The English Beat plus The Twist-offs
One of the key bands of the U.K. ska revival of the late ’70s and early ’80s, the Beat (known as The English Beat in North America to avoid confusion with the Paul Collins-led power pop group) achieved a near-perfect balance of pop melodies and taut rhythms that made them stars in Britain and won them a substantial cult following in the United States. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Dave Wakeling and toaster Ranking Roger, the racially integrated Beat were based in Birmingham, England and released their debut single, “Tears of a Clown” b/w “Ranking Full Stop,” through the Specials’ 2-Tone label in 1979. The single went Top Ten in the U.K., and they soon struck a deal with Arista to distribute their own Go Feet label. 1980’s I Just Can’t Stop It (released by Sire in the United States) went gold in England on the strength of the single “Mirror in the Bathroom,” and the band’s ferocious performances and clever blend of personal and political lyrics made them stars at home. After a disappointing sophomore effort, 1981’s Wha’ppen?, the band came roaring back with 1982’s Special Beat Service, a more pop-oriented set that gave them a wider U.S. audience thanks to MTV’s embrace of the singles “I Confess” and “Save It for Later.” The band split at the end of that year, but in the 2000s, both Wakeling and Roger were fielding touring versions of the Beat, and the Wakeling edition recorded a new album, 2018’s Here We Go Love.CURRENT LINEUPDave WakelingLead Vocals/GuitarMatt MorrishSax/VocalsKevin LumKeys/VocalsMinh QuanKeys/VocalsBrian “Nucci” CantrellDrums/VocalsAntonee First ClassToasterChuck ElderBass/VocalsQuotes”… [Dave] Wakeling and his crew played 90 minutes worth of hits, deep cuts, some General Public chestnuts and a few new songs… every song was met with recognition and applause.” – River Front Times”[The English Beat are] more popular now than ever.” – San Francisco Chronicle[Dave Wakeling] has assembled an incredible band and is playing his hits with the same raucous enthusiasm that made The English Beat one of the biggest acts of the New Wave Era… Every time they play, The Brew [San Luis Obispo, CA] is packed to the gills with an audience bouncing in unison.” – SLO New Times”People were spilling out the doors by the time [English Beat] went on stage and the palpable joy was in the air when they started… With lyrics about unity, peace, love and partying, and a beat that’s guaranteed to get you out of your seat, their music will always be dancetastic.” – The New York Examiner[The English Beat continues to take] on 2 tone, ska, reggae and new wave, still dishing out on issues of strife and discontentment at times, but always with a happy, danceable tune… drawing large audiences and still has a growing fan base” – San Gabriel Valley Tribune”[Dave Wakeling of The English Beat] is a musician who seems to genuinely enjoy performing, and even those new to the Beat couldn’t help but get swept up in the infectious brand of “happy” music, as one put it.” – Napa Valley Register”As always, the English Beat’s sound is a driving blend of ska, punk, rock and reggae that’s made for dancing.” – Daily Local News
Arielle
Arielle Sunday, March 6th 2022 at 7:30 P.M. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 5th at 10 A.M. Prices: Gold Circle $30, Reserved $25, KSU Students $20 Arielle shares, “Having a two-year hiatus from playing music live was quite actually losing my voice. I never used to think my identity was what I do, but what I’ve come to realize is that it truly is my greatest expression of what I actually am. It’s how I connect with others to their soul. Our soul. These shows will be massively different from anything I’ve ever done thus far. More than anything, I’m just so excited to turn up some old guitar amps, and freaking GO.” This past May, Arielle released her most recent studio album titled Analog Girl In A Digital World. Music videos released include “Inside & Outside” and “Peace of Mind” (Seen Below) . The collection of songs exhibited her true love of the 60’s and 70’s, and the inspiration that lives in her art from a connection to this wondrous time. An environment where things were done by hand, with a level of craft that couldn’t be hidden behind technology. She offers, “I take and protect those principles inside my music.” The approach for this upcoming tour of the U.S., and activities planned in the U.K. and Europe, is to capture the vibe of this period that resonates so deeply with the artist. Perhaps retro, but unequivocally current at the same time. INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO VIP REVEALED: WELCOME TO THE GUITAR PETTING ZOO In all markets, Arielle will introduce an innovative approach to the VIP experience. As opposed to simply staging a meet & greet or enabling fans to attend soundcheck, this tour will present the inaugural “guitar petting zoo.” All present will be welcome to play her signature Two-Tone guitar alongside other instruments and the rig she travels with. Photography welcomed, alongside the ability to be present at soundcheck. Additional items will be provided to all purchasers. For more information visit kentstage.org or arielle.store/collections/vip-passes
An Evening with Graham Nash
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER Graham Nash Live at The Kent Stage Sunday, April 3rd at 8 P.M. Gold Circle $91, Reserved $71 About Graham Nash: Legendary artist Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee – with Crosby, Stills, and Nash and with the Hollies. He was also inducted twice into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, as a solo artist and with CSN, and he is a GRAMMY Award winner. Towering above virtually everything that Graham Nash has accomplished in his long and multi-faceted career, stands the litany of songs that he has written and introduced to the soundtrack of the past half-century. His remarkable body of work, beginning with his contributions to the Hollies opus from 1964 to ’68, including “Stop Stop Stop,” “On A Carousel,” and “Carrie Anne,” continues all the way to This Path Tonight (2016), his most recent solo album. Fifteen of his songs are celebrated in the 2018 release, Over the Years…, a 2-disc collection of some of Nash’s best-known works from the past 50 years and more than a dozen unreleased demos and mixes. The original classic union of Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young) lasted but twenty months. Yet their songs are lightning rods embedded in our DNA, starting with Nash’s “Marrakesh Express,” “Pre-Road Downs” and “Lady Of the Island,” from the first Crosby, Stills & Nash LP (1969). On CSNY’s Déjà Vu (1970), Nash’s “Teach Your Children” and “Our House” beseeched us to hold love tightly, to fend off the madness that was on its way. Concert experience enhancementsGRAHAM NASH FRONT ROW PACKAGE:~ One reserved ticket in Front Row ~ Visit to preshow Sound Check with Graham Nash ~ One autographed tour poster ~ One commemorative Graham Nash laminate & ticket ~ Crowd free merchandise shoppingGRAHAM NASH SOUNDCHECK PACKAGE~ One reserved floor ticket within first 8 rows~ Visit to preshow Sound Check with Graham Nash ~ One autographed tour poster ~ One commemorative Graham Nash laminate & commemorative ticket Crowd free merchandise shoppingGRAHAM NASH PREMIUM PACKAGEOne reserved floor ticket within first 10 rowsOne Graham Nash tour itemOne commemorative Graham Nash ticketGUACAMOLE FUND ~ 100% of the Guacamole Fund tickets is paid to organizations that work in the areas of the environment and wildlife, social change, peace with justice, energy and a non nuclear future. .COVIDAt the present time, proof of vaccination and masks required
Shawn Colvin
This is the rescheduled date. Previous purchase tickets will be honored. Three-time GRAMMY winner Shawn Colvin’s debut album, Steady On, was released in October 1989, a stunning introduction to an artist who quickly established herself as a mainstay in the singer-songwriter genre. The album was lauded for its confessional songwriting and well-crafted melodies, and for Colvin’s tender and provocative vocals. Colvin received the ultimate acknowledgement for Steady On when she was awarded the GRAMMY award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. She swiftly amassed a dedicated and passionate fanbase.To commemorate the 30th anniversary of this landmark album, Colvin has released a newly-recordedsolo-acoustic version. Colvin brings a 30-year lens to her treasured songs, casting new light on the stories she first told as a young artist. Colvin has long been hailed as an exemplary solo acoustic performer and these new recordings are a brilliant showcase for her enduring artistry.”I was 32 years old, and the dream of my life had been fulfilled,” Colvin says, “not only because I made an album but mostly because I had written or co-written every song, an accomplishment that was hard won. I was so proud. My feeling was then-and still is-that if I never made another album, Steady On would have been enough.” Steady On Acoustic strips each song to the core, placing Colvin’s songwriting masterclass on full display. “I’ve played these songs countless times, primarily as a solo acoustic artist,” she says. “All in all, this is the incarnation that feels most genuine. And so, to commemorate this milestone I decided to celebrate Steady Onby recording it again, this time using only my voice and my guitar. This represents who I am as an artist and all I ever wanted to be, and I believe it does its predecessor proud.”Over the course ofthree decades, Colvin has established herself as alegacy artist by creating a remarkable canon of work, touring relentlessly both nationally and internationally, and having her songs featured in television and film. She is a revered storyteller deserving of the special recognitionof both her peers and those who have been inspired by her songs. The reworking of her iconic debut feels not only timely but essential, further underscoring that Colvin remains a vital voice for women in music and reaffirming her status as an American a gamechanger. Shawn Colvin will perform Steady On Acoustic in its entirety in what promises to be a very special evening for her longtime fans.Tickets for this event are $30 for Reserved Seats and $40 for Gold Circle!
BoDeans
To the Friends of The Kent Stage As we continue on with the numerous restoration projects here at the Kent Stage, we look forward to hosting an audience very soon! With that being said we are very excited to announce that later this year we will be hosting BoDeans live on our stage. On Tuesday August 31st, 2021, BoDeans will bring it’s touted high energy performance to Kent, Ohio. You won’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity to catch the band live! Bodeans Those who have followed BoDeans’ remarkable 30-year musical career know that their blend of compelling songs and high energy performances have retained an unpretentious rock & roll loyal following like no other.Best known for their catchy single, “Closer To Free,” the band’s accessible adult alternative sound has led to many a milestone, including a Rolling Stone Reader’s Poll for Best New American Band in 1987, and support slots with U2, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, George Thorogood, The Pretenders, David Bowie and numerous others. Appearances at Farm Aid, Summerfest, ACL Festival and others followed, along with TV appearances on “Saturday NightLive,” “Letterman,” “Today,” “Imus,” CNN, and ESPN, to name a few. BoDeans have a permanent installation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland as part of their Midwest Artists exhibit. After multiple chart-topping radio singles, and TV placements, BoDeans have defined a generation that embraced songs like “Good Things,” “You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” “If It Makes You,” “Closer To Free,” “Stay,” and “All The World.” BoDeans signed their first recording contract with Slash/Warner Brothers Records in 1985 and their debut record, “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams” was released May, 1986. Since then, they have released 12 studio albums with ten records that hit the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and numerous singles on the Mainstream Rock, Top 40 and Triple A radio charts. Few would expect them to still be going strong – so many years after Wisconsin’s favorite musical sons first formed, but they’ve proved as energetic and determined as they did on day one. Their music is featured throughout the new Netflix original series, “The Ranch,” which features Sam Elliott, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson and Debra Winger. BoDeans now reside in a small group of bands that have managed to survive the ups and downs of the industry, remaining true to their sound and their style, for 30 years, and show no signs of slowing down. We are excited to once again have live music here at The Kent Stage, as we urge you to come join us for an energetic performance from BoDeans. Tickets can be purchased online at kentstage.org starting at $30. Doors & Box Office will open an hour before the show.
Crash Test Dummies – 30th Anniversary Tour
With a fantastic schedule lined up for the rest of 2021, and as we continue to look for more shows this year, we can’t pass up an opportunity to bring a good show in the early part of 2022. It’s very telling in the music industry when a band carries a career over multiple decades. As Crash Test Dummies continue their storied career, we are happy to announce that they will be performing Live at The Kent Stage on March 2nd, 2022! Crash Test Dummies Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 at 8 P.M. Tickets on sale – NOW Prices: Gold Circle $60, Reserved $45 It’s been 30 years since the Crash Test Dummies recorded their debut album, “The Ghosts That Haunt Me”. Their first album garnered them their first big hit, Superman’s Song, and a Juno Award for Group of the Year. Over three decades later, their sold out 25th Anniversary Tour for multi-Grammy nominated “God Shuffled His Feet” is proof that audiences still want to hear what they have to say. “We have been so excited with the response to the 25th anniversary tour that we knew we had to continue the party and celebrate 30 years since we made our first album. We had no idea that fans would be so enthusiastic and we are all a little gob-smacked that we can still play sold out shows to our fans and, awesomely enough, their kids,” says original member Ellen Reid. Their 2020 tour will start in Canada and will see them tour North America and Europe, where fans have been anxiously waiting. The shows will include hits and fan favourites from the band’s vast catalogue. Original members Brad Roberts, Ellen Reid, Dan Roberts, and Mitch Dorge will be joined onstage by Stuart Cameron and Marc Arnould. “After a long absence from the road, Crash Test Dummies have begun to tour again. Not something I’d planned on, but surprisingly, at least to me, there are lots of people who, years later, still want to come and hear us. That people continue to return to see the band all these years later still stuns me. It’s very humbling. The folks that come out to these shows tell us their stories and there are many gems: many are very funny, some are very dark, and all are very personal. It’s very humbling, being in the confidence of so many people,” says lead singer/songwriter Brad Roberts. We are very excited to host Crash Test Dummies Live at The Kent Stage, while they tour throughout 2022. We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Show starts at 8 P.M, and both the door & box office will open an hour before.
An Evening with Donnie Iris & The Cruisers
Donnie Iris & The Cruiserswith special guest drummersJoe Vitale & Joe Vitale Jr. Saturday April 16th at 8 P.M 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. Since then 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. He continues to sporadically release new material and tour throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. Joe Vitale He has recorded and toured with Ted Nugent, Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Peter Frampton, The Eagles, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and CSNY to name a few. In addition, he has 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. Vitale has also co-produced albums for Joe Walsh, Stephen Stills, CSN & CSNY. His many songwriting credits include the classic Joe Walsh song, “Rocky Mountain Way,” and also, “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” from The Eagles classic album, “Hotel California,” both co-written with Joe Walsh. He has three solo albums, “Roller Coaster Weekend,” “Plantation Harbor,” and “Speaking In Drums,” and a book, “Back Stage Pass,” about his career in music. He’s also produced his son, Joe Jr.’s, first album, “Dancing with Shadows.”Joe Vitale Jr, Music is in his blood. Maybe literally. This multi-instrumentalist is the son of legendary rock drummer 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. Donnie Iris & The Cruisers return to The Kent Stage as part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday April 16th, 2022. Show starts at 8 P.M, and both the doors & box office will open an hour prior to start time.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band + Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Chas = Mardi Gras Mamba
Mardi Gras Mamba 2022! – Featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band & Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha Cha’sThe Dirty Dozen Brass Band are the pioneers of the modern New Orleans brass band movement, recognized worldwide as an unstoppable musical machine.For more than 40 years, the group has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&B and Soul. This unique sound, described by the band as a “musical gumbo,” has allowed the Dirty Dozen to tour across five continents and more than 30 countries, record 12 studio albums and collaborate with a range of artists from Modest Mouse to Widespread Panic to Norah Jones.”The Dirty Dozen Brass Band continues to be a national treasure; steeped in both the past and the present, impossible to categorize and mighty funky.” – The New York TimesNathan Williams provides a direct connection to Zydeco’s storied pioneers such as Clifton Chenier and Boozoo Chavis. He formed The Cha-Chas back in 1985, and since then has brought his unique take on this regional South Louisiana music to all corners of the globe. From Lincoln Center in New York to The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, his music has crossed all barriers to speak to the very heart of the audience. Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Cha’s are keepers of the zydeco flame, committed to keeping their Creole heritage alive.Together, these bands create a non-stop dance fest. Blues, Cajun, New Orleans soul, zydeco and R&B from two masters of the genres.Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of show. The show begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
The High Kings
The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O’ Brien. The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music.It didn’t take long during their first studio rehearsal for them to realise that the way their individual voices blended together, that they were onto something special. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.Towards the end of 2009 The High Kings licensed their second studio album ‘Memory Lane’ to Universal Music Ireland signifying the fast trajectory that the band had taken in their short lifespan. ‘Memory Lane’ was released in February 2010 and after a successful Irish tour the album went platinum in June only 4 months after its initial release. They followed ‘Memory Lane’ with a ‘Live In Ireland’ album which received critical acclaim as it showcased the energy that the band brings to the live shows. By 2011 the band had outgrown the venues they had been previously playing and had to start playing larger venues not only in Ireland but also in America and across Europe. Many fans became regular faces as they effectively followed the band on their sold-out tours many crossing oceans and borders through-out the world just to see their favourite band perform live. People loved what they were doing bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album ‘Friends For Life’ to Sony Worldwide another indication of their global appeal. Friends For Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013. Taking their original songs on the road was a new and exciting milestone for the band and it wasn’t long before the likes of ‘Oh Maggie’ and ‘Irelands Shore’ were being sung back to them by the audience. November 2014 marked another milestone for the band when they recorded Four Friends Live at the Millennium Forum in Derry which was their first joint CD/DVD and the first live DVD recording since the debut DVD ‘Live In Dublin’ in 2008. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their ‘Grace & Glory’ album. The album charted at number 1 on the Irish Indie charts and was very well received by critics and fans alike. The rest of 2016 and early 2017 was spent extensively touring the new album. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. In 2017 they released a compilation album ‘Decade’ which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings.The High Kings continue to set the bar extremely high for Irish Folk bands across the world and are widely regarded to be at the forefront of the genre. In 2019 after a 12 year journey The High Kings continue to perform in sell out venues across the globe to their ever-growing army of loyal fans that span generations. 2021 sees the release of Home from Home, their brand-new 11 track album. Recorded live at Concert Deck in Dublin, Home from Home is a journey through classic folk songs, old and new.
The Music of Cream
New date – June 8thCurrent tickets will be honored Refunds available at [email protected]