November? Yes-vember!

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

Hey, I know I tend to prattle on and on in these monthly music missives.

A few list members have commented on the verbosity of this monstrosity.

And one of the other 99 monkeys must be the one hammering out Shakespeare. ‘Cause it ain’t me, babe!

It’s like — to use a seasonally relevant comparison — my Whatchamacallit has turned into an Everlasting Gobstopper.

So I’m gonna do an Archie Bell & the Drells this month.

Before we get to the list of November shows, I do want to wish you a Happy New Year… and what could be happier than another Lisa Walker house concert at Casa de Koncert Keeper? This time she’s touring with Chris Brokaw (drummer in Codeine, guitarist in Come… lots of band and solo stuff).

They’ll be at my place on Friday, January 15, 2027. Tickets are on sale now here.

And if the stars align, there might just be another January house show on tap. And a March one. Stay tuned…

OK, let’s tighten up!

Oh wait, I forgot to mention that we now have an official sponsor:

On Friday:

  • All Them Witches at Bogart’s
  • Magnolia Boulevard and the Jesse Williams Band at the Liberty Theater
  • Trauma Illinois plays an album release show at Southgate

Saturday is Halloween. Which is no big deal if you’re in Ministry.

That evening, Kansas plays the Hard Rock Casino.

Teddy Thompson plays Southgate on Sunday.

Tuesday is Election Day.

Wednesday, November 4 is WEENsday at The Columbia, and your hostess with the most-ess Laura will be spinning the new live Boognish Provides platter.

That same evening, it’s the Sting 3.0 tour at the Cindy Brady, and The Dream Eaters play the Comet.

The Maine plays The Venue That Sounds Like Dr. Evil Named It (MegaCorp) on Thursday, November 5. (I’m starting a campaign to get the venue renamed to Dick’s Home-Made Tartar Sauce Pavilion.) And Andrew Hibbard and Maria, Etc. play Southgate.

There’s a cool “Music for Meals” fundraiser on Friday, November 6. Local singer-songwriters Ray Vietti, Lydia Shae, David Faul, and Kyle Swensen will play an outdoor gig on 8 Mile Road (not the Eminem one) to support the SEM Food Pantry in Mt. Washington. BYOB&C&F (beer and chair and food if you’d like to share). The suggested donation is $20 and ALL ticket money will go directly to SEM Food Pantry. Details here.

Shows on Saturday, November 7:

  • The String Cheese Incident at the Taft
  • Jake Speed & The Freddies 25th anniversary concert and album release to benefit Cincinnati Public Radio at Memorial Hall
  • Queen City Blues Fest at Southgate – lineup is here
  • The Menzingers at Bogart’s
  • Charles Wesley Godwin at Ovation (take that, Dr. Evil!)
  • Hot Brown Smackdown with Van Winkle at the Liberty Theater

“Hot Brown Smackdown” always makes me think of this dude:

Speaking o’ yards, Tune-Yards play the Woodward on Sunday, November 8 with Rituals of Mine.

Sadness interlude

November 9 marks 58 years since my mom passed away. This photo was taken just a few months prior, maybe at a 4th of July parade:

That’s me in the (left hand) corner. If your folks are still around, give ’em a hug from their pal d2.

Speaking of farewells, Little Feat bring their “Last Farewell” tour to the Taft on Tuesday, November 10, and Greyscale plays the Woodward.

Thinking of Little Feat and “farewell” makes me think of Lowell George, which makes me think of this cover tune by The Golden Palominos, featuring the amazing Syd Straw on vocals. It’s one of my favorite tunes ever.

Note that Nice Strong Arm has postponed their tour, meaning their show with Wussy slated for 11/11 at Northside Tavern won’t happen.

Shows on Friday, November 13:

  • Los Lobos at Memorial Hall (list member/podcast co-host Dave T. and I will be there)
  • Smug Brothers, Nervous Verbs and Hamlet play The Comet
  • The AmpFibians play the Liberty Theater
  • The Funky Ducks at Stanley’s
  • Organized Gentlemen at Caffe Vivace

Saturday, November 14:

  • Ricky Nye Blues & Boogie Piano Summit at Memorial Hall
  • Noah Smith Band, Drew Freeland, Payton Sampson & the Whiskey Tones at Liberty Theater
  • The Manhattans at Ludlow Garage
  • Bullet Boys at Annie’s – which, thanks to this newsletter’s staunch refusal to call it “Riverfront Live” is once again called Annie’s! (Can it be long until Dick’s Home-Made Tartar Sauce Pavilion in Newport is a reality?)

Actually, the real reason for the Annie’s name reversion is also, as list member Phil T. pointed out, the reason they should never book a band called “Bullet Boys”:

Ludlow Garage has GCS (featuring Eric Gales, Dennis Chambers and Billy Sheehan – hence the name) on Sunday, November 15. Or you can spend “An Evening with Kenny G” at the Taft.

On Tuesday, November 17:

  • Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers at the Taft
  • The Heavy Heavy and The Point play Southgate

Rush-heads, rejoice: Modern Day Warrior plays Northside Tavern on Wednesday, November 18.

Shows on Thursday, November 19

  • Cheap Trick rocks the Taft
  • The Village Theater in Covington has An Evening with Steve Poltz
  • Cincinnati Transit Authority (a tribute to Chicago) at the Liberty Theater
  • Tom Rush (not Rush-Rush) plays Ludlow Garage

Friday, November 20 gigs of note:

  • Ha Ha Tonka with Old City at Southgate
  • Joe’s Truck Stop at the Liberty Theater
  • Everclear plays Bogart’s
  • Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening at the Peter Grant Brady
  • Dweezil Zappa plays the Ovation (soon to be known as Dick’s Home-Made Tartar Sauce Pavilion)

The pre-Thanksgiving musical feast continues on Saturday, November 21:

  • Joe’s Truck Stop plays Northside Tavern
  • Ludlow Garage has Acoustic Trio featuring Tim O’Brien, Sam Grisman, and Victor Furtado
  • The Maria Carrelli Band plays the Liberty Theater
  • Memorial Hall hosts a special acoustic show from The Eagles Project
  • King Buffalo and L.A. Witch play the Woodward

On Sunday, November 22:

  • Keb’ Mo’ plays the Hard Rock Casino
  • “Rock the Flock Out” featuring Jordan Smart, Siri Imani and Moonbeau at the Southgate House
  • Levi Bloom at the Woodward Theater

Adam Wayne Gilliam plays a free show at the Liberty Theater on Wednesday, November 25 and Southgate has “I Want My MTV: 80s Rewind.”

(I can’t name many Supreme Court Justices, but I can name every one of these cats.)

Thursday, November 26 is Turkey Day. Or Tofurky Day. Or “I need a way to cope with the relatives” Day.

The Raisins kick off a two-night stand at the Woodward Theater on Friday, November 27. And Queensrÿche plays the Hard Rock.

On Saturday, November 28:

  • The Raisins are back at The Woodward
  • The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Whiskey Bent Valley Boys at Southgate
  • AJ & Aly at Bogart’s
  • Dick Clark’s Nightmare and The Dummy Ups in Southgate Lounge

We love it live!

Modest Mouse with Caroline Rose at the Dick (that’s what the kids call the Dick’s Home-Made Tartar Sauce Pavilion) with my kids Gabriel and Leah:

Ted Leo at Mammoth Music Festival with list member Dan Bockrath (who took the photo and shot the video):

Lisa Walker & Elizabeth Nelson at The Columbia (with Chuck sitting in for a song!):

Carrie Brownstein “Words & Music” event at the Mercantile Library:

The Collies (band my oldest kid is in) at The Vault. (Photo not available… I’m a bad dad!)

The 97Xtravaganza at The Columbia!

The Tubs and Mopar Stars in Cleveland with list member Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube!

Sugar at the Dick:

RUSH at the Coliseum!

My 40th college reunion party (not a concert but it rocked!)

TicketBastard still sucks!

I got my Modest Mouse ticket via a website called “Cash or Trade” that allows music fans to buy and sell tickets for face value or less without any broker fees. Worth checking out!

In fact, the entire ticket-buying process usually sucks

List member Barb G. shared this funny Instagram about it.

Shameless self-promotion

Dave Tellmann and I chatted with Nick Kizirnis, a Dayton indie rock mainstay for decades (Mulchmen, Eyesinweasel, etc.) in the latest episode of the 97X Rumblings from the Big Bush podcast.

“Back in my day…”

Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie talks to KEXP’s Cheryl Waters about the challenges that up and coming bands face today during Death Cab’s in-studio appearance. (Full set is here.)

Album Covers of the Month

But they have their AirPods in.

“Show us on the bear where he touched you…”

Remember when Julie the Cruise Director from The Love Boat got addicted to cocaine? This dude was her supplier. Or maybe he’s just the Fifth ABBA.

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Nick Kizirnis, a gem from the Gem City

97X, Music, podcast

Yeah, sure, Dayton (a.k.a. “The Gem City”) may be the birthplace of aviation, but more importantly it’s the home of Nick Kizirnis. 97X fans know Nick from his “landlocked instrumental surf trio” The Mulchmen, who released a couple of great albums in the mid- to late-90s. But he’s been part of the music scene since his high school days playing at Canal Street Tavern (inspired in part by the great music 97X was playing). Nick has recorded with The Breeders (“The Dirt Eaters”) and Tobin Sprout (Guided by Voices) and released several solo albums… and he has a band album coming out soon. We chat about the Dayton scene… and his theremin prowess too!

Nick’s first band (The Obvious) formed in 1985. The Mulchmen released two albums in the late 90s, and in 2019 they re-formed with Jim Macpherson (Breeders) on drums to play the Dayton Music Festival. You can listen to their releases on Bandcamp.

When the Mulchmen broke up, Nick joined Tobin Sprout (Guided by Voices) in a side project called Eyesinweasel. You can check out his solo music on Bandcamp, Soundcloud and Nick’s website.

Nick’s current band includes guitarist/vocalist Kyleen Downes, bassist Bryan Lakatos, and drummer Kelly Morelock, and they have a new album coming out soon.

Photo credit: Jen Hunter

Here’s a shot of Nick and the band at this year’s Porchfest.

Check out this June 2026 interview with Nick in VoyageOhio.

Rock-tober is nigh!

Uncategorized

That’s right Rocktober is right around the corner.

And it’s (fanny) packed with great gigs.

Let’s roll right into the live concerts listings.

Modest Mouse gets Rocktober started in style with a show at the Ovation* in Newport on Thursday. Caroline Rose is the opener. I’ll be there with my kids that like the good music (2 of 4 – I’m batting .500!).

*I refuse to call the Newport indoor/outdoor venue the corporate name that sounds like either Elon Musk named it or it’s from Office Space.

Also on 10/1, Los Lonely Boys play Ludlow Garage, and Mavis Guitar (feat. Travis from Wussy) and Sister Ray Davies play The Comet.

On Friday, my son’s band The Collies play The Vault in Mt. Lookout (8-11pm). They’ll be playing some tunes from their forthcoming album. Tell a buddy, bring a friend!

That same evening, John & John play the Taft. But it’s not They Might Be Giants (much to your editor’s dismay). Instead it’s John Waite and John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band.

Saturday, it’s Rush… and 16-year-old me is pumped up!

OK, it’s just Lotus Land (“The American Rush Tribute”) at Ludlow Garage. (So chances are pretty good that Ludlow Garage will have a “Red Barchetta” in it.)

Breaking news from Koncert Keeper land: the Lotus Land show has been postponed until next April.

Also on Saturday night, the Bright Light Social Hour and Mol Sullivan play the Northside Tavern.

Sunday is the Mammoth Music & Arts Festival all day long in Newport, with more than 30 local and national bands across five stages in and around the Southgate House. Headliners include Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Too Many Zooz, Dale Watson, and The Tigerlilies.

And that evening, Lisa Walker and Elizabeth Nelson play a show at The Columbia in the East End. That old church will be a wonderful setting for their heavenly voices. And you can BYOB (altar wine, even). Tickets are still available – get ‘em here, and I’ll see you there. (Rumor has it Chuck might sit in.)

Bright Eyes will be at Bogart’s on Tuesday, October 6.

Speaking o’ The Columbia, Wednesday, Rocktober 7 is also Ween Wednesday there. 7-9 pm. Free. BYOB.

Other 10/7 shows:

  • Gregory Alan Isakov at the Ovation
  • Robin Trower at the Jan Brady
  • Vanilla Fudge plays Ludlow Garage

The Dream Syndicate will be at Southgate House on Thursday, October 8. The Bad Plus will be at Northside Tavern. And for crying out loud (or not), Melissa Manchester plays Ludlow… we cannot in good conscience call it “Rocktober” if a Melissa Manchester show is involved.

Shows on Friday, Roctober 9:

  • Tab Benoit at the Taft
  • The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and Rachel Holt play the Liberty Theater
  • The Redmoor in Mt. Lookout has a tribute to Radiohead called Kid Zed (get it?), and they’ll be playing OK Computer
  • The Funky Ducks and Electric Indigo at Northside Tavern
  • Ludlow Garage features 40 Fingers, which is a LOT of bourbon.

Or in this case: Italian guitar phenomenon 40 Fingers has become a global sensation, captivating audiences worldwide with their masterful reinterpretations and rearrangements of iconic rock and pop songs, film scores, and television themes.

Although the 97Xtravaganza is NOT technically a concert, it will be a rockin’ good time on Saturday, Rocktober 10. Dave Tellmann and I will be doing a live podcast recording with longtime station DJs Julie Maxwell and Mike Taylor, list member David Groff (a.k.a. DJ Skinny Beats) will be working the wheels of steel AND hosting 97X music trivia with prizes for the winners. Other station staffers will be there too for a panel/Q&A. It’s FREE and BYOB and ends early so you can get your drink on before you get your BLINK! on.

(Don’t worry, I won’t quit my day job to pursue graphic design…)

Other gigs on Saturday 10/11:

It IS spooky season so Here Come the Mummies…

The band Here Come the Mummies play Bogart’s on Sunday, 10/12. And Duane Betts and Palmetto Hotel do a one-night stand at Ludlow Garage. Duane should consider changing his backing band’s name to El Rancho Rankin…

Tuesday, Rocktober 13 will have you on the horns of a dilemma.

Your better angels will encourage you to go to Bogart’s. (Perhaps the first time that sentence has ever been written.) Because the Christian heavy metal band Stryper is playing there.

But the hell with that when Chuck Cleaver is playing The Lounge in Northside.

Supersuckers play Southgate (in the Revival Room!) on Wednesday, Rocktober 14, with The Rumours opening. Ben Knight and Maria Carrelli play the Ludlow Rail Sessions.

And John Scofield kicks off a two-night stand at Ludlow Garage of his “Electrospective” tour with Oteil Burbridge, Larry Goldings and Adam Deitch.

Thursday, 10/15:

  • Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus at Southgate
  • Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE at Bogart’s
  • John Scofield is at Ludlow again
  • Back 2 Mac: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac plays the Liberty Theater, where you can also get a side of Mac-n-Cheese at their Stage Right Kitchen, which I hear has some tasty fried chicken too!

Friday, Rocktober 16 is chock-full of live gigs:

  • Hiss Golden Messenger and Sam Amidon in the Southgate big room
  • Richard Shindell in Southgate’s upstairs Revival Room
  • Inhailer Radio presents Victor Jones at The Columbia
  • The Damn Shames play the Liberty Theater (if they’re out of fried chicken, that’d be a damn shame too)
  • Memorial Hall has “A Man Named Cash: The Songs. The Stories. The Man in Black.”
  • The Righteous Brothers at Hard Rock Casino
  • And the Redmoor features The Last Waltz 50th Anniversary Tour featuring Chest Fever. Here’s a description of that show:

Join Chest Fever & friends for a tribute and celebration of The Band’s1976 iconic concert event – The Last Waltz. Featuring an all-star local roster of musicians performing the well-loved roles of the original star studded cast including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and more.

Shows on Saturday, 10/17:

  • Bobby Bare Jr. (of Guided by Voices) at Southgate
  • Mike Dawes at Ludlow Garage
  • My Brother’s Keeper at Plain Folk Live
  • AFI at Bogart’s

On Sunday, October 18, Voivod and Electric Citizen play Southgate, and King’s X is at Ludlow.

On Monday, October 19, list member Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube (catch him 11a-3p Fridays on Inhailer Radio) and I will be at the Grog Shop in Cleveland for the amazing one-two punch of The Tubs and Mopar Stars.

Uh, in case you were wondering, “Perverts Again” is another band on the bill, not a reference to Ken and me.

Lest you worry, Ken and I will be back in the Tri-State area in time for the Sugar show at Ovation on Tuesday, October 20. J. Robbins of Jawbox is the opener.

Speakin’ o’ Sugar, a hat tip to list member Bruce Frasure (one of the sweetest dudes around) for sharing this 20-minute mini-documentary about Bob Mould’s great 90s band:

Wednesday, October 21:

  • William Elliott Whitmore and The Goldenrods at Southgate (Revival Room)
  • The Linda Ronstadt Experience at Memorial Hall

(You know you’re old when you think “The Linda Ronstadt Experience” was what the Governor of California enjoyed in the 70s.)

On Friday, Rocktober Rushtober 23, it truly is Rush — the real Rush (2.0 anyway) – and my 16-year-old self is pumped! (Even if they are playing the Mausoleum.)

I’ll be at the show with my two kids who like good music.

Other 10/23 concerts:

  • The Local Honeys and Chicago Farmer at Liberty Theater
  • Debutants with Mama Said String Band and Mike Oberst at Southgate
  • Yellow Brick Joel (an Elton/Billy Joel tribute) at Ludlow Garage

Saturday, 10/24 shows:

  • Pink Talking Fish (Pink Floyd/Talking Heads/Phish mashup) at Ludlow Garage
  • Andrew McMahon at Memorial Hall
  • Ellis Paul at Southgate
  • Sungaze at MOTR with Lavisher, Honeybee, and Louse
  • Liberty Theater features the Wild Irish Rover Music Fest
  • Collective Soul shines at the Hard Rock Casino

David Faul plays Southgate on Sunday, 10/25, and it’s a tribute show two-fer that evening: The music of the Beach Boys Pet Sounds Live at Ludlow Garage and The Fab Four: A Hard Day’s Night at The Taft.

On Monday, October 26, the Taft features Beat: Belew/Vai/Levin/Bozzio performing the music of King Crimson. And Ludlow Garage has what’s billed as the final tour for Orleans.

Sammy Rae & Friends play Bogart’s on Tuesday, October 27, and Phillip Phillips plays Ludlow with Lynn Sharbaugh. That same day, my lovely bride turns… er, she celebrates a birthday that the Minutemen would appreciate.

On Wednesday, Rocktober Rushtober 28, Rush is back in Cincy, and my 16-year-old self is pumped!

Wait, it’s just another Rush tribute band: Modern Day Warrior (great name, btw) at Urban Artifact.

It may sound too good to be true, but Rush is back for even more rockin’ on Friday, Rocktober Rushtober 30!

Wait, it’s just another Rush tribute band, A Farewell to Kings, at Memorial Hall.

More breaking news from Koncert Keeper land:

That same evening, All Them Witches will be out… at Bogart’s. And Liberty Theater has “Nightmare on Magnolia Boulevard” featuring the titular Magnolia Boulevard, with the Jesse Williams Band opening the show.

On Halloween night, all them witches, ghosts and goblins will be trick or treating.

Although these days it’s mostly Marvel and Disney characters looking for handouts.

Also on 10/31, Kansas is not in Kansas anymore. (They’re at the Hard Rock Casino). And Clutch plays the Greg Brady. Greg’s first car probably needed a clutch, but “caveat emptor.”

Looking into “Rollvember” – Southgate House has An Evening with Teddy Thompson on Sunday, November 1.

We love it live!

First, an apology: I really let you down by originally posting that the 9/18 Fountain Square show would feature the local band Ratboy, not the Chicago band Ratboys. It was indeed the Chicago band Ratboys (as an astute reader pointed out – I did modify the post to reflect that, but traffic to 97Xbam.com is woefully lacking). And they were great!

The Jayhawks also rocked Fountain Square in late July.

It was great to see so many list members/familiar faces in the crowd.

And very cool to have my daughter join me at the show.

I can tell you firsthand that Cereal Killers are still killer even when they venture outside the friendly confines of the 275 loop. They put on a fantastic show at Hamilton’s Urban Backyard, with several tunes that were new (or new-ish) to their set list but would be familiar to any 97X listener.

Ida’s show at The Columbia was quite enjoyable as well. A perfect setting for their songs.

And last but certainly not least, Lisa Walker and Elizabeth Nelson put on a great show at Casa de Koncert Keeper (aka my house) last week. Elizabeth’s husband and bandmate in The Paranoid Style (Timothy Bracy) played guitar on most tunes, and Chuck Cleaver was working the merch table.

As mentioned above, you can catch that same tour at The Columbia this Sunday.

We love The War on Drugs!

The band, not the Reagan-era overreach that led to mass incarceration for nonviolent offenses. (BTW, Ol’ Bonzo really accelerated the wealth gap and led us to where we are now.)

  *gets off soapbox*

But Adam Granduciel and his bandmates are one of the best true bands going, and they know how to rock.

We love Hamlet too!

The Cincinnati band, not so much the Shakespeare play. Check out this Magnet blurb/interview with band leader Chris Wales, and put your ears on one of their new tunes below, featuring Kate Wakefield on cello. New album coming soon.

We love Jason Narducy!

Dude’s a great musician, great storyteller and an all-around great guy and Dave and I were lucky to have him on our little 97X podcast. Check it out here.

BTW, Jason and Michael Shannon & Friends just announced a 2027 tour for R.E.M.’s Document. Artist pre-sale is live now with the code Document40. List member Mighty Joe and I are going to the Chicago show.

Wholesome family fun (and music)

Neltner’s Farm in Camp Springs, KY has a great Fall Fest, and each weekend features live music.

Nice Legs!

This Track Star interview with punk journalist (and Punk journalist) Legs McNeil is a lot of fun:

In memoriam

R.I.P. Cheetah Chrome.

(Cleveland doesn’t get enough credit for its role in the punk rock origin story.)

And I wasn’t too familiar with David Fair’s work, but I loved Ken Katkin’s tribute post on Facebook:

The video Ken linked to is brilliant!

“Look out, Joe, I think the sky is falling…”

List member Phil Tierney was rocking out to the Jayhawks “Somewhere in Ohio” when he spotted a car on fire in the Kroger parking lot. Probably a metaphor in there somewhere. (And shout-out to the Kroger employee who certainly wasn’t getting paid for his above-and-beyond efforts.)

Make your own playlists!

An excellent excerpt from the chapter about streaming services in the book Chokepoint Capitalism:

Hello, it’s me… Todd!

Todd Rundgren is a verrrry interesting dude. This Vulture interview is proof. (Warning: Do not read if you’re a Swiftie!)

Album Covers of the Month

Perhaps you’ve forgotten about little “Ricky Stevens” from the final season of The Partridge Family. Or more likely you have tried to repress the memories. I’m here to make you cringe all over again:

Hank is probably “lookin’ back” to see where the bullet landed… the one that grazed his scalp directly down the middle of his hair.

Have a great Rocktober!

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Jason Narducy is the quintessential “band person”

97X, books, Music, podcast

Jason Narducy is an accomplished solo artist (billed as Split Single). He’s also part of Bob Mould’s band, the touring bassist for Superchunk, and part of the Michael Shannon/Jason Narducy & Friends tours showcasing R.E.M. albums. Oh, and he’s written a book of stories about his life as a “band person” called Mostly the Van (Volume 1) and has a second volume coming out soon.

But wait, there’s more: his first band Verböten (which he formed when he was 10) is credited by Dave Grohl as the “origin story” for his musical journey. Learn more about Jason’s early years, how the R.E.M. “pop-up band” came to be, and why he enjoys doing solo “house show” tours.

Jason formed his first band (Verböten) when he was 10 – his dad would drive them to gigs around Chicago.

Later he was in the aptly-named duo Jason & Alison, which added more members to become the band Verbow. That group released albums on Epic in 1997 (Chronicles)and 2000 (White Out).

Jason joined Bob Mould’s band as bassist/backing vocalist in 2005 and has performed on most of Bob’s releases since then.

He started touring with Superchunk in 2013, and has been performing with actor Michael Shannon since 2014.

Here are Jason and Michael Shannon on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2024 talking about the Murmur tour.

Their 2025 tour led to this magical moment in Athens, GA, with all four members of R.E.M. on stage with Jason and Michael and the band.

As we talked about in the podcast, Mike Mills joined the band at their tour stop in Bloomington, Indiana this spring to sing on several tunes.

And Mr. Mills also sang the band’s praises after the show.

The supergroup also include Jon Wurster (Bob Mould, The Mountain Goats, formerly of Superchunk) Dag Juhlin (The Slugs, Poi Dog Pondering), John Stirratt (Wilco) and keyboardist/composer/arranger Vijay Tellis-Nayak.

Jason’s doing a house show tour that kicks off October 1.

And his book Mostly the Van (Volume One) is “a collection of stories involving some of the peculiar, awkward, and sometimes inspiring moments in his music life.”

We have two signed copies of the book that we’ll be giving away as prizes at the 97Xtravaganza on October 10th at The Columbia.

Mostly the Van (Volume Two) will be out in mid-November. You can order copies of both at Porchlight Books.

Check out links to all of Jason’s music and other content at his Split Single linktree.

It’s a 97Xtravaganza!

97X, Music, podcast, woxy.com

If you still have a soft spot in your heart for 97X (“the future of rock and roll!”) then mark your calendar for the first-ever (and perhaps last-ever) 97Xtravaganza!

It’s Saturday, October 10th from 6-9 p.m. at The Columbia, 4311 Eastern Avenue in Cincinnati.

(Yes, it’s an old church – perfectly fitting for a radio station that saved so many souls from bland corporate radio.)

Longtime Breakfast Club co-host (and promotions maven) Julie Maxwell will be there.

So will Mike Taylor, who was the station’s program director from 2001 through 2010.

Meaning Mike was there for the 97.7FM signoff, the woxy.com Longworth Hall era and the ill-fated Austin version.

We’ll interview Julie and Mike for a live episode of the “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast.

We’ll also do 97X modern rock music trivia.

The winners will claim bragging rights AND fabulous prizes chosen especially for them. What sort of prizes, you ask? Great question, we’re asking it ourselves. But they’ll be great, trust us!

We’ll also play commercials, promos and comedy bits from the station.

And we’ll do a Q&A with all the station staffers in attendance.

Scheduled to appear:

Booked by Dave:

Booked by Damian:

The 97Xtravaganza is free and open to the public.

B.Y.O.B. And bring some Little Debbie snack cakes too!

Tell a buddy, bring a friend, but don’t you dare miss this 97Xtravaganza!!!

Earth, Wind, and gigs that are Fire! (and Goodbye Dolly)

97X, Concert Listings, Music

Dolly was as country as Granny’s cornbread, but she also rocked!

The Columbia will be paying tribute to Dolly with the debut of their “Music Movie Night” this Sunday, starting at 5pm.

Bring your friends, your favorite drinks, and your love!

As if losing Dolly weren’t enough, we lost Dr. Frank-N-Furter too!

And because these things happen in threes, let’s also pour one out for Jaye P. Morgan, the queen of The Gong Show. Until she got canned for this incident:

On this episode of The Gong Show, Jaye P. was joined on the judges panel by the pride of Toledo, Ohio: Jamie Farr.

Jamie’s probably at Tony Packo’s, but there’s another kid from Toledo coming to town tomorrow night: Gary Louris. He and his bandmates in The Jayhawks will be rocking Fountain Square as part of the Friday freebie concert. Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle open the show at 7pm. Tons o’ music list members will be there, along with your humble scribe. Come on down! (Wait, that’s not The Gong Show, that’s The Price is Right…)

Tuesday, we’ll kick off Earth, Wind & Fire month.

BTW, if you haven’t seen Questlove’s documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire, it’s worth checking out.

You know what else is worth checking out? Live music! Let’s get to the September gigs to remember.

The most important show will be on Thursday, September 24th. Lisa Walker of Wussy and Elizabeth Nelson (of The Paranoid Style) are playing at my house. (Suck it, Daft Punk!)

It’s an Undertow show, and you can get tickets here https://undertowshows.com/products/cincinnati-oh-september-24

It should also be noted that Lisa and Elizabeth are playing another show in the ‘nati on Sunday, Rocktober 4. That gig will be at The Columbia in the East End. Tickets here.

OK, back to our usual chronological order.

On Tuesday (9/1) Margo Price plays Ludlow with Jeremy Ivey opening the show.

[See what we did there?]

Wednesday, September 2 events:

  • RÜFÜS DU SOL (best umlauts since Mötley Crüe) plays Riverbend with Fcukers (best typo since… forever)
  • The Columbia stays busy with another Ween Wednesday (7-9 p.m. – spinning GodWeenSatan Live this month – BYOB)
  • Chance the Rapper (not Chance the Monopoly card pile) plays the Jan Brady

Shows on Thursday, September 3 include Steve Forbert at Southgate, and Third Eye Blind at the Ovation (tickets were $10.27 or $10.71 because WEBN and KISS 107.1 are sponsoring it – our whole family is going – wish us luck!)

Tons o’ tunes on Friday, September 4:

  • Squeeze, Adam Ant and Haircut 100 play the Rose Music Center in Dayton
  • O.A.R. is at the Peter Brady, with Gavin DeGraw and KT Tunstall
  • Ludlow Garage features Double Duran (“the ultimate Duran Duran experience”)
  • Tristan headlines the Fountain Square free show
  • The Chris Comer Trio plays Juniper’s (8-11p)
  • Los Honchos play a free show in the Southgate House Lounge (9:30p start)
  • Ludacris plays a post-game concert at Great American Ball Park (the Reds season has been pretty Ludacris too!)
  • Last but certainly not least, Stanbury Park in scenic Mt. Washington features a First Friday event and the musical act will be The Love Handles (featuring our friend and neighbor Aron Levin)

My belly can vouch for the amazingness of the burritos from the Mi Familia food truck.

Shows on Saturday, September 5:

  • Shovels & Rope play a free show at RiversEdge in Hamilton, with Cris Jacobs also on the bill
  • Lydia Loveless plays a 6:30 show at MOTR with Liteweight Champion
  • Funky Ducks and Fish & Wildlife Service take the late shift (9:30 start) at MOTR
  • The Rose hosts the “Ohio is for Lovers” Festival featuring Hawthorne Heights, Silverstein, Saves the Day and more
  • Valley of the Sun plays the Liberty Theater
  • Dayton’s Levitt Pavilion hosts a free Reggaefest with The Meditations as the headliner
  • Wu-Tang Clan and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony play Riverbend

Parker Barrow and the Dave Lacey Band play the Liberty Theater on Sunday, September 6.

Monday, September 7 is Labor Day.

All kidding aside (for a moment, at least), let’s remember the wise words of Billy Bragg:

Eric Clapton plays the Mausoleum on Tuesday, September 8 with Jimmy Vaughan opening the show.

Shows on Friday September 11:

  • The Eagles Project (free show) at RiversEdge
  • Joanne Shaw Taylor (blues – free show) at the Levitt in Dayton
  • Hyryder (a Grateful Dead tribute band) at The Redmoor
  • Helado Negro at Memorial Hall
  • Taj Farrant (blues) at Ludlow
  • Gabe Lee and Will Overman play a free house concert in Pleasant Ridge (ticket info is here)
  • Gladys Knight is at the Taft – no Pips. but maybe the concession stands will have the next best thing:

On Saturday, September 12, the Cereal Killers will venture outside the friendly confines of the ‘nati — but still well within the 97X listening range — and play at Hamilton’s Urban Backyard.

If I’m not in Bloomington, Indiana for a Hoosiers football game, I’ll be there.

Other shows on 9/12:

  • Beth Hart plays the Taft
  • SofaBurn Inc. presents SodaGives 2026 — a fundraiser supporting healthcare cost for artists — with The Light Wires and Joe’s Truck Stop at The Redmoor in Mt. Lookout
  • Mike Oberst plays New Riff Distilling
  • Hank Williams Jr. plays Riverbend

On Tuesday September 15, Clem Snide plays Southgate and Pitbull and Lil’ John are at Riverbend.

Wednesday September 16:

  • Turnstile, Thundercat and Porches play the Cindy Brady
  • Bob Log III with Whiskey Shambles at MOTR

Gigs on Thursday, September 17:

  • Sabbath “Long Live Ozzy” at the Liberty Theater
  • The Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler and Spin Doctors play Riverbend (I’m pretty sure I saw at least two of those bands at a H.O.R.D.E Fest show at Riverbend 30+ years ago)
  • Ludlow garage has “Live and Let Die: The music of Paul McCartney”
  • Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus opens up the big tent at Southgate

Concerts on Friday September 18:

  • Ratboys (UPDATED: this IS the national act from Chicago!) headline the Fountain Square freebie with great Indy (the city) indie (the music) band Wishy also on the bill. Jack White is at the Ovation – and you’ll likely be able to hear him from the Carol Brady
  • The Fixx, Colin Blumstone (The Zombies) and Peter Asher play Ludlow Garage
  • The Spectacular Fantastic, Graceless Minds and Jake Borgemenke play the Liberty Theater
  • Bouncing Souls at Bogart’s
  • Southgate has the Red Hot Cinci Peppers and Audioslaves (plural)
  • Oxymoronic show alert: the Hard Rock Casino has a Yacht Rock Review

On Saturday September 19, My oldest son and I will be in Cleveland for the Rush concert. I go waaaaay back with them.

Closer to home, the Fort Thomas merchants must be doing a nice job peddling their wares, as they have a packed lineup for their “Merchants & Music” event, with Toad the Wet Sprocket headlining the festivities, and The Tillers, Noah Smith, and the Gina and Johnny Band also on the bill.

Other 9/19 shows:

  • Peaches plays Bogart’s
  • Dokken, Lita Ford and Lynch Mob play the Rose
  • Matt Waters & the Recipe with Easy Mark & Those Moving Targets at MOTR
  • Hard Rock Casino once again doesn’t live up to its name, they have Air Supply

Sunday, September 20:

  • Asleep at the Wheel plays Memorial Hall
  • Gogol Bordello at Bogart’s
  • Eric Johanson plays Southgate

The Redmoor does! They have an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band (called “Just Vince and the Fellas”) on Monday, the 21st night of September. (And Judah & the Lion are at Bogart’s – they’re too young to remember.)

On Tuesday September 22, Ida plays an Undertow show at The Columbia.

After last year’s really impactful Coin Toss tour, Dan and Liz are inspired to continue reconnecting with this part of their shared musical history. This will be Ida’s second tour with Undertow and they are excited to continue revisiting their beginnings as a duo and interpreting their body of songs in a stripped-down acoustic setting.

Get a taste of the full band sound here and get your tickets here.

Also on 9/22, Joe Pug is at the Southgate House.

Concerts on Wednesday September 23:

  • Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys play Southgate with Kyle Eldridge and the Kentucky Cowhands opening
  • Riverbend has the Hayley Williams Show with Magdelena Bay and Rico Nasty 
  • Thee Sacred Souls, La Lom and The Womack Sisters bring all sorts of soul to the Peter Brady

On Thursday, September 24:

  • Lisa Walker and Elizabeth Nelson play my house – tickets
  • Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Molly Tuttle play the Taft
  • Ludlow Garage has Dead Letter Office (a tribute to R.E.M.)
  • The Disco Biscuits play Bogart’s
  • Memorial Hall has Let Me Be Frank: A tribute to Frank Sinatra featuring Jack Garrett and the Atomic Wise Guys

On Friday, September 25:

  • SG Goodman plays Southgate with Abby Hamilton as the opener
  • Jason Ringenberg (of Jason & the Scorchers… or Farmer Jason if you have kids) is at Southgate in the Revival Room (Jason is featured in the Honky Talkin’ documentary written and directed by list member Eric Weltner – watch it for free here.)
  • Pokey Lafarge and Cicada Rhythm played Ludlow Garage
  • Liberty Theater has Henhouse Prowlers with the Comet Bluegrass All-Stars
  • Sara Bareilles is at the Taft
  • Organized Gentlemen play Harmony Hill Vineyards
  • Augustana headlines the Fountain Square freebie with Joe Jordan. (Note: “Joe Jordan” is not to be confused with two members of New Kids on the Block.)

Shows on Saturday, September 26:

  • The Dan Tyminski band plays the Liberty Theater
  • RiversEdge features Signs of Life (the American Pink Floyd) for free
  • The Rose Music Center has the Flashback Funk Fest featuring Morris Day & the Time, The Ohio Players, the original Lakeside, and Confunkshun
  • Not to be out-funked, Ludlow Garage features Party Train (a tribute to the GAP Band)

Here, I did the work for you:

Do you have a Garmin watch that keeps telling you that your sleep has “not enough REM”?

Then perhaps you should consider a road trip to Detroit on Saturday 9/26 for the Michael Shannon/Jason Narducy & Friends Lifes Rich Pageant tour stop at the Majestic Theater. I have a free ticket for you (bought it before consulting the family calendar – my wife’s nephew gets married that evening).

On Monday, September 28:

  • The Buena Vista Orchestra plays Bogart’s
  • Whitney plays the Southgate with Oscar Lindsey as the opener

Wait a minute… “Oscar Lindsey”… are you thinking what I’m thinking (let’s hope not, for your sake):

Does the Six Million Dollar Man know about this band? He’d go running to see them!

Annnnd the month wraps up on Wednesday, September 30 with Bleachers and This is Lorelei at the Carol Brady, and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in Concert at the Taft.

Looking ahead to October 1st, Modest Mouse and Caroline Rose play the Ovation and Los Lonely Boys are at Ludlow Garage.

We love it live!

A rockin’ Courtney Barnett show at Ovation.

Todd Lipscomb in the friendly confines of Camp Springs Tavern.

And a really cool freebie in Dayton last Saturday called Porchfest, featuring dozens of local bands playing porches and backyards in the St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood all afternoon. BYOB, BYOchair and enjoy the tunes!

Speaking o’ porches, this Saturday is Play Music on The Porch Day across the globe. Find a gig near you on the map at the link. List member Chuck Wiggins and his friend Jeff Yaw are hosting an acoustic jam at Hamilton’s Urban Backyard. And I’ll be attending a gig about 300 yards from my house:

Support local radio!

Inhailer Radio has a fall fundraising campaign going on all month long. You can donate here. And here’s why you should:

Inspired by the late, beloved stations WOXY and WNKU, Inhailer Radio has championed independent artists, emerging voices, local music, and the spirit of discovery that commercial radio often leaves behind. Every contribution helps fund music licensing, streaming infrastructure, programming, technology, and the volunteers who keep the station on the air 24 hours a day.

Support local cancer research, education and care

I’m participating in this year’s Ride Cincinnati cycling event on Saturday, September 26. I’ll be biking 30 miles in honor of my dear friend LJ, who died from glioblastoma last November, as well as for all those who are currently battling cancer. If you can spare a few bucks, please support me here.

Let’s put on a show!

If you have a few spare millions left in the couch cushions (after donating to my Ride Cincinnati efforts, of course), maybe we* can buy the Madison Theater.

*I’m using the royal “we” – as in you buy it, and get royally screwed by me.

AI is getting so much better — at spam!

Check out this comment on last month’s post:

They had me at Augustus and Def Leppard… they lost me at “seasonal palette.”

Pennies don’t go as far as they used to

The full story is here on Pitchfork.

Album Covers of the Month

Something tells me ol’ Reg is about to get a scalded groin.

Their tour should be sponsored by French’s Mustard.

This album cover artwork is like one of those “Where’s Waldo?” drawings, but this one is called “Where’s Ric Ocasek?”

Dog days, sweet tunes

Concert Listings, Music, podcast

Are you ready for the dog days of summer?

Damn right “Attica!”

Are you ready for the Dawg days of summer too?

How about the Dogg days?

Well, ready or not, here comes August – the month that gets its name from Augustus Gloop, the fat kid who got sucked up into the chocolate pipe (not as dirty as it sounds) in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Augustus Gloop also was the inspiration for these sophisticated Def Leppard “Pour Some Sugar on Me” lyrics:

I’m hot, sticky sweet
From my head to my feet, yeah

In other words, Augustus Gloop rocks! And you can too – let’s take a look at all the hot, sticky sweet shows coming your way in the month ahead.

(Note: this post covers only August gigs. If you’d like listings for August and Everything After, please contact Counting Crows.)

My oh my, the sweetest treat comes right out of the chute (again, not as dirty as it sounds):

Cereal Killers play Big Ash this Saturday, August 1st! (a.k.a. “tomorrow”)

They will play all your favorite 97X hits, some Petty… and maybe an Oompa Loompa song for good measure. The usual d2 discount will apply – first beer’s on me (with coupon):

There are other shows on Saturday — although they pale in comparison to the big Cereal Killers gig, much like Cereal Killers’ lead singer Howard Cohen’s skin pales in comparison to Oompa Loompa skin:

  • The Levitt Pavilion in Dayton has a free Rock Fest event, with headliner Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
  • Chris Stapleton plays the Bengals Stadium (my missus will be there with the Jazzercise gals. You’ve been warned!)
  • Yonder Mountain String Band and East Nash Grass are at the old Annie’s
  • Evanescence plays Riverbend
  • The Grove and Casey Campbell play Radio Artifact
  • Ludlow Garage hosts Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

(Accent on the “criminal” part.)

Deke Dickerson plays Southgate’s Revival Room on Sunday, August 2, with Kyle Eldridge opening.

On Tuesday:

  • The Black Keys and Eddie 9V play Ovation in Newport – still on the fence about going
  • Andrew Bird plays Taft with a symphony orchestra to be named later

Wednesday is both a WEENsday and a Weenieday. The former because The Columbia in the East End will be spinning Ween’s Quebec album from 7-9 p.m., and the latter because Barry Manilow is playing the Coliseum. If you’re downtown, please watch out for Fanilows.

On Thursday, Watchhouse plays the Taft, and Styx and Chicago bring their “All the Hits” tour to Riverbend.

Cincinnati Parks is sponsoring the On Point Music Festival Friday August 7 – Saturday August 8 at Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove. Here’s the lineup:

Other gigs next Friday (August 7):

  • Chuck Prophet (and band) at Ludlow Garage
  • J. Roddy Walston & the Business play the Fountain Square freebie, with The Bright Light Social Hour
  • The Collies (a dog days of summer band if ever there were one – also the band that my son is in) play the Anderson Tap House Good Time Charley’s (by Four Seasons Marina) – please join me!
  • RiversEdge in Hamilton! has Ozzmosis (a tribute to Ozzie Nelson Ozzy Osbourne) with the Warped Band (a tribute to Home Depot lumber the Warped Tour)

On Saturday, August 8, the two-day Arcade Music Fest kicks off in Covington.

The full daily schedules are here.

Other August 8 shows:

  • Tori Amos plays a sold-out show at the Taft, with Bartees Strange
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd (featuring zero original members!) and Foreigner (featuring one original member!) play Riverbend
  • Boney James is at Ludlow
  • The Fraze Pavilion in Dayton has BaconFest

Rod Stewart brings his “One Last Time” tour to Riverbend on Sunday, August 9, with Richard Marx opening.

On Monday, August 10, The Stray Cats play the Rose Music Center in Dayton and Five Finger Death Punch plays Riverbend.

It’s dueling Dayton concerts on Tuesday, August 11:

  • Joe Bonamassa and Gov’t Mule at the Rose
  • Howard Jones at Fraze

Meanwhile Cincy has The High Kings at Memorial Hall

Lotsa gigs on Wednesday, August 12:

  • Goo Goo Dolls and Neon Trees at the Rose
  • Simple Plan and Bowling for Soup at the Mike Brady
  • The Beach Boys play PNC
  • Fraze has Get the Led Out
  • TyeDye (feat. list member John Sandman) plays Arnold’s (6-8 p.m.)

Shows on Thursday, August 13:

  • Andy Frasco & the UN with Kitchen Dwellers at the old Annie’s
  • Jack Harlow at the Marsha Brady
  • Terrance Simien plays a freebie at the Levitt in downtown Dayton
  • Soul Pocket does a free show at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington

Whimmydiddle kicks off on Friday, August 14 at RiversEdge, with Sam Bush and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes topping the Friday night bill, and The Jack Wharff Band and Ben Chapman on Saturday. General admission is free, and the full lineup can be found here.

Other shows on Friday, August 14:

  • Courtney Barnett at the Ovation (I’ll be at that gig!)
  • The Mountain Goats play the Taft Theatre
  • Aldo Nova at Ludlow
  • Tusk (yes, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band) at Memorial Hall
  • The Funky Ducks at Stanley’s
  • Abby Holiday at Fountain Square
  • Rick Ro$$ plays a post-game show at Great American Ball Park – maybe he can lend some of his $$ to the Reds.

Saturday, August 15 is another busy day for concerts:

  • Chris Smither plays Southgate
  • Todd Rundgren is at the Ovation
  • The Hiders play Carriage House Farm in North Bend
  • Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes at the Liberty Theater
  • Todd Lipscomb plays Camp Springs Tavern (I’ll be there!)
  • McGuffey Lane is at the Levitt
  • Ludlow Garage hosts Kashmir (“the spirit of Led Zeppelin live”)
  • Hard Rock Casino has The Concert: a Tribute to ABBA
  • Tracy Walker plays New Riff Distilling
  • Rose Music Center hosts the Totally Tubular Festival featuring Thomas Dolby, A Flock of Seagulls, The Motels, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club and Tommy Tutone

Steve Earle plays solo and acoustic at Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, August 19.

On Thursday, August 20, Annie’s has Lettuce (but not the Taylor Farms kind!)

And RiversEdge has Sensamotion, which is (choose all that apply):

  • a reggae band
  • the brand name of a truck stop restroom condom
  • an updated version of the old “Magic Fingers” motel bed massage
  • what 70s disaster movies were filmed in

On Friday, August 21:

  • Wildermiss Young Heirlooms play a freebie at Fountain Square
  • Arts Fishing Club plays a free backyard show in Pleasant Ridge (reserve your spot here)
  • The Temptations and the Four Tops play the Hard Rock Casino
  • Riverbend features TLC and Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue

Shows on Saturday, August 22:

  • Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order) & the Light at Bogart’s
  • Noah Wotherspoon at the Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, IN
  • Tommy Emmanuel plays the Taft
  • Stanley Jordan is at Ludlow Garage
  • Slave (Dayton funk legends) play a freebie at the Levitt
  • The Rose Music Center has the Happy Together Tour 2026 featuring The Association, The Troggs, Jason Scheff (of Chicago), Gary Puckett, The Fortunes, Ron Dante (of The Archies), The Vogues and The Cowsills

Bust out the Aquanet for Mötley Crüe with Tesla and Extreme at Riverbend on Tuesday, August 25.

Shows on Wednesday, August 26:

  • Tedeschi Trucks Band with Alabama Shakes at Riverbend
  • Don Was & the Pan Detroit Ensemble at Ludlow (check out this Broken Record interview with Don Was and you’ll definitely want to attend)
  • David Nail at the Levitt
  • TyeDye at Wunderbar

On Thursday, August 27, Hiroshima plays Ludlow and Levitt has Bad Co. Legacy

The Jayhawks play a free set at Fountain Square on Friday, August 28. I’ll definitely be there!

That same evening:

  • Brothers Osborne play the Rose
  • Knotts have a record release party at the Woodward with Moonbeau
  • Ludlow has Strangelove (a Depeche Mode tribute)

Gigs on Saturday, August 29:

  • Heather Redman & the Reputation at the Liberty Theater
  • Ray’s Music Exchange at the Woodward
  • Noah Smith has an album release show at Radio Artifact
  • Bret Michaels with Great White at the Rose
  • the family-friendly Fountain Square freebie features “Karate Girls”… guess they’ll have to put their clothes on

ZZ Top tops off August with a show at the Fraze on Sunday, August 30.

We love it live!

Good times in July with Death Cab for Cutie/Jay Som at Megacorp – with list members Todd and Regi and Mighty Joe.

The ageless wonder Nick Lowe with Los Straitjackets at Memorial Hall – with list member Dan “Reds in ’27” Lewis:

And Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit (not pictured*) at the Rose with list members Whit & Barb (not pictured), Dan Bockrath…

… and Tonya, Arnie, and Angelique:

*Isbell’s show was a “no photos or video” show – I respect that.

Arnie gets special props for adding friends to the distro list for this monthly silliness. Feel free to do the same. And Dan Bockrath offered this pro tip for attending any show that isn’t sold out: look at the seating chart on the day of the show, and any “blue dot” seats = instant free upgrade.

New tunes turn-ons

The Tubs continue their power-pop brilliance. I love them so much!

(List member Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube and I will be road-tripping to see them in Cleveland on 10/19.)

And Wishy also just released another tasty confection.

In memoriam

Bonnie Tyler may be gone, but her literal video will live forever.

On a much more serious note, my heart was filled with joy when Jeff Tweedy gave a shout-out to the late great Jay Bennett during the Billy Bragg/Wilco Mermaid Avenue set at Solid Sound.

The Jay Bennett era of Wilco was the best version of that band, and I will fight anyone who disagrees. Check out the Jay Bennett documentary for a deeper dive.

TicketBastard still sucks

Shameless Self-promotion

Dave Tellmann and I had a great time chatting with John Fox (editor of Cincinnati Magazine, former editor of CityBeat and Everybody’s News) on our 97X “Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast. Check it out here.

Album Covers of the Month

If their priority was looking friggin’ awesome, they can consider that box checked! (Clockwise from top: Kojak’s brother, Tony Orlando, Tim Conway and Michael Gross)

We can’t decide which design element we like more: the pixelated band photo or the illegible font for the band name. Nice work, Mylon. Or is it Mylor? Myloo?

Parting shot

But probably not as much as I regret paying some of my hard-earned Piggly Wiggly bag boy paycheck on a Starship concert back in the early 80s.

2 responses to “Dog days, sweet tunes”

  1. Stu McCulloch Avatar
    Stu McCulloch

    One change and one addition:

    Wildermiss has been replaced by Young Heirlooms on Aug 21.

    Noah Smith has an album release show at Radio Artifact in Aug 29.

    Reply
    1. Damian Avatar
      Damian

      Thanks, I’ve made those edits!

      Reply

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97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: John Fox has the write stuff!

97X, podcast

John Fox served as the editor at Everybody’s News in the late 80s and early 90s, then co-founded CityBeat, and now is the editor of Cincinnati Magazine.

Everybody’s News and CityBeat were strong supporters of 97X – John and music editor Mike Breen would make the trek to Oxford once a week to highlight local music and arts events on the airwaves, and the 97X air staff had free rein when creating commercials for those publications. John talks about the symbiotic relationship, our shared “weird” audience (spoiler: they weren’t weird, just cool), how both CityBeat and 97X were ahead of the curve, and the magic of the old MidPoint Music Festival (MPMF). We also talk about his current role at Cincinnati Magazine.

If the link above isn’t working, you can listen here: https://woxy.podbean.com/e/john-fox-has-the-write-stuff/

John still has his throwback 97X shirt – he wore it for our interview:

When John came to Cincinnati, he started writing for Everybody’s News, and later became that paper’s editor. Here’s a 97X “Christmas card” ad that ran in Everybody’s News in the early 90s:

In 1994, John left Everybody’s News to co-found CityBeat.

John’s friend Dan Bockrath served as publisher at CityBeat. We spoke with him for Episode #55.

CityBeat took over programming of the MidPoint Music Festival (MPMF) in 2008, letting legendary concert booker/promoter Dan McCabe (our guest on Episode #48) handle the bookings. Check out the who’s who of bands that appeared at MPMF over the years here.

John is now the editor of Cincinnati Magazine.

Yours truly has written a few pieces for Cincinnati Magazine, including a profile of Freekbass for last July’s issue.

The main photo from that feature (taken by Devyn Glista) wound up becoming part of a Jimmy Fallon bit on The Tonight Show.

I like American Music

97X, Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

Do you like American music?
I like American music
Don’t you like American music, baby?…

… I like all kinds of music.

Well, actually not Swedish death metal. And not bro country – other than this brilliant tune:

I also like Kiwi music. Uh, not this kind:

But this kind:

That’s Jonathan, Ben, Liz, and Tristan of the New Zealand band The Beths. They’re fantastic, and so fun live. Which is why I’m super-pumped to see them with Spoon and Squirrel Flower tomorrow at Ovation in Newport.

If you’re in town, you should be there too! But you’re probably in D.C. at the the Great American Pork Festival State Fair. Looks like a sold-out rager:

I heard they were out of both ice cream and Vanilla Ice. But I’m sure they have plenty of deep fried algae on a stick!

Here’s hoping you’ll be back in time for the July gigs – let’s take a lookie-lou at the listy-list.

The first day of the July is also the first Wednesday of the month, which means it’s Ween Wednesday at the Columbia in the East End. 7-9 p.m. BYOB.

Oh, and Noah Kahan is playing a sold-out gig at Great American Ball Park.

On Thursday:

  • Noah Wotherspoon plays the “Rockin’ the Roebling” freebie on the lawn by the Cincinnati Lager House (formerly Moerlein)
  • Ernie Johnson from Detroit plays a freebie at the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton
  • The Summit, Electric Indigo and Hey Dreamer play Southgate

Friday:

  • River Shook (who used to go by the name Sarah Shook) plays Southgate
  • The Funky Ducks play MOTR with Dilly & the Doves and Fish and Wildlife Service (a John Ruthven triple bill!)
  • Ludlow Garage has the Artimus Pyle Band “honoring Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd” (if they really wanted to honor that band, they’d give it a rest)

On Saturday, we celebrate 250 years of independence.

And what better way to honor America and celebrate the Spirit of (19)76 than to exercise our right* to see a KISS tribute band (Mr. Speed) for free at RiversEdge in a city named after a hit musical (Hamilton)!

*2nd amendment original text: A well regulated KISS Army, being necessary to the rocking of the hottest band in the land, the right of the people to keep and bear love guns shall not be infringed.

Keep rockin’ the 250th, ‘merica! Here’s hoping we make it to 251 years. And here’s hoping you make it to July 5 with all your fingers intact.

The fittingly named American Aquarium wraps up a big ol’ USA weekend at Ludlow Garage on Sunday, July 5.

On Tuesday, July 7, Buju Banton & Stephen Marley bring their Roots and Rhymes Tour to the old Annie’s.

Shows on Wednesday, July 8:

  • Jack Johnson with Hermanos Guitierrez at Riverbend
  • TyeDye plays Arnold’s (6-8p)
  • Toast (the best of Bread) at Ludlow Garage

(Why doesn’t anyone eat toast that has an image of Jesus on it? I’ll bet it tastes divine!… I’ll see myself out.)

Hey, hey, he’s the only surviving Monkee – Mickey Dolenz plays the Fraze on Thursday July 9. Other shows that evening include these freebies:

  • Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears at the Levitt
  • The Newbees at Behringer-Crawford Museum
  • RiversEdge has Lamont Landers, plus Ernie Johnson from Detroit.

Personally, we prefer 70s TV Lamont.

But that Lamont always got upstaged by Fred.

There are tons o’ shows on Friday July 10:

  • Bob Dylan plays the PNC Pavilion with Lucinda Williams and the John Doe Folk Trio
  • Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ with Laid Back Country Picker at Ludlow Garage
  • Steep Canyon Rangers play a freebie at the Levitt in Dayton
  • The Chris Comer Trio plays Juniper’s Gin Bar in Covington (8-11pm)
  • In the Pines headlines the Inhailer Radio “513 Airwaves” show on Fountain Square
  • Taft has The Ultimate Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • Memorial Hall has Awaken: the music of Yes
  • Organized Gentlemen at Harmony Hill Vineyards
  • “Listening Factory” at Factory 52 features 3 “next gen” writers: Abigail Horan, Dixie Nash, and Kamdyn Metcalf
  • Moose Miller plays a house concert in Pleasant Ridge. It’s free, but you need to RSVP here.

Moose is a great name, btw! My dad loved telling me baseball stories that involved this Moose:

Let’s also pause for a moment to appreciate the fact that Bob Dylan (age 85), Lucinda Williams (73), and John Doe (also 73) are still doing their thing. Here’s Lu in a Paste Magazine interview talking about the songs on her new album:

It’s just… things are crappy and shitty right now. So, I wrote some songs about it. I have to admit: I do like pushing people’s buttons. I want to wake them up. People need to get mad and say, “Come on, let’s do something!” There’s always some decision you can make—something you can do to make a difference. 

Amen, sister!

Shows on Saturday, July 11:

  • Muse at Riverbend
  • Hot Magnolias headline the free show on Fountain Square
  • Sabbath Knights (featuring Vinny Appice) play Sabbath and Dio at the old Annie’s
  • The Filthy Heathens and The Damn Shames at the Liberty Theatre in Lawrenceburg, IN

The band name Filthy Heathens conjures up some Sanford & Son memories too!

Follow the flaming arrow to the Rose Music Center on Sunday, July 12 to catch Ted Nugent. But you’d better bring some Wang Dang Sweet… Dorothy Lane Market Killer Brownies?

Tuesday, July 14 might have you on the horns of an indie rock dilemma:

  • Death Cab for Cutie plays the Ovation with Jay Som as the opener
  • The Strokes play Riverbend

(I chose Horn #1: I’ll be at the Death Cab/Jay Som show.)

The Funky Ducks continue their run of shows with other animal bands, playing Stanley’s Pub with Interprid Cat on Wednesday, July 15.

Shows on Thursday, July 16:

  • Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band are at the Taft (Lyle certainly can have an oxymoronic Small Large Band if our country can have an oxymoronic/moronic Department of Government Efficiency)
  • Sun Kil Moon plays Ludlow Garage
  • Memorial Hall hosts Back to Black, the music of Amy Winehouse
  • The Turkeys play the Behringer-Crawford Museum freebie
  • The Rose Music Center has a “Wow, they’re still together?” quadruple bill with Jefferson Starship, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Orleans
  • Save your cash and head to the Levitt Pavilion free show in downtown Dayton for some killer blues from Larry McCray – he’s from Magnolia, Arkansas

Arkansas fun facts from a kid who grew up there (and rarely uses “Arkansas” and “fun” in the same phrase)

Magnolia, Arkansas is the home of Southern Arkansas University, whose mascot is the Muleriders.

Souther Arkansas Logo

They’re in the same conference as the University of Arkansas-Monticello. Their mascot is the Boll Weevils.

Next month: the Arkansas Tech University nickname for both the men’s and women’s athletic teams.

Plenty of shows on Friday, July 17 as well:

  • Trampled by Turtles at the Rose
  • Eddie 9V and Johnny Mullinax play a free show at RiversEdge
  • Ludlow Garage has Richie Furay
  • Levitt Pavilion features the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band(J2B2)
  • Vince Gill plays the Taft
  • Victor Jones tops the Inhailer Fountain Square bill, with Dearest and Horsesitter
  • Matthew Shelton has an album release show at the Woodward
  • Wilco plays an outdoor show at the Burl in Lexington

On Saturday, July 18, Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets play Memorial Hall. I’ll be at that show with list members Dan “Reds in 2027!” Lewis and Bruce F.

That same evening, Benson Boone will backflip his way into the Coliseum. And Bogarts has Smells like Nirvana… which is either a tribute band or a musty flannel shirt.

Gigs on Sunday, July 19:

  • John Mellencamp brings his Greatest Hits tour to Riverbend
  • The Fabulous Thunderbirds play Ludlow Garage
  • Young Heirlooms and Weedbloom play Westwood Town Hall
  • Harry Connick Jr. croons at the Fraze Pavilion
  • Pablo Cruise cruises into Memorial Hall

If you go to the Pablo Cruise show, be sure to get the t-shirt!

On Tuesday, July 21, Sarah McLaughlin plays the PNC Pavilion with Allison Russell, and Jason Newstead & the Chophouse Band are at Southgate.

On Wednesday, July 22, the Woodward Theater hosts “Korean rock girl band” Rolling Quartz. Here’s their promo photo:

Looks like a mashup of the Village People and one of those local theater murder mystery shows.

David Shaw’s Big River Get Down kicks off on Thursday, July 23 and runs through Saturday, July 25. Headliners include David’s band The Revivalists (Saturday) as well as Band Of Horses and JJ Grey & Mofro (Friday). Full lineup is here.

Other shows on Thursday the 23rd include Brit Floyd at PNC Pavilion, Keiko Matsui at Ludlow Garage, and Bleed the Freak (Alice in Chains tribute band) at the Woodward.

Friday, July 24:

  • Brit Floyd rolls up the road to the Rose Music Center in Huber Heights
  • Liberty Theater has Baywater Call with the Austin Tyler Lee Band
  • The Filthy Heathens are back (don’t tell Aunt Esther!) opening for Them Dirty Roses at the old Annie’s

Shows on Saturday, July 25:

  • Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit play the Rose Music Center. My lovely bride and I will be there, much to the dismay of our oldest son…
  • The Collies (the band that our oldest son plays in) will be at Anderson Township Pub
  • Sungaze plays the Liberty Theatre with opener Phanta
  • Stewart Copeland is at the Ludlow Garage. But I don’t think he’ll be pounding the skins. It’s a spoken word tour called “Have I Said Too Much? The Police, Hollywood and Other Adventures”

Anne Bangert, Chris Damele, and Tim Brownlee play Northside Tavern on Sunday, July 26.

On Tuesday, July 28, The Magic Tuber Stringband plays the Woodward Theater with Mavis Guitar (feat. Travis from Wussy) as the opener. I miss the magic tubers of my youth.

That same evening:

  • Hilary Duff plays a sold-out show at Riverbend – don’t ask me why it’s sold out, I have no idea. Is she a TikTok thing now?
  • Graham Nash plays the Madison Theater… oh wait, no he doesn’t. The Madison Theater was abruptly shuttered a couple of weeks ago. But there’s some hope that it may reopen under new management.

In the interim, refunds are being issued for all shows.

On Wednesday, July 29:

  • Train, Barenaked Ladies and Matt Nathanson play Riverbend
  • Nektar plays Ludlow Garage
  • Shallow Side, 3 Years Hollow, Trackside and Gravel Switch rock the old Annie’s
  • TyeDye Band does their monthly Final Wednesday show at Wunderbar in Covington

Pure Prairie League is at Ludlow Garage on Thursday, July 30.

“Pure Prairie League” also would be a great name for the official fan club for this show:

And the month wraps up with these Friday, July 31 gigs:

  • Adam Wayne Gilliam Band with Van Winkle and Jeremy Gilliam of Grand Dorado at the Liberty Theatre
  • Marshmello DJs a postgame show at Great American Ball Park

Let’s sneak a peek into August, shall we? On Saturday, August 1:

  • The Levitt Pavilion has a free Rock Fest and the headliner is Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys
  • Chris Stapleton plays Paul Brown Stadium
  • Yonder Mountain String Band and East Nash Grass are at the old Annie’s
  • Evanescence plays Riverbend
  • Ludlow Garage has “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience” (Neverland sleepovers sold separately)

We love it live!

Robyn Hitchcock with a full band (other than the encore when he went through the crowd strumming his acoustic guitar and leading us all in a rousing “Waterloo Sunset” singalong) was tons of fun at Southgate. (It was especially cool to see Lisa from Wussy in the audience joining the singalong.) Robyn’s wife Emma Swift opened and joined him and the band on a few tunes too.

Tommy Stinson didn’t draw much of a crowd at the Woodward on a Tuesday, but he rocked the house (along with Karla Rose and Tim Schweiger & the Middlemen).

The dude’s a pro’s pro (he’s only been playing live for about 46 of his 59 years) and a good time was had by all – none more so than list member Dave Lenehan’s son Paul (named after Tommy’s Replacements pal Paul Westerberg):

I was back at the Woodward a night later, to see James McMurtry and his band, along with Bettie Soo. Hat tip to Jon Calderas for the ticket – you can see Jon’s photos of the show for CincyMusic here.

The Cereal Killers gig at Big Ash was a blast! They’re a real-life version of a 97X playlist (only hairier).

Speaking of long list radio stations, the 97X “Back to the Future of Rock and Roll” fundraiser for the Butler County Historical Society this past Saturday was a home run. It’s truly heartwarming to hear folks talk about what that station meant to them. And it’s always a treat to see some of the ol’ 97X gang.

(Jen Dalton and I were the eye candy, obvi.)

Shout out to John Kiesewetter for the nice article on WVXU’s website, as well as Eric Schwartzberg for his piece in the Journal-News, and of course Jen Dalton (former 97X student co-producer) for interviewing Bake and helping us class up the event.

We have fewer places to love it live

In addition to the aforementioned Madison Theater shutdown, Dayton’s Yellow Cab Tavern announced that they’ll be closing their doors for good on October 31.

New tunes Monday

The Tubs, my favorite Welsh performers (apologies to Tom Jones) have signed with Merge Records, the label co-founded by Mac and Laura from Superchunk. It’s a match made in indie rock heaven. (And I’ve known about it since I saw The Tubs in Detroit last September and happened to be wearing my Merge Records t-shirt – Tubs drummer Taylor mentioned they’d just signed with them.) Now The Tubs have a new single out, with a tour in the offing for the fall. (Looks like I’ll be roadtripping to Cleveland again.)

Finding their way (without Neil)

From all reports (including here and here) Rush is crushing it on their new tour, with new drummer Anika Nilles more than holding her own in a very unenviable role.

I’m excited to see Anika with Geddy and Alex. And she’s excited to be playing with them — not just because they’re rock gods but also because of this:

Mailbag

I’m very tardy with this response about first concerts from list member Todd Butler:

First concert is a great icebreaker for any group including this one. I think I was 7-8 when my sister took me to a triple bill at Blossom Music Center 1974-5?

  • John Sebastian of Welcome Back Kotter fame
  • Firefall
  • Seals & Crofts (“Summer breeze“)

Firefall softrocked and I was hooked on live music from then on!

Maybe The Beths will do a cover of Firefall’s “You are the Woman” when we’re at the show tomorrow night, Todd!

Album Covers of the Month

Hey kid, be careful if he asks to “play your kazoo.”

The Royal Palace Beefeaters have gotten really lax with their dress code. .

These dudes all went to the same barber and said “Give me the Wolfman Jack.”

97X Rumblings from the Big Bush: Aaron Yonka, 97X superfan!

97X, podcast, woxy.com

Aaron Yonka tuned in to 97X back in high school, then got a full-blown fever for the station and the music the summer before he started at Miami University in 1991. He became an around-the-clock listener… other than when he was co-hosting a music show on Miami’s student radio station. And after he graduated, he still tuned in, especially to catch his college friend Matt Sledge, and joined the 97X message boards to keep a sense of community with fellow listeners and station staff. In this “Rumblings” episode, Aaron shares tales of gift card laundering, grilled breakfast pastries, anchovy pizzas and what makes a tune a “97X song.” 

If the embed link above isn’t working, you can listen to the podcast here.


Here’s Aaron’s “Last Supper” – a.k.a. the meal he had the night that 97X signed off the airwaves back in 2004:

If you’re a 97X superfan too, please plan to join Steve “Bakerman” Baker, Dave Tellmann, Jen Dalton (former 97X co-producer), Matt Sledge, Bill Douglas and Damian at the 97X “Back to the Future of Rock & Roll” event on Saturday, June 27 in Fairfield.

It’s a fundraiser for the Butler County Historical Society.

Get tickets here and learn more about the event in this article from WVXU, this article from the Hamilton Journal-News, and this interview Bake did with Jen Dalton on WKRC.