In Training: February Infatuation (2/25/17)

If you haven’t checked out the best dance party in Cleveland yet - you’re missing out.  Another installment of In Training at Now That’s Class!

Frontier Ruckus (2/21/17)

I had already seen the Frontier Ruckus 5 times already, what was one more?  Really.  Got to catch some local bands opening, both Dolfish (Collinwood-proud) and White Pines (Akron).  Dolfish was immediately intriguing to me, with his unique voice.

White Pines really amped up the night, though you can’t say they didn’t warn us.

Frontier Ruckus brought their oh-so-familar Detroit-tinged alt-folk rock once again.  I’m sure there will be a 7th time.

Brite Winter Festival 2017

Another year, another wonderful festival - with GREAT weather again! Way to go Cleveland.

Derek Armstrong (2/15/17)

This was supposed to be a post about a GRUM show, but as the Grog Shop sometimes goes, the show went a little too late for a weeknight.  I’m sure being a dance show didn’t help.  Still had a great time out, and Derek Armstrong did a great job keeping us on the dance floor.

Valerie June (2/10/18)

Thanks to procrastination, I missed out on getting tickets to the Starfucker show at the Beachland Ballroom (sold out!).  This was no compromise, because Valerie June is a force all her own.  I love her quirky voice, producing a twang that’s as big as her hair.  

Delicate Steve (2/8/17)

Delicate Steve had several albums out earlier this decade, but decided to gestate for 5 years before putting out This Is Steve, "a collection of Seussian guitar pop instrumentals.” (Via AllMusic).  It’s an interesting album and I was curious to see how that translated into a live show!  Opening was Cereal Banter with their hard driving guitar sounds.  Maybe not something I would seek out, but these guys were definitely in tune with their music, which is always fun to watch.

 

It was an eclectic performance of primarily instrumental music.  Steve Marion (who is Delicate Steve) entertained us with a robust and confident set.  You might even think it was a little tongue in cheek, if it wasn’t so cool.

Cate Le Bon (2/5/17)

Cate Le Bon wasn’t one of those artists I immediately connected with on first listen, but I was quick to realize that the more I listened the more I was hooked. I would have totally thought she’d play the Beachland Ballroom on her way through town, but we were treated to an intimate performance at the Happy Dog!  This show was everything I was hoping it would be. 

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Jamiroquai popped out of nowhere with this new video for Automaton!  AlunaGeorge has not slowed down with their second album, releasing the video for Not Above Love.  Chance the Rapper charms us once again with Same Drugs.

Ryan Adams is back, asking the important question: Do You Still Love Me?

Stephan Haluska + Matthew Ryals (2/4/17)

Finally got to a show at CODA, the new music venue in Tremont!  Even better, it was the beginning of their new Electronic Music Series!  I had loved his show at Mahalls back in May, and was thrilled to see this new incarnation with Stephan Haluska. Check out the video!

I was also there long enough to catch some of the sparseness of Christopher Bissonnette as well...

I’m already looking forward to the next show in the series… Some other photos:

Welshly Arms (2/3/17)

I received a request from some friends in Columbus to come down and see (Cleveland’s own!) Welshly Arms at Rumba Cafe.  So glad I did, having another mutual friend fly in for this impromptu weekend.  Opening was Nick D’ & the Believers.  I’m sure with the right crowd, these guys could really have some fun, but it was a little low key this night.  Still, they worked out a decent set, throwing in this cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancin’ in the Dark. 

Strangely enough, as popular as Welshly Arms has gotten over this past year, I still hadn’t seen them in concert.  They have an intense, gritty blues rock sound.  I can see why they’re getting noticed!