Devon Allman’s Blues Summit
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit Devon Allman has been immersed in the world of blues and rock his entire life. As the son of the legendary Gregg Allman, Devon grew up surrounded by the rich musical legacy of the Allman Brothers Band, a group that played a pivotal role in shaping the Southern rock and blues sound. Devon Allman Blues Summit, a power house gathering of blues legends that promises to electrify the stage. Devon Allman at the helm, this Summit brings together an all-star lineup: The legendary Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie and Jeff Beck fame, renowned for his fiery harmonica and powerful vocals. Added to this magical evening is blues icon Larry McCray, known for masterful guitar work and heartfelt stories that have resonated with fans worldwide. GA-20 Since 2018, GA-20 has been at the forefront of a traditional Blues revival. The dynamic throwback trio have long been disciples of the place where traditional Blues, Country and Rock ‘n’ Roll intersect. “We make records that we would want to listen to,” says guitarist Matt Stubbs. “It’s our take on the song-based traditional electric Blues we love.” Stubbs, along with guitarist & vocalist Cody Nilsen and drummer Josh Kiggans, strive to bring traditional Blues to the front lines of the modern roots music scene. “The focus for us has always been on the story, the melody, and on creating a mood,” Stubbs continues. “Traditional Country and Soul have all had these massive recent revivals. We want to be part of doing that for traditional Blues music.” GA-20 has drawn inspiration for their old-school sounds from the music they love by artists such as Otis Rush, J.B. Lenoir, Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells, Hound Dog Taylor, Earl Hooker, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson and so many others. Performing with what feels like reckless abandon, GA-20 brings a timeless immediacy to every song they play with a sound that continues to grow and evolve. The band uses vintage instruments and amps to produce their authentic sound, and favours traditional recording techniques, like recording live off the floor together in one room, to help recreate that energy and sonic connection. In their short history, GA-20 have been 3x #1 Billboard Blues chart toppers, 4x Boston Music Award winners for Best Blues Act, and have received multiple wins and nominations at the Blues Music Awards, Blues Blast Awards, New England Blues Awards, and have ascended streaming and radio charts at home and internationally. Medium.com has appropriately declared, “This is the kind of music that travels through time while taking from the era where it was born and turning it into something fresh. Dirty and raw…timeless and modern.”
In The Heartland – The Music of MSB
In The Heartland The Music of MSB IN THE HEARTLAND features MSB guitarist Danny Powers on Lead Guitar, Eric Brooke on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Johnny Sustar on Keyboards, Bill March on Bass, Michael Scott Nelson on Drums and Mark Rasnick on Sax. Special occasion shows like this one – former members of MSB including bassist Michael Gismondi and guitarist Gary Markasky, as well as, Resonator’s Jennifer Lee perform as Special Guests! Michael Stanley has been described as the very symbol of rock and roll for decades in Cleveland. Stanley started out as a solo artist in 1973 with two albums before forming the Michael Stanley Band, whose 1975 debut on Epic Records, “You Break It… You Bought It,” introduced the more robust, arena-friendly anthems the group became known for. The MSB had its biggest national profile in 1980 when the single “He Can’t Love You” reached No. 33 on the Billboard 100. The Michael Stanley Band holds the records for the most tickets sold at Blossom Music Center and has sold out venues all over region in the 70s and 80s! In the Heartland features members from these very special times and replicates the concert experiences that we remember from the early 1980s playing all the hits you want to hear, the way they were meant to be played! You will be rocking to MSB and it will bring you back to the favorite times of your lives!
Steamroller: The James Taylor Tribute
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! Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra The Kent Stage welcomes The Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra back to create an exception night of James Taylor music. In the past, The Orchestra has performed with Judy Collins and Livingston Taylor – both were absolutely AMAZING nights! CFSO is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit musical endeavor that brings studio arrangements, as well as the classics that inspired them, to stages in Northeast Ohio. The CFSO is the only known orchestra in the region with a particular focus on studio arrangements. Written as film scores and rarely played live, studio arrangements represent some of the most dynamic, high-energy music of our time, by some of the most respected composers. The Studio Orchestra affords its musicians the privilege and honor to play these original works—and its audience members the rare opportunity to hear them played live. With guest musicians and vocalists as well as multimedia presentation, the performance experience is more than just a concert—it represents a new vision in musical entertainment.
Paula Cole
Paula Cole returns to the stage with THIS FIRE: 30—a special anniversary tourcelebrating three decades of This Fire, her landmark album that cemented Cole asone of the most distinctive voices of the 1990s. A Grammy-winning singer-songwriterknown for her fearless writing and genre-blending sound, Cole broke boundaries withsongs that were both deeply personal and universally resonant.On THIS FIRE: 30, Paula will perform This Fire in its entirety—revisiting theera-defining music that sparked a generation and bringing new life, nuance, andpower to the songs fans have carried with them for decades. Expect an intimate,emotionally charged performance that honors the original spirit of the album whileshowcasing the artistry and perspective she’s continued to evolve.Spanning 50+ markets across the US, the UK, and Europe, THIS FIRE: 30 marksa major touring moment for Paula Cole—one of her most far-reaching runs inyears—celebrating a classic album and the enduring connection it created withlisteners around the world. PAULA COLE SOUNDCHECK VIP EXPERIENCE One (1) Premium Reserved or General Admission ticket (location displayed at purchase) Invitation to pre-show soundcheck experience with Paula Cole*, including: Intimate performance from the piano (2-3 songs) Q&A session Official THIS FIRE: 30 Zine Commemorative VIP laminate & lanyard Early entry into the venue Merchandise shopping before doors open to the public Limited availability *No formal meet & greet or photo with Paula included. Guests are welcome to take photos from the audience.
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.
Michael Cleveland Flamekeeper
From an early age, Michael Cleveland heard old-time and bluegrass music at local jams and festivals near his hometown of Henryville, Indiana. His grandparents hosted regular bluegrass gatherings at the American Legion, and at age four, he began playing the fiddle. He attended the Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville, where he learned the Suzuki method of violin. While he practiced the violin at school, he played fiddle at home. Cleveland began playing professionally after he graduated from high school, first with Jeff White, later with Dale Ann Bradley and Rhonda Vincent. However, Cleveland had always dreamed of leading his own band and in 2006, he formed Flamekeeper, seven-time recipients of the IBMA’s “Instrumental Group of the Year” award, including Josh Richards, Nathan Livers, Jasiah Shrode, and Chris Douglas. In addition to touring with his band, Cleveland has performed with a legendary list of bluegrass greats: Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Strings, Vince Gill, and more. Widely considered the bluegrass fiddler of his generation, Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the IBMA’s Fiddle Player of the Year and in 2018 was inducted into the National Fiddlers Hall of Fame. His recording Fiddlers Dream was nominated in 2018 for a GRAMMY for Best Bluegrass Album, and in 2019, he won a GRAMMY for his album Tall Fiddler. The same year, Cleveland’s amazing life of adversity and achievement was featured in the documentary film Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story. And in 2022, he was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship.
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.”