CLANNAD – In A Lifetime – The Farewell Tour
Clannad (derived from the word clan meaning ‘family’ in Gaelic) was formed in 1970 by siblings Moya, Ciarán and Pól Brennan and their uncles Noel and Pádraig Duggan (who sadly passed away in 2016), and for a short time later became a six-piece with the addition of Enya Brennan who then went on to have her own successful solo career. The multi-award winning band have, without doubt, done more than any other group to take Irish music and the Irish language to a worldwide audience. Fusing elements of traditional Irish music and more contemporary folk, new age and rock they have created a beautifully unique and ethereal sound which combines haunting melodies and mesmerising vocals to transcend the sands of time whilst appealing to a worldwide audience of all ages. After a decade which saw them release five hugely influential and groundbreaking albums, in 1982 Clannad reached wider recognition when they recorded Theme From Harry’s Game for a powerful three-part TV drama depicting the troubles in Northern Ireland. The song became a commercial success upon its release as a single, peaking at number 2 in Ireland and number 5 in the UK, winning an Ivor Novello award and later being used in the movie Patriot Games. It remains the only UK hit single to be sung entirely in Irish. In addition to the incredible achievements of this one, timeless song, in 1984 Clannad won a BAFTA for ‘Best Original Television Music’ for their soundtrack ‘Legend’ (becoming the first Irish band to win it), which featured music and songs the band were commissioned to score for the Robin Of Sherwood TV series. In the two decades since the band has won a Grammy Award (‘Best New Age Album’ for 1999’s Landmarks), Billboard Music Award, and a BBC 2 Folk Award (for Lifetime Achievement).Clannad also recorded the soundtrack albums Atlantic Realm, made for a BBC documentary about the Atlantic Ocean, and The Angel and the Solider Boy, a half hour animation without voiceovers, with the music telling the story. In 1993 their song ‘I Will Find You’ (from the album ‘Banba’) was featured as the love theme to the movie Last Of The Mohicans (which saw the band receive their first Grammy nomination). These achievements make them one of the most successful and acclaimed soundtrack artists.
Darrell Scott
Darrell Scott Multi-Instrumentalist and Singer-Songwriter Darrell Scott mines and cultivates the everyday moment, taking the rote, menial, mundane, and allowing it to be surreal, ever poignant, and candidly honest, lilting, blooming, and resonating. The words he fosters allow us to make sense of the world, what is at stake here, and our place in it. And ultimately, Darrell knows the sole truth of life is that love is all that matters, that we don’t always get it right, but that’s the instinctive and requisite circuitous allure of things, why we forever chase it, and why it is held sacred. Darrell Scott comes from a musical family with a father who had him smitten with guitars by the age of 4, alongside a brother who played Jerry Reed style as well. From there, things only ramped up with literature and poetry endeavors while a student at Tufts University, along with playing his way through life. This would never change. After recently touring with Robert Plant and the Zac Brown Band (2 years with each), and producing albums for Malcolm Holcombe and Guy Clark and being named “songwriter of the year” for both ASCAP and NSAI, these days find him roaming his Tennessee wilderness acreage hiking along the small river, creating delicious meals with food raised on his property and playing music. He often leads songwriting workshops to help people tell their own truths with their stories, and is as busy as always writing, producing, performing, and just plain fully immersing himself in life.
Leo Kottke
Leo KottkeAcoustic guitarist Leo Kottke was born in Athens, Georgia, but left town after a year and a half. Raised in 12 different states, he absorbed a variety of musical influences as a child, flirting with both violin and trombone, before abandoning Stravinsky for the guitar at age 11.After adding a love for the country-blues of Mississippi John Hurt to the music of John Phillip Sousa and Preston Epps, Kottke joined the Navy underage, to be underwater, and eventually lost some hearing shooting at lightbulbs in the Atlantic while serving on the USS Halfbeak, a diesel submarine.Kottke had previously entered college at the U of Missouri, dropping out after a year to hitchhike across the country to South Carolina, then to New London and into the Navy, with his twelve string. “The trip was not something I enjoyed,” he has said, “I was broke and met too many interesting people.”Discharged in 1964, he settled in the Twin Cities area and became a fixture at Minneapolis’ Scholar Coffeehouse, which had been home to Bob Dylan and John Koerner. He issued his 1968 recording debut LP Twelve String Blues, recorded on a Viking quarter-inch tape recorder, for the Scholar’s tiny Oblivion label. (The label released one other LP by The Langston Hughes Memorial Eclectic Jazz Band.)After sending tapes to guitarist John Fahey, Kottke was signed to Fahey’s Takoma label, releasing what has come to be called the Armadillo record. Fahey and his manager Denny Bruce soon secured a production deal for Kottke with Capitol Records.Kottke’s 1971 major-label debut, “Mudlark”, positioned him somewhat uneasily in the singer/songwriter vein, despite his own wishes to remain an instrumental performer. Still, despite arguments with label heads as well as with Bruce, Kottke flourished during his tenure on Capitol, as records like “Greenhouse” (1972) and the live albums “My Feet Are Smiling” (1973) and “Ice Water” (1974) found him branching out with guest musicians and honing his guitar technique.With “Chewing Pine” in 1975, Kottke reached the U.S. Top 30 for the second time; he also gained an international following thanks to his continuing tours in Europe and Australia.His collaboration with Phish bassist Mike Gordon, “Clone”, caught audiences’ attention in 2002. Kottke and Gordon followed with a recording in the Bahamas called “Sixty Six Steps”, produced by Leo’s old friend and Prince producer David Z.Kottke has been awarded two Grammy nominations; a Doctorate in Music Performance by the Peck School of Music at the U of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; and a Certificate of Significant Achievement in Not Playing the Trombone from the U of Texas at Brownsville with Texas Southmost College.
ALTAN
Altan The spirit and sound of Altan comes from the deep and rich musical tradition of their native Co. Donegal. On one of his many visits to the Donegal Gaeltacht of Gaoth Dobhair, Belfast born flute player Frankie Kennedy met fiddler and singer Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh, sparking off a deep musical connection, marriage in 1981, and a journey that took them all over the world. Their vision was to bring the unique repertoire of Donegal music to the world and that mission is still as strong as ever.
Hard Day’s Night – SOLD OUT
Since 1996, Hard Day’s Night has been entertaining Fab Four fans across the country. Hailing from the Cleveland, the band is rated among the top national Beatles tribute groups performing today. Hard Day’s Night performs favorites from the entire Beatles catalog, complete with period instruments (including sitar) and several costume changes. The group appeared by invitation at Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club at part of International Beatle Week, and they have performed with Peter Noone & Herman’s Hermits, Billy J. Kramer, Badfinger’s Joey Molland, and former Beatle drummer Pete Best.”February is a big month for Beatle anniversaries – including their arrival in the U.S., the Ed Sullivan Show performance, and their first concert in America,” said Hard Day’s Night founder Frank Muratore, who plays Paul McCartney in the show. “Playing at The Kent Stage in February has become an annual tradition for us, and we look forward to seeing our fans at this great venue.”https://youtu.be/LEUEux0M3YkAs part of the Kent Beatlefest, tickets are free – BUT limited to 2 per order & one order per person. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
HOUSE PARTY plus 10 from 6
House Party – The undisputed #1 J Geils tribute in the Nation!More fun than humans should be allowed. This high energy tribute to Rock and Rolls ultimate party band is made for prime time, and the audience feels as though they just performed a concert after being brought in to the show and are encouraged to participate and help make every show a party to never forget. House Party takes you on a journey from the early 70’s rockin’ blues influenced classics like “Give it to me” and “Lookin’ for a Love” through to their 80’s power hits – Love Stinks, Centerfold, and every crowd pleasing song in between.
Marcc Nutter and Friends
Marcc Nutter has been in the music scene for the past 35 years here in the USA and Europe. Touring with the likes of, Randy Travis, George Jones, Travis Tritt, The Highway men just to name a few. And let’s not leave out performing for the president, George Bush Sr.At the age of 9 Marcc performed at the Joytime music festival in Liverpool England which lead to a performance in London. From then on it was his goal to be a musician, singer, and songwriter.Starting out his career in his early 20’s he launched a non-stop journey through many Genres of music including, Folk, Rock, and Country. While on tour with his band and up to the present Marcc has written several albums to his credit. With numerous performances on national TV including Nashville Now, Charlie Daniels Talent Roundup, Mickey Gilleys National Arthritis Telethon which led to a three day performance at the world famous Gilleys night club in Texas.Returning to preform at Jamboree in the Hills to a crowd of 30,000 plus people for their 25th anniversary show. Then it was off to Paris France for a four year tour, upon returning to the United States Marcc continues to perform to sell out shows locally and through out Ohio. Bringing his love for music back to his hometown audience September 09th 2023 at the Kent Stage with his special friends and guests, Joe Hill, on lead guitar and vocals. Joe has performed with the likes of Tommy James and the Shondells. Rory Buchanan, Mesh, Jersey, and a host of others. Also joining the show is John Gall, on vocals, keyboards, guitar, and harmonica. John currently tours throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania entertaining sold out crowds. Rounding out the bottom end will be Chris Hawkins on bass guitar, and vocals. He has played with the likes of DenZon and Redhouse, Tailspin, Kings Highway. Keeping the beat and lending his talent will be Matt Parsons on drums and percussions. Matt has performed with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Dove Award Winner Fletch Wiley and Jon Holman.Marcc and Friends Tickets are $25.00 pre sale and $30.00 day of showAll seats reserved. Doors open at 7:00 Show starts at 8:00
Ana Popovic
The award-winning guitar player, singer, and songwriter, recently celebrated 20 years as a touring musician with the release of Live for LIVE. An exciting concert video and live album that demonstrates why she’s proudly looking back at a career of thousands of shows worldwide. Popovic’s passion on stage is evident and the title sums it up, this IS what she lives for. Today, you’ll find Popovic in a select group of excellent modern blues guitar players. One reason could be the fact that she’s always willing to work a little harder and travel a little further to master her craft. That dedication has resulted in 12 albums, two DVDs, and six nationwide Experience Hendrix tours. She’s been nominated for seven Blues Music Awards, and appeared on the covers of Vintage Guitar and Guitar Player magazine. Her albums Can You Stand the Heat and Unconditional were USA Today Picks-Of-The-Week and featured on NPR Weekend Edition. Nearly all of Popovic’s albums reached the top of the Billboard Blues Charts. She and her phenomenal 6-piece band tour tirelessly, sharing stages with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and many others.
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band & The Hooten Hallers
The latest album from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band was written by candlelight and then recorded using the best technology available . . . in the 1950s. But listeners won’t find another album as relevant, electrifying and timely as Dance Songs for Hard Times. Dance Songs for Hard Times conveys the hopes and fears of pandemic living. Rev. Peyton, the Big Damn Band’s vocalist and world-class fingerstyle guitarist, details bleak financial challenges on the songs “Ways and Means” and “Dirty Hustlin’.” He pines for in-person reunions with loved ones on “No Tellin’ When,” and he pleads for celestial relief on the album-closing “Come Down Angels.” Far from a depressing listen, Dance Songs lives up to its name by delivering action-packed riffs and rhythms across 11 songs. The country blues trio that won over crowds on more than one Warped Tour knows how to make an audience move. Peyton, the cover subject of Vintage Guitar magazine’s January 2020 issue, showcases his remarkable picking techniques on “Too Cool to Dance.” It’s rare to hear a fingerstyle player attack Chuck Berry-inspired licks with index, middle and ring fingers while devoting his or her thumb to a bass line. Yet the multi-tasking Peyton has made an art of giving the illusion he’s being accompanied by a bass player, despite the Big Damn Band’s roster featuring no one beyond himself, Breezy on washboard and Max Senteney on drums. Conditions aren’t ideal when compared to pre-pandemic adventures that allowed the Big Damn Band to play for audiences in nearly 40 countries. But those days will return, and in the meantime we have Dance Songs for Hard Times. “Despite the hardships of this moment in history, it created this music that I hope will maybe help some people through it,” Reverend Peyton says. “Because it helps me through it to play it.” Join us for a night here at The Kent Stage with one of our favorites. Show starts at 8 P.M. and both the doors & box office will open one hour prior.
Steamroller – The Music of James Taylor
Steamroller is a masterful tribute to the music of James Taylor. Sam’s uncanny resemblance to James, and his astonishing capture of Taylor’s vocal and guitar styles leaves audiences feeling like they’ve just seen and heard the legend himself and applauding for more!Sam’s unique guitar style, soulful voice, original songs and interpretations of timeless classics have captivated thousands of audiences the world over. Musician, vocalist and composer, Sam’s original music has been featured in television and theatrical productions around the globe. Sam received his degree in music composition from the prestigious D’Angelo School of Music, and has since worked with music industry greats such as Lou Rawls, Eric Burden, Peter, Paul and Mary, Crosby Stills & Nash, Mitch Ryder, Aimee Mann, 10,000 Maniacs and The Violent Femmes. He collaborated with Praz (Fugees, Wyclef Jean, Lauren Hill) on Dante Thomas’s cover of Sam’s original song FLY, the title cut of Dante’s freshman Elektra Records release. Recently, Sam’s original song “You’re In My Heart” was featured on CBS Television’s The Young and the Restless.