The Baldassarre Orchestra
The Baldassarre Orchestra and its world-class vocalists and musicians performing the greatest hits from 1965-1975 in an exhilarating fusion of rock and symphonic grandeur. Relive the golden era of classic rock featuring songs by The Beatles, The Stones, Queen, Chicago, The Hollies, Cream, David Bowie, The Turtles, The Who, Deep Purple, Janis Joplin, Jethro Tull, The Guess Who, Lulu, Led Zeppelin & more. An Ohio native, award winning guitarist/composer Carl Baldassarre found early success as the guitarist for the rock band Abraxas and the internationally recognized progressive rock group Syzygy. Over his storied career, he has released 11 albums and has worked with a diverse array of legendary musicians from both the classical music and rock worlds, including the Abbey Road London Chamber Orchestra, members of Tower of Power, Tears for Fears, Genesis, Supertramp, Chicago, and many more.
John Cowan Trio featuring Luke Bulla & Ethan Ballinger
John Cowan, also known as the Voice of Newgrass, has been singing his heart out for thirty-five years, and his soaring vocals have only improved with time. A true innovator, John applies his powerful pipes to genres from country, bluegrass, and gospel to soul, jazz, and rock-and-roll – often within the space of a single concert. His ability to move fluidly through multiple styles, and carry mesmerized audiences on the journey with him sets him apart as one of the most loved and admired vocal artists of his generation, Cowan’s rise to fame began in 1974 when he auditioned as the bassist for the then up-and-coming New Grass Revival. Needless to say, John was offered the gig, but it wasn’t until he’d accepted the job that the shy 22-year-old casually mentioned that he could sing. With his distinctive, rock-tinged tenor vocal and heart-thumping electric bass, John, along with fellow New Grass Revival band mates Sam Bush, Courtney Johnson, and Curtis Burch, and later Béla Fleck and Pat Flynn, introduced a new generation of music fans to an explosive, experimental and ultimately, eponymous brand of bluegrass. The “newgrass” sound spawned popular jam bands such as Leftover Salmon and Yonder Mountain String Band in addition to shaping the sensibilities of country megastars Garth Brooks, the Dixie Chicks, the Zac Brown Band, and Darius Rucker. John is also a like-time member of The Doobie Brothers! LUKE BULLA has been singing and playing music most of his life. Touring with and singing in his family band from age four, Luke took up the fiddle at seven. He went on to winning the National Fiddle Contest six times in his respective age categories. His seventh win came in the Grand Champion division at age sixteen, making him the youngest to have earned the title at the time. Entering Nashville’s Grand Master Fiddle Championship at age ten, Luke distinguished himself by being the youngest person to have made the top ten. He has performed with Ricky Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder, the John Cowan Band. performed or recorded with Brandi Carlile, Jim Lauderdale, Darrell Scott, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Bryan Sutton, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Russ Barenberg Trio, Shawn Colvin, Tony Rice, Chris Thile, Peter Rowan, Patty Griffin, Glen Phillips, Rodney Crowell, and Earl Scruggs, In addition to violin, Luke plays guitar and mandolin, and sings and writes songs. Ethan Ballinger one of roots Nashville’s most respected guitarists. The supple playing, harmonic sense and aural complexity make sense for the man who splits his time between playing with roots doyenne Lee Ann Womack and garage country’s Aubrie Sellers, while also producing lauded artists like Peter Bradley Adams and Ryan Culwell. But while his unique guitar sensibilities embody some warped combination of Django Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Cropper, Tony Rice, and Link Wray, what’s startling is the lush emotionalism beyond the words in his own music.
Hard Days Night
Hard Day’s Night is a top rated touring Beatles tribute band. Hailing from the rock & roll city of Cleveland, Ohio, they have been entertaining the masses in America and abroad since 1996. The band has been wowing audiences for years, with their full catalogue performances, wearing stitch-for-stitch costume replications; playing authentic Vox, Hofner, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, and Ludwig instruments, all while playing the songs we know and love with staggering precision. One of the very few tribute to recreate the three phases of The Beatles!
Harvest – Ultimate Neil Young Tribute
Harvest celebrates the timeless songwriting, electric jams and acoustic artistry of classic-era Neil Young. The band performs 2 long sets of classic Neil Young, from the dynamic vocal harmony and harmonica-driven acoustic stunners to the sizzling extended electric jams & stompers – covering Neil’s career from Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, solo and with Crazy Horse, thru to Harvest Moon.Since 1987, founders Jim Tigue & Eroc Sosinski have been performing Neil Young music for fans all across the Midwest, in the bands Harvest and Tie-Dye Harvest and as the Jim & Eroc Duo, and formed the popular Pink Floyd tribute Wish You Were Here. Members Peter Telari (also of WYWH), Keith Chelm & Tim Hamman are also veteran NEOhio musicians.For 3 years in a row since 2022, Jim & Eroc have been chosen to perform as part of the official May 4th Commemoration Ceremony at Kent State University. In 2022 Harvest also performed as part of the Kent State Music Festival, an on-campus Commemoration Week event leading up to May 4th ceremony. The band is honored to be commemorating the Neil Young/CSNY/“Ohio” connection at the venerable Kent Stage this coming May 4th weekend. .
An Evening with Tinsley Ellis
Tinsley Ellis According to Atlanta-based blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Tinsley Ellis, his new, first-ever solo acoustic album, Naked Truth, is both “a departure and an arrival.” Ellis has been recording and travelling the world for over four decades, delivering his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to ever-growing audiences at concert halls, festivals, and clubs. Naked Truth is steeped in the folk blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and even Leo Kottke. To the casual fan, this might seem to be a new direction, but for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues. “This is a record I’ve always wanted to make, and one that my longtime fans have been asking for,” he says, noting he’s included an acoustic mini-set in his concert performances for years. In the last 12 months, Ellis has already performed over 100 solo shows, many as co-bills with his Alligator label-mate Marcia Ball. “I’m having so much fun playing these shows,” he says.On Naked Truth, Ellis swaps his blistering, guitar-fueled full band workouts for equally passionate, soul-searching acoustic folk blues. His famed guitar chops and musical creativity are on full display throughout the album’s 12 songs, including nine newly written originals. The album was recorded live in the studio using Ellis’ beloved 1969 Martin D-35 (a gift from his father) and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. Whether intricately fingerpicking the Martin or playing hair-raising slide on the National Steel, Ellis delivers each song with unvarnished intimacy.Tinsley Ellis has been immersed in music his whole life. Born in Atlanta 1957 and raised in southern Florida, he acquired his first guitar at age seven, inspired by seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. He took to guitar instantly, developing and sharpening his skills as he grew up. Like many kids his age, Ellis discovered the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream and The Rolling Stones as well as Southern rockers like The Allman Brothers. One afternoon after high school in 1972, he and a friend were listening to Al Kooper and Michael Bloomfield’s Super Session record when his friend’s older brother told them that, if they liked Super Session, they should go see B.B. King, who was in town that week. Tinsley saw that show from the very front row. Tinsley Ellis has brought his music to fans live in person to all 50 United States, as well as in Canada, across Europe, Australia and South America. He’s earned the love and respect of many of his fellow musicians, having shared stages with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Allman Brothers, Warren Haynes, Oliver Wood, Buddy Guy, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and more. Over the years, legends including Otis Rush, James Cotton, Gregg Allman, Jimmy Buffett, Son Seals, Koko Taylor and Albert Collins invited Ellis to join them on stage. Mega-star guitarist Joe Bonamassa calls Ellis “a national treasure.” Now, with Naked Truth, Ellis will bring his music directly to his fans. “Two guitars and a car,” he says of the simplicity of his North American touring situation. “When folks come to see me, I’ll have the guitars I used on the record with me, so what fans hear on the album is what they’ll get live. It’s not easy. Now I’m the whole band and there’s nowhere to hide. It’s scary every single time I go up on stage alone. But nothing could be more honest.”
Donnie Iris & The Cruisers
The King of Cool is Back Donnie Iris & The Cruisers with Special Guest drummers;Joe Vitale and Joe Vitale Jr. Donnie Iris Donnie Iris found his early successes while performing with The Jaggerz ” The Rapper” and Wild Cherry. While with Wild Cherry in the late 70’s Donnie Iris found his identity as such, after performing under his birth name Dominic Lerace for the earlier part of his career. Struggling to build off the success of “Play that Funky Music”, Wild Cherry would break up in 1979. Nevertheless, Iris had already sunk his teeth into another project with fellow bandmate Mark Avsec. Their first release saw the disco-influenced single “Bring on the Eighties” in 1979; however, it failed to garner attention. Iris and Avsec decided to go in a harder direction for their next release and returned to the studio with guitarist Marty Lee, bassist Albritton McClain and drummer Kevin Valentine, who were in the band Breathless with Avsec, to record his first album. This line-up would form what would become – Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. They released the first album in July of 1980, “Back on The Streets” through Midwest Records based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Thanks to the track “Ah! Leah!” receiving airplay in Boston, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, MCA Records signed Iris to a five-album deal then re-releasing the album nationally. Since then, Donnie Iris & The Cruisers have gone through line-up changes including current bassist, Paul Goll. They continue on – releasing eleven studio albums, two live albums, two compilation albums. and continue to tour throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. Joe Vitale Born in Canton, Ohio, Vitale is a veteran musician and drummer whose career has spanned over 55 years of touring, recording, song writing, and producing with legendary and Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame artists. Along with vocals, he also plays percussion, keyboards and flute. A dedicated professional, his quality of performance is evident in his resume. He has recorded and toured with Buffalo Springfield, Ted Nugent, Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Peter Frampton, The Eagles, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and CSNY to name a few. In addition, he recorded with Rick Derringer, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Ronnie Wood, Van Morrison, Carl Wilson, Don Felder, Boz Scaggs, John Entwhistle and many others. Joe Vitale Jr. Music is in his blood – literally. This multi-instrumentalist is the son of Joe Vitale, and spent his early years cutting his teeth on the road with Joe Walsh, The Stephen Stills Blues Band, and Crosby, Stills and Nash. The revolution is expanding… His award-winning, self-directed video for “Never Look Back” has over 300-thousand YouTube views and Joe’s band Ravenwood performs on a regular basis
Rescheduled – CARLOS JONES & the P.L.U.S. Band
CARLOS JONES & The PLUS Band and special guests MS BBC & DI QUEENDOM RESCHEDULED – Sat. Feb 7th @ 7:30 PM *** This show uses TKS Hybird Seating *** The front is General Admission – You can stand in front of the stage and the first couple of rows. RESERVED seating starts at Row F This way, those who want to stand & dance in front of the stage can do so. AND If you want to sit and watch the show – you can without staring at someone’s … back all night! Both sections are the same price. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Carlos Jones has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years throughout the eastern half of the United States, first as a member of the roots-reggae group “I-Tal”, and then with the legendary “First Light”, before finally pursuing a solo career with his most recent group – the Peace, Love, Unity Syndicate (aka “PLUS” or “The PLUS Band”).Carlos is the landed gentry of Cleveland reggae. He has been involved in every important reggae project in Cleveland since the days of I-Tal and First Light in the 1980’s, when Cleveland had the most vibrant reggae scene in the Midwest. He has released 3 full length CD’s plus one Live CD, 1 EP, and numerous singles in his solo career alone on Little Fish Records. He has had his music appear in movies, textbooks and greeting cards, receiving airplay nationally and internationally, including on Sirius XM radio. The band’s gift of groovy music provides beautiful positivity and healing vibes, with spiritual and mystical overtones…and the message is one of PEACE-LOVE-and UNITY!
JD Simo & Luther Dickinson – Do The Rump Tour
JD Simo & Luther Dickinson – Do The Rump Tour! When JD Simo and Luther Dickinson hit the stage with drummer Adam Abrashoff, it’s not just a show; it’s a greasy, groove-soaked resurrection of Hill Country blues. The trio is a rare convergence of three masters pushing roots music into the now. Their 2024 album Do The Rump! debuted to rave reviews, with No Depression calling it “a swamp stomper’s paradise” and Americana Highways praising their “fearless climb into new mountains of sound.” Their single “Come On” topped SiriusXM’s Bluesville chart, proving their sound resonates far beyond tradition. The trio’s much anticipated second record is forthcoming. Luther Dickinson, four-time Grammy nominee and co-founder of the North Mississippi Allstars, brings deep Southern lineage and slide-drenched soul. JD Simo adds his signature fusion of psych-blues and virtuosity, with credits ranging from Phil Lesh to Beyoncé. Adam Abrashoff’s deep-pocket drumming fuses it all with electrified momentum. This trio only performs a handful of select dates each year. Each one is a high-octane celebration of improvisation, soul, and swampy swagger -a modern blues experience like no other.
Rumpke Mountain Boys & Duprees Dead Band
THE RUMPKE MOUNTAIN BOYS offer an unparalleled musical journey filled with emotional vocals, impressive command of various string instruments, and captivating special effects. This energetic quartet takes a unique approach to their performance, relying on the energy of the crowd and intuitive improvisational flow to guide their music in real time. David Gans, host of the Grateful Dead Hour, praises the honesty and authenticity of the Rumpke Mountain Boys, who, much like Donna the Buffalo and the Grateful Dead, don’t rely on setlists or rehearsals. The four members write their own songs, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources. In this way, they constantly expand their musical abilities. This talented band has made a name for themselves with electrifying performances at festivals across the country, such as the Northwest String Summit and the John Hartford Memorial Festival. They have collaborated with various renowned artists, including Leftover Salmon, Del McCoury, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Ralph Stanley. With an ever-growing fan base, the Rumpke Mountain Boys show no signs of slowing down.
Soul Asylum Acoustic
Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum selling rock band SOUL ASYLUM started as Minneapolis’ punk younger brothers to the Replacements and Husker Dü. Their 1992 breakthrough album Grave Dancers Union featured the international hits “Runaway Train”, “Black Gold” and “ Somebody to Shove”. “Runaway Train” won a Grammy, and its groundbreaking music video brought nearly two dozen missing and exploited children and teens around the world home to their families. SOUL ASYLUM has released 13 original albums – including their most recent, 2024’s Slowly But Shirley – with multiple live albums and assorted Greatest Hits collections. Their famous 1993 MTV Unplugged performance was released for the first time on vinyl as a coveted Record Store Day exclusive, and November 2025 also saw the 30-year-anniversary reissue of their Let Your Dim Light Shine album. This upcoming show offers a rare opportunity to see SOUL ASYLUM’s Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith perform an intimate, one-of-a-kind acoustic set.