Cain Park continues to bring in great artists and I couldn’t have been happier to catch Rufus Wainwright there on his Folkocracy album. I’ll also take any chance I can get to see Lucy Wainwright Roche again as well. If only more people could have attended… Gina Chavez opened.
Full Photo Album:
Speaking of nostalgia coming off seeing Alanis Morissette & Garbage, the very next night I’m getting to see Indigo Girls close by at Cain Park! The bonus was that they brought Lucy Wainwright Roche along as part of the band, and she even got a couple songs on her own on stage!
Ani DiFranco came back around, this time coming to the lush Cain Park and this time bringing one of my other favorite folksters, Lucy Wainwright Roche! PERFECT. I wish the weather could have been, as it was raining and in the 50’s - but luckily they allowed everyone in lawn to grab seats under the pavilion.
This time around Ani really went back to some of her older songs, probably in line with her new memoir (you can view an excerpt of an article she did with NPR below). I have yet to read it, but it’s on my short list. In the meantime, it was great getting to hear some of the songs that are nearly 30 years old! (WOW).
Lucy Wainwright Roche opened, and she’s quickly becoming someone who I’m regularly seeing live! Cheerful and charming as always - and one hell of a good songwriter.
Here’s the NPR article:
"DiFranco poured that rage into her songwriting. As she wrote in her memoir, DiFranco struggled with making music and once it was made, she hated the idea of selling it. She remembers feeling repulsed by the idea of having to sell her tapes.
'I guess people were right in that I was kind of a punk kid. I was anti-everything, I was anti-capitalist,' DiFranco says.
Though she goes through many personal and professional trials in the book, DiFranco says her sheer determination always outweighed her self-doubt. 'Youth is a powerful drug, you know? I was on a mission. So, yeah, I wasn't gonna let anything stop me.'"
(Via Ani DiFranco Talks 'No Walls and the Recurring Dream' Memoir : NPR.)
What a 90’s throwback show! There was a time that both of these women held prominent places in my CD collection. For this to be my annual trip to Cain Park for a concert was pretty exciting, though more so for Joan than Lisa. I’ve continued to follow Joan and have always appreciated her dedication to her blues roots. Lisa went on to make a bevy of children’s music. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, she was a consummate performer weaving in her one-hit wonder and filling the rest of the show with charming stories and insights. She was delightful.
Joan was polished, poised and sounded great. I couldn’t have been happier when she played my favorite, St. Teresa. I only wished more people would have turned out for this show on this gorgeous night at Cain Park (and that my photos and video could have been better)
This being Cain Park's Art Festival weekend, I thought it would be a good time to share this article…
"For 80 years, Cain Park in Cleveland Heights has entertained audiences under the stars with quality theatre, nationally-known musical and comedy acts, and arts showcases.
Bob Hope, Harry Belafonte, Sarah McLachlan, Livingston Taylor, and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are just some of the famous names that have graced the Evans Amphitheater stage, while theater productions like The Toxic Avenger, Hair, and Bat Boy The Musical have attracted sold-out crowds.
Renowned actors like Hal Holbrook, Dom DeLuise, Carol Kane, Jack Weston, and Pernell Roberts have also performed over the park’s history on sets designed by industrial artist and Cleveland native Viktor Schreckengost. And then there's the yearly Cain Park Arts Festival, a three-day juried art event held each July drawing as many as 150 local and national artists, selling their work at every price point."
(Via Cain Park celebrates 80 years of outdoor arts in Cleveland Heights.)
Last night was such a gorgeous night for a show at Cain Park! Esperanza Spalding’s performance was fresh & effervescent, performing with a new band just for this tour with Andrew Bird. You would have never known it.
This was my 3rd or 4th (5th?) time seeing Andrew Bird. In preparation, I was going back through his catalog and it reminded me how good his albums are! The live show was decent, but I can’t say it was anything particularly spectacular. Thankfully the weather was.
Melissa Etheridge and I go way back, even before her 1993 Yes I Am album. Henceforth, I’ll always go see her when I can. Having her perform on a gorgeous Summer night outside at Cain Park - SOLD. She continues to be a great performer, and demonstrated it by this being a solo show where she worked on looping instruments for volume and layering. I’ve definitely seen that before (Andrew Bird!), but was really happy to see Melissa expanding her stage repertoire to do so. What a great (nostalgic) night.
I was also really happy to see covering Joan Armatrading’s The Weakness in Me.
Tori Amos at Cain Park tomorrow night! While she’s not tops on my current list, I still wish I could be there… Check out her new single (w/ her daughter!).
Tori Amos gets her groove back · Music Review · The A.V. Club
"In the last 15 years, Tori Amos’ pop albums have gravitated toward two distinct categories: those where she utilizes elaborate characters and extended metaphors to illustrate her points, and those where she uses more straightforward, subjective inspirations for her lyrics. For fans, this has been somewhat frustrating, as Amos has always been a confessional commentator—especially at the intersection of the personal and political—and deriving emotional attachment from her intricate fictions has often been challenging.
The engaging Unrepentant Geraldines, however, splits the difference between these categories perfectly—mainly because this time, Amos’ muse led her into a variety of deeply personal, vulnerable places. "
(Continued... Tori Amos gets her groove back · Music Review · The A.V. Club)
This was really the week for music… I skipped the Rufus Wainwright show to bike up to Cain Park to see local-wonders, The Modern Electric. Wow, these boys keep getting better and better. Only one complaint - NEW MUSIC PLEASE!! I can't wait to hear some new stuff…
I didn't catch any video, but you can see some of them from the Cellar Door opening event.
I can't say I jumped on this show when it was announced. Some friends invited me to go, though I was actually hoping for a camping weekend. That didn't pan out, but I wouldn't say I settled on seeing Fiona Apple - especially after her amazing performance. I adored Fiona's first album, but drifted away from her music more with each album. I barely listened to this new one, but I'll definitely give it a second chance after seeing an energized Fiona belt her songs out on stage. Man she's flexible. (link to Cleveland.com review below)
Fiona Apple delivers a riveting evening of alt-music cabaret at Cain Park | cleveland.com
Catching Fiona Apple in concert is like working for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. You always have to be prepared for the "
(Continued... Fiona Apple delivers a riveting evening of alt-music cabaret at Cain Park | cleveland.com)
Score one for Cain Park getting the Fiona Apple show, especially as she's touring on her new album which is getting some great buzz. See what should be a phenomenal show in a phenomenal venue! Here's some enticement:
From the original Spangle article here.
The Featured Events are front-loaded at the beginning of August, so hopefully you're reading this early. The rest of this month tapers off, but there's still plenty of shows to keep you entertained. Also this month, be sure to catch the remaining two Summer in the City shows, the free Rock & Roll Hall of Fame concert series. While this month may seem a little light overall, there are a whole slew of shows that I wouldn't normally list , but being a former hair metal fan myself, I thought there might be others who are interested (it was high school people). August is also packing in the likes of Candlebox, Mr. Big, Heart, Def Leppard, and Queensryche. Oh fine, while I'm going retro, you can even catch Tiffany & Debbie Gibson performing together this month too.
August 2 :: Cold Cave (Indie/Electronic) / coldcave.tumblr.comGrog Shop / $12 ~ $14 I missed Cold Cave the last time they were in town, but I'm thrilled they're coming back again - and this time they're bringing the extremely talented Austra with them! I was able to catch Cold Cave's driving electronic beats at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago a couple weeks ago, and that only gave me a taste for the dense and driving sound they'll be producing at the Grog Shop. As for Austra, I think she would have been a Featured Event on her own as well.
August 9 :: Neko Case (Alt-Country) / nekocase.comBeachland Ballroom / $30 Neko and I go way back. I've seen her several times, though oddly never actually with The New Pornographers. And to be honest they've not all been great shows. But as a testament to the talent this woman posseses, I'm still going to list her as a Featured Event. Her uncompromising songwriting and oddly secure, yet exposed stage-presence will always make her a show worth seeing. Get tickets early, this show will sell out.
August 2 :: Bright Eyes (Indie Rock) / conoroberst.comHouse of Blues / $28 ~ $30 FInally touring on a new album, Bright Eyes w/ The Mountain Goats are being presented on behalf of The Grog Shop.
August 3 :: The Joy Formidable (Pop/Rock) / thejoyformidable.comRock & Roll Hall of Fame / FREE The third installment of this *awesome* free series at the Rock Hall. Our own Hot Cha Cha opening!
August 3 :: Eels (Indie Rock) / eelstheband.comBeachland Ballroom / $20 ~ $22 I'm sure Eels are a fine band, but the pop/rock bliss of The Submarines opening would be the real draw.
August 3 :: Wye Oak (Folk / Indie Rock) / wyeoakmusic.comBeachland Tavern / $10 ~ $12 I've seen their name before, but it was all the positive comments on iTunes that convinced me to list these guys.
August 9 :: Sara Bareilles (Singer/Songwriter) / sarabmusic.comHouse of Blues / SOLD OUT Good tickets if you can get them.
August 11 :: Mountain Heart (Bluegrass) / mountainheart.comCain Park / $15 ~ $18 If you're reading along and saying to yourself, where's the bluegrass?? Here you go.
August 12 :: Janet Jackson (Pop / R&B) / janetjackson.comJacobs Pavilion / $99.50 ~ $250 The one and only. Ms. Jackson, if you're nasty.
August 14 :: The Cool Kids (Rap) / coolxkids.comGrog Shop / $15 ~ $18 A Chicago-based retro-rap duo laying down some old school beats.
August 24 :: Deerhunter (Indie Rock) / deerhuntertheband.blogspot.comRock & Roll Hall of Fame / FREE These Atlanta noise rocker's have been getting a lot of buzz. Also a Pitchfork Music Festival Alum, and the final show of this Rock Hall series!
August 25 :: Margot & the Nuclear So & So's (Pop/Rock) / margotandthenuclearsoandsos.netGrog Shop / $12 These guys put out some solid hooks and have great songwriting. Check them out.
August 31 :: Peter, Bjorn & John (Pop/Rock) / peterbjornandjohn.comGrog Shop / $18 ~ $20 You might've recognized my penchant for groups of the Nordic persuasian. These guys helped start that.
August 12 :: Nanci Griffith (Country) / nancigriffith.comKent Stage (Kent) / $35.50 ~ $50 The venerable songnstress who transcends the country genre. This show will be phenomenal.
August 13 :: YACHT (Indie / Electronica) / teamyacht.comThe Magestic (Detroit) / $15 Part of a 4-day festival at the Magestic complex. Their blend of other-worldly electronica is tearing up playlists all over the place.
August 20 :: Handsome Furs (Indie/Rock) / handsomefurs.comBrillobox (Pittsburgh) / tbd If you missed them last month as a Road Trip, you have another chance!
From the original Spangle article here.
July. Can you believe it? This month is kicking the city's outside venues into full swing - in fact both featured acts this month are outside. The first, the Rock Hall Summer in the City concert series, is one of the best events this summer. It's also great to see Nautica, I mean Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, getting some heavy usage. This month also sees two of the biggest national pop tours with Katy Perry & Britney Spears (both with great openers). Finally, there's a slew of road trip shows this month, which only picking three was extremely challenging. Check out the TZA calendar for all the rest, if you're itchin' for a drive. One more thing... In light of the sale of MySpace and it's dwindling outlook, I will discontinue adding MySpace links for every artist.
July 6 :: Fitz & the Tantrums (Pop/Rock / Soul) / fitzandthetantrums.com
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame / FREE
While I'm sure Fitz & the Tantrums are great (I missed their last performance at the Beachland Ballroom), they are getting one of the featured slots this month because they're the first of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Summer in the City Concert Series. For the third year, these free shows outside the Rock Hall have been one of the highlights of the Cleveland summers. Das Racist on the following week will be just as fun, see below.
July 26 :: The Decemberists (Pop/Rock) / decemberists.com
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica / $28.50 ~ $35
These former indie darlings turned major label are still putting out great music and are still sticking to what they know. The Decemberists, fronted by the charming Colin Meloy have released their 6th album in 9 years and show no signs of stopping. Opening are The Head and the Heart who's alt-folk sound is getting all kinds of attention now, so go early.
July 5 :: Katy Perry (Pop) / katyperry.com
Quicken Loans Arena / $28 ~ $48
The real reason to see this show is Marina & the Diamonds open ing, but stay for Katy if you wish.
July 6 :: Cabinet (Bluegrass) / cabinetmusic.wordpress.com
Beachland Tavern / $10
Some good old Pennsylvania Bluegrass.
July 9 :: Sade (Pop / R&B) / sade.com
Quicken Loans Arena / $49.50 ~ $149.50
The one. The only. John Legend opening
July 10 :: Wiz Khalifa (Rap) / wizkhalifa.com
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica / $45 ~ $60
While I'm surprised at the price, I guess that means Wiz Kahlifa is really hitting the big time.
July 13 :: Das Racist (Art Rap) / dasracist.net
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame / FREE
The second installment of this awesome summer series. See video above.
July 14 :: Kurt Vile (Indie Rock) / kurtvile.com
Grog Shop / $12 ~ $14
Kurt Vile returns once again, with a band and with the sunny Real Estate band opening.
July 15 :: Free Energy (Rock) / freeenergymusic.com
Beachland Tavern / $10
Speaking of shows at the Rock Hall Summer Series, these guys were fun last year. Here's a chance to see them again.
July 16 :: Lucinda Williams (Country) / lucindawilliams.com
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica / $39.50 ~ $62.50
The venerable alt-country songstress is coming back to Cleveland. Amos Lee is opening.
July 17 :: Tom Evanchuck (Folk / Blues) / tomevanchuck.com
Barking Spider Tavern / Donation
While Tom's been playing around the area a lot lately, a show at the Spider is the one you want to catch.
July 17 :: Moonface (Indie Rock) / moonface.ca
Grog Shop / $8 ~ $10
One part of Wolf Parade. I would be all over this show if I weren't at Pitchfork Music Festival!
July 22 :: Frontier Ruckus (Indie Folk) / frontierruckus.com
Beachland Tavern / $10
This young Michigan folk group is back again, hopefully signaling a new album soon.
July 23 - July 24 :: Burning River Festival / burningriverfest.org
Whiskey Island / $8 per day or $15 for 2-day passes
Some great bands here, including Young Man, Modern Electric, and Shivering Timbers. Don't forget Christmas Ale.
July 23 :: Poison Control Center (Indie Rock) / thepoisoncontrolcenter.com
Beachland Tavern / $7
These guys were just here in February, and it was a party. These guys give great show.
July 26 :: Britney Spears (Pop) / britneyspears.com
Quicken Loans Arena / $29.50 ~ $350
I guess if I'm listing Katy Perry for Marina & the Diamonds, I can list Britney for Nicki Minaj
July 26 :: Frightened Rabbit (Pop/Rock) / frightenedrabbit.com
Grog Shop / $13 ~ $15
This excellent Scottish band just signed to Atlantic and is working on a new album. Expect to hear some of it here.
July 29 :: Girlyman (Folk / Pop) / girlyman.com
Cain Park / $5
I have to give it to Girlyman for picking a different venue each time back. Check out some video from their last Beachland appearance.
July 9 :: Cut Copy (Pop / Dance) / cutcopy.net
Royal Oak Music Theater (Royal Oak) / $20
THIS IS THE SHOW TO SEE. Once again, a road trip almost made a featured event.
July 27 & 28 :: Death Cab for Cutie (Pop/Rock) / deathcabforcutie.com
27th / LC Pavilion (Columbus) / $32 ~ $34
28th / Fox Theater (Detroit) / $30 ~ $45
Similar to the Decemberists, Death Cab is another band who have gone major label but have been able to maintain legitimacy.
July 30 :: Handsome Furs (Pop/Rock) / handsomefurs.com
PJ's Lager House (Detroit) / tbd
Handsome Furs is one part of Wolf Parade (at TZA favortie). This husband/wife team puts out some of the indie pop/rock out there.
Reposted from the original Spangle article here.
It's hard to imagine a better month in this city than June. As you can see by the slew of shows and festivals below, there is plenty going on. First let's recognize the non-typical venues for June's featured events, a definite change of pace. Then take note of the busiest Saturday of the year (June 25th). The ability is to hit multiple events in a single day is one of my favorite aspects of this city. You should see how many you can hit. Finally, you have a couple more road-trip chances this month to see the amazing Robyn in concert. Don't miss her.
June 13 :: Lovers (Pop) / loversarelovers.com (MySpace)
Wilberts / Pay What You Want
Have you had that experience when you first hear a song and you know instantly that you love it, as well as the band who produced it? That's how I felt when I first saw the video below, which I found through JD Sampson (of Le Tigre and MEN). These ladies had me at the first note and I've since fallen in love with their entire Dark Light album. It's seriously superb. What doesn't quite fit is that they'll be performing at Wilberts of all places. This could be a huge bonus.
June 25 :: Summer Solstice Party (World / Dance / DJ) / clevelandart.org
Cleveland Museum of Art / $15 ~ $175
This has been one of the best parties of the year in Cleveland for the last 3 years. I expect nothing different this year. This year I'm noticing there are no real big-name performers, but instead a nice blend of ecclectic music. The afro-latin sounds of Sofrito, the boogie funk sound of Dam-Funk, and the circus punk sound of a marching band with Mucca Pazza, and that's all with the $15 ticket starting after 10pm!
June 2 :: Charlene Kaye (Pop) / charlenekaye.com (MySpace)
Beachland Tavern / $5
Corissa Bragg is opening, who is a new local favorite. Charlene's jazzy pop would be worth staying for.
June 3 :: Yourself & the Air (Pop/Rock) / myspace.com/yourselfandtheair
Beachland Tavern / $7
This group of young up-and-coming Chicagoans have a good thing going. Check out Sick Days.
June 4 :: Grace Potter & the Nocuturnals (Rock) / gracepotter.com (MySpace)
House of Blues / $25 ~ $35
Catch Grace and crew, and her infectious bluesy rock, on their way to a headlining stop at Bonnaroo.
June 7 :: Dodos (Pop/Rock) / dodosmusic.net (MySpace)
Grog Shop / $10 ~ $12
These indie San Francisco folk rockers are finally hitting the Grog Shop. Opening is Gauntlet Hair, who should also be great!
June 8 :: Ray LaMontagne (Folk / Acoustic) / raylamontagne.com (MySpace)
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica / $42.50 ~ $62.50
I couldn't think of a better summer concert to have out at Nautica than Ray. Brandi Carlile is opening.
June 8 :: Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea (Folk / Rock) / nicoleatkins.com (MySpace)
Beachland Tavern / $10
A powerful female voice that will definitely fill the Tavern. The great (and local) Rebekah Jean is opening.
June 9 :: Yvette (Experimental / Rock) / yvetteyvetteyvette.com (MySpace)
Now That's Class / FREE
Being billed as more forceful, hard-edged version of Animal Collective and HEALTH. I'm intrigued.
June 10 - 12 :: Weapons of Mass Creation Festival / wmcfest.com
Happy Dog / $5 per Day
A great, upcoming Art, Design & Music Festival in Cleveland. Great pre-show on Friday th 10th feat. David Dondero!
June 10 :: Elizabeth Cook (Country) / elizabeth-cook.com (MySpace)
Beachland Tavern / $12
With live shows drawing comparisons to Dolly Parton, that is all the convincing I need.
June 11 :: Neon Indian (Electronic / Pop) / neonindian.com (MySpace)
Grog Shop / $12 ~ $14
What first drew me to this show was another chance to see the amazing Oberhofer, though Neon Indian is quite intriguing too.
June 14 :: The Cave Singers (Folk / Rock) / thecavesingers.com (MySpace)
Grog Shop / $8 ~ $10
A folk group made up of members of other bands who are not folk music performers. A great dynamic.
June 14 :: GLEE: Live on Stage (Musical) / fox.com/glee
Quicken Loans Arena / $52.50 ~ $92.50
If you want to go the exact opposite of The Cave Singers, go get your GLEE on.
June 15 :: Shivering Timbers (Folk) / shiveringtimbersmusic.com (MySpace)
MOCA / Free (Members) or $5 (Non Members)
Experience Akron's Shivering Timbers during MOCA's "Secret Garden" GAL-ery Night!
June 16 :: Art Brut (Rock) / artbrut.org.uk (MySpace)
Beachland Ballroom / $12
Much talked about British post-punk rockers with a new album, produced by Frank Black.
June 16 :: Rubblebucket (Roots/Afro-Beat) / rubblebucket.com (MySpace)
Beachland Tavern / $12
These guys are becoming a Beachland favorite. Details on their last performance are here.
June 16 :: Janis Ian (Folk) / janisian.com (MySpace)
Cain Park / $18 ~ $23
This 70's folk legend performing at the beautiful Cain Park. Her stories under the night sky will charm you.
June 23 :: Corissa Bragg (Singer/Songwriter) / myspace.com/corissabragg
House Concert / $10
This is the second house concert hosted by The Zender Agenda!! The first was amazing, I'm expecting the same for this one.
June 24 :: My Gold Mask (Pop / Rock) / mygoldmask.com (MySpace)
Beachland Tavern / $7
A dense pop / electronic performance from this Chicago duo. I have a great feeling about this show.
June 25 :: Cleveland Pride (Festival) / clevelandpride.org
Voinivich Park / Donation
I'll admit I'm not typically a fan of the music at our Pride Festival (this year seems no different), but I'll still list it.
June 25 :: Larchmere Porchfest (Festival) / niceredshorts.com/porchfest (MySpace)
Larchmere Neighborhood / FREE
If Pride's not your thing, check out these 30 performers on 30 porches!
June 25 :: Waterloo Arts Fest (Festival) / waterlooartsfest.com
Waterloo Neighborhood / FREE
No word yet on perormances at the Festival, but the Beachland has a great afterparty of local acts (Cloud Nothings, Filmstrip, etc.)
June 28 :: Joe Purdy (Folk / Rock) / joepurdy.com (MySpace)
Beachland Ballroom / $15 ~ $17
A successful self-releasing artist who's acoustic folk sound is spectacular.
June 28 :: Mishka (Pop / Reggae) / mishka.com (MySpace)
Grog Shop / $12 ~ $14
A perfect summer soundtrack, this pop-infused reggae sound is superb.
June 4 & 5 :: Robyn (Pop / Dance) / robyn.com (MySpace)
4th / Royal Oak Music Theater (Royal Oak) / $20
5th / LC Pavilion (Columbus) / $15
omg. omg. omg. She's back in the area. If you missed her the first time around, get in your car, now.
June 11 :: Okkervil River (Rock) / okkervilriver.com (MySpace)
Newport Music Hall (Columbus) / $17
Okkervil River is touring with both Titus Andronicus and Future Islands, which should make this a must-see show.
June 25 :: Junior Boys (Electronic / Pop) / juniorboys.net (MySpace)
The Crofoot (Pontiac) / $12 ~ $14
This electronic duo finally has a new album out and this is unfortunately their closest stop.
No photos on this show, thanks to the militant venue that is Cain Park. While I completely understand that policy, it equally irks me. Anyway, this was one of their $2 Tuesday performances.
It was a gorgeous evening and we biked up for the show. After arriving, I quickly questioned why more people weren't in attendance - especially at that price. The music of Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem was decent, a bit more focused for families with children (as punctuated with the Purple People Eater song), but a worthy night none-the-less. Cain Park is definitely a gem in the city of Cleveland Heights. I look forward to supporting this venue into the future.
But the best part of this night was swinging by Melt on the bike ride home. :-)
