Still going strong at 137 years old.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Friday, November 09, 2007
Beachland for Sale! I say NO, NO, NO
Michael Heaton's PD column today included the disturbing news that the Beachland -- the coolest, hippest, most music- and musician-friendly venue in the entire known universe -- is up for sale.
Barber and her partner, Mark Leddy, have owned and operated the Beachland Ballroom in Collinwood since 2000. He's the booker, she runs the business. In those seven years, countless musical acts have graced the stages in the ballroom and tavern. They are ready to pass the baton.
Fortunately, it appears that Cindy and Mark aren't going to dump it off on just anybody. But if that place ends up another classic rock bar or headbanger hang-out, I'm going to have to leave town.
Save the Beachland!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Turn It Up - A guided tour through the worlds of pop, rock and rap | Chicago Tribune | Blog
From a post in Greg Kot's Turn it Up blog in the Chicago Tribune: "On Tuesday, Radiohead will release one of the year’s most anticipated albums, “In Rainbows.” It’s the U.K. band’s seventh album, and first in four years, and the band
The story goes on to report that, despite the availability of pirated pre-release copies of the band's three previous albums, each one debuted in the top five in the Billboard charts.
So it appears that Radiohead, like Prince, is by-passing the conventional route and distributing it's music on its own terms.
This trend will continue, as more and more artists figure out that they don't need a record company. The industry will eventually have to figure out a new way to make money, though it's clear that competition from an increasing number of independent artists will spread the wealth a lot thinner than record company execs will like.
The story goes on to report that, despite the availability of pirated pre-release copies of the band's three previous albums, each one debuted in the top five in the Billboard charts.
So it appears that Radiohead, like Prince, is by-passing the conventional route and distributing it's music on its own terms.
This trend will continue, as more and more artists figure out that they don't need a record company. The industry will eventually have to figure out a new way to make money, though it's clear that competition from an increasing number of independent artists will spread the wealth a lot thinner than record company execs will like.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Ronnie Wood claims bandmates have forgotten how to play
Ronnie Wood claims bandmates have forgotten how to play: "Ronnie Wood claims his Rolling Stones bandmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have forgotten how to play their greatest hits. The 60-year-old bassist has to remind the rockers which notes to play on classic tracks such as 'Satisfaction' and 'Brown Sugar' - even though they wrote them."This is why the Elderly Brothers keep a big book with all of our tunes on stage, in a very large, easy-to-read font.
Of course, the journalist for this Bang Showbiz article has his/her own issues: since when is Ron Wood the bassist?
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
41st Annual Kent Folk Festival
The schedule for this year's Kent Folk Festival has been announced:
The workshop day in particular is big fun, and free. Check it out!
For the 41st KSFF, there will be two big shows at the KSU Ballroom - Rosanne Cash (with Susan Werner) on Nov. 10 and the finale show on Nov. 17, featuring legends Dr. John and David Bromberg & the Angel Band. The free performances for Folk Alley `Round Town have expanded to 30 venues throughout the city on Nov. 16 (there will also be a special pay-at-the-door concert by Steppin' In It at the Kent Stage). The beloved workshops return as well, featuring a variety of artists and styles in the KSU Student Center on Nov. 17 from Noon to 5 p.m.
The workshop day in particular is big fun, and free. Check it out!
Technology Review: Gibson's Self-Tuning Guitar
From an article in Technology Review:
Wow! This could make life a lot easier -- especially for the audience.
"It's every guitar player's nightmare: you step onstage, strike your rock-god pose, triumphantly strum the first chord of a song--and discover that your guitar is out of tune. A new line of instruments from Gibson Guitar now promises to banish this scenario to the dark ages with high-tech self-tuning technology built into the company's flagship electric-guitar models."
Wow! This could make life a lot easier -- especially for the audience.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Video from Bloggapalooza 2007
Brewed Fresh Daily's George Nemeth put together this rough collage of video clips from Bloggapalooza 2007. The Elderly Brothers make a brief appearance at about 3min 30sec into the video.
Stairway To Heaven - The Beatnix
I like this for so many reasons. More than a stunning example of musical creativity, this is a kind of multi-dimensional mash-up, and a rich demonstration of the cultural and artistic influence the Beatles still wield. And it's FUN!
Thanks to Dave Swanson of Rainy Day Saints for the pointer.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Back to the Beachland
The Elderly Brothers have just been added as the opening act for an eclectic show at the Beachland Tavern on Friday October 19th, featuring the Short Rabbits, Rainy Day Saints, and headliners the Deadbeat Poets. $8 DOS. C'mon down!
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Bob and George
After Robbie Fulks' killer set at Black Swamp, George and I, already significantly... relaxed, headed over to the merchandise tent to pick up a couple of CDs and get Robbie's autograph.
As we were standing in the autograph line, several fans asked Robbie to pose with wives/husbands/whatever for photos. Robbie happily obliged each request.
When my turn came, I got Robbie's autograph, and then handed him my camera and asked if he'd mind taking a photo of me and George. Robbie looked a little confused at first, but then laughed, as did several people in line. This photo is the result.
Thanks, Robbie.
As we were standing in the autograph line, several fans asked Robbie to pose with wives/husbands/whatever for photos. Robbie happily obliged each request.
When my turn came, I got Robbie's autograph, and then handed him my camera and asked if he'd mind taking a photo of me and George. Robbie looked a little confused at first, but then laughed, as did several people in line. This photo is the result.
Thanks, Robbie.
The Deadstring Brothers
Detroit's Deadstring Brothers are a very good band, comprised of very good players. Their set at Black Swamp last night had people up and dancing.
The problem is that the Deadstring Brothers' influences are a bit too obvious: The Black Crowes, The Wall Flowers, The Band. Somewhere in there is a Deadstring sound, but it's not yet fully formed.
The problem is that the Deadstring Brothers' influences are a bit too obvious: The Black Crowes, The Wall Flowers, The Band. Somewhere in there is a Deadstring sound, but it's not yet fully formed.
Robbie Fulks and Grant Tye
I have never heard a Robbie Fulks song I didn't like, but I had not had a chance to see him perform before his extraordinary set on the Black Swamp stage last night.
Fulks brings an impressive literary wit to material that is deeply rooted in the music of Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, Faron Young, and of course, Hank Williams. If Hank had a Masters in Literature, he'd be Robbie Fulks.
Fulks's perfect voice, elegant wordplay, unshakably catchy tunes, and interplay with his band adds up to great show that never loses its relaxed yet inexorable pace.
Backing Fulks was one of the best 3-piece bands you'll likely to hear, featuring the astonishingly tasty work of guitarist Grant Tye. Tye, playing a battle-worn Stratocaster, squeezed out rapid-fire chicken-pickin' licks, liquid steel guitar whines, and whammy bar quavers with the ease of a man who, one suspects, never puts the instrument down. He's the kind of player that makes me want to pile my gear up in the yard and have a bonfire.
Fulks and company are more fun and more musical than is probably legal in many Red States. Nashville needs Robbie Fulks far more than Fulks needs Nashville.
Fulks brings an impressive literary wit to material that is deeply rooted in the music of Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, Faron Young, and of course, Hank Williams. If Hank had a Masters in Literature, he'd be Robbie Fulks.
Fulks's perfect voice, elegant wordplay, unshakably catchy tunes, and interplay with his band adds up to great show that never loses its relaxed yet inexorable pace.
Backing Fulks was one of the best 3-piece bands you'll likely to hear, featuring the astonishingly tasty work of guitarist Grant Tye. Tye, playing a battle-worn Stratocaster, squeezed out rapid-fire chicken-pickin' licks, liquid steel guitar whines, and whammy bar quavers with the ease of a man who, one suspects, never puts the instrument down. He's the kind of player that makes me want to pile my gear up in the yard and have a bonfire.
Fulks and company are more fun and more musical than is probably legal in many Red States. Nashville needs Robbie Fulks far more than Fulks needs Nashville.
Hamel on Trial
What draws me year after year to the Black Swamp Festival in Bowling Green, Ohio, is the chance for exposure to acts I've not seen or heard before.
One-man act Hamel on Trial is a good example. Described on the Black Swamp Web site as "Punk Acoustic from NY," Hamel pounded out two short, intense sets of original songs loaded with attitude, political/cultural commentary, and lots of wit.
Hamel on Trial is a proponent of a fascinating school of acoustic music that ain't really acoustic. His guitar sound combines the depth and resonance of an acoustic with the thunder and distorted edge of a rock-and-roll electic guitar. The result is a hybrid that perfectly complements his rapid, open-chord strumming and wild-eyed stage presence.
Hamel made mention several times that he had adjusted his selection of material to suit the family-friendly tone of the Black Swamp festival -- a smart move given the number of kids in the audience. (The title of one of the songs on his Web site: "Pussy".)
But even in PG-mode Hamel elicited more that a few grins and outright laughs from the audience with his Woody-Guthrie-on-Crystal-Meth performance.
Check this guy out.
One-man act Hamel on Trial is a good example. Described on the Black Swamp Web site as "Punk Acoustic from NY," Hamel pounded out two short, intense sets of original songs loaded with attitude, political/cultural commentary, and lots of wit.
Hamel on Trial is a proponent of a fascinating school of acoustic music that ain't really acoustic. His guitar sound combines the depth and resonance of an acoustic with the thunder and distorted edge of a rock-and-roll electic guitar. The result is a hybrid that perfectly complements his rapid, open-chord strumming and wild-eyed stage presence.
Hamel made mention several times that he had adjusted his selection of material to suit the family-friendly tone of the Black Swamp festival -- a smart move given the number of kids in the audience. (The title of one of the songs on his Web site: "Pussy".)
But even in PG-mode Hamel elicited more that a few grins and outright laughs from the audience with his Woody-Guthrie-on-Crystal-Meth performance.
Check this guy out.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Can you spot the AARP member?
The Elderly Brothers (L-R: George Hanrahan, Bob Rhubart, Jeff Zanders, Gene Orlowski) had big fun playing for the very appreciative crowd at Bloggapalooza 2.0, held this year at the Beachland Tavern, in conjunction with the Waterloo Arts Festival.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Elderly Brothers @ Bloggapalooza Again
Influenced, apparently, by the fact that the audience didn't throw any food or furniture at us after our set at last year's Bloggapalooza, the folks who organize that event have invited us back for Bloggapalooza 2.0.
This time it's being held at the Beachland Tavern, in conjunction with the Waterloo Arts Festival.
All proceeds from Bloggaopalooza benefit ArtsCollinwood.
For more information, see Bloggapalooza 2.0
This time it's being held at the Beachland Tavern, in conjunction with the Waterloo Arts Festival.
All proceeds from Bloggaopalooza benefit ArtsCollinwood.
For more information, see Bloggapalooza 2.0
Scratchin' the itch at Ingenuity 3.0
Met up with Brother George and Brother Jeff last night at Ingenuity 3.0 in downtown Cleveland. In between cocktails we caught sets by Nation Beat, and Cyro Baptista's Beat the Donkey (no animals were harmed), and local cow-punk soul-savers Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival. It was my first time seeing Uncle Scratch, but it won't be the last. Way, way, way too much fun.
Friday, July 13, 2007
ASCAP's Cover Band Death Threat
As reported in a story by John A. Torres in Florida Today, ASCAP has gone completely ape-shit with desperation:
This is nuts, but it's rather entertaining to watch as the music industry repeatedly shoots itself in the foot.
Six months after raising the curtain on their gourmet coffee shop in the beachside Indian Harbour Place shopping center, Laurie and Jim Hall decided to offer [free] live music [by unpaid musicians] on Friday and Saturday nights...Then a few months later, music industry giant ASCAP started calling and sending letters saying East Coast Coffee & Tea was in violation of copyright laws. The fee to continue the music was $400 a year.
This is nuts, but it's rather entertaining to watch as the music industry repeatedly shoots itself in the foot.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Rockin' and Rememberin'
Several Cleveland-area musicians gathered at 1899 Pub in Willoughby, Ohio for a memorial/benefit show honoring friend and former bandmate Dave Nida, who succumbed to cancer on July 5, 2007.
Far from a sad occasion, the event, dubbed Day for Nida, was a joyous, boisterous, liquored-up, and life-affirming gathering that brought together members of the The Balls of Fire (seen here), the Rasberries, the Choir, the Roosters, the Brick House Blues Band and others. Proceeds from the benefit go to Dave's daughter.
Far from a sad occasion, the event, dubbed Day for Nida, was a joyous, boisterous, liquored-up, and life-affirming gathering that brought together members of the The Balls of Fire (seen here), the Rasberries, the Choir, the Roosters, the Brick House Blues Band and others. Proceeds from the benefit go to Dave's daughter.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
A Blue Note...
I just learned this morning of the peaceful passing of Dave Nida. That's Dave on the right in this photo with Carl Czaga (left) and Jack Snyder (center), on stage at last year's Balls of Fire 25th anniversary reunion show at the Beachland Tavern. Dave was a fixture of the Cleveland-area rock and roll scene for many years. His network of friends is vast, and spans some of the best musicians in the area. He will be missed.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Elderly Brothers Wellness Update: Daily drinking slows dementia
A drink a day may slow mental decline to dementia - Yahoo! News: "Drinking was not associated the development of mild cognitive impairment, according to the report. However, once mild impairment occurred, subjects who had up to one drink per day of alcohol had an 85 percent reduced risk of dementia compared with those who abstained."
Good news for the Elderly Brothers.
Good news for the Elderly Brothers.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Question Mark and the Mysterians @ The Winchester
The Question Mark and the Mysteriansshow at the Winchester was surprisingly good. The band, comprised of all the original members, was a definite throw back to a time when groups relied on energy and groove, rather than volume, to get the job done. They sounded like a really tight soul/garage band, which was pretty much what they were back in the day. If they ever headlined at one of those Little Steven Underground Garage shows, they'd tear it up. They ended the show with 96 tears, but that was almost anti-climactic.
Question Mark was a trip. Dressed in a an orange shirt, leather pants, cowboy hat and shades. he shucked and jived all over the stage. If he said "babee" once, he said it 100 times. It was like going to a teen club in 1966. But this was no corny, nostalgia-driven performance. They weren't trying to be retro. This is who they are and how they sound. They are definitely worth checking out if they come into your area. This particular tour is especially significant in that they are trying to help Question Mark, who lost everything in a house fire a couple of months ago, get back on his feet. He didn't have insurance.
Question Mark was a trip. Dressed in a an orange shirt, leather pants, cowboy hat and shades. he shucked and jived all over the stage. If he said "babee" once, he said it 100 times. It was like going to a teen club in 1966. But this was no corny, nostalgia-driven performance. They weren't trying to be retro. This is who they are and how they sound. They are definitely worth checking out if they come into your area. This particular tour is especially significant in that they are trying to help Question Mark, who lost everything in a house fire a couple of months ago, get back on his feet. He didn't have insurance.
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