Photo by Sarah Megysey Article by Alisa Manna Professor Greenhouse started their musical career in Kent, Ohio but are now making their way to Denver, Colorado at the end of July. What began in 2008 as a one-man acoustic-folk act has transformed into a three-piece rock ‘n’ roll explosion. Though the band went through several incarnations during the past four years, Professor Greenhouse are finally satisfied with their arrangement. The current line-up consists of vocalist-rhythm guitarist Chris Wallis, drummer Bob Vokac and lead guitarist Charles “Carl” Welch. The band r...
By: Alisa Manna It’s been a long summer for Kent’s Goodnight. After line-up instability and a major reformation, the band has returned with upcoming shows and new recordings. Goodnight originally started as an acoustic act, after the singer-guitarist Ryan Garris and guitarist Ian Goodnight reconnected in 2010. “I moved to Kent four years ago without a band,” Ian said. “I ran into Ryan at Bottles and we decided to start one. The two participated in separate groups during high school, but their styles differed. “Ryan was in a punkish band, and I was in a cock-rock-...
It is a rare treat when an international siren graces American stages with her multi-award-winning talents. Helen Folsade Adu, better known as Sade Adu, had not toured anywhere over the past decade, until this past year to promote her Soldier of Love, the band’s sixth studio effort. In fact, short of Haley’s Comet, Sade’s last stop in Cleveland, some two decade ago seemed like a shooting star whose presence left a galaxy of NE Ohio fans longing for her return. On July 9, in support of her latest greatest hits, The Ultimate Collection, Sade and her well-seasoned veteran band graced ...
“Stop talking about what people are supposed to do for you. Instead of complaining, do it yourself.” It was this simple credo that led husband-and-wife team Gary and Yvette Oliver to organize the Stone Soul and Rock and Roll festival. Frustrated by having a venue back out on his band at the last minute, Gary resolved to set up his own festival where local performers of old-school soul, funk, jazz, and rock could come together. “We were talking about it and the next minute he was out the door and rounding up sponsors and bands,” said Yvette. The festival gives local bands a chance t...
You might not know his name, but you know Al McKenzie: He was the music director and keyboardist for the Temptations, and collaborated with them on their 2000 Grammy-winning album “Ear-Resistible.” Smooth-jazz me up, Scotty. ...
When someone mentions “metal gods” and “Cleveland” in the same sentence, the name Chimaira is usual what comes next. Since forming in 1998, the band has made a name for itself not only in the rock ‘n’ roll capital but throughout the world. The Cleveland-bred metal maniacs consist of singer Mark Hunter and guitarists Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries, along with new additions Emil Werstler on bass, Austin D’Amond on drums and Sean Zatorsky on keyboards. Chimaira, known as one of the more popular artists of the New Wave of American metal, a music movement that originated in the mid-...
The band Thursday is hard to describe. The New Brunswick, N.J. natives are too hard to be considered rock, too melodic to be labeled hardcore and too talented to be coined emo. Over their 11-year career they’ve toured with the likes of major leaguers like The Cure, indie gods such as Cursive and legendary independent ‘90s acts like Ink And Dagger and Lifetime, always retaining their electric cool. When singer Geoff Rickly, guitarists Tom Keeley and Steve Pedulla, bassist Tim Payne, drummer Tucker Rule and keyboardist Andrew Everding delivered the career-changing record “Full Collapse...
Donna the Buffalo is the epitome of the contemporary fusion of folk rock and traditional mountain music, but they’re not afraid to borrow from other sources, too. During their 20-plus years together, Donna the Buffalo has infused elements of Cajun, rock, folk, country and even reggae to create a sound all their own. At the core is Tara Nevins, a multi-instrumentalist who sings and switches from fiddle to guitar, accordion and washboard. Alongside her is partner and guitarist Jeb Puryear, who, along with Nevis, is the only original member remaining. Newcomers include keyboa...
When Ryan Humbert was approached by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to perform a tribute to the late Roy Orbison a few years back, he knew it was an honor and and would be a tremendous challenge. This past weekend, Humbert, who considers Orbison a major influence, got to pay homage to the legendary rock balladeer two more times, much to the delight of local Canton audiences. Practice makes perfect. During “Only The Lonely- A Tribute to Roy Orbison” the fundraising sponsored by the Canton Cabaret’s Rainbow Repertory, the Ryan Humbert Band took a crowd of a few hundred Frid...
Straight outta Dayton, the Christian metalcore band, The Devil Wears Prada is bringing their show through the Cleveland area. They’re young and they’re fashionably reckless, and they have more merch to sell than KISS. The Devil Wears Prada is also playing two consecutive nights at Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, Aug 28 and 29, doors at 7:00pm. Your Demise and Miss May I are slated to open. TDWP has a rabidly loyal fan base because of their highly passionate performances. Their live shows are stirring and active, the guys never stop moving. The Devil Wear’s Prada has a keyboardist ...
