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:
“Gentleman” Jim Mercer (the bravest weekend warrior)
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:
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…)
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 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.”
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.
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
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”
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.
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.
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.
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 Wednesdayof 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.
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.
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.”
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.
And in a fun case of art imitating life, being “Chatty Cathy” got June cast as “Talky Tina” in a classic Twilight Zone episode:
Oh snap, Kojak! Let’s put a tarp over this interwebs rabbit hole before my brain gets completely lost in space.
Where was I? Oh yes, June. There are plenty of good gigs coming our way in June. No jive!
This Wednesday, Robin Hitchcock plays a full band show at the Southgate House with the lovely Emma Swift (also Robyn’s ladyfriend) opening the show. I’ll be there.
It’s also WEEN Wednesday at The Columbia in the East End. And Organized Gentlemen (featuring my co-worker George on guitar) play a free “Jazz Alive” show the American Sign Museum. You can even bring your own snacks from home! Full list of Jazz Alive shows is here.
Shows on Thursday:
Nashville-based soul artist Jed Harrelson plays the Woodward, with Samuel James as the opener
RiversEDGE in Hamil-tucky has a free(will) show: The Rush Experience
Not to be outdone, the Levitt pavilion in Dayton also has a free show. It’s the Pride Month celebration featuring the best stage name in this month’s missive: Flamy Grant
On Friday:
Stacy Mitchhart plays the Ludlow Garage
Greensky Bluegrass plays the Ovation
TopHouse plays Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, with Good Morning Bedlam
The Woodward has a dose of Dylan & the Dead featuring the bands Shelter from the Storm and The Dead Revival Band.
The Redmoor in Mt. Lookout has Chest Fever (The Band tribute) and Saturday’s Children (Dylan tribute).
Not a music show, but the Taft has Comedy Bang Bang Live. CBB is one of my favorite podcasts, and I’m bummed to miss this show. (Don’t feel too bad for me, the missus and I are visiting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone NP.)
I’m even more bummed to still be out of town this Saturday when Cereal Killers play The Belle & The Bear in Montgomery. I guess you’ll have to buy your own first drink. (If you go, please yell out a request for “Convoy” since it’ll be “the dark of the moon on the 6th of June…”)
That same evening, the Ween tribute band Fluffy will be playing Stanley’s Pub.
And Mic Harrison & the High Score play Southgate’s Lounge. (Mic was in the V-Roys and later Superdrag.)
Next Sunday, June 7, Ludlow Garage has Jackrabbit (a band featuring actor Dermot Mulroney and his brother Kieran – watch your back, Bacon Brothers!)
Sharp Pins are back at the Woodward on Monday, June 8, with Winston Hightower and Eatt.
On Tuesday, June 9:
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers play Riverbend
The Rose Music Center in Dayton has “A Night with David Lee Roth”
If you can’t make it to the latter gig, this DLR soundboard will provide a reasonable facsimile:
List member John Sandman’s band TyeDye plays Arnold’s on Wednesday June 10 (6-8 p.m.)
Shows on Thursday June 11:
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit at Ludlow Garage
Mountain Grass Unit with Steph Strings at RiversEDGE (free show!)
Hippies and Cowboys with Velvet Daydream at the Woodward Theater
Jake Speed & the Freddies play a freebie at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington
There are a whole slew of shows on Friday June 12:
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band plays a free show at the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton
The Local Honeys are at Woodward with Casey Campbell
Multimagic with DYAN and PBAJ play a free “513 Airwaves” show on Fountain Square sponsored by Inhailer Radio (full summer lineup is here — it includes national artists J. Roddy Walston & the Business and The Jayhawks!)
Last but certainly not least, the Fraze Pavilion in Dayton has Warrant. (Please tell me the concession stands will be selling cherry pie!)
Shows on Saturday June 13:
Journey brings their “Final Frontier” tour to the Coliseum
Augustana and Phantom Planet play Bogart’s
Ludlow Garage has The Dark Side of the Moon
The Funky Ducks play Stanley’s Pub with Colour Phase
If you’re into road trips Tyler Childers headlines the “Buckeye Country Superfest” at the Horseshoe in C-bus.
Deer Tick plays Ludlow Garage with Jobi Riccio as the opener
The Wailin’ Jennies at Memorial Hall
The Taft features Edwin McCain and Five for Fighting
On Monday June 15 you can catch Horse The Band (NOT Band Of Horses) at Bogart’s.
Tuesday June 16:
Ben Folds and a Piano at the Taft Theatre
Tommy Stinson (of The Replacements) & Friends play the Woodward with Tim Schweiger & the Middle Men and featuring Karla Rose
The Animeros play Southgate’s Revival Room
On Wednesday June 17:
James McMurtry is at the Woodward with Betty Soo as the opener
Brandy Clark plays Ludlow Garage
Santana and The Doobie Brothers play Riverbend for the 900th consecutive year
The Nelsonville Music Festival kicks off on Thursday, June 18 (it runs Th-Sat this year), with Wednesday and Geese topping the bill on Thursday (yes, Wednesday on a Thursday…). Friday’s lineup includes Ryan Davis, Mavis Staples, S.G. Goodman, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. On Saturday, Fruit Bats and the Marcus King Band will be the evening acts on the big stage. See the full daily lineups here.
Other shows closer to home on Thursday June 18:
Paul Simon plays PNC Pavilion
The Record Company plays a free show at RiversEDGE with Kyndle Wylde as the opener
Liberty Theater has a free Songwriters in the Round show with Fred Steffen, David Lacey, and Austin Tyler Lee
Acoustic Alchemy at Ludlow Garage
My son’s band The Collies will play the “June in Olde Williamsburg” Festival from 7-10 p.m.
(“Come for the music, stay for the corn dogs!”)
Friday June 19 gigs:
The North Mississippi Allstars are at Ludlow Garage
Fruit Bats play an outdoor show at The Burl in Lexington
Sonny Moorman Band at Liberty Theater
Mike Holmes (Spookfloaters) plays the Anderson Tap House
The Woodward Theater has Nearly Nicks (yes, it’s a Stevie Nicks tribute band)
On Saturday June 20, Cereal Killers play Big Ash Brewing (OK, fine the LaRosa’s Taphouse). I WILL be there for that show, which means you can cash in your free beer coupon.
Other shows that evening include:
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country with Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives at the Rose Music Center
The Pharcyde at Ludlow Garage
Sunday June 21 is the first official day of summer. This year, it will also mark 29 years of wedded bliss agony for my long-suffering bride. That evening, I won’t be taking her to see Silverada (nee Mike & the Moonpies) and Kelsey Waldon at Southgate, or Hot Mulligan with Joyce Manor at the Mike & Carol Brady. But maybe we’ll go shopping.
On Monday June 22, Jessica Simpson (yes that Jessica Simpson) plays the Fraze Pavilion in Dayton.
Taft Theatre has a supa-funky twin bill on Tuesday June 23: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave. with Dumpstafunk
On Wednesday June 24:
TyeDye plays Wunderbar in Covington (“Come for the music, stay for the sausage!”)
Ludlow Garage has Mason’s Children (a tribute to the Grateful Dead). Here’s the press release: Mason’s Children brings the raw, psychedelic energy of the Grateful Dead’s early years to life. Formed by musicians who met while following Dead & Company and Bob Weir & Wolf Bros, the band built their following by playing Shakedown lots and surprise sets on the corner of Haight & Ashbury. Their shows are a full-on revival of the 1960s spirit—authentic, electric, and deeply rooted in the music. Expect deep jams, vintage tones, and that unmistakable Dead magic from the ’60s and ’70s.
That show is BYOLSD.
The Great American State Fair kicks off on Thursday, June 25 in D.C. It’s a two-week celebration of America’s 250th egofest with musical acts like Morris Day & the Time, Young MC, Milli Vanilli, The Commodores, Bret Michaels, and Martina McBride. Wait, this just in: all of those artists have pulled out of the sh*tshow. Damn, I was really looking forward to seeing Young MC “Bust a Move” – although these days it might be more like “Bust a seam.”
Wait, this just in, Vanilla Ice may not make it, but vanilla ice cream will be available for purchase ($50 per scoop* – order ahead with your proudly-American** Trump Gold*** Phone****), and it’ll be the best ice cream ever, like nobody’s ever seen before. Big strong men, with tears in their eyes, will be saying “Sir, this is the best vanilla ice cream.”
*some melting may occur during transit from the Epstein Ballroom construction site
**not made in America
***not gold
****the same one you can get for $500 less elsewhere
Shows on Friday June 26:
Punch Brothers at the Taft
Wayne “The Train” Hancock at Liberty Theater, with Andrew Hibbard
Ernie Johnson from Detroit has an album release party at the Woodward
Izzy Escobar and Illiterate Light play a free show at Fountain Square
Kathy Mattea is at Memorial Hall
Darius Rucker plays Riverbend
Amy Grant (not Flamy Grant) plays Ludlow Garage
Saturday June 27 is a super-busy day for shows:
My son’s band The Collies play Anderson Township Pub (7-10p)
Levitt Pavilion in Dayton has a free Blues Fest with Shemekia Copeland headlining.
The Guess Who and Don Felder play Riverbend. (In a related story, every time Don Henley’s lawyer calls Don Felder, he says “Guess who?!” even though Felder has heard his voice a gazillion times.)
Spyro Gyra plays the Ludlow Garage
Last and certainly least, several former 97X staffers, including Steve “Bakerman” Baker, Jen Dalton from Channel 12, Matt Sledge, Dave Tellmann, and yours truly will be at a 97X “Back to the Future” event that’s a fundraiser for the Butler County Historical Society. Yes, we’re now old enough to be considered “historical.”
(Remember, it’s a fundraiser. And Dave will sign body parts.)
Which means I’ll probably get two-day-old Faygo stuck to the bottom of my sneakers when I’m at Ovation on Tuesday June 30 for the fantastic triple bill of Spoon, The Beths, and Squirrel Flower.
Also on 6/30, Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge play the Rose Music Center with special guest Maggie Rose. Speaking o’ Maggie Rose…
We love it live!
My son Gabriel (he’s the drummer in The Collies) and I went to The Burl in Lexington on May 15 to see a co-headlining show featuring Maggie Rose and Molly Tuttle. My first cousin once removed (a.k.a. my cousin’s son) MP Gannon is the lead guitarist for Maggie Rose.
Two nights before that gig, Jason Narducy played a house concert at our place. Great songs, hilarious stories, and Jason’s a very nice dude.
And we capped off a big weekend with Built to Spill and a “Chuck-less” Wussy at the Ludlow Garage.
Lest I forget (I can’t – it was an amazing experience), waaay back on May 1, I joined list members Matt and Deuce at the David Byrne show in Indy. May we all be so creative and so energetic at 73 (he’s 74 now, BD was 5/14).
Oh, and then there was the Afghan Whigs hometown show at Bogart’s on May 6.
While we’re on the live music tip, definitely check out the full taping of S.G. Goodman’s set for an Austin City Limits episode.
Under the Radar Album(s) of the Month(s)
Thomas Dollbaum’s new release Birds of Paradise is really scratching that Jason Molina itch:
And the new album from The Blue Herons is some of the dreamiest dreampop that I’ve laid my ears on in a while. Clearly the Spotify algorithm is broken (or more likely rigged) if they only have 413 listeners. Make it 414 and thank me next month!
TicketBastard still sucks, but we’re gonna Hold Steady
I’m not a huge Jack Antonoff fan but this quote about playing to small crowds from an NPR interview is rock solid:
It’s not just fun, it’s Funbury!
Bill Donabedian is back at it, trying to organize multi-day music festival at Clear Creek Park in Anderson Township near Newtown. Part of me hopes it happens, but the part of me that likes playing pickleball down at Clear Creek agrees that traffic and parking would be an absolute cluster.
Photo Phun
Here’s a phun photo courtesy of list member Rico:
Sayeth Rico: Never considered Pixies to be a sing-in-the-shower band but alas here we are.
Respondeth d2: It’s good stuff, but these days you can never get a Deal on it.
Album Cover(s) of the Month
Really bad as an album cover, probably a lot worse as an adult film. (Although I’d love to hear more about the decision to include a butterfly net in the shot.)
.More like permanent press on.
I picked the wrong business to be in. Teams calls are not nearly as fun as this.
It’s been 43 years since 97X first started airing “modern rock for Cincinnati and Dayton” from a nondescript building in Oxford, Ohio. And it’s been 22 years since it signed off – and 16 years since woxy.com went silent. Time flies… and the Butler County Historical Society wants to celebrate the station in a fundraising event on June 27, with THE Voice of 97X, Steve “Bakerman” Baker, Jen Dalton, co-host of Good Morning Cincinnati on Channel 12 (she got her media start as a student intern at 97X), Matt Sledge (who worked at 97X, WNKU and Inhailer radio) and your ol’ 97X pals Dave and Damian. We talked to Bake, Jen and Sledge about the upcoming trip down memory lane.
The event is a fundraiser for the Butler County Historical Society. And it should be a lot of fun. You can get tickets here.
Bake’s a stone cold double legend. The voice of 97X (that’s his voice in the movie Rainman), longtime co-host of The Breakfast Club, and also THE voice of Miami University football and basketball. (He’s quite fittingly a member of Miami U.’s Hall of Fame.
Jen Dalton has been gracing the Cincinnati TV airwaves since 2006.
Jen landed her first television job as co-host of Cinema 64 with Bob Herzog. She was then reunited with Bob when she made the switch to Local 12 in October of 2006. They now work together on Good Morning Cincinnati and co-anchor the ARC Cincinnati program at 8am on STAR-64. Jen also co-anchors the 9am news on Local 12 and anchors the breaking news/traffic desk.
Matt Waller (better known simply as “Sledge”) not only spent a decade at 97X, he later worked weekends for WNKU-FM, another Cincinnati area radio station that played similar artists and was near and dear to its listeners’ hearts. And he spent a few years doing a weekly airshift at Inhailer Radio, the current bastion of “modern rock” in Cincinnati (and streaming worldwide!). Inhailer also hosted the 40th anniversary Modern Rock 500 in 2023, and every year since has presented their own spin on that cherished countdown with their “Indie 500” over Memorial Day weekend.
And your friendly neighborhood 97X Rumblings podcast co-hosts (and 97X alums) Dave and Damian will be there. Mostly because we thought we could dress in period clothing and do a reenactment of the infamous Goo Goo Dolls/sound man fight at “Day in Eden” back in 1993.
See you at the big parade! Don’t forget to bring the hot hors d’oeuvres… and a blanket!
The Merry Month of May is kicking off with a bang tomorrow night: The Collies (a.k.a. the band my son plays drums for) will be at Big Ash Brewery… er, the LaRosa’s Taproom (same location, different name).
(Normally my “first beer’s on me” offer would be in effect, but I’ll be in Indy for the David Byrne show.)
Also tomorrow evening, The Outlaws play Ludlow Garage.
Saturday is Derby Day!
Saturday shows:
Tommy Castro & the Painkillers at Southgate
Dravin & the Ravens at MOTR
Blackhawk at Ludlow Garage
Buckethead at Bogart’s
Nice getup, Mr. Buckethead, but Dumb Donald still has you beat:
Liz Cooper plays the Southgate on Sunday. I loved her on 30 Rock. Wait, that was Liz Lemon.
The Lemon Twigs play Southgate on Monday, with Josephine Network.
Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo.
Shows that evening:
Wolf Eyes at the Woodward
St. Paul and the Broken Bones* play the Taft, with Brother Wallace.
*We cannot confirm that you can use your Health Savings Account funds to buy tickets to this show, but it DOES count toward your annual concert deductible.
Wednesday is a big night for gigs:
The Afghan Whigs (more on them later) play their old stomping grounds of Bogart’s (of course I’ll be there!)
Yungblud plays a sold-out show at the Cindy Brady (you know you’re getting old when you’ve never heard of the acts who are selling out theaters)
Ludlow Garage has An Evening with Shawn Mullins
It’s WEEN Wednesday at The Columbia – free, BYOB
Memorial Hall hosts Live Dead & Brothers – here’s the PR blurb:
The line-up is pedigree and generational featuring Berry Duane Oakley from The Allman Betts Band, Les Dudek from the Allman Brother family, Mark Karan from Bob Weir/ Rat Dog & The Other Ones, Scott Guberman from Phil Lesh & Friends, and Pete Lavezzoli from JGB, Jazz Is Dead and Oteil & Friends. Together, these accomplished musicians skillfully recreate the magic of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band’s co-billed concerts during the period of 1969 to1973.
Shows next Thursday, May 7:
J. Roddy Walston and The Magicals are at Northside Tavern
UB40 “featuring Ali Campbell, Junior Marvin & The Legendary Wailers” plays the old Annie’s
Ludlow Garage has Magical Mystery Doors – the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Doors mashup* that America’s been longing for… or not!
*I feel like Zep got cheated out of having a reference in the band name… then again “Magical Mystery In Through the Out Doors” wouldn’t fit on the marquee.
On Friday, May 8, the Satchvai Band, featuring Louis Armstrong Joe Satriani & Steve Vai (and Kenny Aronoff on drums!), plays the PNC Pavilion. And The Funky Ducks play Stanley’s Pub.
Saturday, May 9 is an album release double-shot at Southgate – Ben Walz has an EP release show in the big room with Sami Riggs, and Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters have an album release show upstairs in the Revival Room with Joe’s Truck Stop opening. And Maurice Mattei & the Tempers play a freebie in the Lounge.
May 10th is Mother’s Day.
Take a page from Mr. T’s book:
(You also can take a necklace from Mr. T’s jewelry box… he won’t even miss it!)
The Woodward Theater has two nights of The Garcia Project on May 11-12.
The Garcia Project performs full, unaltered classic Jerry Garcia Band setlists from 1976–1995 — song for song, set for set — using era-correct arrangements, tempos, instrumentation, and gear to recreate the authentic sound that defined those legendary shows.
Speaking of tie-dye, the TyeDye Band (feat. list member John Sandman) plays Arnold’s on Wednesday, May 13 (6-8 p.m.)
Jason Narducy plays a house concert at… *checks notes*… my house on Thursday, May 14!
That same evening, Ludlow Garage has Guitar Women: An Evening with Sue Foley, Rory Block & Cindy Cashdollar. Organized Gentlemen play Caffe Vivace. And Southgate has a Country Jamboree with Kyle Eldridge and Chris “Sugarballs” Sprague. I have no idea how Mr. Sprague got his nickname, and I have no desire to find out.
Shows on Friday, May 15:
Brit Floyd at the Rose in scenic Huber Heights, Ohio (“the worlds largest community of brick homes”… oh, and home of The Deal sisters too.)
S.G. Goodman plays an outdoor show at The Burl in Lexington, with Abby Hamilton and Andi Marie Tillman also on the bill.
Southgate has XSIV: a tribute to INXS (ah, so it’s pronounced “excessive”… got it! For a second I was trying to figure out what Roman numeral “S” was…)
Ludlow Garage features Hell’s Belles (all-female AC/DC tribute)
Downtowne Listening Room has a “Listening Factory” series at Factory 52, and this month A Tale of Two and Honey & Blue are on the bill, along with “musical forewoman” Sami Riggs
On Saturday, May 16, I’ll be down at The Burl in Lexington for an outdoor show featuring Molly Tuttle and Maggie Rose. (My first cousin once removed Michael Patrick Gannon is the guitarist for Maggie Rose!)
Closer to home, Ludlow Garage has Live at the Fillmore (“#1 tribute to the Allman Bros. Band”)
Sunday, May 17, Built to Spill plays Ludlow Garage, with Wussy. (Need you even ask if I’ll be there?)
John Wesley Harding (a.k.a. Wesley Stace) plays Ludlow Garage on Wednesday, May 20. (Wes opened for Buffalo Tom in Boston last November and he sounded great.) And Highly Suspect is at Bogart’s.
Michael Martin Murphey is at Ludlow Garage on Thursday, May 21. (But Wildfire is nowhere to be found.)
On Friday, May 22:
Beloved Youth and The Spectacular Fantastic play the Liberty Theater
Foghat and Nazareth bring 1975 (the year, not the band) to the Hard Rock Casino on Friday, May 22. Let’s hope they get the names right on the marquee.
On Saturday, May 23:
Parker Barrow plays the Liberty Theater, with CFG & The Family
The old Annie’s has Zepparella, which, as the name suggests, is a tribute to former Channel 5 sports anchor Zip Rzeppa.
Wait, check that, it’s an all-female tribute to Led Zeppelin. Sorry to disappoint you.
Monday, May 24 is Memorial Day. Formerly known as Decoration Day.
Also known as the unofficial start to summer grilling season.
Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen play the Taft on Tuesday, May 26 and Liquid Mike is at Southgate.
TyeDye plays Wunderbar in Covington on Wednesday, May 27.
Southgate House hosts the Midwest Friends Fest May 28-30. Daily lineups and ticket info here.
On Friday, May 29, Mac McAnally* plays a sold-out show at Ludlow Garage, and The Toadies play Bogart’s.
*his last name is pronounced like “Mac-in-alley” not like how Hamburglar gets his prison sausage delivered.
And the Merry Month of gigs culminates with Into the Blue (ELO tribute) at Ludlow Garage on Saturday, May 30.
We love it live!
April was action-packed. Jim Lauderdale at Southgate.
Brett Newski at Southgate one night later.
Gladie crushed it at Northside Tavern, along with local bands EATT and Maura Weaver.
The Silos have still got it, and my 97X homie Dave and I saw it in Southgate’s Revival Room, with Ric Hordinski as the opener.
Sun, Sand & Soul at Miramar Beach was five days of great weather on the beach, and three nights of great music (Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Jason Isbell, Drive-by Truckers, Molly Tuttle, Taj Mahal…)
And I loved the Gladie show at Northside Tavern so much that I drove to Bloomington, IN on Tuesday to see them again!
We love it live on bootleg tape too!
Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman together in a mostly acoustic setting? Yes please!
(And how about the artists they covered in the encore? Iris DeMent, Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks, and Kathleen Edwards… “game recognizes game.”)
Flip Your Afghan Whigs
Jason Gargano has a nice profile of the local boys in CityBeat. Killer quotes from Mr. Dulli:
Take that, TicketBastard!
“For far too long, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have taken advantage of fans and artists by raising prices for tickets and stifling any competition that threatened their power,” the statement reads. “A jury found what we have long known to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process.”
Oh, and because Dave and I are perma-teenagers and do what the Bakerman asks of us, we’ll be in a high school building for a throwback event Steve Baker has had a hand in organizing:
If you ask me, $30 is too much to pay… by about $30. But Dave and I will sign body parts. Unless you’ve visited Hamburglar in prison lately.
I do wish I could go “back to the future” and get back my beloved Conway Twitty t-shirt that I was wearing at 97X long ago:
Words of wisdom
Amen, Brother John, amen!
Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)
Subtitle: The Ticketmaster Song.
Also, those fingernails are almost as stylish as Jay Ferguson’s macramé shoes:
Jay invented the “Blue Steel” look.
Keep it in your Sansabelts, Woody… at your age, it’s more like “Songs for Hip Replacements.”
Jae Forman just couldn’t quit radio – although she did take a 23-year “gap year” after her long stint at 97X back in the 90s and a few stops at other stations in Nashville and Albuquerque.
Now she shares her energy, enthusiasm, and ear for great tunes on Inhailer Radio on Tuesday afternoons (3-7 p.m. Eastern). We talk to her about her Inhailer show, Boston, Beastie Boys, boxcutters, music festivals, the grunge-splosion, and… reptiles.
As Jae mentioned in our podcast interview, her radio revival started over Memorial Day weekend in 2023 when nearly three dozen former 97X DJs teamed up Inhailer Radio to broadcast a very special edition of the beloved “Modern Rock 500” as a way to pay tribute to 97X, which came on the air 40 years prior.
These days, you can catch Jae’s “Planet of Sound” show on Inhailer via the website or the app (Apple or Android). And if you’re in the Cincinnati area and have a high-definition radio, you can tune in on 90.9 FM HD-3.
If you miss the old 97X message boards, don’t forget that you can connect with Jae and the other Inhailer staffers via their Discord server here: https://discord.gg/aZtGJHJ72V. Maybe Jae will even hook you up with a throwback 97X keychain…
And of course the inspiration for the name of Jae’s Inhailer show came — fittingly enough — from a Boston band.
Websites store cookies to enhance functionality and personalise your experience. You can manage your preferences, but blocking some cookies may impact site performance and services.
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Name
Description
Duration
Cookie Preferences
This cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.
Leave a Reply