Coco Montoya & Ronnie Baker Brooks
Coco Montoya Henry “Coco” Montoya was born in Santa Monica, California, on October 2, 1951, and raised in a working-class family. Growing up, Coco immersed himself in his parents’ record collection. He listened to big band jazz, salsa, doo-wop and rock ‘n’ roll. His first love was drums; he acquired a kit at age 11. Montoya turned his love of drumming into his profession, playing in a number of area rock bands while still in his teens and becoming an in-demand drummer. In 1969, Montoya saw Albert King opening a Creedence Clearwater Revival/Iron Butterfly concert. He was transformed. “After King got done playing,” says Montoya, “my life was changed. When he played, the music went right into my soul. It grabbed me so emotionally that I had tears welling up in my eyes. Nothing had ever affected me to this level. He showed me what music and playing the blues were all about. I knew that was what I wanted to do.” The next chapter of Montoya’s story was a chance meeting in the mid-1970s with legendary bluesman Albert Collins. Montoya says, “Albert was coming through Los Angeles and needed to borrow my drum set, which I left at the club. I went down to see his show that night and it just tore my head off. The thing that I had seen and felt with Albert King came pouring back on me when I saw Albert Collins.” Montoya’s recorded debut as a bandleader came with 1995’s Gotta Mind To Travel. The album became an instant fan favorite with praise from all corners. The album immediately made it clear that Montoya ranked among the best players on the contemporary scene. Still an indefatigable road warrior, Montoya continues to tour virtually nonstop, bringing audiences to their feet from New York to New Orleans to Chicago to San Francisco. Across the globe, he’s performed in countries including Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, England, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Italy, Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic and Canada. Ronnie Baker Brooks Chicago guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Ronnie Baker Brooks is one of the city’s—and the world’s—most undeniably talented and electrifying bluesmen. Ronnie was born into Chicago blues royalty as the son of legendary multiple GRAMMY Award nominee, Blues Hall Of Famer, Lonnie Brooks. He is among the few contemporary blues artists who learned his craft directly from many of the genre’s icons, including Albert Collins, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor and, most significantly, his father. “I’m blessed to have played with and learned from the best. I’m carrying them within me!” Like all the great blues artists before him, Ronnie Baker Brooks has, through hard work, perseverance and gritty determination—along with his prodigious, natural talent and charisma—earned his place in the upper echelons of the blues world. Today, Ronnie Baker Brooks stands tall as a blisteringly innovative guitarist, an endlessly inventive songwriter and an intensely soulful vocalist. Ronnie Baker Brooks may have been born a blues prince, but he never received any royal treatment. “Dad set me up for today,” Ronnie explains. “He always told me to put the time in, study, practice, get better. I started my music career as his roadie. He wouldn’t let me play onstage with him until I earned it. I grew up witnessing and learning from the legends of the blues. I’m excited to continue to create Chicago blues as part of my family legacy and our shared history. I’ll always represent the blues in everything I do. Dad started the fire, Albert poured the gas on it, and Koko put the grill on.” Now, with Blues In My DNA.
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!
THE ENGLISH BEAT & The Twist-offs!
The English Beat is a band with an energetic mix of musical styles and a sound like no other. The band’s unique sound has allowed it to endure for nearly four decades and appeal to fans, young and old, all over the world. When The English Beat (known as The Beat in their native England) rushed on to the music scene in 1979, it was a time of massive social and political unrest and economic and musical upheaval. This set the stage for a period of unbridled musical creativity, and thanks in large part to the Punk movement and it’s DIY approach to making music, artists like The Beat were able to speak out and speak their mind on the news of the day, as in “Stand Down Margaret”, things that mattered to them and the youth culture, as in “Get A Job”, and universal matters of the heart and soul, as in their classic hits “I Confess” and “Save It For Later”. The Beat first came to prominence as founding members of the British Two Tone Ska movement, with their classic first album “Just Can’t Stop It” fitting squarely in that genre. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, the band became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of that movement. However, band leader Dave Wakeling never felt constrained by the movement. The band crossed over fluidly between soul, reggae, pop and punk, and from these disparate pieces they created an infectious dance rhythm. The band’s sound continued to evolve over their three studio albums, through the General Public era (a band formed by Dave with The Beat’s toaster, Ranking Roger), and it has continued its evolution with the forthcoming English Beat album “Here We Go Love”, a PledgeMusic crowd-funded album set for a 2016 release, the band’s first new album since 1982’s “Special Beat Service”. Consummate showman that he is, Dave Wakeling continues to keep The Beat alive and strong, touring the world as The English Beat with an amazing all-star ska backing band playing all the hits of The Beat, General Public, and songs from his new album “Here We Go Love”. You just can’t stop The English Beat!
An Evening With Jimmy Webb
Multiple Grammy-winning cross genre songwriter Jimmy Webb has topped the charts from pop to country, blues, jazz, disco to even rap and EDM numerous times with interpretations by some of the industry’s greatest including Art Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, Frank Sinatra, Josh Groban, Glen Campbell, The Highwaymen, Barbra Streisand, Guns n’ Roses, and Little Big Town. Since Webb’s Grammy sweep in 1968 when his own “Up, Up and Away” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” vied for Song of the Year ( “Up” won) to the use of his “Do What You Gotta Do” in Kanye West’s “Famous,” the man often praised as “America’s Songwriter” remains a respected icon in popular music – and continues to challenge his artistic boundaries with projects like a classical nocturne. His most famous songs are touchstones for a generation yet remain timeless – “MacArthur Park,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Worst That Could Happen.” During his live shows Webb brings fans of his music a unique connection to their favorite songs, revealing the stories behind his hits as far back as his first songwriting job at Motown through a career trajectory that took a teenaged preacher’s son from a farm town in Oklahoma to the top of his longed-for profession in just a few short years, with pitfalls and blessings in equal measure between. His books, Tunesmith: The Art of Songwriting and recent memoir The Cake and the Rain demonstrate his incredible talent with words and music
Justin Hayward – Blue World Tour – w/ Mike Dawes
Having chalked up over fifty years at the peak of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice has been heard the world over. Known principally as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer for the Moody Blues, his is an enduring talent that has helped to define the times in which he worked. Over the years the band has sold more than fifty-five million albums and received numerous awards. In 2018, along with the other members of The Moody Blues, Justin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Born and brought up in Swindon in the UK, Justin’s interest in music started early when he was five years old and his grandfather bequeathed him his large collection of 78 rpm recordings. “It opened a world of imagination to me,” says Justin. Having taught himself to play the ukulele, he soon progressed to guitar and by his early teens he was playing in local groups. Upon leaving school at 17 he answered an advertisement in Melody Maker newspaper and successfully auditioned for UK Rock and Roll hero Marty Wilde. “I got the job playing guitar for Marty – it was a dream come true for me”. Justin credits Marty with encouraging him to become a songwriter; he made several recordings with Marty’s ‘Wilde Three’ and also appeared with them at the London Palladium. They remain close friends to this day: “Marty is still my hero”. Having started the ball rolling as a songwriter in his own right with a couple of solo singles, he joined the Moody Blues in the summer of 1966. Hitting his stride immediately with the single ‘Fly Me High’, he followed it up with the classic hit songs ‘Nights in White Satin’ and ‘Tuesday Afternoon’ from the seminal album ‘Days of Future Passed’. This album went on to become a favourite of the NASA astronauts and was taken aboard the Atlantis shuttle space craft by Chief astronaut “Hoot” Gibson on many missions. This purple patch showed no sign of abating as Justin created other classic, era and genre-defining hits ‘Question’, ‘The Voice’, ‘The Story In Your Eyes’, ‘I Know You’re Out There Somewhere’ and ‘Your Wildest Dreams’. These laid the foundation for the incredible success story of the Moody Blues – as well as his solo work – which continues to this day. In 2022 Justin revived his role as ‘the journalist’ in the touring production of Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of The Worlds’ and in 2023 he co-headlined an extensive tour of the USA with Christopher Cross. Justin’s latest single is ‘Living for Love’. Mike Dawes was named the Best Acoustic Guitarist in the World Right Now by MusicRadar and Total Guitar in 2017 & 2018. www.mikedawes.com Justin Hayward VIP Merchandise Package – very limited availability VIP Merchandise Package = $186.00 -Premium Concert Ticket (First five rows) -Exclusive T-shirt -Exclusive Poster -Tote Bag -Commemorative Ticket -Lapel Pin Delivery: Merchandise items are shipped the week of the show date to the address YOU provide on the order. and may arrive shortly before or after the show date. Items subject to change.
Woodchoppers Ball – 2024
Brian Henke’s Woodchopper’s Ball 23rd Edition The Annual Woodchopper’s Ball gathers for one amazing night, once again at The Kent Stage on Saturday, November 9th at 7 P.M.! The 23rd annual Woodchopper’s Ball benefit for the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. will be Doors open at 6:30 and show starts at 7PM. Nine of the very best, most award winning acoustic guitarists on Earth will be performing. This year’s players are: Michael Kelsey Gareth Pearson Brian Henke Bryce Mullins Tim and Myles Thompson Jesse Smith Patrick Woods Mark Sganga Atom Lax
əkoostik hookah!
əkoostik hookah əkoostik hookah’s annual fall visit to The Kent Stage – hookah incorporates many genres of music into their own style, from folk to psychedelic rock, bluegrass to blues, extended jams to concise rock-n-roll, əkoostik hookah’s style includes many musical genres for a sound that in the end is distinctly “hookah”. With well over 100 original songs, and a large catalogue of cover songs to choose from, you will never hear the same show twice. The band is known for its live shows and its ability to feed off of the crowd’s energy, using it to fuel the improvised set lists that create unforgettable musical experiences.
The Vindys
The Vindys have built a rock-solid word of mouth reputation over the past decade, captivating audiences with their unique blend of rock, soul, and pop. The Youngstown, Ohio-based band is led by the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Jackie Popovec, who The Canton Repository cited “…uncannily evokes Amy Winehouse on the more retro songs while going full-tilt rock ‘n’ roll on the harder, moodier numbers.” Rounding out the band is John Anthony on lead guitar and Rick Deak on rhythm guitar. The expanded line-up includes Owen Davis on drums, Brendan Burke on bass, Nathan Anthony on keyboards, Kyle O’Donnell on trumpet, Brian Mayle on trombone, and Garret Kuchmaner on saxophone. The winning combination of these talented musicians has earned the band high praise: Music Connection Magazine describes them as “The Vindys have everything going for them: a super-powerful voice, a searing guitar, and a fantastic rhythm section topped with a horn section. It is rock and roll at its finest.” The band is comprised of seasoned musicians from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, who create compelling song arrangements with Popovec as the primary songwriter. The band members’ diverse experiences and savvy skills contribute to the depth and maturity of their intricate yet relatable music. Passionate about representing Youngstown’s thriving music scene, their name pays homage to their roots by drawing influence from Youngstown’s daily newspaper, The Vindicator. Brad Savage, program director of Ohio’s The Summit 91.3 FM, explains, “To me, they truly embody Youngstown and northeast Ohio. They possess depth and substance and are instantly likable. Their songs get stuck in your head after one listen.” The Vindys have reached a tipping point in their career, having generated excitement with their dynamic performances at hundreds of venues and festivals–including WonderStruck, Three Rivers Arts Festival, LaurelLive, Winnetka Music Festival, and Summerfest, where the band won the first day of the Emerging Artist Series. They have also shared the stage with such artists as ZZ Top, Pat Benatar, Heart’s Ann Wilson, Drive by Truckers, Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, and Hunter Hayes, to name a few. The Vindy’s anthemic-style song “Are You Ready” was widely used in campaigns for several sports franchises, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, and ESPN commercials for the 2023 ACC Softball Tournaments. Their latest music video, “Bugs,” the title track from their sophomore album, was screened at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival in New York alongside artists like The Black Keys and Lizzo. The Vindys album, Bugs, received critical acclaim and has been described as “…a record showcasing a maturing, versatile band whose musical palette encompasses everything from gritty classic rock to vintage jazz to refined pop.” by the Canton Repository. WKSU (NPR) called it “…a 10-track rock ‘n’ roll triumph that fuses the group’s vintage jazz aesthetic with a more straightforward blues-rock sound.” Ear To the Ground stated, “…The Vindys are one of the tightest and talented acts on the national stage. The rockers have long produced soulful and exquisite tracks, but with their latest album, they prove to be a magnetic force of sonic mastery. There comes a time in all great bands’ lives when there is a thriving sense that new achievements are on the horizon, and the group’s music is gathering a whole new audience as it spreads nationwide. That time is now for The Vindys.
Martin Barre – The History of Tull
Martin Barre A Brief History of Tull VIP Meet & Greet available – Info below In 1969, a band of four English musicians arrived in New York and literally took America by storm. Over the next 50 years, this legendary band accumulated over 65 million record sales and a following of loyal fans that are the envy of rock bands worldwide! This band was Jethro Tull. At the center of Tull’s unique sound is guitarist Martin Barre, renowned for his formidable mastery of historic riffs, power chords and soaring melodic solos. Martin Barre celebrates the musical journey of Jethro Tull throughout the decades at his new show A Brief History of Tull. The show will feature a special visual presentation that, together with the music, highlights the 50 years of Jethro Tull musical career. Classic Tull hits played throughout the interactive performance include songs from legendary albums such as Thick As A Brick, Aqualung, Stand Up, Songs From The Wood, A Passion Play, Heavy Horses and many more… He will be bringing a spectacular show with his touring band, featuring the iconic voice of Dan Crisp on lead vocals, Alan Thomson on bass and Terl Bryant on drums. Join us as Martin takes you back on the formidable journey of Jethro Tull – it will be a show you will not want to miss! VIP Meet & Greet – This is a true meet & greet – photos are OK – Starts at approx. 5PM Only 50 spaces available & You must also have a concert ticket. $100.00 upgrade available at check-out
Melvin Seals & JGB
MELVIN SEALS & THE Jerry Garcia Band The is a seated general admission concert – Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become “Jam Band Music”. From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up. Melvin and JGB bring an intuitive, expressive style, soul, spontaneity and remarkable chops to the table. John Kadlecik on lead guitar and vocal duties, John-Paul McLean’s savory bass, Jeremy Hoenig on the drums and, of course, a heapin’ helpin’ of the wizard’s magic on Hammond B-3 Organ and keyboards. Their chemistry is the focus from which they create a spontaneous and high art where the sky is the limit musically. They offer an exciting, often psychedelic musical journey that changes nightly and keeps the audience dancing and smiling (and some staring in amazement) for hours. Adding his rock-gospel-soul-rhythm and blues touch with his funky style of playing, no wonder Jerry nicknamed him “Master of the Universe”. Melvin continues to treat music lovers to his unique brand of melodic flavor with JGB. Come see and hear for yourself!