Rachel Sings (11/22)

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

I know I have mentioned her before...but singer-songwriter Rachel Roberts will be performing this Saturday night at Prosperity Social Club in Tremont. Her tunes are mellow, musky and passionate. Her stage presence engaging. Just add perogies from the kitchen and I can't imagine a better evening!

9:00pm, Prosperity Social Club. For more information about Rachel visit www.myspace.com/rachelrobertsmusic

Last Chance for a Change (10/29)

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Seven-time Grammy Award winner, Jay-Z and Cavs star, LeBron James are teaming up to rally voters and Obama supporters with a free concert at the Quicken Loans Arena. 13,000 tickets for the show sold out in one day.



The event billed as a "Last Chance for Change" is aimed at encouraging Ohioans to vote early and to support Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama's campaign. LeBron will host the event which culminates with a concert by Jay-Z.

The event will be held at the "the Q" it is free and open to all Ohio residents and students, but tickets are required. Since tickets are sold out, visit Craigs List (I saw a few for sale), try to scalp them, or listen to every radio station (including 107.9 & 93.1) as they are still giving away seats!

Katie Herzig (10/18)

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

A few weekends ago I was lucky enough to spend an autumn weekend in the big apple with one of my closest friends. We saw three concerts, one-a-night. On the second night we headed into Brooklyn to see singer songwriter Katie Herzig and her talented band of musicians.

Now you might ask why on the “iheartcleveland” blog am I telling you this about Brooklyn?...well lucky us, Katie will be performing this Saturday night at the Beachland Ballroom...and you simply MUST go!

Her voice is a sweet blend of Edith Piaf and Sheryl Crow with a touch of spice on the side. The music of the Contrabass and the accordion paired with an acoustic guitar is a unique sound that you won’t want to miss. Its no wonder why they wanted her for the Sex and the City album. Very Sassy!

For a free sample of her music, visit her website www.katieherzig.com otherwise I will plan on seeing everyone there!



Katie Herzig opens for the Everybodyfields 8pm doors at 7:30pm. $12.00 Ballroom

Idol (08/04)

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Season 7's American Idols are on tour this summer and they are hitting more than 40 cities including Cleveland! I know, it may seem a bit cheesy that I am posting about this, but come on...who doesn’t love “idol?” Well, like it or not, I am headed to the Wolstein Center at 7pm to catch a glimpse of “the David's,” Chikezie (I love to say his name), Brooke and Michael Johns. I must admit I have seen this tour before and it is a complete production, with a capitol “P.”



If you love pop culture, pop music, lots of bright lights and many fog machines, well this is the summer send off show for you! For more information, including tickets visit www.americanidol.com

Did you know? (08/08)

Today is National Frozen Custard Day.

It is the kick off to this years Olympics, (08/08/08 @ 8:00, on NBC).

and

Tickets to the November 10th, Girl Talk concert at the Beachland went on sale this morning? (I bought mine!)



Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. :)

August Concerts!

Save the Dates.In doing some research for upcoming posts I came across numerous concerts in August that I wanted to make sure got on everyones calendars, including my own! Most of them are local bands, singer, songwriters but there are a few larger names too. Good times in our city of rock and roll!

8/01 : Return of Simple : Grog Shop : My favorite song is Saffron and boy can these guys jam. Amazing! (www.myspace.com/returnofsimple)

8/02 : Rachel Roberts : Lakewood Art Festival 12:30pm : She has a great voice! I have seen her twice before and would highly recommend her tunes for a relaxing Saturday afternoon. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=42735320

8/02 : Mifune : Brothers Lounge : This world-pop nine-piece blends the groovy, funk-tribal vibe of afrobeat with spacey, Stereolab-style ambient pop. (www.myspace.com/mifunesound)

8/03 : Joshua Radin (with Vanessa Carlton) : Beachland Ballroom : Josh is from Cleveland! (www.joshuaradin.com)

8/03 : Neil Diamond : The Q : 8:00pm : Tickets are a bit steep; $55 and up but who can resist "Sweet Caroline Bum Bum Bum?"

8/04 : Radiohead : Blossom Music Center : I have lawn seats, hope it doesn't rain!

8/08 : Metro Station | Boys Like Girls | Good Charlotte : Time Warner Amphitheatre : Feel like a Tween!—Or just rock-out like one

8/09 : Copperfoot : Crocker Park Chess Park, Westlake 6:30 - 9:30 PM : Rock , country blues, lounge songs, and folktales- all the way to the mountain top. Copperfoot plays spirited, powerful original music (and a few well chosen covers). (www.myspace.com/copperfoot)

8/09 : Jill Scott : Playhouse Square : She has an amazing set of pipes. I have been listening to her for some time, I love "Crown Royal on Ice." (www.myspace.com/whoisjillscott)

8/11 : Tokio Hotel : House of Blues Cleveland : A bit "harder" than I usually listen too...but a great band to add to your workout playlist. Monsoon is great...and so is the lead singers hair! (www.myspace.com/tokiohotel)

8/12 : Kate Kunstall : House of Blues Cleveland : Her CD is Eye to the Telescope is a great body of work. Not only is Black Horse & the Cherry Tree a hit, but I like Suddenly I See.

8/16 : Cameo | Sisqo | Peabo Bryson : Soul Food Festival—Voinovich Park : Good Music and fun food!

8/22 : Nine Inch Nails with special guest Does It Offend You, Yeah? : The Q : 7:00pm, should be a giant production, anyone going?

8/22 : HotChaCha : Matinee Cleveland : Favorite song...Heidi Was Never Good (http://www.myspace.com/hotchachahotchacha)

8/24 : Kate Voegele : House of Blues Cambridge Room : All the way from Bay Village. (www.myspace.com/katevoegele)

8/24 : Paramore with special guest Paper Route : Time Warner Amphitheatre : I saw Paper Route in Atlanta and they have a great sound...oh and I love riding my bike to Paramore!

8/27 : Miss Melvis and if you missed them before, Hot ChaCha will be playing again : Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 7-9pm FREE sponsored by Cleveland.com, The Plain Dealer and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum. Can't wait to see Melanie Rock out!

8/31 : Los Lonely Boys : Taste Of Cleveland : Groovy tunes for a perfect Sunday afternoon!

If I missed any MUST-SEE's let me know! Cheers for today.

Christmas in July (7/25)

Friday, July 25th, 2008

Christmas in July featuring The Ohio City Singers : Every Christmas for the past 5 years The Ohio City Singers gather up friends and family to record a batch of holiday cheer. Tonight the band will perform their FIRST EVER Christmas live show at the Southside in Tremont to celebrate Christmas in July. Yes, a random excuse to be stupid!

The band features a crazy collective of Cleveland musicians including Chris Allen, Doug McKean, Chris Hanna, Tom Prebish, Brent Kirby and Bobby Latina of the Jack Fords, Dan Rose, Austin "Candy Cane" Charanghat, Kelly Wright and many more.

Show time is at an early 8 pm and will consist of classic cuts such as "Egg Nogg", "Real Good Christmas Time" and "White Cleveland Christmas."

For more information visit www.chrisallenmusic.com. For directions to the Southside visit www.southsidecleveland.com

Also, even though last nights Great Lakes Brewing Co. "Christmas (Ale) in July Party" was sold out...if they have any of that liquid gold left over, you may be able to grab yourself a pint or two tonight! It's never too early to celebrate the holidays!

Magical, a perfect description. (7/25-27)

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 25th through the 27th, 2008

The Ingenuity Festival returns with a weekend-long celebration of art and technology, designed for audiences of any age and experience, staged in the center of Downtown Cleveland. Prominent international masters present original works alongside the finest of Northeast Ohio's performing and visual artists. High technology firms and major colleges and universities are presented alongside acclaimed artists to create a dazzling display of exciting and immersive new work! Ingenuity pushes boundaries, creating a unique festival experience that draws and celebrates diversity, and involves the audience as both spectator and participant!



There are so many interesting looking shows, exhibits and installations, but one that I deffinatley want to catch will be a late night performance by the Hot Cha Cha's Friday night at the Plain Dealer Star Plaza Stage.

Oh and if you haven't been to the Opening Ceremony (Friday, July 25 4-5:30 pm) before, it is worth it to skip out of work early for the big show...let's just say...it's Magical. :)

For the schedule and more information visit www.ingenuitycleveland.com

Simone sings Simone (7/26)

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

If you "want a little sugar in your bowl," than you can't miss this lifetime opportunity to hear Simone sing the tunes her mother, Nina Simone once crooned.

She is her own woman, a singer, songwriter and performer whose ability to transcend genres echoes the tradition of her mother, musical icon and pioneer Nina Simone. Blessed with a rich vocal range, an innate skill for lyrical interpretation and a soul-deep understanding of music as a means of healing, empowerment and celebration, Simone is very much her mother’s daughter, she is most assuredly a multi-talented artist in her own right.

A highly-praised live performer whose impressive resume includes starring roles on Broadway in such acclaimed musicals as Rent and Aida, Simone has developed an exciting and diverse repertoire of pop, soul, jazz, rock and funk, expressed in shows she’s done throughout the U.S. and in the UK, Ireland, Holland, Finland, Spain and France.



“This is my tribute to my mother, a chance for me to do the songs I love the most the way I hear them. It’s a glimpse of my life over four decades…” On April 21, 2006, three years after her mother’s passing, Simone paid tribute to her at Town Hall in New York, at the very venue where forty-seven years earlier a 26-year old Nina Simone had enjoyed her first major show in the city. Simone’s spellbinding, soulful performance turned into the genesis for the recording of Simone On Simone. “The idea had been pitched to me before but I had been writing a lot of my own material for almost ten years and my goal was to record those songs. It felt like an obstacle between me and that goal to do a tribute record to my mother. But after the Town Hall performance, I started considering it seriously…”

I can't wait to see this show. I remember the first time I ever heard Nina Simone I was in seventh grade and I rushed out and bought a tape of her music. Her deep vocal range astonished me as a young soprano singer, I actually ruined that tape from rewinding it over and over and trying to sing those same notes. I think this show will be a summer, must see!

For times & tickets visit www.beachlandballroom.com For more information on Ms. Simone visit www.simonesworld.com

Missy @ Beachland (7/20)

Sunday, July 20th 2008

In a world littered with disposable pop Missy Higgins is a welcome relief.. passionate, sincere and proudly Australian. The 23 year old singer/songwriter from Melbourne has enjoyed phenomenal success in her homeland in spite - or perhaps because - of shunning the usual synthetic packaging and tabloid tackiness. Instead she's adopted a more timeless approach, relying on her undeniable songs and unforgettable live performances to build a genuine and gimmick free connection with her audience.



Missy's new album, "On A Clear Night", retains the hallmarks of her earlier work - irresistible melodies and 'arrow through the heart' lyrics delivered by a voice that clearly means it. However, this time around the tracks benefit from the empathetic production of Mitchell Froom who helmed the first three Crowded House albums as well as works by other quality artists such as Ron Sexsmith, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney and the Finn Brothers.

My favorite Missy Higgins Tunes to sing really loud when I am alone in the car is Sugarcane (So, run, run fast sugarcane) and Peachy ("Life is peachy...without me")


Missy will be in concert Sunday at Beachland Ballroom, at 8pm, $15.00 www.missyhiggins.com

Marie Sings (7/11)

Friday, July 11th, 2008

Don't miss the lovely, elegant and You-Tube phenom this evening at the House of Blues as LA-Based Marie Digby captures the crowd with her sweet, sensual, simply gorgeous voice.



With her new album and recent world premier video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F9q_k5TWqo) songs like "Say it Again" and "Spell" are soon to become regular whistle-while-you-work tunes, catch her while you can. If you missed her show at The Winchester back in May she will be opening for Gavin DeGraw tonight.

Doors open at 7:30. Tickets starts at $22. For ticket information visit www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland/ or check out Marie at www.myspace.com/mariedigby

Cottontail Concert (7/12)

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

(hum to the tune of Peter Cottontail...) Here comes Roxy Cottontail hopping down the B. Side trail hippitty hoppity concerts on it's way. Bringing every girl and boy big night full with party joy hippity hoppy roxy's on her way! :)

"Roxy Cottontail is the woman that every girl rocking Nikes and huge earrings longs to be. Roxy, who also goes by Oxy, is a streetwear fashionista, full-time hustler, and arguably one of New York's best-known promoters. She got into the business by spreading the club sound and making stars out of acts such as Spank Rock and Hollertronix. She also DJs and recently got into producing music for herself. Roxy raps over beats that are a little punk, a little funk, sample-heavy, and undeniably dance-party worthy. Imagine a mix of Peaches, the Rapture, and Gravy Train and you're almost ready for Roxy's set." - flavorpill.net



Don't miss "oxy cottontail" (www.oxycottontail.com) as she spins records at The B-Side Liquor Lounge along with Misterbradleyp - 10pm $10 For more concert info visit www.grogshop.gs

Music in the Park (6/22)

Sunday, June 22nd 2008

Want to enjoy the summer evening breeze rolling off the lake while humming the tunes of the beloved Beatles? Grab a picnic blanket and head to Rocky River Park this Sunday evening for the sounds of “Revolution Pie” a Beatles cover band!

Rocky River Park, 20250 Beachcliff Blvd. 7:00-8:30PM

JayMay & Fink...Friday (6/13)

Friday June 13th, 2008

Her tunes are sweet. Her voice is soulful. If you don't know JayMay (pronounced Jamie) don't miss this show! Jamie Seerman is an American folk singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, performing under the name Jaymay. She was raised in Long Island and in 2003 after having graduated from New College in Sarasota, Florida, she was unable to find a job in book publishing and moved back to New York to play open mics. She has been described by the BBC as "darling of the New York ’Anti-Folk’ scene", and by the New York Times as a "big name…for the indie universe".

In 2007 Jaymay moved to London, after signing with Heavenly Records, which is distributed by the major EMI label. Jaymay’s debut album Autumn Fallin’ album was released in the United States on March 11, 2008 on Blue Note Records.



My favorites songs are Hard to Say (love the scat!) and Blue Skies. For tunes visit www.myspace.com/jaymay

Oh, and did I mention that JayMay will be performing with Fink. Straight from the UK this DJ and singer songwriter is making his way across the US. "We've played some great shows in the last year," enthuses Fink from his home in Brighton. Fink's debut album for Ninja Tune, "Biscuits for Breakfast," marked a seismic shift for the label shelving samples and turntablism in favour of an acoustic guitar and great songs. The record, distinguished by its squeaking fret boards and disarmingly autobiographical lyrics, caught the attention of audiences worldwide.



Over a hundred Fink shows across Europe, including dates at the Electron and JazzOnze festivals, were followed by an intense tour of North America, where Fink, together with bassist Guy Whittaker and drummer Tim Thornton, jetted between seven cities in nine days after having received the Single of the Week slot from iTunes US. He and the band are now due to play the esteemed Cognac Blues festival at the end of July, with Fink making another special guest appearance with Nitin Sawhney at the Royal Albert Hall in August as part of this years Proms.

I LOVE the song Blueberry Pancakes. Check out more of his lyrics at www.finkworld.co.uk

This show is sure to be packed, don't miss it!
B-Side Liquor Lounge www.bsideliquorlounge.com
8pm $8

UK Tunes (5/15)

Wednesday May 15th, 2008

“When I started making records,” David Ford grins, “I said I wanted them to be emotionally fraught processes, like I’d survived a war. Now I can safely say, I want to make a really easy one!” And he grins again. Or was that a grimace?

Nobody said it was going to be easy but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Songs For The Road (released in March 2008 on Original Signal Recordings), Ford’s successor to his 2006 debut I Sincerely Apologise For All The Trouble I’ve Caused (Columbia), is so good it’s worth all the pain. It’s another deftly contained nine-song package, short in time (running at 37 minutes) but epic in content. All human emotions are here – fear and loathing, love and loneliness, anxiety and release – creating a record radiating resilience and hope even if it ends with “probably the saddest song I’ve ever written.”



If you can squeeze in the concert amidst the Cavs madness...do so! 8pm at the House of Blues. For more information on David visit www.originalsignalrecordings.com or for tickets visit www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland

Rock Party (5/10)

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

Patty Smyth (Scandal), Rob Parissi (Wild Cherry), the Sugarhill Gang, Lou Gramm (Foreigner) and others are gonna rock Public Hall with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum's 7th Annual "It's Only Rock and Roll" Benefit, and you can get special $15 balcony tix. It's all for a great cause -- proceeds benefit the Museum's educational programs and ticket buyers have a shot at winning 2009 Induction tix and an Inductee Summer Concert Package. Sweet!

The night kicks off at 6pm. For more tickets and additional information visit www.rockhall.com/support/gala.

Free Jazz (4/24)

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

Come enjoy the sounds of Rodney Whitaker on Bass, Randy Gelispie on Drums, Jackie Warren on Piano and Dominick Farinacci on Trumpet, for this years Tri-C Jazz Festival, JazzFest Lunchtime Showcase.



Free. 12:00 noon at the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square
For additional festival concerts visit www.tricjazzfest.com

Hot Cha Cha (4/11)

Friday April 11th, 2008

So, after you hit up MOCA Cleveland for the big Baby Dayliner show, make sure to make your final stop of the evening the Bella Dubby in Lakewood for their all night music fest.

One group that will really rock the house is the "Hot Cha Cha's," a smokin hot girl group. The girls are each 18, wear red shoes, are sassy, slim and play everything from jazz, classical, rock, country, modern.......as long as it is loud, they play it! Hot Cha Cha's debut album will be out on Cleveland's Exit Stencil Recordings later this year, be one of the first "in the know."



Along with the Hot Cha Cha's the evening will also feature:

The Dreadful Yawns-"The group's blend of alt-country and "minimalist psychedelic folk" is as diverse as it is texturally rich." -Scene Magazine

The Very Knees-"The local indie-rock group's noisy clamor resonates in a shambling wobble of unwavering pluck and natural charm." -Scene Magazine

Unsparing Sea-"if you haven't caught its whimsical blend of orchestral finesse and Nashville swagger, you'll soon have your chance." -Free Times

Romance of Young Tigers - "To say they have a simplistic approach to the music would be somewhat of an understatement. It's rare in the art of music to come across individuals who make music their own way, and for their own interest" -Wright State Campus Pub.

Shows start at 8 and will wrap up around midnight. Bella Dubby 13321 Madison (just west of 117th, Lakewood) 216-221-4479. coffee house. beer & snacks. art gallery.