black Sheep and Courtney Wilder play a Downtowne Listening Room show at the historic Boone County Courthouse
On Sunday, Pat Sajak’s favorite band, Caamp, plays an outdoor gig at the Jan Brady, and Ozomatli plays Ludlow Garage.
Gary Clark Jr. plays the Peter Brady on Monday, and Creed (not the good ones) plays the Mausoleum.
Tuesday:
The Tedeschi Trucks Band and Whiskey Myers play Riverbend
Robert Randolph plays Ludlow Garage
Ruthie Foster plays Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, August 27.
Shows on Thursday, August 28:
UB40 at Bogart’s
Rebirth Brass Band plays Ludlow Garage
Deke Dickerson & the Whippersnappers play Southgate with Kyle Eldridge opening
Liberty Theater has a free Songwriters in the Round show with Keagan Hatton and Dave Hudson
Improvement Movement and Magoo play a freebie at RiversEDGE in Hamilton (“Home of the Wonderlick!”)
Ben Knight and Willy Tea Taylor do the free Washington Park roots show
Fraze hosts the Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Jay & The Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett, The Vogues, and The Cowsills – sponsored by a reverse mortgage company and/or a lift chair brand, perhaps?
On Friday, August 29:
JP Harris and Anthony Ray Wright are at the Liberty Theater
You wanted the best, you got the best… Völkerball is Germany’s Best Rammstein tribute band! They’re playing the Ovation.
You wanted the ultimate, you got the ultimate… Rumours: the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute – at Ludlow Garage
You wanted the weirdest double bill tribute, you got the weirdest double bill tribute: Sabbath (“the complete Black Sabbath experience”) with Night Moves (“the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger”) at the old Annie’s. NOTE: this gig has been cancelled.
Shows on Saturday, August 30:
Jim Trace & the Makers play Rabbit Hash General Store at 5 p.m.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at the old Annie’s
Emi Sunshine and Wonky Tonk are at Southgate
The Levitt Pavilion in Dayton hosts Reggae Fest
And list member Mark Griffin has a reco for all of us (via FB):
Past episodes of Mark’s most excellent streaming music show Gray Days and Gold can be found here.
We love it live!
Emma Swift put on a great show at The Columbia. New tunes (her new album drops 9/12) plus some amazing Bob Dylan covers (her album Blonde on the Tracks is top notch!) in an old church (The Columbia at 4311 Eastern Avenue – home of Ween Wednesdays!) with stellar acoustics.
We love it live… but we love our spouse too!
I showed amazing restraint by NOT dragging my wife to the Mountain Goats/Craig Finn show that just so happened to be in Bar Harbor, Maine while we were vacationing in Vacationland.
Besides, we were getting up before the crack of dawn the next day to see the sunrise at Acadia and then hike the Beehive Trail. We were the Mountain Goats!
Of course, when we got back to the ‘nati, my wife sent me this Instagram clip:
She knows me too well.
Real country
I think the “S.G.” in S.G. Goodman stands for “so good.”
Real Horny
No, this is not about a “Wonderlick.”
I’m digging what Jim’s digging
Jim Wilbur of Superchunk is exactly as down-to-earth and no-frills as I thought he’d be in this clip where he shares some fave albums:
Everything’s fair game for the Gamecocks
True story: when I went to see Ozzy at the Pine Bluff (Arkansas) Convention Center back in early 1982, it was shortly after Ozzy’s bat biting incident (and two weeks before Randy Rhoads passed away) and venue security was patting down pretty much everyone. My long-haired friends gave me the pint of whiskey they hoped to sneak into the show, telling me “you’re clean-cut, they won’t frisk you.” Sure enough, they all got stopped and I waltzed right through with the Jack Daniels jammed into my jeans. Security probably thought I had the wrong date for Baptist Youth Night. Ah, memories…
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)
They might be the opener for Wonderlick.
I just feel like we needed a palate cleanser after my most ribald post ever.
We were sweatin’ to the oldies (and the new songs) for most of July.
But August has been refreshingly mild so far. (“Refreshingly mild” also is a great description for Chuck Mangione’s catalog. RIP, Chuck!)
Summer sounds are sweet. But they may not be Sweet. Newly minted list member Scott R. pointed out that the “Sweet” listed on the bill with Molly Hatchet and April Wine at the Rose this past weekend is not the real Sweet.
I spent the next several hours tumbling down the Sweet rabbit hole. It was totally worth it, if for no other reason than seeing Andy Scott’s… wait for it… sweet hairstyle:
Currently, there are two versions of Sweet that are active, this one we wrote about, which features the original member Andy Scott and another one which was formed by Steve Priest. But Priest passed away in 2020 and the band continues actively using the name and touring with no original members, especially in United States and Canada. While Scott’s version usually tours across Europe. Source: https://rockandrollgarage.com/sweet-announces-their-final-studio-album-full-circle/
We pride ourselves on our journalistic integrity (currently we’re 0-2 on both journalism and integrity) so we apologize for directing you to the not-so-Sweet imposters.
While we’re on the topic of switcheroos, I also need to note a Minnesota mix-up from my last post. Semisonic had to bail on their tour with Toad the Wet Sprocket and Sixpence None the Richer (Semisonic bassist John Munson had a stroke in February and is still recovering). But their Twin Cities* counterparts The Jayhawks are taking their slot on the bill tonight at the Rose Music Center.
*Jayhawks leader Gary Louris is from Toledo, the Glass City!
Another concert of note this evening is Emma Swift, playing a show at The Columbia in the East End.
Emma in an old church will be heavenly! There are still a few (pew) seats left. Get your tickets via Undertow (same company that books the house concerts I’ve hosted). I’ll see you there!
The Black Crowes, will be roosting at the Rose on Wednesday. And Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys play Southgate, with the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys opening. That’s a lot of Boys.
It’s also another Ween Wednesday at The Columbia (4311 Eastern Avenue). Stop by anytime between 6-10 p.m., listen to a Ween album (this month’s is Live at Stubbs 7/2000) and meet some really cool people. Oh, and I might be there too – but I will leave if I’m messing up the vibes.
Tons o’ gigs on Thursday:
Men I Trust are at the Mike Brady. (The show was originally supposed to be Men I Don’t Trust but they bailed out at the last minute.)
Maria Carrelli and Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle play the freebie at Washington Park
RiversEDGE has a freebie too: The Eagles Project. (Maybe halfway through their set, substitute Don Henley will kick substitute Don Felder out of the band.)
More free tunes: Rubén Albarrán (frontman of Café Tacvba) plays the Levitt in Dayton*
The Temptations and the Four Tops play the Rose
The Aronoff has Piano Men: Generations (a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel)
the Voices of America country festival kicks off at Voice of America Park in West Chester – Darius Rucker and Carly Pearce are on the bill.
Annie’s hosts Spafford… not to be confused with OG Wheel of Fortune co-host Susan Stafford.
*that’s a new music list record for most diacritical marks in one bullet point! We are well on our way to journalistic integrity!
On Friday evening, The Funky Ducks play Stanley’s. Two of the Ducks played an acoustic set at the home of list members Chuck and Christine Ackerman this past Friday, and they sounded great!
(I know what you’re thinking right now: “How did that moron get invited to Chuck and Christine’s house?” The short answer is: “They needed someone to clean the pool.”)
The Arcade Music Festival also kicks off a two-day stand in Covington on Friday, with strong “old school MPMF” vibes:
The festival transforms the underutilized, historic Arcade Tunnel on Pike Street into a main stage with immersive light activations by BLINK artist Dan Shields. Featuring 50+ bands, 40 vendors, and performances across 8 venues, it turns downtown into a walkable celebration of sound, art, and community. (Source: CityBeat) Get tickets here.
Other Friday gigs:
America plays the Rose
Ashes & Arrows are at the Levitt, with M. Ross Perkins
Andrew Dice Clay… yes, he’s still around… plays the Ovation in Newport
Carrying Underwear headlines the VOA Country Festival. (Wait, make that Carrie Underwood. Carrying Underwear is at another festival.)
Speaking of carrying underwear, Ludlow Garage hosts Hollywood Nights (please note the spelling of “nights,” this is a Bob Seger tribute, not a tribute to The Hollywood Knights, that classic 1980 movie starring master thespian Tony Danza)
Oh, and my neighbor Jim Tucker has an art exhibition opening on Friday at Redtree Coffee & Art in OTR. More here. The exhibit runs through 10/10.
On Saturday, Arcade Fest continues in Covington, Indigenous plays a free show at the Levitt, and Ludlow Garage has Lovesong: The Cure tribute.
Oh, and this guy is headlining the VOA festival:
He’s billed as “Hardy” but I’m 95% sure it’s David Arquette doing some sort of Joaquin Phoenix performance art thing.
According to chief meteorologist Nelly, it will be getting hot in heerre at Riverbend on Sunday.
Ja Rule, Eve, and “special guests” are also on the bill. There’s no Guest more special than this one:
According to Far Out Magazine, the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, watched “This is Spinal Tap” at a movie theatre in 1984 and didn’t find it funny. But it wasn’t because he was offended by the satirization of rock ‘n’ roll debauchery as Steven Tyler was; as the outlet explains, Osbourne thought he was watching an actual documentary about a real-life band. Source: https://www.grunge.com/1184003/why-steven-tyler-and-ozzy-osbourne-didnt-like-this-is-spinal-tap/
R.I.P. Ozzy. And please note that the “Nelly” headlining the Riverbend show is American rapper Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. and not Half-Pint’s nemesis from Little House on the Prairie.
Also on Sunday, “Bailey Zimmerman” is the headliner for the VOA festival. Please note this is not the former Arkansas Razorbacks women’s b-ball guard whose father went to high school with your humble scribe.
The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse are at the Marcia Brady next Tuesday (8/12). Davy Jones said Marcia had some flaming lips.
Train plays a post-game concert at Great American Ball Park (former home of legendary salesperson Dan “Reds in 2025!” Lewis) on Wednesday, August 13. Danielle Nicole is at Ludlow. Flamy Grant (great name) is in Southgate’s Revival Room. And Chuck Brisbin & the Tuna Project play the free “Fountain Blues” series on Fountain Square. (Please note it’s Chuck and Tuna, not Charlie Tuna.)
Next Thursday, August 14:
Brit Floyd plays the PNC Pavilion
Hippies & Cowboys are at the Woodward
Darrin Hacquard and Williams Matheny play the Washington Park Roots series
MojoFlo (a neo-funk band, not the Progressive spokesperson) is at the Levitt
Shows on Friday August 15:
Smithereens play the Ludlow Garage, with John Cowsill (of the Cowsills) handling lead vocals
Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush play the Lawrenceburg Event Center
The Woods play the Liberty Theater
The old Annie’s has Powerslave: The Iron Maiden Experience… but wait, there’s more, the opener is Whitesnake’d: a Tribute to Whitesnake!
Plenty o’ shows on Saturday, August 16:
RiversEDGE in Hamilton has Jared’s Jam, featuring Neal Francis and Crowe Boy
Eilen Jewell plays a freebie at the Levitt in Dayton, with Basura Basura as the opener (it means “trash trash”… thanks Duolingo!)
The Garcia Project (tribute to the Jerry Garcia Band) is at the Woodward Theater
Lil Wayne is at Riverbend
Screeching Weasel plays the old Annie’s (please note that “Screeching Weasel” is the Chicago punk band, and not the punk who closes Taft Road when he’s in town)
On Sunday, August 17:
The Sadies play Southgate
Brit Floyd makes their 2nd appearance of the summer at the Rose
Skillet plays the Fraze
Please note that Skillet is a Christian rock band, and not what mamaw uses to make her famous cornbread.
On Tuesday, August 19, Styx, Kevin Cronin (of REO Speedwagon) and Don Felder (the real one, not the one who got kicked out of The Eagles Project) play Riverbend, and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is at Ludlow Garage.
The SNL nepo-baby video crew Please Don’t Destroy does a live show at Bogart’s on Wednesday, August 20. And Frontier Folk Nebraska and the Williamson Brothers are at Southgate.
On Thursday, August 21:
Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus (a recurring songwriter showcase) rolls into the Southgate House Revival Room (lineup is here)
Rachel Mousie and the Casey Campbell band play Washington Park
Ludlow has Black Circle, a Brazilian band doing 90s grunge songs.
We love it live!
Dinosaur Jr. and Snail Mail both rocked the Bobby Brady. List members Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube (Fridays, 11a-3p on Inhailer Radio), Jarrod M., Craig D., and Mighty Joe Sampson also were in the house.
My son’s band, The Collies, played a fun patio show at Anderson Township Pub. (Dumbass Dad forgot to take any photos…) Great to hang out with list members Whit, Barb, Dan, Anne, Phil, and a bunch of other folks.
Nothing’s more psycho than this
Hundreds of ukuleles doing the Talking Heads in Dublin. Why not? (Hat tip to list member Chuck W. for the link.)
Fashion Alert!
The Jeff Tweedy decree makes sense. (Hat tip… mine doesn’t have a fake flower clipped to it… to list member Michael O. for the link.)
News alert!
In a related story, the animatronic Make Believe Band is now seeking a new lead singer.
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)
Carl’s right, we need to live a little. Put on a fringed shirt, sit on a fence, and sing a love song to a horse…
Carl Smith’s horseplay is no match for Xavier Cugat mounting a big baguette. Better wrap it in plastic, X, or you’ll get Celiac Disease!
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
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.
Four score and seven years ago… Keith Richards celebrated his 50th birthday.
As you celebrate the 4th of July this weekend, don’t forget to pay tribute to our founding fathers.
And remember the words upon which our great nation was founded:
We the Party People, in order to form a more perfect Union, insure domestic tranquility*, and promote the local music scene, do ordain and establish this list of concerts…
*except when the missus gets mad because we go to too many shows
Tonight:
Ween Wednesday at The Columbia (4311 Eastern Ave. – between Streetside and Terry’s Turf Club) will be spinning White Pepper
Greensky Bluegrass at the Rose in Dayton
Manchester Orchestra at the Burl in Lexington
On Thursday, the Northside Rock & Roll Carnival kicks off:
Rachel Mousie and The Montvales play the free Roots Revival gig at Washington Park
Mason’s “Red, Rhythm & Boom” (awful name!) has Better than Ezra and Tonic
Coral Moons and Pitts & the Vipers play a freebie at the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton
Hearing the name “Better than Ezra” always reminds me of one of my favorite Norm MacDonald lines from SNL:
Friday… hey, baby, it’s the Fourth of July!
And remember:
Independence Day shows (most of which are free, because so is our country… for now):
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top headlines the Red, White & Blue Ash freebie
the Danny Frazier Band plays the Newport Blast
RiversEDGE has That Arena Rock Show with Dangerous Jim & the Slims
the Levitt in Dayton features The Scotty Bratcher Band
Stanley’s Pub has the Dead tribute band Graciously Departed ($10… that gives me the U.S. Blues)
If the ‘splosions aren’t still ringing in your head on Saturday, you can check out Sinkane at the Levitt, or Sonny Moorman playing the free concert series in Glendale.
Sunday Funday shows:
Steve Earle: Solo & Acoustic at Ludlow Garage
Robin Trower plays the Taft
Chicago is at the Rose
“Weird Al” Yankovic plays a sold-out show at the Fraze
(If you’ve yet to watch the Weird Al “biopic” you really should check it out.)
Shows on Tuesday:
Todd Rundgren plays the Mike Brady
The Lumineers and Hippo Campus are at Riverbend
Next Wednesday, Aldo Nova plays Ludlow Garage, and Ben Levin plays the free “Fountain Blues” series at Fountain Square
On Thursday, July 10, Maria Carelli and Megan Bee play the Washington Park freebie, and John “Papa” Gros plays the Levitt.
Friday, July 11 is jam-packed with jams:
Iron & Wine and I’m with Her play the Taft
Indigo De Souza plays the Woodward
Dumpstaphunk, Headhunters, Ernie Johnson from Detroit, and Matt Waters play the old Annie’s
The Staleys play Ludlow Garage
Yam Yam and Empire Pool are at the Levitt
Sylmar, Moontype, and Brianna Kelly play MOTR
Whiskey Daredevils and Veronica Grim play Southgate’s Revival Room
Moonshine Drive and The Foles play Sawyer Point
The Menus play the Fraze
Sam Bush is at The Burl in Lexington
Paul McDonald plays RiversEDGE in Hamilton, with Bee Taylor* opening
*it’s not Aunt Bea from Mayberry… we checked!
The (90s) hits just keep on coming on Saturday, July 12, as Blues Traveler, the Gin Blossoms, AND Spin Doctors play the Rose.
Other shows that evening include:
The Swell Season at the Taft
A “Christmas in July” show featuring Jake Speed & the Freddies and The Turkeys duo at the Falcon Theater in Newport. Request tickets to this Downtowne Listening Room show here.
Electric Citizen has an album release show at Northside Tavern
Davina & the Vagabonds at the Levitt
Wiz Khalifa headlines a Riverbend show, with Sean Paul, DaBaby, Chevy Woods and more.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony play the Hard Rock Casino’s lawn on Sunday, July 13, with the Ying Yang Twins.
On Tuesday, July 15:
Father John Misty plays the Carol Brady, with Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen) and Lucinda Williams (the best!) also on the bill.
The Budos Band and Benny Trokan play the Woodward
Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth are at the old Annie’s
Gigs on Wednesday, July 16:
Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys are in Southgate’s Revival Room, with Kyle Eldridge opening
Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters play the Rose
The High Kings play Memorial Hall
Ke$ha, Scissor Sisters, and Slayyyter play Riverbend.
Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes play a freebie at the Levitt in Dayton on Thursday, July 17. I’ll make the drive for that one.
Shows closer to home on 7/17 include:
The Harmed Brothers Duo and Jolly Old Hawk at Washington Park
A Songwriters in the Round show at the Liberty Theater featuring Ethan Hopper and Caden McMullen
The Bacon Brothers play Ludlow Garage.
On Friday, July 18, the two-day Big River Get Down kicks off at RiversEDGE in Hamilton.
That same evening, Carlene Carter plays a free show at the Levitt.
Sunday, July 20:
Ryan Adams plays the Taft
The Head & The Heart, Wild Rivers, and Marfa play an outdoor show at the Marsha Brady
Yelawolf plays Bogart’s
Live, Collective Soul, and Our Lady Peace play the Rose
We’ll wrap up this list of concerts where we began: with a Greensky Bluegrass show (they play the old Annie’s this time around)
OK, one more: Beck plays a show with the CSO at PNC Pavilion on Monday, July 21.
We love it live!
It’s been a whirlwind tour of tours for your humble scribe. Nelsonville was a very cool festival — two of the stages have plenty o’ shade — and it was great to see list members Dan “Reds in 2025… or 2026” Lewis and Bruce Frasure there with their lovely brides, along with list members Matt & Pam (with their kids) and happy camper Jeff B. (with his son Finn, who is as cuckoo for concerts as I am!). Friday night’s run of MJ Lenderman, Bug Club, Waxahatchee, and Dehd (on alternating stages) will be tough to top. Other highlights included Being Dead, Ryan Davis, Styrofoam Winos, Low Cut Connie, Garrett T. Capps and Gardener.
Then it was Devo at the Cindy Brady with list members Ken “The Lobby Boy” Laube, Jarrod M., and four Cereal Killers! A perfect old man show: no opener, started at 8, played a great set, wrapped well before 10.
On Thursday, I saw the Rush Tribute Project at Memorial Hall with my buddy Craig and a bunch of other pickleball old-timers. I could do without two of the band members dressing like Geddy and Neil, but with 27 songs over two sets, they certainly delivered a reasonable facsimile of the ol’ Rush concert experience. Neil’s not coming back, so it’ll have to do.
This past Saturday, my lovely bride and I… and list member Heather E. — drove up to Over the Rhine’s Nowhere Else Farm to see Patty Griffin play in their restored barn (with a short opening set from Linford & Karin). What a great space to see such top-notch singer/songwriters!
What, no Puppet Show?
In advance of the Spinal Tap sequel that Rob Reiner credits Kate Bush for, several theaters are playing the OG This is Spinal Tap this Saturday/Sunday/Monday. Check listings here. Unlike Stonehenge, it’ll be huge.
We should give the R&R HoF an “It’s about damn time!” award
He came through the industry in an indirect way, which is how he came into a lot of things — by taking his own strange route. And he earned his reputation and fan base through hard work. People who really put value on songwriting know the influence his songs have had on his peers. They appreciate his lyrics and poetry and the commentary on humanity, heart, and humor. – Ariel Zevon
“In the same way you’ll hear Philip Seymour Hoffman called an actor’s actor, to musicians (Zevon) is a musician’s musician. He was in his own separate box. It’s that Stravinsky influence and classical background he had…that made him think a little different than everyone else. I’ve had instances where I’ve had to cover his songs and you go, ‘Wait, he went to THAT chord? That’s the wrong chord,’ but it works.” — Jordan Zevon
Don’t let the TicketBastards and Ticket Shysters get you down
Huge tip o’ the 97XBam hat (it’s a Mojo Nixon trucker cap) to list member Frank B., who found a great way for me to sell my Waxahatchee/MJ Lenderman tickets for their show near Syracuse, NY. (I bought those tix before the Nelsonville lineup was announced – same weekend.) It’s called CashorTrade, and you can use it to buy or sell tickets without scalpers or brokers. I was able to sell my two tickets for face value, and the whole process was pretty easy.
I’m sure the TicketMafia will figure out a way to shut them down, but for now, check it out!
Rust Never Sleeps, especially in Akron
Before the Devo show, list member and Super Spud Jarrod M. shared this wild, woolly, and wacky ’78 collab between Neil Young and Devo:
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