Julian Lage w/ SG: Elijah Wolf
JULIAN LAGE COMING TO THE KENT STAGE SEP 11TH Julian Lage is bringing his “Speak To Me Tour” to The Kent Stage on Wed. Sep 11th @ 7:30p. Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation and “highest category of improvising musicians” (New Yorker), Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history via impeccable technique, free association and a spirit of infinite possibility. The California-born New York-based musician boasts a prolific resume on his own accord in addition to collaborating with Gary Burton and John Zorn, as well as duo projects with Nels Cline, Chris Eldridge and Fred Hersch, among others. VIP & MASTER CLASSJulian Lage is thrilled to offer an exclusive Master Class at select cities on his Speak to Me Tour. The Master Class upgrade will include early admission to the show. A ticket to the concert is required. Start time for the class is generally an hour before advertised doors but exact start time will be communicated with ticket buyers around one week before the show. Julian Lage VIP Master Class: $65.00 + Fees (ticket not included) 30-minute lesson followed by 10-15 minute Q&A session Exclusive Julian Lage poster Limited availability to ensure hands-on experience *Takes place about one hour before doors *Participants are not required to bring instruments – topics are not necessarily tied to instruction and technique Elijah Wolf Following the emotional high of his 2021 full length album, Brighter Lighting (which featured Wilco’s Nels Cline on guitar), and a run of prestigious tour dates and performances at Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits, and The End of the Road in England, Wolf returned to New York directionless and filled with self-doubt, unable to write or record. After many months, he finally called producer Sam Cohen who encouraged him to come to his studio and throw out anything he had written and demoed and start from scratch. “At Sam’s direction, we made a decision to take a leap and not recreate anything I had done already. We wanted to get away from the folk-rock band sound of traditional instruments in a room together,” Wolf explains. “In the end, I wrote a record about vulnerability, about the ways that mechanisms of self-protection can make you miss the good around you. It’s about allowing the walls to come down and accepting your own failures and imperfections.” The result is Forgiving Season, a vulnerable 10-song collection that is a testament to collaboration and experimentation. Elijah also runs an independent record label, Mtn Laurel Recording Co., based out of New York City.
Donnie Iris & The Cruisers – Back at The Stage!!!
Donnie Iris & The CruisersAre BACK!!!Saturday June 29th @ 7:30 PM King Cool is Back! After a year-long fight with bladder cancer, Donnie Iris is certainly excited to be back on stage with his boys, The Cruisers! One thing is for sure the fight certainly hasn’t affected the vocals, and now that Donnie is back, he is ready to return to The Kent Stage!! Donnie Iris found his early successes in the industry while performing with The Jaggerz 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” backed by a cover of “Because of You” 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 Hoenes, bassist Albritton McClain and drummer Kevin Valentine, who at the time was in the band Breathless with Avsec, to record his first full-length album. This line-up would form what would become known as Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. Iris released his first album in July of 1980, titled Back on The Streets, through Midwest Records based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Thanks to the track “Ah! Leah!” receiving attention through airplay in Boston, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, MCA Records took notice and signed Iris to a five album deal before rereleasing the album nationally in October that year. They went on the record hits and fan favorites including “Love Is Like A Rock,” “My Girl,” “Do You Compute,” “Tough World,” “Sweet Merilee,” “Injured in the Game of Love,” “Agnes,” “I Can’t Hear You,” and many more! Since the release of “Ah Leah,” Donnie Iris & The Cruisers have gone through changes in lineups, but have continued on, releasing eleven studio albums, one EP, two live albums, and two compilation albums including “King Cool,” “Fortune 410,” “No Muss, No Fuss,” “Poletown” and “Elwood City,” as well as “Ah! Live!,” a compilation of live recordings of some of their biggest hits and “Ah! Leluiah!,” a Christmas album Donnie has been a rock and roll icon for over six decades.
Samantha Fish – Bullet Proof Tour w/ JD Simo
Samantha Fish After launching her recording career in 2009, Samantha Fish quickly established herself as a rising star in the contemporary blues world. Since then, the charismatic young singer-guitarist-songwriter has earned a reputation as a rising guitar hero and powerful live performer, while releasing a series of acclaimed albums that have shown her restless creative spirit consistently taking her in new and exciting musical directions. The New York Times called Fish “an impressive blues guitarist who sings with sweet power” and “one of the genre’s most promising young talents.” Her hometown paper The Kansas City Star noted, “Samantha Fish has kicked down the door of the patriarchal blues club” and observed that the young artist “displays more imagination and creativity than some blues veterans exhibit over the course of their careers.” JD Simo JD Simo’s talent has no boundaries. His love of music is just that – a love of ALL music – and he has mastered every genre he’s explored. His remarkable talent and versatility has led to recording sessions with artists including Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, Tommy Emmanuel, Jack White, Joe Bonamassa, The War and Treaty, Chris Isaak and Stevie Nicks. He’s also been blessed to share the stage with folks like the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and collaborate with BlackBerry Smoke, Luther Dickinson and Anson Funderburgh. As a further testament to the depth of his talent, the world of film came calling when JD was chosen to flesh out and perform every single guitar note on the soundtrack to Baz Lurhman’s film “Elvis”. Like many artists and creators during the COVID shutdown, JD found a liberating outlet through social media, releasing a relentless treasure of exploratory jams from “The House of Grease” . With each installment he reached a growing audience of roots music fans as well as guitar gearheads wanting the latest on that JD Simo rig rundown. While this tour will feature songs from his recently released album, Songs From the House of Grease, fans will also be rewarded as Simo digs deep into the inspiration he has found in everything from Afrobeat to Maxwell Street era Chicago Blues, from soulful funk jams to psyched out jazz-rock
TALISK
One of the most talked-about folk bands of the 21st century, Talisk have been tearing apart stereotypes and redefining the genre for almost a decade. With over 15 million streams, 10,000 albums sold worldwide, and sold out shows across five continents – from Paris to New York, London to Tokyo, Glasgow to Vancouver – alongside headline appearances at festivals the world over, the Scottish trio have amassed a global, die-hard following. Wielding instruments that have rarely seen the likes of their music, Mohsen Amini (concertina), Benedict Morris (violin) and Charlie Galloway (guitar) have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic sound – including five between BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland, and two highly coveted BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. At New Year 2022 they played BBC One’s Hogmanay show to a television audience in excess of one million, and – as the only folk act alongside pop headliners – quickly amassed a vast, mainstream audience that continues to propel the group to some of their largest live shows to date. Headlining Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom in 2024 – during Europe’s largest winter festival, the legendary Celtic Connections – Talisk’s star remains firmly on a rapid ascent, and then some. Never afraid to push musical boundaries, or test the live production capabilities of just three people (yes, it’s all live), there’s captivating a crowd, and then there’s Talisk.
The Dictators – plus – The Bizarros
THE DICTATORS After the release of another live record Viva Dictators in 2005 and Every Day is Saturday, a compilation of outtakes and demos in 2008 the group took a break from 2009 until 2020 when unfinished Dictators business put Ross the Boss and Andy Shernoff back in touch. Ross suggested they put the band back together. Andy agreed but on one condition; that long time friend and collaborator Albert Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult) fill the drummer’s seat. Albert enthusiastically agreed and suggested Keith Roth (Sirius XM DJ/Frankenstein 3000) to fill the empty singer/guitar player slot. The revived band has released 3 songs, God Damn New York, Let’s Get The Band Back Together and Festivus which carry on the tongue in cheek humor, social commentary and high energy associated with The Dictators while they continue work on a full album due later in the year. Doors & Box Office will open at 6:30!7:30 show!Advance Tickets – $25 Date of Show – $30Tickets are available at kentstage.org
Hey Mavis – CD Release – PLUS – David Mayfield Parade
Hey Mavis For more than thirteen years, Americana band Hey Mavis has been weaving a musical tapestry and igniting a following of dedicated fans. With heartfelt vocals, honest songwriting, blazing instrumental solos, and an undeniable onstage musical chemistry, this quartet is the definition of great Americana music. Banjoist/songwriter Laurie Michelle Caner and violinist/fiddler Eddie Caner formed Hey Mavis while serving as artists-in-residence in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Producer Don Dixon (REM/Smithereens/Red Clay Ramblers) “discovered” the group on a local Christmas compilation CD and went on to produce their first two albums, both of which hit the top 10 on the national Folk DJ-L radio charts and amassed favorable reviews across the globe. Hey Mavis’s third release, produced by Yonder Mountain String Band’s Adam Aijala, features guitar playing by Aijala as well as a title track co-written by Chuck Auerbach, who has written lyrics to several Black Keys songs. Hey Mavis’s latest release, Silver Ribbon Dream—Songs & Stories of the Ohio & Erie Canal, is a book/CD of original songs by Hey Mavis songwriter Laurie Michelle Caner with illustrations by nationally-acclaimed artist Leandra Drumm. Funded by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, reviews have ranged from “unconventionally beautiful” to “startlingly original.” Hey Mavis has performed the work in cities throughout the East and Midwest, including appearances with several symphony orchestras. Hey Mavis has appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, NPR’s Whad’ya Know?, PBS’s Applause and PBS’s Songs from the Center. The group has performed standing-room-only shows at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival as well as countless sell-out concerts in Northeast Ohio and Michigan. In 2018, Melissa Etheridge hand-picked Hey Mavis to be one of the headliners for her music cruise. Hey Mavis: Laurie Michelle Caner – Vocals, Banjo, Songwriting Eddie Caner – Violin, Viola Profunda Bryan Thomas – Bass Anthony Taddeo – Percussionist David Mayfield Parade David Mayfield grew up playing bass and touring with his family’s bluegrass band. As a teenager he established himself as a hot picker collecting national awards for his dexterity on guitar and mandolin. His knack for colorful performances was evident as a backing player in his sister Jessica Lea Mayfield’s band including their appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He oozed personality on stage – a trait that makes him a natural frontman. He took his skills and personality when he joined the bluegrass outfit Cadillac Sky, playing sold out shows with British folk revivalists Mumford and Sons. Around then Mayfield began writing songs after hearing artists like Randy Newman and Simon & Garfunkel. Encouraged by his sister Jessica, & friend Seth Avett, to record his original material, Mayfield did just that, to much acclaim. Since then he has toured non-stop. Conscious of not just being a musician, but an entertainer – something his father instilled in him in the family band—he certainly makes an impression live. But it’s the strength of his songwriting and musicianship, charm and personality that keep audiences consistently lining up to join the parade.
10cc – The Ultimate, Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour! + Joel White
10cc’s The Ultimate, Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour Among the most inventive and influential bands in the history of popular music, 10cc are one of the very few acts to have achieved commercial, critical and creative success in equal measure. Timeless can only describe 10cc as they continue to have appeal since their debut in the 70’s! Perhaps their biggest testament of success is selling 30 million albums around the world, or the inclusion in the last decade of I’m Not In Love in 2 Blockbuster movies! First, in 2010’s The Social Network, highlighting the creation of Facebook, and then in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, where the hit helped Marvel Studios propel themselves to a No.1 Album! 10cc continues to stand the test of time and they bring their hits to The Kent Stage this July! 10cc – VIP Tour Package – Limited Number Available – ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One premium reserved ticket Collectible tour poster; autographed by 10cc 10cc pin set 10cc record tote Exclusive 10cc tour item Commemorative tour laminate and lanyard .
Loudon Wainwright III plus Wesley Stace
Loudon Wainwright III plus special guest: Wesley Stace Born in Chapel Hill, N.C. in 1946, Loudon Wainwright III came to fame when “Dead Skunk” became a Top 20 hit in 1972. He had studied acting at Carnegie-Mellon University, but dropped out to partake in the Summer of Love in San Francisco, and wrote his first song in 1968 (“Edgar,” about a lobsterman in Rhode Island). He was soon signed to Atlantic Records by Nesuhi Ertegun, and after that was lured by Clive Davis to Columbia Records, which released “Dead Skunk.” His songs have since been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, his son Rufus Wainwright, and Mose Allison, among others. Wainwright has recorded 27 albums, including his 2009 Grammy Award-winning High Wide & Handsome.
Taj Farrant VIP Meet & Greet
VIP Meet & Greet available – $50 – Must have a concert ticket as well.
Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam
Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam Whether you’ve lived your life with this music as the soundtrack or are a modern concert enthusiast, ‘Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam’ is bound to leave you much more fulfilled, delighted, and buoyant— and that much closer to the brilliance of the music of Dave Mason. To see this extraordinary guitar player, a soulful singer LIVE guarantees an evening of music as astonishing as the legend Dave Mason himself. ‘Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam’ is a must see concert that includes fan favorites and deep cuts from Traffic, Dave Mason, and other surprise songs that share the story and important milestones in an undeniably powerful era of rock n’ roll history. ‘Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam’ brings this all to life with multimedia visuals, dynamic set lists, along with first-hand stories and memories that can only be shared authenticity by a man who has lived it. In this concert, there are many songs you will enjoy, coming from 50 years of performing and writing, not to mention collaborations and tunes that have inspired Dave Mason. THE BAND:Dave Mason: Guitars & VocalsMark Stein: (Hammond B3)Johnne Sambataro: – Guitar & VocalsMarty Fera: – PercussionRay Cardwell: – Bass & Vocals