The Lumineers (3/11/17)

It’s nice to have friends, especially ones who offer you an extra (free) ticket!  That was probably the only reason I was seeing The Lumineers at the Wolstein Center.  Not because I dislike them but… that band, in that venue, for that price - doesn’t intrinsically motivate me.  However, it was still a great time with a good friend - and some decent music.  We just missed Susto, but were able to catch Kaleo, an Icelandic rock band that sounds a lot like the Black Keys.

The Lumineers sounded great, and the lead singer had some touching and earnest stories about the songs they were performing.  The first video below is a collection of clips, but the second one is a video Charlie Boy with some nice effects (and a great story).  You can find more details about the show, and details on the specific songs via the Cleveland.com link below.

 

"Frontman Wesley Schultz told the crowd that band members put their heads together before the weekend's concert and decided their last appearance in Cleveland was a 2011 show at the now-defunct Barking Spider Tavern.

Schultz apologized for failing to make it to Northeast Ohio more frequently, encouraging much applause.

Their Saturday night show included a crowd-pleasing set filled with their hits, along with covers of a Tom Petty and a Bob Dylan song."

(Via The Lumineers bring their rousing brand of folk rock to the Wolstein Center | cleveland.com.)

Article: Cleveland State University, Wolstein Center get assist from Cleveland Cavaliers with partnership

After just talking about the Wolstein building because of the Sam Smith show - it turns out they’re going to be getting some help from the Q!

"The partnership also includes the Cavs taking over the bookings of the Wolstein Center for concerts, shows and other non-university events, plus using their powerful marketing arm to cross-promote Cleveland State basketball games.

Cleveland State president Ronald M. Berkman said the Wolstein Center is a “great” facility, but one that has had attendance problems because of a lack of resources.

“We don’t have the knowledge, we don’t have the horsepower, we don’t have the expertise to really maximize the potential of what I think is really a great downtown venue for Cleveland — an arena that seats over 14,000, and divides up nicely into an 8,000- and a 4,000-seat venue,” Berkman said.

Len Komoroski, the CEO of the Cavs and The Q, stressed that this is the type of deal that has the potential to “lift all boats” when it comes to luring more visitors downtown."

(Via Cleveland State University, Wolstein Center get assist from Cleveland Cavaliers with partnership - Crain's Cleveland Business.)

Sam Smith (7/27/15)

Oh Sam Smith.  Many months after getting tickets, his show at the Cleveland State Holstein Center had finally arrived.  Sam who?  Just kidding… He was charming, a great showman with a great stage show.  I will say it is weird going back to the Wolstein Center to see a show, as it seems so dated compared to Quicken Loans Arena - but then that’s not all bad either.

Neil Young (10/8/12)

Got to see Neil Young at the Wolstein Center last night.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay for the whole thing because Tilly & the Wall were also performing at the Grog Shop.  Some may say I'm crazy for leaving this show early… and I can appreciate that.  I have mad respect for this man and his music.  It's just these large venues don't resonate with me like a small club show anymore.  I mean c'mon, look at this photo:

Still thought he sounded great.  Not like some old school artists that I think they just wheel out on stage to make a profit.  Here's a Cleveland.com review: 

Neil Young and Crazy Horse rock Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center: Review | cleveland.com

"The Wolstein Center was at near-capacity and the general admission crowd on the floor stood at delirious attention hanging on every ear-splitting note. The place looked like old-hippie heaven. As he proved Monday night, Neil Young contains multitudes. He is a singer/songwriter. He is a rock star. He is a proud Canadian as evidenced by his new song 'Born in Ontario.' He is an artist and trickster who never stops seeking the muse and who continues to find joy doing it. The feeling is contagious. The seven-piece East Los Angeles Latino rockers, Los Lobos, opened the program with a tight and sweat-drenched 40-minute set including hits, 'Will the Wolf Survive?' the blues number 'That Train Don't Stop Here' and the Cajun boogie classic 'Marie, Marie.'"

(Continued... Neil Young and Crazy Horse rock Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center: Review | cleveland.com)