Taylor Dayne (8/15/15)

I wasn’t expecting to be going to this show, but then again I’m not sure I would have ever seen a show at Lock 3 otherwise (not a big cover band person).  It was a nice night out however.  And I’ll have to give it to Taylor Dayne because she is still working it.

Ezra Furman (8/9/15)

I love this ride that Ezra Furman is on with his new album… He’s getting a lot of traction and buzz, so I was really bummed when I saw he wasn’t going to be playing Cleveland - that is until I saw this random listing for a show at Lava Lounge.  Lava Lounge!!  A place that I never knew hosted shows!  Needless to say, it wasn’t well set up  - or lit for that matter - but I think Ezra could make anything work.  Unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for my media.

The Black Lillies (8/6/15)

Scored some free tickets to this Black Lillies show at the Music Box Supper Club.  I’m still not completely sold on this venue (at least food-wise), but I’m sold on the Black Lillies.  I’ll take a solid folk/bluegrass band any day.  You’ll get another chance btw - they’re coming back to the Beachland on November 20th!

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Disclosure features a sexier Sam Smith for Omen. Young Ejecta does a solid dance video for Into Your Heart.  Hot Chip does my kind of Karaoke (audience-less) in the new video for Started Right.

Galantis gets wacky with their new video for Peanut Butter Jelly.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Beat Connection is letting you know there’s something So Good about you.  The Drums show There is Nothing Left in their new trans-inclusive video.  Mad Ysa has a new video for the expectedly dramatic single Margarita.

 

Bonus:  Lose yourself to Dance with Ben Sollee and Mother Falcon!

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.)

Video Day #tzaupbeat

(note: not so new…) Loving this new collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and Sparks - as FFS, who has a new video for Johnny Delusional.  One of the band members for Ratatat has shown us how much he likes to draw on this new video for Abrasive.  Jessica 6 finally has a new video (and EP) for Down Low.

This bonus is a new video by Alison in Wonderland - who I was glad to eventually see wasn’t taking this video too seriously.

Article: Cleveland Area Record Stores Hitting Their Groove

Great Article on our Cleveland Record Stores.  Realizing I need to update my record stores page…

"Time Magazine reported that vinyl record sales increased 52 percent from 2013 to 2014, climbing to 9.2 million records, the highest number since 1991. The Cleveland area alone boasts an impressive 11 record stores. So why are people putting down their sleek smartphones for clunky record players and vinyl discs?"

(Via Cleveland area record stores hitting their groove.)

Brandi Carlile (7/28/15)

I am now kicking myself for every time I’ve missed a Brandi Carlile show.  Friends have been raving for years, but it wasn’t until this show that I fully understand and realize why.  Her voice, her songwriting, and her energy is magnetic.  I loved the show so much, I didn’t even mind that it was at the House of Blues.  I’m also really proud of Cleveland for blowing her socks off with the level of excitement that they bring her (mid-week even!).  I will never miss another show of hers again.

I also have a couple more videos of her on my YouTube Channel, for both I Belong To You, and Murder in the City!

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.