...at the Beachland Tavern. Tix are $10. Very excited to see the Cloud Nothings (for the 3rd time) opening! Horse Feathers MySpace
4/26/10
4/15/10
Finally! MySpace Events
The one thing I've been waiting on forever, is for MySpace to take advantage of their Event listings for all their bands. Even though I rarely use MySpace personally, it's still my go-to source for listening to music for some new band I want to check out. The number of bands on there is staggering, and so is their concert data. Finally, I'm now able to see every MySpace event listing in the area... Not that I needed the ability to discover and attend more shows... http://events.myspace.com/
MySpace Launches Events & Ticketing Platform
How does MySpace plan to stop the outward flow of traffic to Facebook and Twitter. Apparently, by connecting with them and an ongoing series of launches rather than a single splashy makeover. And today's announcement might have actually given artists and music marketers a reason to keep their MySpace profiles more up to date.
Late on Wednesday, the social networker unveiled MySpace Events, a calendar and ticketing platform that allows artists and fans to create and share events. Each event appears inside the user's MySpace calendar, including any from Facebook thanks to a growing implementation of Facebook Connect; and they can be shared on their MySpace Stream, Facebook pages, on Twitter, and via tiny url.
[Continued... MySpace Launches Events & Ticketing Platform - hypebot]
Now if only they could start leveraging the power of RSS feeds...
4/10/10
Seabear (4/1/10)
Third concert night in a row, and it's been a good run. Seabear is from Iceland, and I'm beginning to realize just how much I like these foreign / northern bands. The music has been phenomenal, and the accents are just a treat.
I first got connected to Seabear through a side project of frontman, Sindri Mar Sigfusson, called Sin Fan Bous. That album is probably one of my favorite albums in the last year. Seabear just released their second album (We Built a Fire) and I'd highly recommend them, especially if you're a fan of bands like The Shins.
See what I'm talking about...
Here's a regular video of theirs...
And a Sin Fang Bous video... because you need it.
Little Dragon (3/31/10)
After having just seen Passion Pit the previous night, and planning on seeing Seabear the next night, I really considered skipping out on Little Dragon. But the more I listened to their album, the more I liked it.
Helping to tip the scale was Cleveland's own The Sleeps opening. I had an older CD of theirs that that had slowly grown on me, and I was curious to see what they sounded like live. I'd be very excited to have a good, local electronica-type band. Their blacklight stage presence was trippy and a bit distracting, but that wasn't a bad thing. These guys have good thing started, just need a little more polish. They're on a good track.
But talking about polished.... Little Dragon did not disappoint! They performance was slick, spirited and energetic. I'm also a kind of sucker for the Swedes.
Check out a couple of my favorite songs. I'd see these guys again in a heartbeat.
4/8/10
The Big Pink (3/23/10)
The Big Pink was kind of a gamble for me... I really enjoyed the sound and imagery of their Dominos and Velvet videos. They have a rather dense, electronic sound, but still with some pop sensibility. As the show approached, more friends were talking about A Place to Bury Strangers - even questioning why they weren't the headliners. I should have spent some more time with them before the show.
A Place to Bury Strangers took the dark stage, barely allowing you the ability to see them. Unfortunately the sound made it difficult to hear them as well - at least the vocals. Everything else was turned UP. Those who know more than me about them agreed, and said they didn't sound quite right. All in all, I enjoyed the performance.
The Big Pink was also good. A little better on the vocals. They sounded as I expected. Maybe a little heavier on the jam, but that was welcomed. Some people in the party didn't like them as much as the openers, but they landed pretty evenly in my book.
Here's a pic I grabbed before they turned the lights down...
4/7/10
Xiu Xiu Tonight at the Spot
Xiu Xiu tonight at the Spot (on the Case campus). Can't say I know much about them, but I see their name all over the place. Should be interesting.
4/6/10
Songkick Is Now the Biggest Concert Database?
I don't know about that claim... but Songkick has impressed me lately. It particularly made my day with this update this morning:
JUNE 2010
Songkick Says It’s Now The Biggest Live Concerts Database
Songkick said last year that they wanted to become the largest global database of concerts in the world. It looks like they may have got there already.Their latest figures say the site now carries information on 100,000 upcoming music events, with over 2,500 added daily added from about 80 sources. These include Ticketmaster down to small local listings papers, as well as by the Songkick user community. It’s particularly that aspect which has supercharged the site: user uploads are now up 900% year on year.
The live music industry’s benchmark for coverage until now has been Pollstar’s data – and their homepage currently says they know of “11,978 Artists and 78,818 Events”. Songkick’s numbers quoted are from internal data.
[From Songkick Says It’s Now The Biggest Live Concerts Database ]
2/23/10
1/20/10
The Hood Internet in Cleveland
If you read my monthly piece on Spangle: The Zender Agenda, you'll see that tomorrow's The Hood Internet show is marked as one of the highlights of the Month. Check it out for a couple of my favorite tracks. If you're intrigued and want to know more, check below for an interview.
7 Questions with DJ STV SLV of the Hood Internet
By Jeff KollathSince 2007, ABX (Aaron Brant) and DJ STV SLV (Steve Reidell) have performed, mixed, and mashed as the Hood Internet. Based in Chicago, the duo began putting tracks on the web, but eventually began performing live at clubs around the city. 2009 saw ABX and STV SLV hit Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, and has much bigger things on the horizon for 2010. In the coming months, they will hit the road with Tobacco (of Black Moth Super Rainbow), heading out West for a series of dates, before finishing back in the Midwest in April. This Saturday, True Endeavors will present the Hood Internet, with support from the New Loud and DJ Vinnie Toma at the High Noon Saloon in Madison. The show is 18+ and starts at 10pm.
[continued at... Muzzle of Bees | Music Blog: MP3 Downloads, Videos, News, Tour Dates, Giveaways » 7 Questions with DJ STV SLV of the Hood Internet]
And for you CWRU kids... they'll be performing at The Spot tonight!
1/19/10
Shilpa Ray Tomorrow at the Beachland
What are you doing tomorrow night? Drop it and check out Shilpa Ray at the Beachland...
There are even more details over at the Beachland Blog
1/8/10
January Jams Spangle Article
Dusting off this blog for the new year... My list of the "best of" shows to see in Cleveland for January has been posted over at Spangle. Check it out... as always, you can always check my Google Calendar for a complete list of worthy shows coming to the Cleveland area.
12/30/09
Lucy Wainwright Roche
If you've ever seen or heard Lucy Wainwright Roche, then you'll know why I'm re-posting this. I've seen her open for Dar Williams and she was amazing. I also have both her EP's and I'm looking forward to this full length album... She's a great artist with a wonderful voice and personality. And lucky for you, she's going to be the opener for the Girlyman show at the Beachland on Sunday, February 14th. So if you don't like giving money online, you can give it to her in person.
Donate to Lucy's Record!
Dear Friends, I'd like to thank you for the incredible support you have given me over the last three years. As you know, in June of 2006, I took a deep breath, left my teaching job in New York City, and set out on a challenging but amazing journey into the world of living as a touring musician. So far, this journey has taken me all over several countries, 45 states, and has found me in countless roadside hotels.
I have had many adventures in the past few years and I've gotten to work with so many amazing people from the Indigo Girls and Neko Case to Eddi Reader and Girlyman and, of course, members of my very own BIG family. Most importantly I've had the privilege of playing music in front of thousands of amazing people from all over the world. I am a very lucky person.
As many of you know, I currently have two 8 song EPs out in the world. This fall, I have taken huge step, and one I'm really excited about: I have gone back into the studio and am recording my first full length CD!
I have decided to make and release this new record independently and without the support of a record label. I feel that this is the right way for me to make the best record I can make and get it out to my fans as directly as is possible!
I'm reaching out to you to help me make this record a reality. I have a goal of raising enough money to pay for outstanding musicians, promotion, production and completion of my new record. Please donate what you can! Check out the donation levels - we've put together some things to give you in exchange for your generous support. I promise you I will put my whole heart and soul into this project.
[From Lucy Wainwright Roche]
12/18/09
Lilith Announcement
In case you missed the Lilith Fair announcement... This lineup isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I've starred some intriguing and respectable choices. There are also some names here that I've never heard and I'll be excited to check them out. Right now, the closest stop is Chicago. Hmm... are there 2 festivals in Chicago for me this year?
We are thrilled to share with you the first round of artists confirmed for Lilith 2010.
Here's also a little article with Tegan & Sara defending the relevance of Lilith Fair
12/9/09
The Rural Alberta Advantage Returns
If you missed The Rural Alberta Advantage the last time they were here, you have a second chance. They're coming back to the Beachland Tavern on Sunday, January 17th! I'd suggest you go.
As with all Concert Updates, check out the list of updated shows on the right, or go directly to my Google Calendar.
11/17/09
Free Unsparing Sea Show this Friday
Thanks to the Cleveland Bachelor for this one! I unfortunately missed Unsparing Sea's opening performance at Edward Sharpe (and may have to miss this one). But you should definitely get out and enjoy the redeveloping Detroit Shoreway and this Made in the 216 event.
Their new album comes out on Nov. 24th, and you can download a couple free tracks from it here.
11/11/09
After Hours at CMA This Friday
How cool does this look?? Click on the link or posters for more details...
The museum closes at 9 p.m. on Fridays … or does it?
Performance art, an electro-squiggle band, and student art are just a few of the things you’ll be able to find this Friday at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s special After Hours party. We’re keeping the museum open extra late from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and we’re inviting you to stop by and help us keep the party going all night.
To keep you entertained we’ve invited some very unique performers. At 9:30 p.m. New York based composer and artist Marina Rosenfeld will be showcasing her performance art creation the Sheer Frost Orchestra. This one-of-a-kind musical group is executed by 17 mostly female performers who play floor-bound guitars with nail polish bottles. Curiouser and curiouser. The performance should be good considering Rosenfeld’s list of credentials.
Just when you think it won’t get any stranger that’s when the San Francisco based electro-squiggle duo Eats Tapes (Marijke Jorritsma and Gregory Zifcak) takes the stage. They perform at 11:30 p.m. just outside the Gauguin exhibition. Eats Tapes uses hardware sequencers, synths, modified drum machines, cassette players and a midi Nintendo to achieve a psychedelic, art rock sound that is guaranteed to make you want to get up and dance.
[Excerpts From The museum closes at 9 p.m. on Fridays … or does it? « The Cleveland Museum of Art]
11/5/09
Kent State Folk Festival Begins Tonight!
I'll be going two nights in a row, and specifically taking a day off to stay in Kent to recuperate and prep for the second night. Aww yeah. Here's what I'm attending.
10/21/09
Kid Cudi (10/10/09)
It feels like this post has been a long time coming. I first heard of Kid Cudi last year and was instantly intrigued... here's this rapper from Cleveland who's incredibly creative, honest, and loves where he came from. His sound is different from some more of the traditional rap, as he's chosen some creative tracks to sample (Paul Simon / Band of Horses) and some non-traditional artists to collaborate with (MGMT / Ratatat).
I am sold. He's shown nothing but respect for his burgeoning career, he appreciates where he's been and where he's going, and he's got the chops to keep the momentum going. I'm anxious to see how far he takes this.
So after all this being said, I first found out I missed seeing him in the Grog Shop last November. Talk about true disappointment. I knew he was getting big and knew I wouldn't get that chance again. Then he showed up at the House of Blues with Asher Roth (another respectable rapper). I missed that show for Pitchfork. I thought my chances were all but done, until I heard the announcement that he was coming to Case!! Wow.
He performed at Adelbert Gymnasium, which if you've ever seen a show at a college gymnasium, they always suck. But still... you couldn't beat the proximity of the show, the $10 ticket and the $1 beers.
For his show, I think I knew just about every song. The crowd was a mix of some true fans, some underage drunk kids looking for something to do, and some international students who didn't seem to know what was up. All these elements combined made for a mediocre experience compared to my imagination of what happened during the shows I missed, but that's not to take anything away from Kid Cudi. It was just him, a DJ and BIG bouncer on stage. He's got a pretty small stature, but the really filled the stage with energy, bounding and rapping about.
I wish I could have heard more of what he was saying, but the songs were great and the beat was even better.
10/15/09
Drummer Video
One of the more exciting bands to come out of NEOhio lately... Drummer is a mash-up of some pre-existing local flavor, and their debut release is on the local Audio Eagle Records. They have an upcoming show at the Beachland on Saturday, Oct. 24th that you shouldn't miss.
10/13/09
Concert Updates
Some brief concert updates... equal parts good & bad.
Let's start with the bad.
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The Guster show at HOB on Thursday, Nov. 9th is SOLD OUT. This is a bummer... a show I was really looking forward to. I guess I should have seen it coming.
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Dan Auerbach's show at the HOB on Wednesday, Dec. 9th has been CANCELLED. I'm kinda sad on this, but more-so for the openers than for the openers, Justin Townes Earle & Jessica Lea Mayfield. I just love 3 name acts.
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The Avett Brothers announced a show at the HOB on Saturday, Feb. 27th. Tickets are $26.50 in Advance. Hmm... I guess this is good. Not getting a lot of good feedback on the new major label release for these guys, and then the HOB. I think I would have preferred it if they stayed where they were and came back to the Beachland. Still, if you've never seen them, it's a great show.
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Tegan & Sara just scheduled a show at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium on Sunday, March 28th. This is the tour that is supporting their new album, Hell. My first experience with them at the Grog Shop was amazing. I skipped seeing them at the HOB because I knew it would be a madhouse. But I have NO IDEA what seeing them at the Lakewood High School would be like. Almost worth going just for that.
Okay, maybe that was just equal parts bad and mediocre.