Mdou Moctar (6/20/24)

It’s going to be hard to beat seeing Mdou Moctar anywhere as good as their 2019 performance at Now That’s Class (now No Class).  This night they sold out the Beachland Ballroom and they matched the heat outside.  Another blistering performance.

Joe Pug (6/19/24)

Always happy to see Joe Pug perform, despite being a week night at Akron’s Musica.  Bonus points for being on Juneteenth and having the rest of the week off!   He’s always the consummate performer on stage.

The real bonus of the night was getting familiar with Dustin Mayle!

The Halluci Nation (6/15/24)

I was killing a little time before heading to crobar, so I decided to swing by and catch The Halluci Nation at The Aslyum at Masonic Auditorium.  I had first caught up with this band back in 2012 with their A Tribe Called Red album, and was glad to see see them putting out music!  Not a bad show, but was *really* glad I had my ear plugs for this one.

Orville Peck (6/7/24)

This show wasn’t originally on my agenda, until the $25 LiveNation special came about - and I had family coming into town to visit.  It was a perfect opportunity to take my Sister and Niece to see a fun show at a great downtown music venue.  We even scored floor access wristbands!

A Beacon School (6/6/24)

A friend put me on to A Beacon School, and another friend knew the opener Wish Queen.  It was shaping up to be a great night of music and it didn’t dissapoint. 

Laura Gibson (5/22/24)

I’ve been waiting to Laura Gibson at a concert, after her amazing performance at Nelsonville Music Festival back in 2019.  I became a little concerned when I saw the dates scheduled (Columbus / Akron) overlapped a camping trip I had already scheduled.  Luckily schedules aligned and I was able to bring a friend along to the Columbus show, on our way camping (thanks Cassie!).

The house and the host were both delightful.  Laura brought us all into the den area with only like 8-10 folks in attendance for an incredibly intimate experience (hence no video).  Her songwriting, storytelling, and overal presence was designed for a house concert.  This one will go down as one of my favorite performances of all time.

The Brother Brothers (4/11/24)

The Brother Brothers will draw me in to see them every time.  They are such a cool couple guys, having already seen them at Nelsonville Music Festival, and then performing with Courtney Marie Andrews.  This time one-upped those experiences by getting to see them in the intimate GAR Hall in Peninsula.  A great seat, for a great nighti of music!

Woods (4/7/24)

I couldn’t have been more excited to see Woods booking the Beachland Ballroom on the eve of our big Eclipse event!  Friends were in town, plans were made, and this was icing on the cake.  Avey Tare was also performing, but we didn’t catch much of his performance.  Woods ruled the night for me, once again.

Tyler Ramsey (3/26/24)

Another Spring, another work conference trip - back to San Diego!  This time I was able to check out the venerable Casbah music venue, a space that I would say is very equivalent to the Beachland Ballroom in size, vibe, and authenticity.  Would definitely go back.

I’d been catching back up with Tyler Ramsey (former lead guitarist of Band of Horses), and fell in love with his most recent album.  More subtle and spacious than I’d generally appreciate, but I was drawn in to his great songwriting (and bummed I missed his recent Cleveland visit).  Check it out.

Opening was Leslie Stevens.  A new-to-me performer, but a great talent.  Sporting a little quiver and a slight southern draw in her voice, she echoed Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin(’s lighter side).

Lisa Loeb / Revolutionary Women In Music Exhibit Opening (3/7/24)

Last minute decision to attend the Revolutionary Women In Music Exhibit Opening event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Was treated to special guests: Inductee Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go's (2021), Shirley Manson of Garbage and Lisa Loeb, joined Shelby Morrison, VP of Curatorial Affairs, to discuss the exhibit and women's impact and role in music.   Some great speaches!  Lisa performed a couple of her songs.