Concert review

Turkey with Jam

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

Wow, it’s nearly Thanksgiving Day!

The concert slate could use a bit more stuffing. That’s fine, it leaves room for family gatherings… or for watching a WKRP in Cincinnati rerun.

But there are a few shows, which is a reason to be thankful.

Skip the can-shaped cranberry sauce, and feast on The Raisins instead.

Bob, Rob, Bam and Ricky have shows on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at the Woodward Theater. (They also have a documentary movie out that features performances from their March shows – check out the interview on WVXU Cincinnati Edition.) The Saturday gig is sold-out, but tickets remain for the other two shows.

Other Wednesday shows include Northern Kentucky Derby at Southgate House, and State Champs at Bogart’s.

Thursday is Turkey Day! (Or in my house, Tofurkey Day!)

Speaking of expanding waistlines, Bret Michaels is at the Hard Rock Casino on Friday.

Also on Friday:

  • Jeremy Pinnell kicks off a two-night stand at Southgate House with a solo set, along with Justin Wells.
  • Freekbass hosts “Funksgiving” at Radio Artifact, with Tracy Silverman Project.
  • The Raisins are at Woodward

Saturday gigs:

  • Jeremy Pinnell plays a full-band show in Southgate’s main room, with G.W. Garner and The Montvales also on the bill.
  • The Ark Band plays Ludlow Garage on Saturday
  • Memorial Hall hosts Christmas with the Celts
  • The Whiskey Shambles, Veronica Grim, and The Shivers in Southgate’s Revival Room
  • The Raisins at Woodward (sold-out)

Unless you’re going to NYC for the Jesse Malin benefit shows on 12/1 and 12/2 (more on that below), there’s a bit of a lull in the ol’ Koncert Keeper. Maybe you can do some holiday shopping.

Or go see your friend’s band:

On Friday, 12/6, the animals (but not The Animals) are out in full force:

  • Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band at Bogart’s
  • Spirit of the Bear and Bear the Moon in Southgate’s Revival Room
  • The Surfrajettes and Kyle Eldridge play Southgate’s main Sanctuary – that should be a rollicking good time!
  • Ludlow Garage crams three tributes into one band, when Magical Mystery Doors plays tunes by the Beatles, Led Zep, and The Doors

On Saturday, 12/7, Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus takes over all three Southgate House stages:

Other 12/7 shows include:

  • Tropidelic at Bogart’s
  • Mosant and Ascension Day at the Liberty Theater
  • Siren Suit with Girl Gordon and Marsha at Urban Artifact
  • Ludlow Garage has Aja: A Tribute to the Music of Steely Dan, with shows at 3:30 (when they play The Royal Scam in its entirety) and 7:30 p.m.

Then there’s another lull in the schedule. Maybe you can make sure the Christmas lights are hung.

The English Beat plays Ludlow Garage on Thursday, 12/12.

On Friday the 13th:

  • Erika Wennerstrom (Heartless Bastards) kicks off three nights of solo shows at The Loon Wine Bar in Northside. (Friday and Saturday shows are sold-out, but they added a 6 p.m. Sunday show. Tickets on sale here.)
  • Ludlow Garage has A John Waters Christmas on Friday and Saturday
  • The Tillers have a 10th anniversary vinyl release of Hand on the Plow (with cover artwork by list member Keith Neltner)

Motherfolk has “A Very Motherfolks Christmas” at Bogart’s on Satuday, 12/14.

Tears on our Cheek

R.I.P. Randy Cheek (Libertines, Ass Ponys, The Ready Stance, et al.) Here’s a loving tribute from Chuck Cleaver:

Here’s to you, Randy!

Joy to the Wussy World

Now more than ever, we need the healing words and music of our friends in Wussy, on their new release Cincinnati Ohio.

Check out Jason Cohen’s profile of Wussy in Stereogum. And put your ears on this segment about their new album from NPR’s All Songs Considered:

We live for live

It’s hard to believe that Eric Bachmann’s recent Undertow show was off my radar. Heck, he’s played an Undertow show at my house before (2019):

And I applied to host his show this time around. But somehow I missed the listing – thank goodness an alert list member tipped me off that morning, and I DID catch the show thanks to list member Jeff B.

Eric played a cool venue in South Fairmount called the Lunken Lounge. Hopefully there will be more shows there in the future.

Craig Finn also ditched my living room for the Woodward Theater this go-round on his solo tour. (Can’t blame him.) What a great storyteller!

List member Dave Tellmann and I finally made it over to Dan McCabe’s new venue, Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater, in Lawrenceburg, IN. What an amazing place to see a show! And we saw a fantastic high energy performance from Low Cut Connie.

The opening band, Sweat, from Pittsburgh, was great too!

Dan McCabe has some great shows lined up over the next couple of months… check ’em out here and support a great dude who has spent decades bringing great music to our area.

List members Joyce, Matt, Pam, and I also enjoyed the “Words and Music” event featuring Karin and Linford of Over the Rhine (photo above)… especially because we got a sneak preview of updated/upgraded/expanded Mercantile Library. It officially reopens on 12/2.

We now occupy both the 11th & 12th floors of 414 Walnut Street and have more seating areas, more workspaces, more light, more bathrooms, more bookshelves, and, most importantly, more books.

The Reading Room

Tip o’ the tam to Kevin Sullivan for the link to a Jesse Malin feature in the NYT in advance of Jesse’s return to the stage on Dec. 1 and 2, with dozens of high profile friends.

They’re just trying to return the kindness Jesse has always shown to them:

Jesse still has his PMA – positive mental attitude:

Live Performance Video of the Week Year

Waxahatchee and M.J. Lenderman at the Americana Music Awards, with an all-star backing band that includes Buddy Miller, Don Was, Larry Campbell, and Jen Gunderman. Top notch!

Album Covers of the Weeks

Cornucopia… accent on the corn.

This “little singing band” used the Thanksgiving tablecloth to make skirts and ties (or are those dickies?).

You can throw the albums shown below onto the turntable after Turkey Day to make those pounds melt away – it’s a miracle!

The Music, Man.

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

Ya got concerts, folks! Right here in the River(front) City. Concerts with a capital “C” and that rhyme with “G” and that stands for “Gee, I should probably go to a show or three.”

Speaking of Shirley Partridge Marian the Librarian, The Mercantile Library hosts Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine on Tuesday as part of their “Words and Music” series. The event is sold out – good thing I got my tickets long ago.

Meanwhile at Ludlow Garage, Patty Griffin, Hayes Carll, and Lori McKenna are doing a sold-out “sharing the stage” gig. And Amythyst Kiah plays Southgate.

Here’s an interesting show on Wednesday:

That same evening, the Hackensaw Boys play Southgate (with Mike Oberst & Justine Cefalu opening). And Dawes plays the Taft. Remember when Dawes was called Simon Dawes and they played a gig at the old Alchemize bar in Northside back in 2006 with Chad VanGaalen and Band of Horses? I do, because I was there!

Speaking of cookies with jam, Camp Springs Tavern hosts their bi-weekly Bluegrass Jam on Thursday.

Johnny Delaware goes to Indiana on Friday, to play the Liberty Theater, with The Hiders also on the bill.

Saturday is a big day for shows:

  • Flatland Cavalry plays the Bobby Brady
  • The Paul Thorn Band is at Memorial Hall
  • Jess Williamson (who recently collaborated with Waxahatchee) plays Southgate
  • Madison Theater has Start Making Sense: A Tribute to Talking Heads
  • Everclear and Buckcherry are at the Lawrenceburg Event Center… we’re assuming it’s called “The Compound Words Tour”
  • Warrant and Lita Ford play the Hard Rock Casino (Aqua Net hairspray sold separately)

Last, but certainly not least on the Saturday roster, Ludlow Garage has the tribute show you never knew you needed… “Toast: The Ultimate Bread Experience.”

There must be a lot of folks in the Tristate who said “Baby, I’m-a Want You” to this, as there are not one but two shows (3pm and 8pm).

Personally, I’d rather go for Toast on a Stick.

Low Cut Connie plays the Liberty Theater next Sunday (11/17), with the band Sweat (good luck Googling “Sweat Band”) as the opener. List member Dave Tellmann and I will be at that show. That same evening, Will Hoge plays the Southgate.

Next Monday, 11/18, Woodward Theater screens the Ani DiFranco doc 1-800-On-Her-Own.

Wishbone Ash plays Ludlow Garage on Tuesday, Nov. 19th.

Wishbone Ash: pairs well with Toast!

Craig Finn of The Hold Steady plays the Woodward on Wednesday, November 20th, with Katy Kirby as the opener. List member “Rico” and I will be there. Remember when Craig Finn played that house concert in Cincinnati back in 2017? I do, because it was my house!

That same evening, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder play Memorial Hall.

Americana power couple Gillian Welch and David Rawlings play the Taft on Thursday, 11/21 and Wayne “The Train” Hancock plays Southgate.

Shows on Friday, 11/22:

  • The Wood Brothers at Taft
  • The Tubes at Ludlow Garage
  • Tiny Moving Parts at Southgate
  • TyeDye Band (featuring list member John Sandman) at Plain Folk Cafe in Pleasant Plain, OH.
  • Liberty Theater hosts a free Singer/Songwriter Night

On Saturday, 11/23:

  • The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Joe’s Truck Stop play Southgate
  • Ric Hordinski and Kim Taylor play the Woodward
  • Hyryder (Grateful Dead tribute) at Madison Theater
  • Mark Gibson and Danni Nicholls play a “Downtowne Listening Room” show at the Hellmann Creative Center in Covington, KY
  • Ludlow has Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience… with special guest Electric Duke (tribute to David Bowie)

On Sunday, 11/24, Ballyhoo! and Keep Flying are at the Liberty Theater, Ace Monroe is at Southgate, and Hard Rock Casino has Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening.

The Reading Room

Bon Iver interview in The New Yorker. Money quote:

“I believe in the power of the individual — don’t get me wrong — but I’ve always just found that it distracts from the point. Why do we like a song? Is it because of who’s singing it to us? Or is it the song? And I just think it’s the song. For me, it is. For me, it’s about the song and what the music does. It can be very distracting when it becomes, ‘Oh, I love Bon Iver so much. I want more Bon Iver. I want to see Bon Iver. I want to get his autograph.’ I’m sensitive to it, and the attention can be overwhelming. I’m also uncomfortable with it because it distracts from the point that music delivered me to myself.”

We need some “Divine Intervention”

Matthew Sweet recently suffered a debilitating stroke in Canada. There’s a GoFundMe to help pay for his medical bills and ongoing therapy and care.

And you thought 8-tracks were weird

Here’s the live link to the Demastered site.

We live for live

I couldn’t make the Cereal Killers show at Big Ash the weekend before Halloween, but I love their Ramones vibe:

No, I didn’t get tickets for the Jack White show at Bogart’s. But list members Dave Tellmann and Rico did.

I DID, however, catch all three Buffalo Tom shows during their “Please Come to Boston” festival, along with comedy from Eugene Mirman and Dave Hill, book readings from Tom Perrotta, Bill Janovitz, and Dave Hill, and a band Q&A hosted by comedian/actor Mike O’Malley.

Dave Hill is hilarious, btw.

And last night Wussy and the Chris Brokaw Band (feat. Chris Brokaw from Codeine and Come, and Clint Conley from Mission of Burma) were fantastic at the Woodward.

(That’s Brenda Sauter of The Feelies sitting in on bass.)

Todd, Regi, Tom, Jamie, Matt, Pam, Jay, Alyssa, Dave, Ken, Michelle, Dave, Kevin, Dr. David… it’d be easier to cite the list members who weren’t there – great to see such a strong turnout for our friends in Wussy.

Their new album was on sale at the show – the official release date is this Friday.

Album Covers of the Week(s)

These guys can’t count, but they look really slick.

They’ve gotten worse at counting. And/or they found out about their dad’s clandestine second family.

The 1/4 un-lonely is because his belt is off.

If my math is correct, this guy isn’t wearing pants. And/or T.G. Sheppard just walked in on him.

Tricks and Treats

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

It’s Spooky Season!

It’s also Mookie Season!

Do the Right Thing and support live music. Here are your options over the next couple of weeks:

This Wednesday, Richard Lloyd (of Television* fame) plays the Woodward Theater with a full band. Static Falls also is on the bill.

*Television the band, not the medium. But here’s Television on (Spanish) Television:

Also on Wednesday, Judy Collins plays Memorial Hall. Speaking o’ Spooky Season, ol’ “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” is looking more like a Hocus Pocus witch these days:

Alice Peacock plays the Southgate House on Thursday. She’ll be in the Revival Room, with a lead pipe.

Wait, wrong Peacock!

Friday shows:

  • The Steep Canyon Rangers play Memorial Hall
  • Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle are at Southgate (maybe the ghost of Pete Rose will show up)
  • America plays the Taft (they won’t have a headless horseman, but they will have a horse with no name)
  • Ludlow Garage has Dead Letter Office, a tribute to R.E.M.

This Saturday, Cereal Killers play Big Ash Brewing!

(Continuing my string of ill-timed trips, and jeopardizing my status as a Cereal Killers superfan, I once again will be out of town for their gig. Our whole fam-damily is going to Bloomington, Indiana to see the perennial football powerhouse Hoosiers take on their longstanding Big 10 27 rival, the Washington Huskies.)

Other Saturday shows include the sold-out “BEAT” show at Taft

Former King Crimson members ADRIAN BELEW and TONY LEVIN band together with guitar virtuoso STEVE VAI and explosive Tool drummer DANNY CAREY for the first time to create BEAT, a creative reinterpretation of the three iconic 80s KING CRIMSON albums – Discipline, Beat, and Three Of A Perfect Pair. 

  • ekoostic hookah plays the Liberty Theater
  • Blues Traveler brings their “30 years of Four” tour to… Turfway Park
  • Pappy’s Jam Band plays Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest (1:30-4:30)
  • Lotus Land (a tribute to Rush) plays Ludlow Garage

On Sunday, the Casey Campbell Project plays Neltner’s Farm, Pink Martini plays Memorial Hall, and Taft has Mania, the ABBA tribute.

Next Tuesday (10/29), the Buena Vista Social Orchestra is at Bogart’s.

Next Wednesday:

  • KMFDM and the Morlocks play the Ovation
  • The Woodward hosts two showings (7:30 and 10:30) of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, with a shadow cast
  • Daphne Eckman plays Southgate’s Revival Room
  • Disco Biscuits (hold the Yung Gravy) play the Madison Theater

Next Thursday is Halloween.

That’s “hallow”-een not “hollow”-een… Hollow is for Easter.

“Rollvember” kicks off a week from Friday. There are several shows slated for Friday, 11/1:

  • Los Honchos play Southgate
  • Anthony Ray Wright and Andrew Hibbard are at Liberty Theater
  • Stacy Mitchhart plays an album release gig at Ludlow Garage
  • The Jacksons (R.I.P. Tito) play the Hard Rock Casino

I’ll be up in Boston that weekend for the Please Come to Boston festival. My favoritest band Buffalo Tom will be doing three concerts in three days (including an old-person-friendly “matinee” show on Sunday). They’re playing a different album from their 90s oeuvre each show, and the festival also features comedy sets from Eugene Mirman and Dave Hill, and something called “Punk Rock Aerobics”… I’m sure it’s quite the workout!

On Saturday, Nov. 2nd,

  • Gipsy Kings play the Hard Rock
  • The Peter Brady hosts “Life is a Carnival – The Last Waltz Tour ’24” with Ryan Bingham, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Jamey Johnson and more.
  • Trippin’ Billies (Dave Matthews Band tribute) are at Ludlow Garage.

Here’s some Trippin’ Beverly Hillbillies:

The Drive-by Truckers play a Southern Rock Opera Revisited show at Bogart’s on Sunday, 11/3. Shut your mouth and get your ass on that plane into that show!

On Thursday, Nov. 7th, “Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO” will be at Memorial Hall, and Yngwie Malmsteen plays the Madison Theater.

On Friday, 11/8:

  • Goose opens up a three-night stand at the Carol Brady
  • Billie Eilish plays the Coliseum
  • Noah Wotherspoon plays the Liberty Theater with Noah Pavey

Saturday, 11/9 gigs:

  • Wussy plays a full-band show at the Woodward, with the Chris Brokaw Band as the opener.
  • Jimmy Webb (“America’s Songwriter”) is at Memorial Hall
  • Samantha Fish plays Ludlow Garage, with Mitch Ryder performing as part of Samantha’s band, and Canned Heat as the opener
  • Moonshine Drive plays Arnold’s

City & Colour are at Bogart’s with Pedro the Lion on Monday, 11/11.

We live for live

It’s been quite a fortnight for your music-addicted editor. Charly Bliss at the Exit/In in Nashville was great…

The opener, Pronoun, was cool too. And Marc from the one-hit-wonder band Len came up on stage for the encore to do “Steal My Sunshine” with Charly Bliss.

A week ago, list member Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube (check out his show on Inhailer Radio, Fridays 11a-3p) and I went to Columbus to see Superchunk. They rocked!

(Bassist Jason Narducy’s set list – he gave it to a kid in the front row… classy!)

For the final song of the encore, noted Breeder Kelley Deal and Mike Montgomery of R. Ring came on stage to do their song “Cartoon Heart/Build Me a Question.” (R. Ring drummer Laura King is touring with Superchunk right now.)

The opening band, Quivers, was stellar too.

While Ken was waiting in line to get Mac from Superchunk to sign his poster (yes, Mac was at the merch booth – dude’s top-notch in my book), I chatted with the members of Quivers – Mike, Holly, Bella and Sam. They were super-nice to this old man, and funny as heck. Check out their recent live in-studio set at KEXP and you’ll be hooked by their hooks:

List members Dave Tellmann, Todd Butler, Carl “The Truth” Williams and I caught the Eddie 9V/Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears double bill at the Woodward on Wednesday.

And those shows were just the warm-up for another Chuck Cleaver/Lisa Walker Wussy Duo house show at my place this past weekend.

List members Todd, Regi, Tom, and Jamie were in the house, and they can attest that it was amazing.

I didn’t make the Mountain Goats show at Taft, but their stage setup was interesting:

Malin on the mend

Here’s a nice CBS Saturday Morning sessions interview with Jesse Malin.

Shameless Self-promotion

Dave Tellmann and I got the “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast out of mothballs to chat with Randy Malloy, who went from unpaid college intern to owner of WWCD-FM in Columbus (nee “CD101″… and later “CD102.5″… and finally “CD92.9” before signing off under duress earlier this year).

The Randy interview is here, and you can catch all the episodes on your favorite podcasting platform.

Album Covers of the Week(s)

Here on earth, I’m a bit disappointed that a band named “Rebels” chose conformity in their outfits.

On the other hand (the one with five fingers), at least Rebels don’t struggle with basic math. Or perhaps the dudes are the Gospel Four and the woman is there because her hair is heavenly.

Super-chunky and Wussy gigs

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

Howdy, we’re short on time and long on concerts, so let’s get into it!

Tonight, Woodward Theater’s Cinema Series will be screening a movie about Brian Eno. It’s called… wait for it… Eno.

Meanwhile, I’ll be in Nashville for the Charly Bliss show at Exit/In. CB is about the poppiest my musical tastes get, but boy oh boy do they put on a great show! (Hence the long car ride.)

Tomorrow evening, Martin Sexton does an Abbey Road show at Memorial Hall.

Thursday:

  • Chromeo & the Midnight will be at the Ovation in Newport
  • Michigander plays Top Cats
  • Tinfoil Hat Cowboys play the Southgate Lounge (free!)

This Friday and Saturday, Bellevue Park Pavilion in Clifton Heights is hosting Rocktoberfest with several local bands playing three stages.

Other Freaky Fun Friday shows:

  • John Hiatt plays Memorial Hall
  • Keller Williams (yes, sounds like a real estate company) and the Motet are at the old Annie’s
  • Parker Millsap and Nat Myers play Southgate’s Sanctuary
  • Mike Viola will be upstairs in the Southgate Revival Room
  • The Yugos headline the Indie Friday free show at Fountain Square
  • Yung Gravy is at Bogart’s

We kinda wish Yung Gravy would tour with Disco Biscuits and play Cracker Barrels from coast to coast.

On Saturday

  • Tropicoso plays the Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
  • Moonshine Drive plays Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest (1:30-4:30)
  • Madison Theater has Pink Talking Fish (a fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish).

On Sunday, The Mountain Goats Trio (John Darnielle, Matt Douglas and Jon Wurster) plays the Taft, with Tift Merritt as the opener. And Justine Cefalu & Mike Oberst play Neltner’s Farm.

Monday, ISWHAT?! plays the Woodward, while list member Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube and I will be road trippin’ to Columbus to see Superchunk at Scully’s. (Catch Ken Fridays 11a-3p on Inhailer radio.) Merge labelmates Quivers open the ‘chunk show. Great double bill!

Next Wednesday, 10/16:

  • Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes play Bogart’s
  • Tommy Castro & the Painkillers plays Southgate
  • Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears play the Woodward, with Eddie 9V as the opener. List member Dave Tellmann and I will be at that gig. (Dave and I have a bonus edition of the old “97X Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast — the one three people listened to — coming soon!)

Shows next Thursday (10/17):

  • Bluegrass Jam at Camp Springs Tavern
  • Mickey Dolenz, the last Monkee, does a “songs and stories” gig at Ludlow Garage
  • Two indie bands from Chicago, Finom and Moontype, play the Woodward. Jeff Tweedy produced Finom’s latest album at the Wilco Loft.

Madison Theater hosts Puddles Pity Party on Friday, 10/18.

Wussy is playing at my house, again!

On Saturday, October 19th, Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker of Wussy will be playing their favorite east side venue, Casa de Damian (my house). The show is sold out, but I DO have my full allotment of five freebies – HMU if you’d like to attend.

Earlier that day, Chelsea Ford & the Trouble play Neltner’s Farm, and that same evening, just down the hill from my house, the California Honeydrops play the old Annie’s. I heard a good report about their live show in Lexington recently.

Wussy has a new album coming out!

We are excited to finally announce our first new record in six years! It’s called Cincinnati Ohio, and features ten tracks that we hope you’ll enjoy. (We were gonna call it The Great Divide, but in the end couldn’t bear to alter this amazing Langford / Calderas cover art).

It features all the regular Wussy folks – me (Lisa), Chuck, Mark, Joe – plus John E. on two songs, and newest member Travis on four songs. Producer and honorary member John Hoffman helmed and steadied the ship (and added some extra flourishes, too). Speaking of honorary members, John Curley recorded some of the basic tracks, and it was nice to have him back on board for those early days, as it was kind of an emotional rollercoaster to start recording again. He helped us navigate those first difficult sessions with a lot of grace and patience. There were many moments where we were all thinking – “is this even gonna work without John E”? We hope this album honors his legacy, as we move forward the best way we know how.

Album artwork is a painting by Jon Langford, based on photo by Jon Calderas. First track:

Listen to the Prophet

Chuck Prophet has a delightful new tune out.

It’s about time the dB’s got some love

Full post on Allmusic is here.

We love it live!

Great show from the Psychedelic Furs a couple weeks back, with Frankie Rose as the opener.

Hat tip to list member Todd Butler and Regi for the ticket. List members David and Amy Groff also were in the house at the old Annie’s

Album Covers of the Weeks

“Julie, you’re 16 now… it’s time for you to start hanging out with much older men in smoke-infested bars.”

Alternate title: Julie’s 50th Birthday.

No Bummer Summer

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music, podcast

We have so much for be grateful for this summer, especially if our cars don’t have vinyl seats.

Let’s peel our butts off our chairs and head to some concerts, shall we?

Tuesday:

  • Band of Horses plays Bogart’s (I’ll be there with list members Deuce and Matt V.). Maybe I’ll run into BoH drummer Creighton again like I did outside the Ryman in Nashville in 2013.
  • Former Tom Petty Heartbreaker Mike Campbell and his band The Dirty Knobs play the Taft
  • Old Crow Medicine Show is at the Rose in Dayton, with Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway also on the bill

Norah Jones plays the Rose on Wednesday.

Thursday gigs:

  • The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band and The Tillers play Memorial Hall
  • Sungaze and Sylmar will be “Rockin’ the Roebling” at Smale Park
  • Blueswoman Lauren Anderson plays a free show at the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton
  • The Artimus Pyle Band (“honoring Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd”) plays Ludlow Garage

Whoops, wrong Pyle.

On Friday, Arlo McKinley will headline the “Indie Friday” free show at Fountain Square. And Tye Dye Band (featuring list member John Sandman) will play Carriage House Farms.

Other Friday night gigs:

  • Riverbend hosts a tribute to Planes, Trains and Automobiles…

OK, actually it’s Boats (Yacht Rock Revue), Train (the band) and Automobiles (REO Speedwagon).

  • Old Crow Medicine Show will be roosting at the Cindy Brady, with the Del McCoury Band – Tiger better behave himself!
  • Whiskey Myers plays the Rose, with Whitey Morgan & the 78s and Reid Houghton
  • The Samples play Ludlow Garage

Whoops, wrong Samples. Wrong band too!

On Saturday, there are two festivals of note(s):

Or you can head to the Madison Theater to catch Genesis ReTouched – a Cincy band that claims “our live shows capture the aural and visual essence of Genesis between the mid 80’s and late 2000’s.” So go to the (Tony) Banks to get money for tickets, then treat yourself to a Tom Collins at the show while the ersatz Phil Collins steps up to the Mike (Rutherford). Gotta be better than the other Genesis gig in the area:

Next Sunday (7/14):

  • Lake Street Dive plays the Bobby Brady, with The Lemon Twigs as the opener
  • Southgate House hosts The Good People Festival, a benefit for the Incubator Kitchen Collective. Featured acts include: The Local Honeys, Maria Carrelli, Ben Knight & David Faul, Stephen J Williams & The 1865, Ray Vietti, Tinfoil Hat Cowboys, Chelsea Ford, and Adam Lee
  • And Ludlow Garage has the “We Love Zappa” tour:

On Monday, 7/15, Hurray for the Riff Raff will play the Woodward, with Hannah Frances. I’ll be there… mostly because I’m riffraff, but also because the last H4TRR show at the Woodward gave me all the feels.

Musiq Soulchild kicks off a three-night residency at the Ludlow Garage on Tuesday, 7/16.

On Wednesday, 7/17, The Tillers play a free show at the Delhi Park Pavilion, and The SunBurners do the freebie at Burnet Woods. Both shows start at 7 p.m. (although Delhi is so far west that it might be on Central Time).

Jon Spencer plays MOTR on Thursday, 7/18, with IdleAires opening the 8 p.m. show, which, in a concession to the average age of Jon Spencer fans, will offer some seated tickets.

That evening (7/18) also features an overwhelming slate of free shows:

  • Erin Coburn plays Smale
  • Carriers play Washington Park
  • Buffalo Nichols (blues) at Levitt in Dayton
  • RiversEDGE in Hamilton has Foreigner’s Journey with Draven & the Ravens
  • Lawrenceburg Civic Park hosts Gone 2 Paradise: the Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute
  • Fairfield Village Green features The Eagles Project
  • Marsha Brady (the band) plays the Marsha Brady Ault Park

On Friday, 7/19, Aaron Lee Tasjan headlines the Indie Friday show at Fountain Square. I’ll be there, and you should go too!

“My most effective tool in sharing my music and live performances with new listeners is word of mouth, and you can do so much to support me when you invite people into this lovely little world we’ve built and continue to build.”

Aaron Lee Tasjan

That same evening:

  • Torres plays the Woodward
  • moe. plays the Rose in Dayton, with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
  • Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire play Riverbend
  • Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience will play for free at Levitt in Dayton
  • Ludlow Garage has Adrenalize: the Ultimate Def Leppard Experience
  • If you want to catch the band X on their farewell tour, they’ll be at their closest stop to the Tri-state: The Vogue in Indy. Here’s a tune from their new album, out 8/2:

Acoustic Alchemy plays the Ludlow Garage on Saturday, 7/20, and Rick Springfield and Richard Marx play the Fraze in Dayton.

That ageless cat Al Stewart plays Ludlow Garage on Sunday, 7/21 and MOTR hosts Thelma & The Sleaze.

Monday, 7/22, PNC Pavilion hosts Slash’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival, with blues stars Keb’ Mo’, ZZ Ward and Jackie Venson on the bill. (In case you were wondering, “S.E.R.P.E.N.T. is an anagram that stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance.” And now you know. Quiz next week.)

The Best Sibling Duo from Dayton ain’t the Wright Brothers

Orville and Wilbur are no match for Kim and Kelley Deal. A Breeders show at the Henry Miller Library near Big Sur got rained out last fall, so they played an impromptu stripped-down gig among the redwoods. Gorgeous!

It’s always a treat to feel the Heat

The Reverend Horton Heat put on a spectacular (free) show at the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton on 6/22 (wrapping up their encore with a killer version of Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades.”) List members Dave Tellmann, El Blanco, Michael T. and I were there, along with list member Gene “The Photo Machine” Dow, who snapped these stellar shots:

You can check out more of Gene’s photos from the show here, and view more from his portfolio here. Gene’s available for weddings, senior photos, and general lifestyle photography, yet he refused to do a bit of boudoir photography for me. I can’t imagine why not.

Valley Heat is a treat too!

I know I’ve sung the praises of the Valley Heat podcast before. It’s the aural equivalent of Fernwood 2 Night meets Arrested Development. Hilarious. In the clip below, the host Doug sings the praises of the lowly 8-track, while also pointing out the challenges of playing an LP … and taking a few spot-on shots at vinyl snobs.

I missed the hottest heat

List member Mighty Joe Sampson pointed out a glaring omission from last week’s heat-related visuals:

Jesse is a friend, with some really cool friends

In December, Jesse Malin will be back on stage for the first time since his spinal stroke in May of ’23. And he has an all-star cast joining him for two benefit shows (read more on Relix). The first gig on 12/1 sold out quickly; the 12/2 show still has a few tickets left.

Life imitates Art (but not Art Garfunkel)

Album Cover of the Week(s) – Retail Nostalgia Edition

Why yes, that is Bonnie Raitt’s dad John Raitt in the middle… and yes, that’s a Record Theatre 4.99 sticker too!

This band is as-advertised… they look pretty plain to me. And yes, that’s a Swallen’s sticker! Maybe this album was free with the purchase of any white appliance.

Tune in to the Tunes

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

Where has the merry month of May gone? It’s darn near Memorial Day. Which means it’s hot dog grilling season. Let’s be careful out there.

Speaking o’ sizzlin’ hot and tasty, feast your ears on the new album from Mammoth Penguins:

Public service reminder: Do not attempt to grill mammoth penguins.

Speaking o’ cool like penguins, Inhailer Radio is currently spinning the 2024 Indie 500. From the press release:

For those who may not know, Inhailer Radio is deeply rooted in the legacies of two iconic predecessors: WOXY and WNKU. WOXY, also known as “97X,” was a trailblazer in the world of alternative and indie music, while WNKU was renowned for its commitment to showcasing local and independent talent. These stations laid the foundation for what Inhailer Radio stands for today. In 2023, we had the honor of hosting the highly successful 97X Modern Rock 500, a nostalgic reunion for listeners and DJs alike. This year, we’re building upon that success with the Indie 500, marking a “passing of the baton” from 97X’s Modern Rock 500 to Inhailer Radio’s Indie 500.

This 2024 Indie 500 grants a nod to the rich histories and contributions of WOXY and WNKU, as well as a celebration of our vibrant Cincinnati independent music community. Inspired by the legendary Memorial Day marathons hosted by 97X, The Indie 500 will showcase the top 500 indie songs curated by our team of dedicated music enthusiasts.

Former WOXY, WNKU, and Inhailer Radio DJs will be joining us for this historic event, hosting their own segments and sharing their unique perspectives and insights. It’s a chance for them to pay homage to the stations they once called home and the audiences they once captivated.

List member and longtime 97X staffer Dave Tellmann and I teamed up to do a few breaks. Because we’re both half-wits, so we figured two heads would be better than one.

Geez, would you look at the time? Here I’ve been prattling on and it’s practically Memorial Day Weekend. I’ll take the “Live Music” category for $200 please, Alex.

Wednesday night, RiversEDGE in Hamilton (city motto: “Quit calling us Hamil-tucky – we have craft breweries now!”) opens their outdoor concert season with Scotty Bratcher and GA-20. And 21 Savage plays Riverbend (unless it’s underwater.)

On Thursday, it’s Orgy Time!

Uh, the band Orgy plays the Madison Theater to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album Candyass.

Speakin’ o’ candyass, your Peeps should be sufficiently stale by now. Have at ’em!

Tab Benoit plays Madison Theater on Friday, and The Broken Relics play the Southgate Lounge.

On Saturday, it’s time for Boys’ Life:

The Po’ Ramblings Boys and the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys play Southgate’s Revival Room.

That same evening, Don Was and the Pan Detroit Ensemble play Memorial Hall.

Speakin’ o’ Pan Detroit:

Laura Jane Grace graces the Madison Theater stage on Sunday. Sunday is also race day in Indianapolis.

Monday is Memorial Day.

You can enjoy your day off from work by checking out the movie Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero at the Woodward Theater.

Next Tuesday (5/28), Parliament Funkadelic plays the Bobby Brady, with special guest Dumpstaphunk.

Next Wednesday (5/29), Flock of Dimes (a.k.a. Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak) is playing a house concert in Cincy. Actually, the venue will be an art gallery in Mariemont. Hard to believe an Undertow artist would want to play anywhere other than my place, but it happens sometimes. Nevertheless, I’ll be there as a paying customer.

I have an extra ticket – HMU if you’d like to join me. That same evening, Mr. Big (the band, not the “Sex & The City” character) plays Ludlow Garage, and TyeDye (feat. list member John Sandman) plays Wunderbar in Covington.

On Thursday, 5/30:

  • Ruth Moody of The Wailin’ Jennys plays Ludlow
  • Ben Chapman & Co with Abby Hamilton at RiversEDGE in Hamilton
  • Camp Springs Tavern hosts a bluegrass jam

Gigs on Friday, 5/31:

  • Brainiac plays the Woodward with opener Exit Angles
  • Leftover Salmon is at the old Annie’s

Speakin’ o’ Leftover Salmon:

But that’s just the appetizer. The main course is on Saturday, June 1st:

Hooray and huzzah! Cereal Killers will be bringing their vintage punk and new wave music to Big Ash Brewing. For the uninitiated, the standard “CK One” rules will apply: I will buy your first beer. No coupon necessary!

Other 6/1 shows:

  • Railbird kicks off in Lexington (lineup is here)
  • Highly Likely plays Plain Folk Café
  • Tommy James & the Shondells play Ludlow Garage
  • Pokey LaFarge plays Memorial Hall

Speakin’ o’ Pokey:

On Sunday, June 2nd, you can catch Day 2 of Railbird or see birds of a different feather: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at the Ovation in Newport.

And don’t forget the big Pixies/Modest Mouse/Cat Power show at the Jan Brady on Wednesday, June 5th.

Speakin’ o’ Cat Power:

I let you down (yet again)

I forgot to mention Kraftwerk’s gig at Ovation in my last post. So sorry. To make it up to you, here’s some exclusive live footage from the show:

In my defense, the gig was a bit of an outlier.

The Engineer has left the station

Steve Albini didn’t produce your favorite album. But only because he didn’t like the “producer” label. He did work the knobs for Pixies, The Breeders, Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and hundreds of other bands, both big and small, often for a fraction of the market rate. He passed away earlier this month, just as his band Shellac’s new album came out. Matthew Berlyant pays tribute to Steve here.

We love live music

But we need to catch our breath after a great run of shows: GBV/Wussy at Madison Theater (tons of list members at that gig), Wussy at The Lodge in Dayton, KY (with list member Dave Roberto), Wussy at my house (several list members in attendance), Robbie Fulks/Scott Miller at Southgate (with noted Cereal Killer Howard Cohen in the house), They Might Be Giants at Madison Theater (hat tip to list member Chris Jones for the ticket – list member Jason Hipskind also was there)… and last but certainly not least, Violent Femmes at the old Annie’s.

The Violent Femmes concert featured a cavalcade of list members, including Ken “Lobby Boy” Laube (Fridays 11a-3p on Inhailer Radio), Dave Tellmann and his rock star son Joe (This Pine Box), Todd Butler, John Sandman (Tye Dye Band), and Chuck and Christine Ackerman. Chuck and Christine (a.k.a. “C+C Music Factory”) get a special shout-out for some way-too-kind words about this lousy little music blog/newsletter/dog’s breakfast. Clearly they had been overserved.

It’s hard to explain the ’70s… but here’s a crash course

After my Star Wars references in the last post, list member “Rowdy” Rob Ervin shared the gem below. As Rob said: Redd Foxx, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Lynde:  TV Magic! I don’t know if hard core Star Wars fans count this as canon, but they should. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/U4dlah65c9A

And of course I’m such a voiceover nerd that I thought I detected the dulcet tones of the legendary Thurl Ravenscroft (original voice of Tony the Tiger and singer of the Grinch song… and Disney’s “Grim Grinning Ghosts”… as Darth). But he wasn’t listed in the credits. Sure enough, the interwebs confirmed my eardrums:

Album Cover(s) of the Week(s)

Praise hands! Because Amy Grant and leg warmers go together like peas and carrots. Or like Amy Grant and The Young Fresh Fellows:

May the tunes be with you

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

It’s almost time for that very special holiday:

Uh, not May the 4th… a.k.a. Spock’s birthday. Or maybe his “Life Day.”

The big day is May 10th – members of Wussy are playing a gig at my house. It’s the 3rd appearance for Chuck & Lisa, and to celebrate #3 they’re bringing a third member: Mark Messerly.

Mark and I are twin sons of different mothers – or we just have similar tastes in cool band t-shirts:

BTW, Mark’s solo project INERT has a new album out soon. Here’s the lead track:

But there are plenty of other cool (albeit less exclusive) gigs coming our way in the merry month of May. Let’s eyeball ’em.

Tonight (5/1):

  • The 502s and Daniel Nunnelee play Bogart’s
  • Kelsey Waldon is at Southgate
  • Todd Lipscomb and Easy Mark play MOTR

On Thursday:

  • The Tillers play the “Tunes & Blooms” gig at the Cincinnati Zoo
  • Red Wanting Blue plays Southgate
  • Camp Springs Tavern hosts the bi-weekly Bluegrass Jam
  • The Breakers (a tribute to Tom Petty… or to ’91 Keanu and Swayze) play Ludlow Garage

Friday night, the Wussy Trio (Chuck, Lisa, Mark) plays The Lodge in Dayton, KY.

That same evening, local Mumford-adjacent band Jim Trace & The Makers plays Arnold’s. That group features two of my co-workers… and a name clearly dreamt up on the bourbon aisle of a liquor store. (Perhaps “Cabooze” – the train caboose retrofitted to be a liquor store that was a famous landmark in Newport, KY.)

Saturday, in the new-Newport, Ovation hosts The Ultimate Doors: a tribute to The Doors. (Now I really miss the old Sin City… and the doors of Cabooze.)

Shows on Tuesday, May 7th:

  • Rufus Wainwright plays Ludlow Garage
  • Stiff Little Fingers are at Bogart’s (and also on my pickleball paddle hand)
  • The Messthetics (drummer Brendan Canty and bassist Joe Lally from Fugazi) play the Woodward. Opener is James Brandon Lewis w/Siren Suit

Kamasi Washington plays Ludlow on Wednesday, 5/8, and EXTC (with XTC drummer Terry Chambers) plays Radio Artifact.

On Thursday, 5/9, it’s time to bust out the pipe.

The Verve Pipe plays the Woodward Theater. That same evening, Tenille Townes (no relation to “Captain &” or “Van Zandt”) plays Ludlow, and Thievery Corporation plays Bogart’s. Thievery Corporation has a pretty cool logo:

Hah, that’s just a little good-natured ribbing there, my IRS friends… no need to audit me for that jibe. My “Cabooze” deductions are research expenses, and therefore completely legit!

On Friday, May 10th, Chuck Cleaver, Lisa Walker, and Mark Messerly of Wussy will be playing in my living room! (A rare occasion when I’m not the only wussy in the house…)

That same evening, Stanley Clarke plays the first of two nights at Ludlow. And Southern Culture on the Skids plays Southgate. Their poster is pretty cool:

Stanley Clarke is back at it on Saturday, 5/11 at Ludlow Garage.

Other 5/11 shows:

  • Robbie Fulks and Scott Miller play Southgate’s Revival Room (I’ll be at that gig)
  • Snõõper. Fruit Loops and The Serfs play the Woodward (list member Dave Tellmann’s son Jack produced some Snõõper tracks and has an engineering credit on their new album)
  • Bendigo Fletcher is in Southgate’s main room

Social Distortion and Bad Religion play the Cindy Brady on Sunday, May 12th, and Tommy Prine plays Southgate.

(My neighbors occasionally listen to live Wussy too!)

They Might Be Giants play a two-night “An Evening with…” stand at the Madison Theater on 5/14 and 5/15. The bill promises “2 very different shows. 8 piece band. 3 horns. 2 sets. 0 openers. Starts early. Gets loud.”

Another cool gig on Wednesday, May 15th is Parker Millsap and Robert Ellis doing the solo acoustic thing at Southgate.

There’s another bluegrass hootenanny at Camp Springs Tavern on Thursday, 5/16. Bring your own instrument.

Also on 5/16, Kraftwerk is playing the Ovation in Newport.

Friday, May 17th is a big night for shows:

  • The Violent Femmes will play their first two albums in a row during a show at the old Annie’s (I’ll be there. I already bought tickets… I got “two, two, two for my family” but now my son can’t go, so LMK if you want my extra, free of charge.)
  • The Secret Sisters play Southgate, with special guest Tyler Ramsey, formerly of Band of Horses
  • The jam band Houseplant plays Madison Theater
  • Ludlow Garage hosts “Live at the Fillmore – the definitive Allman Brothers tribute”
  • Saxon and Uriah Heep will rock Bogart’s… well, it’s more like Sagsome and Heap of Urologists now, but still, more power to ’em.

On Saturday, May 18th, the PNC Pavilion opens the shed season with… Brit Floyd… celebrating the 30th anniversary of a post-Roger/”meh” PF album (The Division Bell). (Sigh.) But at least on your way in, you can check out the progress on the destruction of the beloved Coney Island Pool. Maybe this guy can save it:

Webb Wilder closes out the weekend with a 70th Birthday Bash at Southgate House on Sunday, May 19th.

Love it live

Suzanne Vega put on a great show at Memorial Hall, and it was great to see quite a few list members there, including Janet W., who hooked me up with the presale code for Jayhawks tickets. Score!

Alvvays played a great set at Bogart’s. I went with list members “Deuce” and Matt V. List member Mighty Joe Sampson also was there with his 21-year-old daughter Maggie.

The GBV/Wussy show at Madison Theater was top-notch. Great to hear the full Wussy band. List members David and Amy Groff were there, but their daughter Maggie wasn’t… she’d better up her concert game!

John P. Strohm (Blake Babies, Lemonheads, Antenna, Velo-Deluxe) wrote a really nice Substack post about Guided By Voices. Check it out here.

The Far Side said it best

Then again, it beats the alternative. But old age does create some challenges:

Visual/caption above from this New Yorker piece called “How to dress for a concert in your thirties.”

Fast forward a generation and this happens:

Album Cover of the Week(s)

Ever the gracious hosts/hostess. Hold the lobster. But bring your dentures!

November Reign

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

Rocktober, we hardly knew ye…

(Jesus gives out full-size candy bars!)

But now it’s Rollvember! Let’s take a gander at who’s rollin’ into town.

But first, this is a Public Service Announcement… with guitar.

You’ve been warned.

OK, on with the shows… on Thursday evening:

  • Jaguar Sun and Television Blonde play MOTR (9 p.m., tix are $15 day of show)
  • Loreena McKennitt is at the Taft
  • The Mat Kearney Acoustic Trio plays Memorial Hall
  • The Cadillac Three are at Bogart’s
  • Rainbow Full of Sound (yes, that’s a Grateful Dead tribute band… how’d you guess?) will be at the old Annie’s, recreating the GDs legendary 1972 tour of Europe.

Rubblebucket plays Bogart’s on Friday.

Here’s your Saturday slate o’ shows:

  • Blues guitarist Walter Trout is at Ludlow Garage
  • Willy & the Cigs play MOTR
  • Southgate House hosts the Queen City Blues Fest (lineup is here)
  • Ovation has Wish You Were Here – The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd presents “The Dark Side of The Moon 50th and Beyond Tour” (“North America’s biggest, most authentic Pink Floyd stage production in a spectacular tribute of music, performers, lighting, lasers, videos and inflatables.”)
  • Travis Tritt plays the Hard Rock (although he doesn’t play hard rock)

Speaking of casinos, Tuesday is 11/7 (or 7/11 if you’re a Eurotrash Girl or Guy)… and if you’re a fan of Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, it’s your lucky day. They play Memorial Hall.

On Wednesday, 11/8, Popa Chubby (yes, that’s his real name*) plays Southgate, with Luther Ray and the Flood.

*No, it isn’t. But here’s a true story: when I worked on the Gary Burbank Show at WLW, cast member Dukie Sinatra and I would sometimes fill in for Gary on holidays. We had a Popa Chubby tune as one of our “bumper” instrumental beds. As we were coming back from a commercial break. I made the mistake of saying the artist’s name… Duke never let me live it down.

Next Thursday, November 9th, is jam-packed with jams (but not jam bands… sorry Tommy Chong!)

  • The Head & The Heart play the Mike & Carol Brady (see what we did there?)
  • Memorial Hall hosts a musical conversation with Valerie June, Rachael Davis, Thao (of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down fame) and Yasmin Williams
  • Tommy Prine plays Southgate with Jordan Smart
  • Eric Hutchinson is at Ludlow Garage (which isn’t in Ludlow, KY)
  • The Blue Wisp Big Band plays Bircus Brewing (which IS in Ludlow, KY)
  • AJ Croce will be at the Taft
  • Jeff Tweedy’s Fall Book Tour makes a stop at Walnut Hills High School’s auditorium, with Nathan Salsburg as the moderator
  • Last, but certainly not least, you can enjoy some Post Sex Nachos (that’s a band… good thing they didn’t have any instrumental tracks when I worked on Gary Burbank’s show) and Divine Sweater at Madison Live.

(The original Lovin’ Spoonful)

Concerts on Friday, November 10th:

  • Grace Potter plays the Jan Brady
  • GZA and Fishbone are at Bogart’s
  • Freddie Gibbs plays the Madison Theater
  • The Ladybug Transistor plays an early show at MOTR, with Northern Kentucky Derby handling the late shift
  • Memorial Hall hosts The Eagles Project (acoustic) – we hope they play the Eagles new hit “Tush Push”

Eric Roberson plays Ludlow Garage on Saturday, 11/11.

On Monday, Nov. 13th, the Woodward Theater will be screening the fantastic Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense.

Nellie McKay plays Southgate’s Revival Room on Tuesday, 11/14, and Amy LaVere and Will Sexton will be in that same spot on Wednesday, 11/15.

On Thursday, November 16th, password presale tickets for The Raisins reunion shows (Mar. 1 and 2 of 2024 at the Woodward) will go on sale.

Not-so-hot Ticket

As list member Michael “Rico” Carrico said, “these top two musical headlines tell you pretty much all you need to know about Cincinnati live music scene.”

And as list member Ken Laube said “‘Nickleback but better’ is a pretty low bar.” (BTW, Ken’s weekly show on Inhailer Radio is moving to Fridays 11a-3p.)

Funny Business

This McSweeney’s piece called “So, You’ve Decided to Start Listening to Radiohead in Your Mid-Thirties” is a knee-slapper. Favorite line:

The true Radiohead experience is 80 percent confusion, 20 percent feigned understanding. That’s the sweet spot. That’s the center of a Yorke peppermint patty.

I Love It Loud (and Live)

List member Mighty Joe Sampson and I saw two relics at once a couple of weeks ago: KISS at the Riverfront Coliseum.

It was as over-the-top as you’d expect, and cheesier than Post Sex Nachos (the food, not the band). Which is exactly what we were hoping for!

The God of Thunder in a cherry-picker? Yes please!

We tried to steal the giant inflatables for our Halloween displays…

Just your average 71-year-old and 74-year-old, wearing sensible shoes.

Flash forward a week and list member Ken Laube and I were at the polar opposite show: Chuck & Lisa from Wussy playing a garage in the back of a gallery in Northside.

No pyro, no confetti cannons, just stellar singing and songwriting. The headliner was a band called Dusk from Appleton, WI. Not too shabby:

Album Cover of the Fortnight

Good ol’ Doug is up for whatever. A great Rollvember roll dawg.

Hot fun in the summertime

97X, Concert Listings, Concert review

First, an apology. List member Mighty Joe Sampson pointed out that our previous post’s headline was a bait-and-switch. You can’t call a post “Cruel, Cruel Summer” without paying it off with some Bananarama. So here you go, Joe:

Oops, my bad. Let’s try that again:

Ah, that’s better. OK, now, on with the show(s).

Thursday:

  • The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band plays a free show (paid VIP tickets also available) at RiversEDGE in Hamilton, with Cristina Vane as the opener.
  • The TyeDye Band (fronted by list member John Sandman) plays a free gig at Washington Park as part of their Roots Revival series.
  • Devon Allman and Donovan Frankenreiter play the Madison Theater.
  • James Taylor & His All-Star Band are at Riverbend

All four shows are guaranteed to be hot, hot, hot.

(Sorry Joe, not gonna add a Buster Poindexter video… )

On Friday:

  • Sam Bush plays the old Annie’s – it’s an indoor show
  • Michigander headlines the free concert at Fountain Square
  • Danielle Nicole plays the blues at a freebie show at Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton
  • ZZ Top (featuring two original members) and Lynyrd Skynyrd (featuring two fewer original members than ZZ Top) play Riverbend, with Uncle Kracker (featuring one original Kracker… or uncle… or both)

On Saturday, the Cereal Killers bring their inimitable brand of vintage punk and new wave music to Big Ash Brewing.

By now, you should know the drill: first beer’s on me.

Other Saturday gigs include Black Flag at Ludlow Garage, Barry Manilow at the Coliseum (not a lot of overlap in the Venn diagram of Black Flag and Barry Manilow fans), and Live with Fuel at the Hard Rock Casino. “Live with Fuel” sounds like a commercial for a drag racing event (non-RuPaul version):

Or “Live with Fuel” could be be a Zoolander scene:

Speaking of fire, Ring of Fire: the Music of Johnny Cash opens at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Train comes chugging into the Rose Music Center on Tuesday and Pentatonix is at Riverbend. (Pentatonix is NOT a doom metal band… if you go expecting one, you’ll be quite disappointed.)

Wednesday:

  • The Offspring, Simple Plan and Sum 41 are at Riverbend
  • The TyeDye Band plays Wunderbar in Covington
  • tu:NER [“a musical trio comprised of Trey Gunn, Markus Reuter, and Pat Mastelotto, that celebrates the music of the Double Duo era (1998 to 2003) of King Crimson”] is at Ludlow Garage
  • RiversEDGE has Satisfaction: a tribute to the Rolling Stones and the Billy Rock Band

Darlingside plays Memorial Hall next Thursday (8/31) and Ludlow Garage has an evening with Ottmar Liebert.

Next Friday and Saturday (9/1 and 9/2), Guided By Voices celebrate 40 years with an amazing lineup:

Other Friday 9/1 shows include Los Straitjackets with the Jake La Botz Trio at the Woodward Theater, Modern English at Ludlow Garage, and Union Son doing an acoustic show at Stanbery Park in scenic Mt. Washington.

9/2 shows include Men without Hats at Ludlow Garage, and the Kings of Late Night (Craig Ferguson, Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall) at the Hard Rock Casino.

Staind will leave their mark on the Hard Rock Casino on Sunday, 9/3.

Monday, September 4th is Labor Day. Here’s your holiday P.S.A. from Billy Bragg:

Smashing Pumpkins play PNC Pavilion on Tuesday, September 5th. (The W.A.S.P./Armored Saint gig slated for the Cindy Brady has been cancelled.)

Skid Row (featuring a lead singer not named Sebastian Bach) and Buckcherry play the Rose on Wednesday, 9/6.

Bobbing for Tickets

Tickets go on sale Friday for Bob Dylan’s Oct. 20th show at the Carol Brady. Buy ’em at the box office and save on the TicketBastard fees.

Concert review X 2

List member Dave Green raved about Charley Crockett’s gig at the Peter Brady. Meanwhile, faithful readers (all two of them) will recall that the last post from a poorly written, sporadically published, lazily distributed, rarely read blog made this audacious claim:

That prediction was 110% accurate. Or 25% accurate, because it might’ve been the show of the year! The Beths were amazing. Elizabeth Stokes writes some fantastic songs, and the three dudes in the band aren’t just great on guitar, bass and drums but they also contribute strong backing vocals. Great sound, stellar set list, enthusiastic crowd… and an inflatable fish on stage. Perfect! (Opener DISQ was very cool too.)

Mic Drop

It’s yet another sign-off for 97X – list member Dave Tellmann and I wrapped up our “Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast with Episode 97.7. We only had about 13 regular listeners, but they appreciated it:

Dave was hoping that our final episode might earn us some “M.A.S.H. finale ratings” but I told him ours would be more like South of Sunset.

(Look on the bright side, Dave – our show is bigger than Glenn Frey’s!)

Album Cover of the Fortnight

This might be the most unintentionally creepy album cover ever. I’m not quite sure what’s going on here, but I think Rex Allen Jr. might be stalking Billy Barty.

Cruel, Cruel Summer

Concert Listings, Concert review, Music

Late last month, we lost Sinéad O’Connor.

“She was vilified, humiliated at times, metaphorically crucified when alone and in her twenties. Everything she stood up for and against then, including racism in the music industry, has been proven to have been needed and right. She wasn’t just trying to look out for herself. She was the original truth sayer who wouldn’t go easy into the night. The original “difficult” woman who didn’t make it easy. Because easy wasn’t the right thing to do and it wasn’t the truth. Gone too soon. Nothing compares to you.

Irish comedian and actress Aisling Bea on Instagram

Kudos to Pink and Brandi Carlile for paying tribute to Sinéad that evening at their concert in Cincinnati. Without a doubt they each owe her a debt of gratitude for blazing the trail.

Today we lost Robbie Robertson, the bandleader of The Band, one of the all-time great groups.

Sorry to bring you down. Let’s try to brighten the mood by looking to the future…

Oops, that’s not gonna help. The first gig on Ye Olde Koncert Keeper is Ted Nugent. He’s playing the Rose Music Center tomorrow night.

Fear not, though, as there are several decent gigs tomorrow:

  • Ruby Vileos plays a free gig at Washington Park
  • Erin Coburn does the freebie at Smale
  • Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, and Leftover Salmon play the Taft Theatre
  • Drivin’ n Cryin’ plays Ludlow
  • Fraze has a “Happy Together” gig (that’s more like it!) featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills.

On Friday:

  • Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, and Leftover Salmon try to fumigate the Rose.
  • The Samples play Ludlow Garage
  • Here Come the Mummies are coming to the old Annie’s
  • The Beach Boys play the Hard Rock Casino
  • Kenny Roby (of 6 String Drag) plays the Southgate Lounge

Saturday, JD McPherson plays Southgate and Brett Dennan is at Ludlow Garage.

On Sunday, the ageless Willie Nelson headlines the Outlaw Music Festival at Riverbend, with John Fogerty, Gov’t Mule, Kathleen Edwards, Particle Kid, and Myron Elkins also on the bill.

Tuesday, Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin and Jinjer play Riverbend.

When I hear the name “Ghost” my mind immediately goes here:

But the band Ghost (a “GRAMMY-winning Swedish theatrical rock band” per the bio… I thought that was ABBA) has a sold-out show at Riverbend on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Rose hosts a tribute to Ghost ABBA, and Al Stewart plays Memorial Hall.

Next Thursday (8/17):

  • Asleep at the Wheel plays Memorial Hall
  • RiversEDGE in Hamiltucky has the Cordovas, Scotty Bratcher, Duane Betts and Palmetto Hotel
  • Edwin McCain is at Ludlow Garage
  • Steven Page (formerly of Barenaked Ladies) plays a freebie at Village Green Park in Fairfield

The Goo Goo Dolls play Riverbend next Friday (8/18)… will they try to strangle the sound man like they did at the 97X-sponsored “Day in Eden” back in ’93? O.A.R. opens for the Goos.

Other 8/18 gigs include:

  • In the Pines at Fountain Square
  • Dead Centric (yes, a GD cover band) for free at Evendale Pavilion
  • Jump: America’s Van Halen Experience at Ludlow Garage (free chaps to the first 50 attendees)

Next Saturday, 8/19:

  • Noah Wotherspoon and Eric Jerardi play a free gig at the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton
  • Black Owls, Heavy Hinges, and The Tigerlilies play Southgate

Next Sunday, the Old 97s play Southgate, and the even older Jethro Tull wheezes into Rose.

The show of the summer is on Monday, August 21st: The Beths play the Woodward Theater.

They aren’t just New Zealand’s finest, they are one of the finest bands going. So you’d best be going to this show. Opening act is DISQ, so it’s a great twin bill.

On Tuesday, 8/22, Marcus King, Charley Crockett, and Molly Tuttle play the Mike Brady, and Jethro Tull fiddles flutes around at PNC.

(Our favorite Jethro… yet not in Jethro Tull or The BoDeans.)

Crackerjack Cracker

The Cracker gig at the old Annie’s a couple of weeks ago was really enjoyable. A very strong set list of Cracker, Camper and more. David Lowery + Johnny Hickman = music magic. List members Howard Cohen (Cereal Killers at Big Ash on 8/26!) and Todd Butler were in the house too, which added to the festive atmosphere.

Album Cover of the Week(s)

It’s PERM-anently summer for Mac.

Song of the Season