Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker of the band Wussy are two of the best songwriters in the known universe. They’re also an absolute blast to talk to about (in no particular order): music, their Forever Sounds radio show, bad movies, Swedish Eagle, the Eagles, TV show filling station characters, ball peen hammers, ascots, super-glued teeth, and other important matters. Oh, and fecal matter too – because we’re erudite!
Wussy is doing a full band show at The Woodward Theater on Friday, February 27. Advance Base (the latest project from Owen Ashworth, formerly of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone) and Moontype open the show. Get tickets here.
Chuck and Lisa also do a radio show on WAIF-FM every Tuesday morning (i.e. Monday night when the clock strikes midnight). As Lisa mentioned in our podcast interview, they play music like you’d hear on stations like 97X. And their on-air banter is equal parts enlightening and hilarious. You can find a full archive of their past episodes on Mixcloud and Apple Podcasts.
The Wussy oeuvre is chock-full of gems – there are so many amazing tunes that it’s tough to single out just one. But here’s Chuck’s favorite Wussy song:
Lisa’s description of the interplay between her voice and Chuck’s as a flipped version of John Doe and Exene Cervenka of the band X is a fitting comparison.
You can really hear it in a song like “Airborne.”
Chuck and Lisa also did an digital album of cover songs as a fundraiser for WAIF.
You can get that album here for a pledge of $25 or more.
97X fans no doubt know that Chuck also was the front man for the fantastic Cincinnati band Ass Ponys. (Or “A-Ponys” as we sometimes had to refer to them on 97X in their early days.)
Don’t come at me for not pronouncing the “r” in “February.” Nobody pronounces the “r.” Other than insufferable snobs.
February is more of a “Meat Diamond” month. Even for vegheads like me!
Don’t pronounce the “r” – unless it’s in “rock!” Let’s see what’s rockin’ the Tri-State in the alleged shortest month.
Actually, because this might get to your eyeballs while Jam-uary is still winding down, just a quick reminder that the triple bill of Sharp Pins, Good Flying Birds, and Artificial Go is at the Woodward on Friday night. I’ll be there! And if JAM-uary is more your jam, Umphrey’s McGee plays the Greg Brady.
Oh, and the extremely talented and gregarious T. Lipscomb plays Camp Springs Tavern on Friday, and South of Sin is there Saturday. And The Tillers, Maria Carrelli, and 2-22s are at Southgate on Saturday, and my son’s band The Collies play The Vault in Mt. Lookout that evening (8-11) too!
FebYOUary kicks off Sunday:
East Nash Grass with Andrew Hibbard at Southgate
Downtowne Listening Room has a matinee show (2:30 start) at the Historic Boone County Courthouse featuring Buffalo Rose with Bryce Mullins
Ricky Nye hits the Wiedemann’s Brewing stage early, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Diana Krall plays the Aronoff
The Lovin’ Spoonful* plays Ludlow Garage
*Note that The Lovin’ Spoonful does NOT contain a full day’s supply of vitamins and minerals. Nor does it contain John Sebastian – he’s too busy welcoming back Mr. Kotter. And he has an excuse note from Epstein’s mother.
Monday is Groundhog Day.
If we pause for a moment to think about it, Bill Murray owes a lot of his career success to rodents.
Let’s focus on seabirds instead: Dean Johnson and Lily Seabird play the Southgate House on Wednesday. [Aren’t you glad I didn’t write “let’s focus on Johnsons instead”? (Get your mind out of the gutter! I am referring to Ray, of course…)]
Actually, let’s focus on another Johnson instead, like list member Rico does. He really likes the new album by Dean Johnson, so he’ll be at that show, which mean’s it’s an official RicoReco™.
Next Friday, February 6, is a busy night for gigs:
Magnolia Boulevard plays the Liberty Theater, with the Mama Said String Band opening
The Laurelys have an album release show in Southgate’s Revival Room, with Lydia Shae, Maria, etc., and Jim Trace & the Makers joining them on the bill.
Ward Davis plays Southgate’s main Sanctuary room
Shows on Saturday, February 7:
Dead Low Brewing hosts “Brews & Browse Sweetheart Market” (a hippie-leaning local artist craft fair) from 2-6 p.m. with The Rec playing Grateful Dead tunes. So you can tie one one and tie-dye one on!
Highly Likely hosts the Midwinter Meltdown (boy, we sure can use that!) at Stanley’s
Daniel Wayne and Matt Mooney play a free show in Southgate’s Lounge
Ben Levin Organ Trio plays Japp’s
The New Wave Orchestra* plays the Taft
*per the press release: this immersive concert event takes the most iconic New Wave tracks of the 1980s and transforms them with a vibrant orchestral sound, electrifying neon-lit staging and striking 80s-inspired costuming
(Or you could just re-watch John Hughes movies.)
Next Sunday, February 10, is Super Bowl Sunday.
Over the Rhine (the band, not the neighborhood) plays an “Infamous Love Songs” gig at the Mercantile Library on Tuesday, February 10. Tickets were expensive ($60) but the OTR faithful snapped them up, and it’s sold out.
Mike Dawes (Brit fingerstyle guitarist) plays Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys play Southgate on Thursday, Feb. 12, and Liberty Theater has a Songwriters in the Round free show featuring Tanner Dane and Mason Hutchinson.
Shows on Friday the 13th:
Memorial Hall has “On a Winter’s Night” featuring Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and Patty Larkin
The Wombats play Bogart’s
Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and John Cowsill (The Cowsills… and Beach Boys) play Ludlow Garage
Ben Levin Organ Trio feat. Candice Ivory at Caffè Vivace
Saturday, February 14this Valentine’s Day. [This reminder brought to you by Esther Price Candies, Hallmark, FTD, and the National Restaurant Association.]
Let’s focus on another Johnson, like list member Rico does. Here’s a printable card you can use for your (current or future) sweetie:
VD shows:
Drink The Sea (featuring Peter Buck, Barrett Martin, Alain Johannes, and Duke Garwood) is at the Taft
David Lacey & Ten Pound Hammer with the Naomi Carman Trio at Liberty Theater
Joe’s Truck Stop plays their monthly Honky Tonk Dance at Southgate
Here’s some PR info about Drink The Sea: Expect an evening of original music from the supergroup’s two debut albums, along with classic songs from their former bands. The performance will also feature original films by award-winning filmmaker Tad Fettig, synchronized to the setlist.
(I didn’t know a band could have two debut albums… that’s impressive! Also, I think The Rock’s fanny pack is a Tad Fettig.)
The Descendents and Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls play the Jan Brady on Sunday, Feb. 15.
On Wednesday, February 18:
Kelsey Waldon & the Muleskinners and Gabe Lee play Southgate
Taft Theatre has The Rush Tribute Project, playing Moving Pictures plus “hits and deep cuts”
Your humble scribe’s first-ever concert was Rush at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas back in 1981, on the Moving Pictures tour. I had way more hair back then, and here’s the candid high school yearbook photo (replete with Rush concert t-shirt) to prove it:
(I’m giving Epstein’s hairdo a run for its money… )
On Thursday, Feb. 19:
esperanza spalding (apparently a fan of e e cummings) plays memorial hall Memorial Hall
There’s a James Taylor Tribute at The Redmoor in Mt. Lookout
Liberty Theater has The Eagles Project as part of their “Third Thursday Tribute Series”
(Oops, that’s a real Henley, not a bogus one!)
Friday, Feb. 20:
Ben de la Cour at Southgate
Badflower at Bogart’s (BYOC – Bring Your Own Claritin)
Saturday, Feb. 21:
Ricky Nye Inc. featuring Noah Wotherspoon at the Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, IN
The New Usuals album release show, with Heavy Hinges, and The Spectacular Fantastic
OR, you can take your pick from a Tribute Band twin spin:
Cincinnati Transit Authority (tribute to Chicago) at Memorial Hall
Ludlow Garage has Classic Stones (either a tribute to Mick, Keef & the boys or a tribute to fossils… same difference, actually)
On Sunday, Feb. 22:
The Lone Bellow at the Taft Theatre
Adam & Ringo (of Mad Anthony) have a 40th Birthday Bash at Southgate House. It’s an early show (because they’re 40) and it features Mad Anthony plus pulled pork and sides! Music + food for $10. Such a deal!
Dave Hause & The Mermaid plus Two Cow Garage are at Southgate on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Guitarist Matteo Mancuso plays Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Thursday, Feb. 26:
The Low Gap show that was postponed due to Snowmageddon ’26 is at Southgate (for reals this time). Julia DiGrazia opens.
Liberty Theater has a Songwriters in the Round free show featuring Sarah Asher, Tay Bronson, and T. Lipscomb
Friday, February 27 is more like Februar-ME, because my faves Wussy are playing a full-band gig at The Woodward Theater, with Advance Base and Moontype as the openers.
That same evening, Nat Myers and Jay Skaggs are at Southgate.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Downtowne Listening Room process, you need to request an invite via this link, indicate the # of tix you want, and then you’ll be on the list. More info:
We ask $20 donations (cash) per attendee at door on show day. 100% goes to the artists. There will be free snacks, sweets and soft drinks. Plus free parking.
Other shows on 2/28:
Sylmar has a record release party at the Woodward
Joe Bonamassa plays the Taft
Nicholas Jamerson is at Southgate
Tasting Color plays Stanley’s
Roger Klug Power Trio and Frontier Folk Nebraska at MOTR
Laid Back Country Picker with Adam Wade Gilliam at Liberty Theater
Laid Back Country Picker is what I would look like now if I had stayed in Arkansas:
(That’s a party line telephone, just like the one we had when I was growing up in the sticks.)
February is the Billy Barty of calendar months.
So we may as well include Sunday, March 1 in our listings:
Snõõper plays the Woodward
The Wood Brothers are at the Taft (yes, we know, Wood Brothers at the Woodward wood make it funnier)
Memorial Hall has “All You Need is George” (Jam-band legends Jackie Greene, Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli, Reed Mathis, Berry Duane Oakley, and Gil Assayas unite for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of George Harrison’s timeless legacy)
House concert early notice
Jason Narducy (Split Single, bassist for Bob Mould, touring bassist for Superchunk, soon to be touring with actor Michael Shannon and a crack band doing REM’s Lifes Rich Pageant album – I’ll be seeing that tour in Bloomington, IN on 3/16) will be playing my house on Thursday, May 14th. Mark your calendars now. Ticket info to come later. The gig was originally slated for Friday, May 15th, but I got “Pirner-ed”:
An ovation for the Ovation venue
The PromoWest indoor/outdoor spot in Newport (with the redonk name) is finally lining up some strong gigs:
Suffice it to say that the Daves I know are a lot smarter about modern rock than I am.
And if you’d like to listen to all the 97X Modern Rock 500 songs in chronological order (by release date) from oldest to newest, check out the playlist Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
He fought the law and HE won
Ken Katkin is one cool kat. Not only because he hosts the always rockin’ Trash Flow Radio on WAIF-FM (Saturdays, 3-5 p.m.), but also because he did this:
Let that be a lesson for all of us. Don’t let the law-breaking goons get away with it!
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)
It’s probably not Bernie. Bob maybe, but not Bernie.
If “quartet” is what they’re going for, I’d say five is more than enough.
These fine folks are struggling with basic math too, but we’ll grade them on a curve because they used a sweet font that conjures up memories of Evel Knievel’s jumpsuit.
97X superfan (and self-professed “data nerd”) David Groff crunched the numbers on all* the Modern Rock 500s from 1989-2009 and in this episode, he quizzes Dave and Damian about it.
How many different songs were #1? What band had the most different songs on the MR500 through the years? How many songs made the countdown every single year? How can Damian be so dense? Find all the answers –and a listener quiz too — in this episode:
*the list for 1998 is missing – please help us find it!
David’s year-by-year Modern Rock 500 uber-list ( a true labor of love) is here.
And if you’d like to listen to the songs in chronological order (by release date) from oldest to newest, check out the playlist Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Do you know the answer to the listener trivia question in the podcast? Email 97Xwoxy@gmail.com with your answer, and all correct entries will be entered into a drawing for… some sort of prize.
In our podcast chat with David, we reference an infamous outtake from Casey Kasem’s American Top 40. It was a long-distance dedication letter from a guy in Cincinnati. Enjoy! (But cover the ears of your kids and pets!)
Let me be the 427th person to wish you a Happy New Year!
But also let me be the first person to wish you a Slappy New Year!
My resolution is to let you know about the cool musical artists coming to our area as we celebrate “Jam-uary” – which is a rockin’ portmanteau that I totally stole from Camp Springs Tavern in scenic Camp Springs, Kentucky. CST is putting the “jam” into January by hosting live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday all month long:
Bluegrass Jam on Thursdays – Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – starting at 6pm (shows below start at 7pm)
Slim Pickin’s on Friday the 9th
Stick & Bindle on Saturday the 10th
Betsy Smith on Friday the 16th
Witches of the Rifle Range and Kait & the California Kings on Saturday the 17th
Dave Webster on Friday the 23rd
Kurt Adams on Saturday the 24th
T. Lipscomb on Friday the 30th
South of Sin on Saturday the 31st
Whereas I will be jamming more Fig Newtons into my piehole all month long.
OK, let’s take a gander at the other gigs:
Tonight, The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars play… you guessed it… the Comet. Note: The Comet bar is not to be confused with the cleaner that young Robby Benson used to hawk.
On Thursday:
Maggie Antone plays Southgate’s Sanctuary, with Ava Hall opening
A1A (the official and original Jimmy Buffett tribute show) will be at the Ludlow Garage
Hmm, that “A1A” name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?
On Friday:
Joe’s Truck Stop plays Northside Tavern
Bogart’s has Ten, A Tribute to Pearl Jam
The Funky Ducks play MOTR with the Brian Bacon Band and SUN.DYLE
Laid Back Country Picker and 9 LB Hammer play Southgate.
Hmm, “Hammer” sounds familiar. Where have I heard that before?
Catch Richard Lloyd Group with The Dummy Ups at MOTR on Saturday. (Richard Lloyd was in Television. Word on the street is that he’s a decent guitarist…)
That same evening, the Liberty Theater has bluesman Mike Milligan & Steam Shovel, and Bogart’s hosts The Four Horsemen. They are billed as “the only album-quality Metallica tribute” but this one works too:
Real Estate plays the Woodward on Tuesday, January 13. I’ll be there, and you should be too! Note: purchasing a ticket to Real Estate does not require a regular mortgage or a reverse mortgage.
G. Love & Special Sauce will be at the Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, January 14. (G. Love & Special Sauce is not to be confused with “Glove and no special sauce” which was a scene from Animal House.)
Jess Lamb & Friends play MOTR on Thursday, January 15, and Southgate has Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus songwriter showcase.
On Friday, January 16, Amythyst Kiah plays Southgate, and Ludlow Garage has The Ultimate Doors. (“Ultimate Doors” in a Garage are not to be confused with the garage door company named after Amy and Erin.)
On Saturday, January 17:
Trampled by Turtles plays the Taft
Denitia (an NPR “artist to watch”) plays the Liberty Theater, with Maria Carrelli opening.
Eaglemania hits Ludlow Garage on Sunday the 18th. Note: Eaglemania may result in excessive hotel charges.
Liberty Theater has Back2Mac (Fleetwood Mac tribute) on Thursday, January 22.
On Friday, January 23:
Charlie Starr (of Blackberry Smoke) plays Ludlow Garage
Bogart’s gets in on the tribute band action with Thunderstruck (“America’s AC/DC tribute band.”)
on Saturday, January 24:
Low Gap plays Southgate with Julia DiGrazia as the opener
Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Souther-Hillman-Furay Band) is at Ludlow Garage
Rob Thomas plays the Hard Rock Casino
Hey look, it’s another tribute band: Pet Sounds plays Ludlow Garage on Sunday, January 25. Note: “Pet Sounds” (the Beach Boys tribute band) is not to be confused with a See ‘n Say:
On Monday, January 26, The Faux Frenchmen play Memorial Hall.
The Sadies and Krystal Peterson play Southgate on Wednesday, January 28.
On Thursday, January 29, it’s The Infamous Stringdusters with Mountain Grass Unit at the Taft.
Gigs on Friday, January 30:
Umphrey’s McGee plays the Peter Brady
Woodward Theater has a very nice triple bill with Sharp Pins (GBV-esque), Good Flying Birds, and Artificial Go. I’ll be at that gig with list member Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube (he’s on Inhailer Fridays 11a-3p)
Southgate has a Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds tribute band called Monkeys on a String.
Annnd the month wraps up on Saturday, January 31 with:
The Collies (my son’s in that band!) playing The Vault in Mt. Lookout from 8-11 p.m. First beer’s on me!
The Tillers and Maria Carrelli at Southgate
Jimmy Davis Blues at Liberty Theater
And yes, there are not one but two tribute band shows: Let’s Groove Tonight (Earth, Wind & Fire) plus a Kool & the Gang tribute band at Ludlow Garage, and Madison Theater has “Tell Me Lies: The Fleetwood Mac Experience.”
We love it live!
Erika Wennerstrom playing a sold-out show at The Columbia: spellbinding! (Great to see list members Kevin, Tom, Jamie, Rico, and Coffee Kyle in the house too!)
(If you’re keeping score at home, Erika’s show was Concert #40 for me in 2025.)
former 97X DJ Rictile and list member Todd Butler about the old 97X Home Invasion live broadcasts (warning: post contains photos of scantily clad men).
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has invested €600m Euros — nearly $700m USD — in Helsing, an AI military start-up of which he is now Chairman. Spotify is literally using money generated from artists’ work to create death and destruction in our world. And recently, Spotify has started taking money from their US subscribers to pay for ICE recruitment ads.
Hot ticket alert
Wussy is playing a full band show at The Woodward on Friday, February 27. Get tickets here.
Letters to the editor (and hope for the future)
From list member Lisa Collins:
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s): New Year, New You!
Leg warmers sold separately.
I’m all for figure control, but if I tried Fran’s cover pose, I’d fracture several vertebrae.
Yes, “Boogie” will be my morning exercise routine in 2026. Especially if I can scale walls and crash through windows like the S.W.A.T. team:
DJs in PJs. Wiener dogs in chariots. Bowling in a pool. A surprise birthday party. Crab crawl contests. Jarts. A bogus wedding. And of course, Rictile in a Speedo. The 97X Breakfast Club “Home Invasion” live broadcasts were a way to take the insanity of the 97X DJs out of the studio and onto the road. Havoc and hilarity always ensued. We talk to former 97Xer Rictile — who originated the Home Invasion idea at the station — and longtime listener Todd Butler, who hosted one of the early home invasions. They share their memories from the live broadcasts – and once again, havoc and hilarity ensue.
Rictile does the nearly-nude news while Randy the Redneck makes sure he stays hydrated.
Below is a special t-shirt that was created for a Breakfast Club Reunion/Home Invasion in Lebanon, Ohio at the home of John and Pat George in August of 1998.
Is this Rictile at a home invasion? Maybe, maybe not. But he’s definitely in a home – that counts, right?
Screenshot from our chat with Rictile and Todd. Rictile is NOT shown below the waist. You’re welcome!
As you can see, Rictile has matured a lot over the past 30+ years. He no longer wears a Speedo in public (unless you ask). Nowadays, he makes appearances as the “Dirty Mayor” in a suit jacket and tie. Oh, and no pants, of course!
Todd, Rictile and Dave show off their 97X promo items.
Chris DeVille is the managing editor of Stereogum and the author of a new book called Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion. He joins us to talk about his book, aptly billed as “the definitive history of 21st century indie rock—from Iron & Wine and Death Cab for Cutie to Phoebe Bridgers and St. Vincent—and how the genre shifted the musical landscape and shaped a generation.”
We discuss what “indie” means, the effect of easier access to music via streaming, how Stereogum is a kindred spirit of 97X, why the book title works on multiple levels, and the ongoing need for music curation.
Photo credit: Tim Johnson/Columbus Monthly. Check out the Columbus Monthly interview with Chris here.
I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Each chapter includes a recommended soundtrack of songs that are mentioned in that chapter. The Chapter 1 soundtrack will be quite recognizable to 97X listeners:
This book page has links to purchase the book at multiple retailers.
And of course our post wouldn’t be complete without The Postal Service:
The Undertow Collective helps people make music and tour in a very indie way. They manage artists like David Bazan (Pedro the Lion), Will Johnson (Centro-matic), and Bad Bad Hats, and they promote house concert tours for folks like Wussy, The Mynabirds, and Kevin Devine. Undertow’s Bob Andrews and Jayne Ballentyne join us to talk about how Undertow got started (Uncle Tupelo is involved), how house shows happen, and why their model feels like “the future of rock and roll.”
The Undertow website sums up their ethos:
Undertow shows are hosted by fans in houses and other private spaces (art galleries, bike shops, recording studios…). If you’ve ever been to one, you know how amazing it is to be up close and personal with such talented artists. You can check out their current tour shows here. And here’s the full list of artists they’ve helped tour.
Scroll to the bottom of the Undertow Music home page to sign up for their email list so you can be the first to know about new shows and tours.
I’ve been thrilled to host several Undertow shows at my house. Craig Finn was the first one, back in 2017.
Next up was Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers) in 2018.
It’s pretty friggin’ cool to hear an acoustic version of Archers of Loaf’s “Web in Front” in your living room!
And the Wussy Duo (Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker) has graced us with their presence several times (once as a trio with Mark Messerly). Every show is pure magic!
If you’d like to host a show, you can check here for a list of tours and cities where hosts are needed. Undertow takes care of ticket sales, so all you have to do is provide the venue. Here’s more info about the process.
It’s a December to remember. Especially with 0% aper.
Unfortunately for music lovers like you (and me!), the ol’ Koncert Keeper tends to be mostly holiday shows. But there are a few nuggets worth digging for in the music mix. Let’s peek at our presents:
This Wednesday is Ween Wednesday at The Columbia in the East End. They’ll be spinning the live At The Cat’s Cradle album from 6-10 p.m. BYOB.
On Thursday, the Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana hosts a free Songwriters in the Round show featuring Anne Bangert, Steve Covington, and Charlie Overman.
Friday shows:
The Raisins (the Cincinnati ones, not the California ones) kick off a two-night stand at the Woodward
MOTR hosts a free Indie Rock Extravagant-za with Girl Gordon, Kind Skies (Lexington), and Pout
Moviola, the Wussy Duo, and Nervous Verbs play The Comet
Damien Escobar is at Ludlow Garage. (If you go, tell him he spells his first name incorrectly.)
Old Crow Medicine Show has a “Holiday Hootenanny” at the Taft Theatre
Monday Night Big Band Holiday Show at the Redmoor
Yung Gravy (not a Thanksgiving leftover) is at Ovation
Saturday:
The Raisins are back at the Woodward. I have a ticket for this show but can no longer use it – if you want it (free!), hit me up via text, or the comments, or passenger pigeon.
Dead Centric plays Stanley’s
Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus (songwriter showcase) at Southgate
Ludlow Garage has Aja, a tribute to Steely Dan
On Sunday, December 7:
Soul Coughing plays the Madison Theater
Steel Panther plays Bogart’s
Heart plays the Carol Brady on Monday, December 8.
(Carol had too much of Alice’s favorite dish: “Sam The Butcher’s Sausage Stuffing.”)
Thievery Corporation plays Bogart’s on Tuesday, December 9. (Fun fact: “Thievery Corporation” is the official LLC name for Ticketmaster.)
Oh, and the Phil DeGreg Trio plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Memorial Hall on 12/8 and 12/9.
The Taft Theatre hosts back-to-back holiday shows:
Straight No Chaser “Holiday Road” on Wednesday, 12/10
Preservation Hall Jazz Band “Creole Christmas” on Thursday, 12/11
Gigs on Friday, 12/12:
Eric Gales at Ludlow Garage
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder do a Christmas show at Memorial Hall
The New Royals (funk revival) play two sets at MOTR
Saturday, 12/13:
Samantha Fish, Cedric Burnside and Jon Spencer at the Ludlow Garage
A Very Motherfolk Christmas at Bogart’s
Cinci Folk Festival (Maria Carrelli, The Montvales, Jolly Old Hawk, et al.) at Southgate
Crown Watts performs the music of Rush at the Madison Theater
Ludlow has Irish Christmas in America on Wednesday, 12/17.
Shows on Thursday, 12/18:
Liberty Theater has another free Songwriters in the Round show with Rachel Holt and Naomi Carman
Jess Lamb & Friends do a jam session at MOTR
The SunBurners and Queen City Silver Stars play an Island Christmas show at The Redmoor (they do the same show on Friday 12/19 also)
Friday, 12/19:
Erika Wennerstrom plays a sold-out solo show at The Columbia on Eastern Avenue. Didn’t get tickets? You can’t say I didn’t warn you:
That same evening, Over the Rhine kicks off their three-night “Acoustic Christmas” stand at Memorial Hall, and Chris Isaak plays the Hard Rock Casino
Saturday, 12/20:
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at Southgate
Over the Rhine at Memorial Hall
“An Olde English Christmas” with Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits at Ludlow – there’s a matinee show and an evening gig. BYOB.
Then, the Xmas lull kicks in. But there’s still time to get the perfect gift for someone special.
On Boxing Day (Friday, 12/26), Ludlow has ESC4P3 (a Journey tribute band).
On Saturday, 12/27:
Bershy plays Madison Live, with Multimagic and Phanta
The Woodward Theater hosts a “Holiday Hangover” show with Sylmar and Mosant
And finally, the year will wrap up with a bait-and-switch bang as the Hot RedChili Peppers host a Red Hot countdown to 2026 at the Ludlow Garage on New Year’s Eve.
That same day (Lord willin’), your humble scribe will be celebrating yet another birthday.
We love it live!
The Mynabirds (a.k.a. Laura Burhenn) put on a great show at The Columbia last night. Laura is super-nice, she had high praise for woxy.com, and she brought her dog along on tour.
The Cereal Killers masquerading as The Distractions were note-perfect on their Elvis Costello set, and Dot.Dot.Dot. did justice to their R.E.M. covers at The Village Theater in Covington.
Foxy John loves it live too!
Speaking o’ R.E.M., here’s a shot of list member John Fox (2nd from right) hanging out with Mike Mills and Steve Gorman (Black Crowes) after the Howl Owl Howl show in Indy. Steve and his brother (at right) went to WKU with John’s brother and sister.
Eric Bachmann and friends with a new tune called “Cold Waves” – so hot right now!
The “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast gets Freek-y
Dave and I chatted with Freekbass. Check it out here or wherever you get your podcasts, and check out the post on the 97Xbam website for some bonus content, including a throwback Sleep Theater show on video.
And list member and official Old People Fall Headguard Hat Spokesmodel Dan Lewis aired yet another grievance after we published this photo in our last post:
You’re right, Dan, I am the worst. Speaking of Python, you might want to spend some of your retirement time tutoring the youth of America.
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)
Yes, needlepoint rocks!
Uh, the photo perspective really highlights Steve’s pants, which are so tight we can tell what religion he is. Somebody please cover that with a Dawn throw pillow!
Ah, yes, a balm for sore eyes. But wait, is that Steve Gibbons in the back? Is he wearing pants?
2 responses to “‘Tis the season (for songs)”
Lisa+Collins
Hey Damian! Thought of you today when I was at Plaid Room Records getting nostalgic! I was perusing The Smiths section when a young man – couldn’t have been twenty yet – told me they have the really good albums “in the back”. He was looking for the same albums – my faith in the youth of America was restored!
Legendary musician Freekbass got his start in Cincinnati bands like Sleep Theater and Shag. Both got airplay on 97X, and Sleep Theater played the 97X 10th Year concert at Bogart’s with Barenaked Ladies, Too Much Joy and the Royal Crescent Mob. We talked to Chris about his roots (and The Roots), his friendship with Bootsy Collins, his Times Square billboard, the freek-y way that Jimmy Fallon wound up impersonating him on The Tonight Show, his sense of style, and his current gigs on TikTok and YouTube.
Freekbass will be playing his annual Funksgiving hometown show on Friday, November 28th at Radio Artifact (the inner sanctum of the Urban Artifact taproom in Northside). He’ll be joined by Rico Lewis (Parliament Funkadelic) on drums, and Cincinnati singer-songwriter Matt Waters opens the show. You can get tickets here.
You can find Freekbass doing his thang (“The Freekquency”) for his legion of fans (a.k.a. the FreekSquad) six nights a week on TikTok. And he’s now doing a couple of weekly shows on YouTube. (You can also keep up with his latest escapades on Instagram.)
As discussed during the podcast interview, Damian wrote a profile of Freekbass for the July issue of Cincinnati Magazine. That article featured some really cool photography from Devyn Glista, and a Cincinnati Magazine reader sent the main photo spread to The Tonight Show for Jimmy Fallon’s recurring “Lookalikes” segment. Here’s what happened next:
Freekbass was featured on a Times Square billboard last December.
Freekbass’ wife Angie Wilson is a DAAP grad and helps create and source his amazing wardrobe. She even made this panda bear suit that he wore to the TikTok Global Creators awards show.
[Photo by Devyn Glista for Cincinnati Magazine]
Freekbass is a protégé of the #1 Funkateer, Bootsy Collins, who gave the erstwhile Chris Sherman his nickname/stage name.
The “Others” listed on the 97X 10th Year Concert ticket shown above wound up being Sleep Theater.
Here’s footage of a Sleep Theater show from back in 1987, with Rob Hamrick on guitar and vocals, Johnny Miracle on drums, and Itaal Shur on keyboards.
Johnny Gill (of New Edition) plays the Ludlow Garage on Sunday, November 23.
Feast week starts Monday, November 24, with BOTH of my son’s bands (The Collies and Van Winkle) playing The Comet in Northside.
On Wednesday, November 26 (a.k.a. Thanksgiving Eve, a.k.a. the biggest bar night of the year), The Distractions (a.k.a. Cereal Killers) will be doing an all-Elvis (Costello) set, along with Dot.Dot.Dot. doing R.E.M. at The Village Theater in Covington. Be there!
Other shows that same evening:
The Woodward has An Evening with Ray’s Music Exchange. They will be joined by members of Ernie Johnson from Detroit, who will then play at MOTR starting at 10:30.
The Liberty Theater features an Adam Wade Gilliam album release show, with The Spectacular Fantastic.
Southgate’s Revival Room features Shelter from the Storm (Dylan tribute) and the Dead Revival Band (GD tribute)
List member Keith Neltner has created another cool design for the Maker’s Mark album featuring tunes from The Tillers and Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle. The release shows (plural this year!) are at Arnold’s on 11/26 and 11/28:
Friday, November 28 (a.k.a. Black Friday):
Freekbass plays his Funksgiving show at Urban Artifact (look for a 97X Rumblings podcast interview with Freekbass coming soon)
Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle at Arnold’s
Mama Said String Band plays the Liberty Theater, with Dave Lacey & Ten Pound Hammer
Stolen Faces (Grateful Dead tribute band) play the Woodward
On Saturday, November 29:
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones play a “Jingle all the Way” (not sure if that’s a Christmas reference or a revenue reference) show at the Taft
Tripping Billies (DMB tribute) at Ludlow
Last, but certainly not least, The Mynabirds play an Undertow show at The Columbia on Eastern Avenue. Tickets are available here.
If you’re not familiar with The Mynabirds (solo nom-de-stage of Laura Burhenn), check out her new release on Bandcamp.
Bandcamp, not Spotify… here’s the only Mynabirds song selection you’ll find on Spotify:
Right on!
Finally, Stevie Nicks plays a sold-out show at the Coliseum on Sunday, November 30. Resale tix in the cheap seats are going for $350 (and TicketBastard will once again charge exorbitant fees on the resale, even though they already collected fees on the original sale).
A Halloween treat
Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) and her twin sister Allison (Swearin’) teamed up with MJ Lenderman and super-producer Brad Cook to form the band Snocaps, and they dropped a tasty album on 10/31. Read more on Stereogum.
Forever Sounds: forever cool
Lisa Walker and Chuck Cleaver do a weekly show on WAIF-FM called “Forever Sounds” and they’re giving out a digital album of cover songs (GBV, Bill Fay, Joni Mitchell, The Bats, Hüsker Dü and many more) to folks who pledge to support their show.
You’ll find the pledge form and past episodes here.
The full Wussy band also did a couple of songs — including a brand new one — at the new Cincinnati Public Radio studio with former woxy.com Lounge Acts engineer Brian Niecz.
Kathleen Edwards and her fantastic band the next night in Louisville: transcendent!
Three nights of Buffalo Tom in Boston – including John Wesley Harding, Moving Targets, and a Pogues tribute band as openers, an acoustic set that included several tasty covers (see setlist below), a band Q&A, and much more: Stupendous!
Wishy at Madison Live last night: not too shabby!
But we don’t always love it live
Rickie Lee Jones played a great set at Memorial Hall.
Patty Griffin? Not so much. I understand the desire to feature several new songs – I expect that from most artists with a new album out. But to completely ignore a large part of your catalog — including the most popular songs — is not my cup of tea. The set was pretty much a snoozefest.
Wright State pitching star on Miami U. turf
Good old Robert Pollard – he can make a cool tune out of city and school district names.
Forget Bitcoin – invest in Lu!
Chuck Prophet can see the future. And the future is pure Lucinda Williams gold!
The full post is here. Chuck’s Substack is worth a subscribe.
Mailbag
In case you missed this fun exchange in the comments section of our last post, list members Lisa Collins and Dan Lewis took issue with my Beatles ranking:
Here’s that Westerberg clip that Lisa Collins sent me:
And Dan Lewis is right about me fitting in with the Goad Family. I certainly have the wardrobe for it:
Speaking of retired Cincinnati Reds superstar salesman Herb Tarlek Dan Lewis, I’m happy to report that he has found another modeling gig that’s perfect for his golden years. He’s the official spokesperson for this product:
“Fall” doesn’t mean the season, it means taking a tumble. Here’s Dan modeling the product:
“Collision to the elderly head” would be a great name for a punk band!
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s): Hair today, gone tomorrow
Her hair took up so much space on the cover that they had to reduce the font size of the type.
Ditto for “Lee Michaels” (we all know it’s really a young Richard Lewis.)
One response to “Tofurkey tunes”
Dan Lewis
Tyrannical power at its worst. I’m reminded of the Holy Grail Monty Python quote “see the violence inherent in the system. Help help, I’m being repressed.” You can’t fight city hall…
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