There has become a group that I like to think of as my Barking Spider All-Stars, which are performers who have come back to the Spider more than once, and who are a perfect fit for that venue. This includes the likes of Brianna Lane, Liz Stahler, Tom Evanchuck, Drew Gibson and Chris O'Brien...
Stephanie Nilles has just been added to this group. She's an amazing performer who can work those keys like few I've seen, and who has a wit and humor about her that makes her shows a pleasure to see. But with a little bit of pain - as it should be.
Hmm... Was really tempted to see the Bassnectar / Major Lazer show at the HOB this night, but opted for the free show at the Spot. I was walking into this show pretty blind to who Xiu Xiu was, and what they (he) sounded like. I'd been seeing his name around the blogosphere (this term still cracks me up), and figured what the hell.
Not quite what I was expecting. He was much darker... sort of clangy and chaotic. But some of the people there were *really* into it, singing every word. Not my thing, but that's what it's all about.
It's funny how I've tried talking myself out of seeing these Swedish bands, but just couldn't resist. The same thing happened with this Love Is All performance Easter Sunday. After gorging at dinner, I wasn't really excited about a late Sunday night performance. Then again, there was another local opener that I was interested in seeing. Earlier in the day, before hiding eggs, I checked out the openers and saw that Cloud Nothings were catching some nice national press. Hmm... tempting.
The show was extremely impressive.
I then listened to Love Is All for the whole care ride home to Cleveland and enjoyed each song more, every time I heard it. These guys have a little grittier sound than their Swedish counterparts, Little Dragon. But both have empassioned female lead singers... Not many people were at this show, but that didn't stop the band from giving their all. This also allowed me to get closer to the stage than I normally would. Not so good for the ability to hear the next day, but totally worth it. One of these days I'll remember my ear plugs.
A little over a year ago, I was watching Passion Pit perform at The Spot, with only a couple dozen people in attendance. Now they're playing a sold out performance at the House of Blues. Good for them. I think they're a fun band, definitely worth keeping an eye on. I can't say I'm as excited about Manners as I was about their first EP (Chunk of Change). But they're good enough for me to plan on getting whatever they put out next (the reissue of Manners doesn't count).
Hanging back for this show wasn't the way to go. To really have enjoyed this show, you needed to be in "the pit," and probably intoxicated. Next time.
I can't say enough nice things about Ben Sollee. He's so adorable and talented. This time, he brought some of his adorable and talented friends with him, touring on his new collaboration album called Dear Companion. But first, opening was Family of the Year, an LA band that I first saw open for Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros at the Kent State Folk Festival. This time, they were a little more casual, and quite enjoyable. A nice opener for Ben & company.
Ben & Daniel took the stage with a woman on violin, guitar and vocals, and a guy on drums. The four of these guys were pitch perfect in their performance. Their voices and instruments just blended seamlessly, but also provided an exciting dynamic to solid songwriting. The show was impeccable. Ben just owns that cello.
My favorite song on the album... (you can find the rest of the videos from this performance here)
Saw Cleveland's own Hot Cha Cha a the Nickel, a Cleveland lesbian bar. Whatta show! Hot Cha Cha was all over the place... quite a spectacle. These women know how to rock.
You should know by now that Tom Evanchuck is one of my favorite local performers... This was another night at the Barking Spider. This time was actually able to bring a group of people with me. Unfortunately, this performance wasn't as smooth as usual - but thoroughly enjoyable as always.
It's actually been a not quite a year since I've seen Ani - who is probably the person who I've seen in concert the most. I wasn't expecting to see her two nights in a row, as she originally only booked the Kent Stage show. Tickets were purchased. Then a couple weeks later, she booked Oberlin's Finney Chapel, which was a must-see location. Two nights in a row it would be.
Kent Stage was nice. Had decent seats. I got in the door just as Erin McKeown was finishing up with a cover of Beyonce's "Single Ladies." Wha? Unfortunately the security was militant about no photos, but was able to sneak the one below.
Ani's performance was good. Lots of new stuff as usual, and her new songs are sounding really good.
The next next night in Oberlin, we were able to catch all of Erin's set, which I'm really glad we did. Her new album (out on Righteous Babe) is really growing on me, more so than any albums prior.
Ani mixed up the set a little bit for the next night, thought I would have really liked to hear "Swan Dive" in the Chapel.
Overall, great stuff. Ani is a consummate performer. I do have to say that she didn't seem to be her glowing self these nights, almost like this touring thing was becoming a job for her. Or maybe it was just a bad couple days. But keep in mind, Ani on her bad days will probably blow away most performers on their best.
I have some pics for this show, but I'll just be embedding some video from KingoftheCastle7, letting the music doing more of the talking.
Lucy is something special. Her songs are beautiful and voice is even more so. She has such a charm and wit about her that makes her a pleasure to see in concert. Watching her open for Girlyman was a real treat as well... (and the place was packed!)
I think I've seen Girlyman like 4-5 times now and this was the first where they've added a new band member. They have a drummer with a full drum-set which added a fresh perspective to their performance. Good stuff.
I really like the Happy Dog. Dare I might say it's my favorite bar on the West Side... though with the plethora of bars over there, I can't say it with any definiteness... though their decor, hot dog schtick, and having live bands would be pretty hard to beat. My only gripes is the inability to find out (digitally) who will be performing, as well as the loudness of the place. It's like, really loud. But those aren't deal breakers.
I've seen Bill Fox at the Happy Dog before, and was looking forward to going back and seeing Coffinberry perform. But you know, I don't have much to say about the show... both were enjoyable. The environment and conversation was pleasantly distracting. I also forgot my camera, so you're stuck with iPhone pics.
and since it's not easy to find out who's playing... here are a couple of the remaining, upcoming shows. (Just put the JJ Magazine show on my calendar)
The decision to see Frontier Ruckus on this night wasn't necessarily an easy one. They were competing with Bishop Allen's performance at the Spot (CWRU). My first deciding factor would be to go to see the band I hadn't already seen - but I had seen both once before. The next factor is the venue... This was tough, the Spot is free and closer, but any kind of bluegrass in the Beachland Tavern is always a step ahead... Frontier Ruckus it was.
Not an ounce of disappointment was had. Seeing them previously open for Jessica Lea Mayfield, I knew instantly that I wanted to see them as a primary act... Even before the show started, I bought a vinyl copy of their most recent album Old Orion Town. These guys are just so nice and have such a great energy about them on stage... The best part about this performance was hearing some new songs from a new record that's on the way. Can't wait.
Starting the road back to currency with my concert "reviews." I've been behind before, and luckily worse that this... I'll be quick and painless - I promise.
For this show - it was great seeing Chris O'Brien at the Barking Spider yet again... This time was particularly nice because he had an electric guitar accompaniment, as well as a new album (Litte Red) that I was excited to get my hands on. Chatting with him afterward is always a treat as well...
I'll be letting you know when he comes around again.
The Hood Internet Rocked! Or Rapped... Whatever. These guys sure know how to move a dance floor. Photos weren't great (iPhone), but appropriately they reflect the moment. Cleveland needs a dance night like this every week... It would make everyone happier.
We saw Shilpa before her performance, talking to some drunk guy at the bar. She seemed sweet and even a little demure. That changed as soon as she took the stage. It looked like she had gone in back, transformed, and came out with a fire in her belly. With wilder hair, her mouth contorted as she belted out these songs and worked her Harmonium over.
It wasn't packed this night, but that didn't matter. The crowd was energized, and it was hard not to be. I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure how to take it when they started. It was harder than I was expecting, but a couple songs into to, I was definitely pickin' up what she was puttin' down. She deserves all praise.
Another great show... I can't believe it's already been a year and a half since I saw these guys. But that time must have been great for these guys because the Tavern was PACKED! Opening was The Octogon and the Buried Wires. Not bad... But the real magic was with The Rural Alberta Advantage.
The last time here, they lost a keyboard and limped along, still providing a great performance. I was looking forward to fully functioning band last night, but was sad to hear that one had a cold and another had a back issue from the drive in the van. But once again, adversity did not stop them from delivering on this last of their tour of the US. They powered through a strong set, with Paul Banwatt providing his distinct and passionate vocals. In fact, all three members of this band are superb. Fully functioning or not, I will always see these guys when they return.
I also had to include this B-side track below the picture. A new favorite covering an old...
No these guys did not perform together, but we did scramble between both shows in one night. Actually, the night started off with plans for going to the Yeasayer listening Party at Music Saves, but that got pushed aside for the need to eat, which turned into my first time at the Grovewood Tavern - good stuff.
Approaching the concerts this night took some finagling. Two venues, 5 acts in total...
Starting off at the Grog Shop, we caught Good Morning Valentine starting at 9:30ish. Good show and a nice little warm up... (I've seen them twice before 1/2) When they were done, we headed over to the Agora, missing the 2nd act at the Grog Shop and hoping to miss the opener for Kid Cudi. Well, not hoping, but the goal was to see as much of Kid Cudi then Dutchess & the Duke as possible. We got to the Agora in time!
Kid Cudi hadn't even taken the stage yet and the place looked trashed. Overall, the Agora looked beat (and not in a cool, hipster, I don't care kinda-way). Kind of sad knowing the Agora's history, and realizing this is what it's come to. Anyway, all that went away when the lights dropped and Kid Cudi took to the stage with a thunderous crowed cheering Cu - Di Cu - Di. Good stuff. The sound was great. You could hear him, there was plenty of bass, etc. Much better than his appearance at Case last year. We took off a little over halfway through his performance to get back to the Grog.
We walked into the Grog Shop to see a guy and a girl playing guitars. I knew this was The Dutchess & the Duke, but I guess I was expecting more happening on stage. At first, I admit I was disappointed to have left the energetic Kid Cudi show for this... But within minutes, I realized they *trashed*. The banter was ridiculous, but humorous. They solicited for a place to crash that night... I almost considered it, but could imagine her puking and him pissing in a corner. Anyway, an enjoyable trainwreck, but without comprimising their sound quality (too much).
The night ended there with the male counterpart walking off the stage and singing this repetitive phrase from in the crowd. Soon he was on his knees and the guitar on the ground. The audience joined him. The female counterpoint also came down, they both laid on the ground, continuing to sing the same piece over and over. A little odd, but quite a sight. Not such a bad choice afterall.
Another hot pick from the UPB Programming group at Case Western. These two Brooklyn bands continue to prove that someone at Case knows what they're doing... If only the kids attending were as equally with it. It was a typical Spot night, with bad lighting, an overpowering wing smell, and only have of those in attendance, actually paying the band any respect. But I guess it doesn't matter, the band is getting paid.
Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some people there into the show - and thankfully, because these bands deserved the attention. Bear in Heaven opened with their more dense and complex approach. Something a bit more mature.
Freelance Whales were second (opposite of the order I was expecting). They took to the stage where I think the instruments outnumbered the band members 2 to 1. Their show was a little lighter and full of fun instruments, sounds and harmonies. If only we could have had a better sound & audience, I think these guys would have been phenomenal.
After the Seth Glier show, we had a great dinner at Mint Café and then some drinks at La Cave du Vin (a sweet intermission). We walked into Grog Shop and immediately saw Tom, who's in the Afternoon Naps. He recently (randomly?) came to a party at my house with my friend Brian, where we discovered that we had quite a few friends in common. It was great to finally meet him. Great guy. Anyway, I digress. Our friend Trey also showed up, who's always an instant party. Another great guy. We missed the first couple acts, but did see Casual Encounters. Pretty good, but I was really just distracted with having great friends together and having a great time.
The Afternoon Naps took the stage, lamps and all. Shockingly, this is the first time i've seen them in concert. I've really been enjoying their new album, so it was about time. Their stage presence didn't disappoint, the blend of breezy pop and a mixture of male & female lead voices were a perfect compliment. They are definitely one of the best local bands Cleveland has right now. I can highly recommend both their album and their live shows. Did I mention that we danced through the whole show?
The night didn't stop there. Trey suggested the B-Side, which I haven't really experienced since Can't Stop the Beat back in 2005. We had a great time there as well... the dancing continued. Tom showed up there too, and we closed the place. A *phenomenal* night had on the East Side of town.
Two shows at the Barking Spider in one week... what a treat. And this is the second time in less than a month where I've seen two concerts in one night. To be living in a city that offers that much to do is just great. Go Cleveland... Anyway, unlike the Woovs / Mr. Gnome shows, I'll split this one up into two entries since they're a different times and in two different venues.
Seth Glier was performing an unusually early show at the Spider, starting at 6:30pm. I showed up and Martin (the owner) introduced me to Seth who I was standing next to at the bar. He brought his stage cohort Ryan Hommel over to our table and we got to chat about their tour so far, and where they were going next. I rarely ever set out to talk to the performers, but love when it happens organically. Cool guys.
The danger of an early show at the Spider are the happy hour crowds that are rarely interested in the music. This night wasn't too bad. Seth and Ryan sounded great and were hard to ignore. Seth has a domination over the piano and a great soaring voice. His originals were great, and loved the Man in the Mirror cover as well. Ryan was a great accompaniment. You can tell these guys are good friends and play well together. Good guys, great time.
There were still two other shows at the Barking Spider that night, but we had other plans... to be continued.
