Keith Neltner

Back-to-Cool Music

Concert Listings, Music

Howdy boys and gurls, I hope back-to-school season is treating you well.

Let’s dive into the live… live music, that is.

Tomorrow night, legendary concert promoter/booker Dan McCabe (Sudsy Malone’s, Southgate House, MPMF, MOTR, Woodward) opens up a brand-spanking-new music venue in an old German music hall in the historic downtown DORA district of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The venue is called Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater.

The very cool logo was crafted by very cool list member Keith Neltner of Neltner Small Batch (available to work on your brand too!)

You can read more about Dan’s new concert baby on the Cincinnati Magazine website. You might recognize the byline, too! (It was a real treat to tour the venue with Dan and get the scoop! Hardhat tip to list member John Fox for the assignment.)

Allison Kiehl also did a nice article for The Cincinnati Enquirer, complete with Dan doing his best Village Person impersonation:

“It’s fun to rock at the WCLT… ” (Photo credit: Frank Bowen IV/The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Dan’s a great dude and I wish him all the success in the world. Kelsey Waldron will be the headliner for tomorrow night’s debut concert with Henhouse Prowlers and My Brother’s Keeper playing on Saturday. The full lineup of shows is on the Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater website.

And in the interest of saving my hands from carpal tunnel, Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater shall henceforth be known in these posts as Liberty Theater, or the Liberty, or WCLT…

Other Friday shows include:

  • Deer Tick at Southgate house with Dylan McCartney and Dakota Carlyle also on the bill.
  • Gable Price & Friends at the Woodward
  • Sweet Lizzy (no relation to Thin Lizzy) plays the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton.

Saturday shows:

  • Henhouse Prowlers and My Brother’s Keeper at the Liberty
  • Crash Test Dummies play Memorial Hall
  • Riverbend hosts the Ohio is for Lovers Festival (fun fact that I just made up: Jerry Springer coined the phrase “Ohio is for lovers” when he was writing checks as Cincinnati’s mayor.)
  • Ovation in Newport has the Bourbon Baron Bash with Town Mountain and Kelly Willis (“Enjoy bourbon tastings from local distilleries, a variety of food trucks, and live music. All proceeds benefit The Cure Starts Now to fund pediatric brain cancer research.)
  • Brad Paisley plays outdoors at the Hard Rock Casino
  •  Arnold’s hosts local Americana band Jim Trace and the Makers

Silversun Pickups play Bogart’s on Monday.

John Legend performs with the Cincinnati Pops at Riverbend on Tuesday.

If you want proof that age ain’t nothing but a number, put on your cheater glasses and look no further then the Outlaw Music Festival at Riverbend on Wednesday night: Willie Nelson Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp top the bill. That’s 91, 83, and 72 if you’re keeping score at home. But you shouldn’t be.

Next Thursday:

  • Carson Lowe plays a free show at WCLT with Harley Day also on the bill.
  • Sierra Green and the Giants play the Levitt Pavilion for free. (They’re doing a ticketed show the prior evening at Ludlow, but you wouldn’t want to disappoint John Matarese, would you?)

Calling all Beardos! Calling all Beardos!

This year’s Whispering Beard Festival is next Friday and Saturday (September 13th and 14th) at Carriage House Farm in North Bend, Ohio. The full lineup:

Other shows on Friday, September 13th:

  • Ruby Vileos plays the Liberty Theater
  • My Brightest Diamond is at the Woodward Theater
  • Lung headlines the Indie Friday free show at Fountain Square
  • Taft Theatre has An Evening with Esperanza Spalding
  • The Cincinnati Nature Center hosts Music under the Moon with Jam Band Jovi
  • Jamey Johnson plays PNC Pavilion
  • Ludlow Garage has 1964: The Tribute (I’m not sure if they’re paying tribute to the Beatles or to the year of my birth and at this point I’m afraid to ask)
  • Soulja Boy marches into the Ovation
  • Last but certainly not least, GWAR plays Bogart’s

On Saturday September 14th:

  • Kings Of Leon play the Marsha Brady (According to Greg, her sex is on fire, even if her nose is out of whack)
  • Cincinnati band Sylmar plays WCLT
  • RiversEDGE in Hamilton host Signs of Life: The American Pink Floyd
  • Ice Cube plays the Hard Rock Casino’s outdoor stage

STRFKR (spelled just like it sounds!) are at the Madison Theater on Sunday, September 15th, and Saintseneca (punctuated just like it sounds!) plays the Woodward with Strawberry Runners as the opener

Shows on Tuesday September 17th:

  • Manchester Orchestra plays the Peter Brady
  • Megadeth, Mudvayne and All That Remains are at Riverbend
  • Celtic band Skerryvore plays Memorial Hall

On Wednesday September 18th Riverbend hosts the Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour. (Why yes, Damian IS part of that show… thank you for asking!)

Adding some spice to Pumpkin Season

Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest starts up at the end of this month, with cool bands on the bill every weekend through October. Here’s a brief description and the full music lineup courtesy of Courtney Phenicie at CincyMusic:

I would write 4 U

Sage advice from Seth Godin:

I’m gonna name you “The Concert Keepers” – because:

a. you like concerts, and

b. if you read this hot mess on a regular basis, you’re a keeper!

Makes No Sense at All…

In a budget cut, NBC axed Seth Myers Late Night band, led by Fred Armisen. This was their kiss off/send-off:

Album Covers of the Week(s)

Brother Dave looks like a Fred Armisen character.

I think you can hang a “Mission Accomplished” banner now, EBO!

Jive. Turkey.

Concert Listings, Music

No turkey for me, thanks. I’m a veg head.

And I don’t speak jive. But I know Beaver Cleaver’s mom does.

Let’s speak a universal language: music! But before we get to the gigs in the near future, just a quick reminder that pre-sale tickets were made available today for The Raisins reunion shows next March 1st and 2nd at The Woodward Theater – the code is: porkopolis.

Tonight:

  • The Menzingers play Bogart’s
  • Tiny Moving Parts and World’s Greatest Dad (which could be a warning label on a Swiss watch and a coffee mug screen printing, respectively) are at Southgate in the Revival Room
  • John R. Miller plays Southgate’s main room (a.k.a. Sanctuary)

On Friday, Meshell Ndegeocello plays Ludlow Garage.

Saturday gigs:

  • In the Pines (new album is pretty good) plays the Woodward, with Lung and Mol Sullivan also on the bill
  • Memorial Hall has An Evening with Joan Osborne
  • Ludlow Garage features Bruce in the U.S.A. (“The world’s #1 tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band”) – almost as good as this act:

Sunday is a busy day for shows:

  • Black Stone Cherry plays the old Annie’s
  • John Waite and his band are at Memorial Hall
  • The O’Jays make a “Last Stop on the Love Train” tour appearance at the Greg AND Peter Brady

The Whiskey Shambles play Northside Tavern on Tuesday, 11/21, with Achilles Tenderloin and Sarah Dactyl also on the bill.

Wednesday, November 22nd is Thanksgiving Eve… and you can feast on live music:

  • Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band plays Southgate
  • Ernie Johnson from Detroit is at MOTR
  • Maria Carrelli will be playing at Arnold’s in conjunction with the limited edition vinyl release of a live album she recorded at Arnold’s back in April. The album artwork is from list member Keith Neltner, in collaboration with Maker’s Mark. The first 150 people to show up will get the album for free!

Details from the Arnold’s Facebook page:

These aren’t just regular albums. There is a ton of work that goes into them. Releasing these Thanksgiving Eve albums for free has been a passion project for Arnold’s owner Chris Breeden and celebrated graphic designer Keith Neltner for over 5 years now. They handle every aspect of this release from the vinyl pressing all the way to stuffing the records into the sleeves at the end. 

Next Thursday, you’ll be too stuffed on stuffing to see a show.

But you can dance it off on Friday, 11/24 during the Funksgiving show hosted by Freekbass at Radio Artifact (in the Urban Artifact taproom). Or try this:

Other shows on Friday 11/24:

  • Trouble No More and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country kickoff a two-night stand at the Madison Theater
  • Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle are at Southgate
  • Tweens play MOTR
  • Night #1 of Inhailer Radio’s “Inspired” fundraiser concerts at The Woodward – full lineup:

Gigs on Saturday, 11/25:

  • Night #2 of the Inhailer fundraiser shows (Woodward) and the Trouble No More/Daniel Donato combo (Madison Theater)
  • Blues wunderkind Taj Farrant plays Ludlow Garage
  • Papadosio plays the Taft
  • Camp Springs Tavern hosts Gehner Dueling Pianos – Holiday Kickoff Show
  • Ben Levin plays BrewRiver
  • Your favorite music list author will be slinging beers at the Mt. Washington Biergarten in the parking lot on Oxford Avenue. Stop by and say hi.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram puts a bow on Rollvember with a show at Ludlow Garage on Thursday, 11/30.

I went to a rock concert and a ballgame broke out… or vice versa

Foo Fighters and Green Day are both playing Great American Ball Park this summer. Foos have Pretenders and Mammoth WVH opening. The Green Day lineup also includes Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid and The Linda Lindas. Look for list member Dan “Reds win it all in ’24” Lewis in the front row for both shows.

Have we learned nothing from “Disco Demolition Day”?

It turns out that Jeff Tweedy likes ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”… [story link courtesy of list member Michael “Rico” Carrico, who said “This seems like some well-timed wisdom from one of our favorites that maybe you should make note of there old (cranky, crotchety) friend…] Hmm, guess Rico wasn’t onboard with my Radiohead bashing. He’d better get off my lawn!

The 70s were the best!

I miss those halcyon days when you could you see the “I am Woman” woman and Fonzie singing along with Neil Diamond.

Album Cover of the Fortnight

I feel better than James Brown.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Double Drummer Bummer

Concert Listings, Music

I’ve been slacking on my Koncert Keeper duties. (Sorry, life got in the way.) But now I’m back, baby… just in time to be the bearer of some really sad news:

These back-to-back gut punches have music fans reeling.

Carlton and Chris brought joy to so many folks all over the world – not just through their music but also through their spirit. May both live on.

(And ICYMI, check out the 97X Rumblings from the Big Bush podcast episode where Dave Tellmann and I talked to Carlton and Happy from the RC Mob prior to their reunion shows late last year.

Tomorrow, the Newbees headline the free show at Fountain Square, and list member Keith Neltner has a opening for his art show at MOTR Pub. The show is called “Blood & Ink Rising Up from Underneath” and it’ll be at MOTR through Oct. 24. Here are details about the opening celebration:

Speaking o’ Farmer Keith, they’re kicking off the Neltner’s Farm Fall Festival music lineup on Saturday in Camp Springs, KY, with TLipscomb and Chaya J. The full music list is below, and details about the Fall Festival can be found here.

Other Saturday shows include:

  • Blackberry Smoke at the old Annie’s
  • The Mars Volta at the Mike Brady
  • Braxton Brewing in Covington will celebrate the release of their BonBonerie Opera Cream Stout with live music from StringSource and opera singer Grace Graham.
  • The Witches of Rifle Range play Neltner’s Tavern (yes, it’s a Neltner lovefest.. no, he’s not paying me)
  • Lotus Land (the American Rush Tribute) plays Ludlow Garage
  • Last, and certainly least, Nickelback is at Riverbend

GA-20 plays the Woodward Theater on Sunday, and Brian Setzer brings his “Rockabilly Riot” to the Taft Theatre on Tuesday.

Wednesday is an action-packed night for live music:

  • Speedy Ortiz is at MOTR (8 p.m. ticketed show)
  • Mt. Joy plays the Carol Brady
  • Great Lake Swimmers are at Southgate
  • Eric Johnson plays Ludlow Garage

Neal Francis plays the Woodward on Thursday, while Christopher Cross goes sailing into the Ludlow Garage.

From “Sailing” we shift to swimming: Johnnyswim plays Bogart’s on Friday 10/6.

Synchronized Swimming from Claude Kerven on Vimeo.

That same evening (10/6), Briscoe plays a free show at MOTR.

Dave Webster plays Neltner’s Tavern on Saturday, 10/7.

On Sunday, 10/8, The Brook & The Bluff are at Memorial Hall, and Valley plays the Woodward Theater.

Helmet plays Bogart’s on Tuesday, Rocktober 10th, and that same evening Phish kicks off a two-night stand at the Nut House, a.k.a. The Nutter Center.

On Wednesday, October 11th:

  • Juliana Hatfield plays a solo show at the Woodward
  • Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals play the Greg Brady

Ekoostik Hookah is at the old Annie’s on Thursday, 10/12, and Tim Reynolds and TR3 play Ludlow Garage.

Shows on Friday, October 13th:

  • The Church plays Madison Theater
  • Songwriter extraordinaire Jimmy Webb is at Memorial Hall
  • Moon Taxi and The Stews play the old Annie’s

On Saturday, 10/14, the Madison Theater has a double bill of bands with fun names: Moon Hooch & Doom Flamingo. That same evening, Ax & The Hatchetmen are at Madison Live and Foreigner* plays the Hard Rock Casino.

*Featuring one original member – but at least it’s Mick Jones

Blues artist Joanne Shaw Taylor plays Memorial Hall on Sunday, October 15th.

Guess who’s coming to the Marsha Brady on Monday, October 16th? No, not the Guess Who. It’s Yes.

(I never tire of seeing Derek Smalls and Squiggy together…)

Love it live

Since our last post, your humble scribe has thoroughly enjoyed killer shows from Cereal Killers, Drive-by Truckers with American Aquarium, James McMurtry, and both nights of the Guided by Voices 40th anniversary shows in Dayton. Oh, and a Barenaked Ladies free show downtown.

Cancer sucks.

List member Michael “Rico” Carrico lost his brother Kevin to cancer four years ago. It not only sucked because Kevin was so young (25), but also because Kevin had survived a bout with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a few years earlier and was studying to be a pediatric oncologist when he succumbed to Ewing’s Sarcoma.

In Kevin’s honor, Rico and his family and friends have raised funds for the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation, which provides scholarships to young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. Their biggest annual fundraiser is a golf scramble – this year’s event is next Saturday, October 7th, at California Golf Course. If you’d like to register or just make a donation, you can do so here.

Album Cover of the Fortnight

And in your next life, may your garments look less like couch coverings.

Designs that Rock

Concert Listings, Music

If I told you that I had an album autographed by a Grammy-nominated artist, you might think I was referring to the recording artist.

That’s Matt Berninger’s solo album, Serpentine Prison, but the autograph isn’t Matt’s. It’s from my good friend (and list member) Dale Doyle, who created the album artwork. And Dale is the one up for the hardware:

I’m thrilled for Dale, (a.k.a. “the original d2”). He and I worked together at the Cincinnati office of Landor Associates. Dale spent 23 years there, until he was “downsized” back in 2018. In hindsight, it was the best thing that could’ve happened to him professionally.

Speaking of getting fired from an ad agency and being nominated for a Grammy, Japanese Breakfast is up for “Best New Artist” this year. (Even though this year’s release Jubilee was their third album… where was the Grammy committee when JB put out Psychopomp in 2016, or Soft Sounds from Another Planet in 2017, or when they were just blowing us away live in the Taft Ballroom back in 2018?) Bandleader Michelle Zauner talks about how she used her two-months’ severance from an ad agency to pursue a music career in this Broken Record podcast:

The moral of the stories: if you want to win a Grammy, the first step is being let go by an ad agency.

OK, let’s get into this week’s list of live shows:

Freekbass is hosting Funksgiving tonight at Ludlow Garage, Darlene has a record release show at MOTR, Ben Levin plays Arnold’s, and Patti LaBelle is at the Hard Rock Casino.

Saturday’s shows run the full gamut of genres and venues: The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is at Southgate, The Lions Rampant are at MOTR, Ben Levin plays Ghost Baby in OTR, local Tom Petty tribute band Tom the Torpedoes plays the Redmoor in Mt. Lookout… and Michael Bolton is at the Lawrenceburg Event Center in the Hoosier State.

Ben Levin is at it again on Sunday morning (must be trying to work off that extra helping of turkey yesterday), playing the Blues Brunch at the Hard Rock Casino from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. If 10 p.m. is more your style, Gringo Star and The Harlequins play MOTR that evening.

Tuesday, author David Sedaris is at the Aronoff. (Yes, I know it’s not a music gig but he’s a rockstar writer and just so damn entertaining in a live setting.)

On Thursday, Devotchka plays the Woodward Theater, with Milquetoast & Co. as the opener. The irrepressible Ben Levin plays Shires Garden. And if you need more cowbell, Blue Oyster Cult will be at Ludlow Garage.

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox makes a stop at Ludlow next Friday (12/3). And yes, Ben Levin has a gig – he’s playing Muse Cafe.

Next Saturday (12/4), Shakey Graves plays Bogart’s, local Dead/jam band Spookfloaters play Fretboard (my wife’s cousin is in that band, so I’ll be there), Ben Levin (him again!) plays BrewRiver, and Jess Lamb & the Factory will be at Findlay Market for a 5 p.m. happy hour gig.

That brings us full circle to yet another great design on a record: Keith Neltner (who worked with Dale and me at Landor) did the artwork for the limited edition 7-inch vinyl record featuring two songs from Jess Lamb & the Factory.

The record — a collaborative effort among Neltner Small Batch, Otto Printing in Newport, Musicol (recording studio/pressing plant in Columbus), Arnold’s, and Maker’s Mark — was released at Arnold’s on Wednesday evening, and a handful of the splatter vinyl copies went on sale today at five local record stores (Shake It Records, Everybodys Records, Plaid Room Records, Torn Light Records and Herzog Music).

Jess Lamb & the Factory band member Warren Harrison also worked at Landor…

Shop local stores. Support local artists (recording and otherwise). They might wind up winning a Grammy someday!