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.
Got to check out The Asylum, one of the new venues in the Masonic Auditorium. SUSTO performed there, and there’s been (at least) one song off each album that I’ve loved. Overall, the space was still a little rough around the edges, including the lighting situation - but SUSTO sustained.
The full photo album:
I’ve seen Andrew Bird plenty of times before (2005, 2006, 2017) - enough that I wasn’t going to go to this one - but they ended up handing out free tickets like candy on Halloween. I know a lot of big Andrew Bird fans would probably be aghast by my being indifferent. I do respect him as an artist, it’s just that I’ve moved on - but hand me tickets and I’d still go. There’s something so cavalier and enjoyable about going to a free show without concern of timing or length. What did concern me is how poorly the show was selling to be giving them away, particularly as the Masonic is still getting its footing as a music venue in Cleveland. Regardless, I had a great time. He sounded great. And there were enough people there that Cleveland need not be embarrassed (free tickets aside).
However, if you’re new to him, or haven’t seen him before - GO see him next time! The strings and whistling alone are worth the price of admission.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since the first Band of Horses album came out. It’s also hard to believe that I had never seen them live before this night. My interest in the band has definitely waned over the years, but put them in the Masonic with Wild Belle opening - and sure - I’ll go! I’ve been enjoying Wild Belle’s blues-infused classic rock sound, especially with Natalie Bergman’s soaring vocals.
I wish I was a little more excited about the Band of Horses performance, but I can at least say that I’ve seen them in concert! Thankfully I was able to record one of my favorite songs by them...
There are few shows that I’m excited for, like I was for this one. The now-Grammy nominated country artist has had a banger of a year, and on an album that’s worthy of the attention. However, for this show I was expecting to hear the soaring strings from the album, live in concert. It was more of a standard country rock concert, but if I’m going to one - I’m glad it’s at the Masonic.
Following that Chance the Rapper show, I was supposed to be seeing Kanye West here in Cleveland (more for a friend than anything). Since that fell through, another friend had some extra tickets to see Leon Bridges at the Masonic Auditorium! Perfect.
I was thrilled to find out that Lianne La Havas was opening. Her Greek & Caribbean roots, and her British upbringing makes for a unique and captivating sound. Such a treat.
Leon Bridges is the face of new soul music. With his suit on stage, he covered the floor with his dance moves and energy. I don’t see how anyone wouldn’t have loved this show. Both classic and new at the same time.
Sufjan Stevens returned to Cleveland with a new album in tow. His new release, Carrie & Lowell, is a consistantly light & delicate album - much like his performance. Also like the album, the show was precise and extremely polished (great visuals & lighting!). Also, I couldn’t have been more proud of a Cleveland audience - you could could have heard a pin drop in that auditorium, for the entire length of the show.
Sometimes I enjoy when other people take the lead on shows, and I get to just tag along. That was the case for this 80’s showcase, which included Howard Jones and Midge Ure, as well as one of the Thompson Twins and some other bands. Being this was the same day that we drove back from Chicago, so it would only be a couple bands for me on this night. While I can attest to being tired and not having high expectations for this show, other than to accompany friends - I can now see why people get excited about seeing Howard Jones live. High energy and even doing some fun new EDM takes on his 80’s classics. Midge Ure was spot on with quality as well. Now if only the show had been better promoted and attended...
Still trying to recover from Movement, this show was a last minute decision. We still went, but no plans for tickets, photos, or anything. Just arrived. Well, turns out that for the Beachland sponsored shows at the Masonic, they don’t allow cameras like the Grog Shop shows do, so after returning it to my car, we scaled up the stairs for a dark seat in the crowd to catch most of Lucius, who was great. I’m loving their album, but the whole entree into the venue experience still had me stilted. And of course, at that distance with the iPhone - pics were not an option.
We found a better spot for The Head & The Heart - but was wondering how the floor could have been sold out, as it looked to be less than half full. Still, we sat and relaxed, enjoying the pop-folk show. Check it out:
From the Cleveland Leader:
"Throughout the past few years the venues have gotten larger and the amount of fans in attendance has grown but the band still seems to keep things simple. There is no elaborate stage decor or lighting. Their presence and sound reminds you it's all about the music.
The Head and the Heart performed songs from both of their successful albums. The songs all flow well together. They have a unique sound that was definitely carried across to the new album. If fans loved the first album then they are for sure to love 'Let's Be Still'."
(Via. Concert Review :: The Head and The Heart @ Masonic Auditorium | Cleveland Leader)
Tonight at the Cleveland Masonic Auditorium!
Opening is Lucius
First show of the year! I was still under the weather, but didn't want to miss seeing Jeff Mangum! If you're not familiar, he's the lead singer of the now defuct, but legendary, Neutral Milk Hotel. The show was originally booked for the Ohio City Masonic Auditorium but quickly sold and was moved to the main Cleveland Masonic Auditorium (a gorgeous venue - maybe being redone!).
It was just him and a guitar, playing Neutral Milk songs. But with such an enthused audience, that's all he needed. I'm still shocked he was able to draw a crowd this size, as he seemed generally surprised as well. Below is a more complete Cleveland.com review.
Jeff Mangum flawless at Cleveland Masonic Auditorium (review) | cleveland.com
"There are some things so perfect, that to change them in any way — whether by abridging or appending — risks spoiling them.
For a certain subset of music fans, Neutral Milk Hotel’s ‘In the Aeroplane Over the Sea’ is inarguably one of those things.
Since touring in support of the 1998 Cult Classic — both Cs rightfully capped — Jeff Mangum has pretty much kept to himself, rarely performing in public and only recently playing anything off ‘Aeroplane.’ All of which helps to explain the audible gasp that preceded the roaring cheer he received when he walked onstage Friday night at the Cleveland Masonic Auditorium.
For as much as anyone expected to see this, it might as well have been Jeff Buckley up there.
But it was Mangum, with both the appearance and the air of a man who had been locked away for the better part of a decade, seemingly unaware of the following his work had collected."
(Continued... Jeff Mangum flawless at Cleveland Masonic Auditorium (review) | cleveland.com)
It's a little embarrassing, as a Cleveland music blogger, to be putting out a Fleet Foxes review so late. It's no reflection on the band... the whole show was actually pretty amazing. Well, the Walkmen were OK. It was actually just a bit more fun to hang out in the Masonic Auditorium foyer and watch the people of Cleveland who actually attend a Fleet Foxes show.
Oh, there was one kick-in-the-pants thing about this night. I tried getting a photo pass and was denied, so I didn't bring my camera. What I didn't realize about these "Grog Shop presents" shows was that it's just the Grog Shop running it (SWEET!). But damn, then I could have brought my real camera - instead you're left with an iPhone only show.
About the music? Stunning as you'd expect. The vocals, the sound, the presentation, everything was spot on for what you'd expect from this Seattle band.
