Tomorrow: BoomBox @ Beachland Ballroom

I’m not quite sure where this nu disco / fun / jam band came from (technically from Alabama), but I’ve really been enjoying all their music lately.  The danceable elements are what really captures me.  This should be a great show!

"The band is known for not using setlists, instead improvising and changing their set's direction based on the crowd's energy. According to NUVO, "BoomBox plays a unique blend of psychedelic rock and electronica," and also incorporates elements of funk, soul, R&B, and... This channel was generated automatically by YouTube's video discovery system."

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy95iVVkZe4RkZmyz4icgQA/about)

Moon King (1/29/18)

Detroit-based Moon King swung through the Mahall’s downstairs Locker Room on a wintry Monday night, on the last night of his tour.  He ended up performing in the middle slot, and luckily some people started showing.  That still didn’t get me out of having to dance amongst just a few up front, but the music made it easy to do.  He was really cool guy, who showed some interest in the idea of a house concert - something to consider.

Ending the night was Cleveland’s moody synth Key to the Mint.  Not entirely sure what to make of this band, but their 80’s inspired sound is definitely intriguing.

Opening was Kiernan Paradise.

Yoke Lore (1/26/18)

I arrived at the Beachland early to grab some seats and the bar and grab a bite to eat, but realized they messed up the door time on the website.  I was left hanging outside waiting for the soundcheck to finish as a group of spirited young folk started to gather around and line up.  I could tell they were thrilled to be there, some having seen Yoke Lore multiple times, and I can see why.  He was so warm and personable in person, and on stage he was reflective, poignant and can throw down the 80’s dance moves like no one’s business.  He might have been a little long on the banter, but his songs really start to stick with you.  After the show, he hung out in the house and talked with just about every person who was willing.  Such a great guy, and what a great performer!

(also be sure to check out his cover of Savage Garden’s Truly, Madly, Deeply on my YouTube Channel!)

Vita and the Woolf returned to the Beachland for the opening slot. Her sound was as powerful, dense, and yet sometimes soft, as like her her songwriting and general presence.  I was able to have a nice little interaction with her after the show and she was quite lovely.  Go Vita!

Tomorrow: Moon King / Key to the Mint @ Mahalls

Two great bands performing at Mahalls tomorrow night! Detroit-based artist Moon King and then Cleveland’s own Key to the Mint.  Never having heard of either of these bands before, I instantly fell in love with their respective dance/pop/punk sound!  I found this quote in Moon King's PR material that sums up his sound nicely: “Daniel (Moon King) put together a completely new band with a sound drawing from dance music's early days, from synthpop, disco and house music up through the more pop-oriented songcraft of the Bee Gees or Prince.”  Yes please.

Check out the videos...

Local band Key to the Mint calls themselves a post-punk.  I’m mostly getting some amazing 80’s retrowave sound from these guys, and can’t wait to see them live.  They’ll also be at Brite Winter Festival this year too!

Video for One Version of the Truth:

Hear For The Homeless - A NEOCH Benefit Concert (1/25/18)

What an incredible night. Wesley Bright & the Honeytones, Carlos Jones and many others performing for to support the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless at the Beachland Ballroom and sponsored by MOCA.  The sets were short, and interspersed with the music were speakers from the organization and the streets.  Very compelling.  We as compassionate people can and should be doing so much more.

Also, if you ever see this paper being sold on the street… BUY IT!

Finally, we were also about to check out the show happening in the Tavern last night and I caught this little gem by the Ben Miller Band.

Tomorrow: Yoke Lore and Vita & the Woolf @ Beachland Tavern

Friday night is going to be SO MUCH FUN.  Yoke Lore first caught my attention when I saw his EP was getting remixes by the like of Blackbird Blackbird, Yeasayer, and Chad Valley (what an incredible list!).  After listening to his stuff, I could appreciate why.  He has this large indie pop sound to him, which kinda makes sense being that he split off from the band Walk The Moon.  Watching his videos (below), I like him even more.

Opening the night is Vita & the Woolf.  I’d be going back to the Beachland tomorrow night if it were only her again!  Glad this time I won’t be sharing her time with Hurray for the Riff Raff.  Still enjoying her EP, but I’m still waiting on that full album. 

He also made Scene’s Band of the Week.

"For the live show, Galvin says he plays with a drummer. 'It's easier having less people, and it's more focused,' he says. 'I think that because it's a solo project, I want to keep as much of it me. I know that sounds super controlling. But it's what this project is about for me. It's about indulging in my instincts. People have laptops on stage, and I really find that unattractive. I work hard with samples and loops and triggers to stay really involved in the playing of it. I also have enough elements, so it feels like a full experience.'"

(Via Band of the Week: Yoke Lore | Band of the Week | Cleveland Scene.)

I thought I’d also throw one more Yoke Lore photo I found for good measure. 😏

Helado Negro (1/20/18)

While Cuco was technically the headliner on this night, Helado Negro was really the stand out performer - by far.  You could really tell he’s the seasoned performer of the artists there that night, both in song and in production.  The lighting was a delight, as are his ever-present tinsel mammals.  I’m flabbergasted that I haven’t been able to see him in a headlining slot yet.  Check out the video below.

Opening the night was Polaris-prize winning Lido Pimienta.  While I’m able to really appreciate her music, her on stage personality was rather off-putting.  It wasn’t any one particular thing she said, I don’t want to dissect it, but it really kind of eclipsed the music for me.

Cuco was the headliner, but we had somewhere to be after this show so we didn’t stay long.  I’ll admit that the more I listened to his music, the more I liked it.  Both seeing him talking to fans in person, and seeing him on stage - he has more of the at carless, slacker vibe going.  Not my jam, but as long as keeps putting out some good music.

Gus Dapperton (1/19/18)

Expectations were pretty high for this show, and I’m glad they were met!  Gus Dapperton was quirky and fun.  The synths were delicious, as was his dancing. Great show! Looking forward to hearing more from him.  Check it out below.

Opening was Exotic Fruit Club, a local band who’s friend is the father of one of the former band members.  Follow that one.  Their live show was pretty decent.  You can tell they really love what they’re doing.  (btw - I’m not sure where the flame in that picture came from).

Article: 25 Cleveland concerts to spend your money on in 2018

Cleveland.com just put out their list of big shows here in 2018.  You won’t be finding me at any of these, except maybe the Big K.R.I.T. show.  But Kid Rock had to be listed?  Really??

"This time of year typically features big announcement after big announcement, and this year hasn't disappointed. Recently announced shows featuring Dave Matthews Band, Jack White, Justin Timberlake and others join an already loaded 2018 schedule.

Here's what you should spend your ticket money on."

(Via 25 Cleveland concerts to spend your money on in 2018 | cleveland.com.)

Saturday: Cuco, Helado Negro, and Lido Pimienta @ Grog Shop

This is such a powerhouse of a night at the Grog Shop!  Opening the night is the 2017 Polaris Prize winner, Lido Pimienta!  I recently saw her in the video from A Tribe Called Red I posted on a Video Tuesday. 

"'It's pretty amazing what you can do when people are not watching,' said the classically trained, Toronto-based, and Colombia-born singer and producer Lido Pimienta of the creative process behind her album La Papessa, the freshly named winner of this year's Polaris Prize. The prize, which includes $50,000, is intended to recognize the 'best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation.'"

(Via Lido Pimienta Takes The Polaris Prize Over Leonard Cohen, Feist : The Record : NPR.)

Then up next is Helado Negro, who I’ve been following for some time - and was recently thrilled to catch him opening for Sylvan Esso back in September (at House of Blues).  I would have thought he’d be headlining this show.  Still, I’m even more excited to be seeing him up close and personal.  Also make sure to check out his Tiny Desk performance!

The headliner on Saturday is the artist I know the least about.  Still, his albums sound pretty good - besides, I would have already gotten my money’s worth by this point of the night.  It’s all gravy from here.

"The 18-year-old Chicano’s two EPs, Songs4u and Wannabewithu, are dreamy compilations of cosmic love from someone seemingly untainted by the toxic machismo that often plagues Chicanxs. Cuco’s music recalls lowrider classics like Ritchie Valens’ ‘Donna,’ at the same time evincing Tame Impala’s psychedelic daydreaming. Cuco’s two EPs reject rigid genre boundaries, as mariachi trumpets blaze over 808s and reverbed vocals evoke Morrissey’s weary romance. Cuco’s tracks are sometimes sung in English, sometimes in Spanish, sometimes in Spanglish – but they’re always tinged with a touch of humor and tenderness."

(Via Meet Cuco, the 18-Year-Old Making Cosmic Chicano Love Songs.)