knows that the road is no place for the faint of heart. Returning to the grind yet again with a transformed sound —harder, faster and more sincere —it's clear that Hello Kelly is in do-or-die mode… and tenacity nev ... er sounded so good.
Frontman/songwriter Francy Goudreault has never had an easy time expressing himself thanks to a strong stutter he's had for as long as he can remember. After high school though, Francy found a release for his twisted tongue: He could sing and play without skipping a beat. So, he did what any crazy teenager would do: He started a band.
Originally from Toronto, ON, Hello Kelly, was dubbed "the hardest working band in Ontario" in their early years. Since then, the band has achieved six #1 singles on independent Canadian radio charts, pushed two singles into the Top-20 positions on USA Top-40 Christian radio charts, shared the stage with artists such as Relient K, Thousand Foot Krutch, illScarlett &Rides Again, and, most importantly, driven three vans into the ground as a result of relentless continent-wide touring.
In October 2009, frontman/songwriter Francy Goudreault took a risk and moved to Nashville, TN to begin work on a new record, working for the second time with Nashville producer Adam Smith. Together they wrote a song called Pressure &Poison: It was an experiment, a departure from the band's sound, something that nobody was ever really supposed to hear. Listening to the worktape later that night, they realized they had something special. Something different. Hello Kelly was about to blast off into unknown territory.
It was in Nashville that Francy found drummer Ben Mahaffey, bassist George Wong and lead guitarist Travis Wilbourn. Now, with the record complete, and having already started developing a fierce little buzz in the city, it's clear that Hello Kelly is excited about its new adrenalized sound.
But if you're wondering about how Francy's stutter affects him up on stage, you don't have to worry. Not only does Francy write songs that are mature & authentic, but he sings them like a bird, night after night, city after city. Francy explains: "The idea is for people to hear my story and hopefully be encouraged somehow." You could say that's Hello Kelly's mission — and the band is happy to run with it anywhere: gnarly clubs, loud arenas, sketchy festivals and yes, even a church or two.
There's a reason the Hello Kelly boys still love running their own merch table and are usually the last ones out of any given venue. For this gutsy band, humility is the name of the game —and they want to get in as much face-time with Kelly, the name by which the band calls their listeners, as they can. "Everything we do is for Kelly," Francy says, "and that will never, ever change."
Founded in 1979, North Sea gas have been playing their own style of Scottish folk music for the last 30 years. The band is going stronger than ever, with their latest CD release, Edinburgh Toon, coinciding with their 30th anniversary
Biography OUTLAW PETE MICENMACHER
lead vocal, lead guitar, harmonica
Howard Micenmacher is an accomplished songwriter in his own right, but now welcomes the challenge of becoming the Boss live and recreating the magic of Springsteen shows for Cleveland audiences. Howard is best known for his original songwriting as frontman of Al's Fast Freight. Al's Fast Freight released four CDs and toured regionally. ... Al's Fast Freight shared the stage with the following acts: Hot Tuna (Agora); Little Feat (Odeon); The Ranch (feat. Keith Urban) (Wilbert's); Jack Ingram (Wilbert's); Tracy Byrd (East Sparta, OH); Dave Mason (Odeon) and many others.
CADILLAC KEVIN McCARTHY
piano, accordion, keyboards
Multi-instrumentalist Kevin McCarthy has had the privilege of performing and recording with many of the area' s finest songwriters and players. After fronting the power-pop trio T.C.Beat (The Cleveland Beat) through the 80' s and early 90' s, he joined forces with songwriter/singer Andrew J. Regan and the late drummer/songwriter ChazVanChaz to form the all-original band ExCats. In 1997, he met songwriter/singer Cletus Black, recording keyboard tracks for Cletus' comeback album BACK IT UP. Since then, Kevin has played lead guitar with the Cletus Black Revue, while contributing to eight additional CD' s of original rock-n-roll. This life-long West-Sider also performs a huge repertoire of acoustic music, specializing in traditional and modern Irish ballads. He can often be found performing solo, or with fellow Revue member and Aces & Eights frontman Dave Morrison (harmonica).
SPANISH JOHNNY DEPIETRO
sax and percussion
Saxophonist “Spanish Johnny” DePietro unsurprisingly lists such artists as Clarence Clemons and the venerable Jukes Horns among his biggest influences. A native of suburban Philadelphia, began his local performing career as lead guitarist and occasional songwriter / vocalist for erstwhile "geriatric post-punk power-pop postulate" Planet Log 3000. A freak touch football injury resulted in finger surgery that forced John to abandon guitar indefinitely and to pick up a sax for the first time since high school. Needless to say, it was an injury for which John is tremendously grateful. John previously performed multi-instrument duties for Soul Intent, Diamond Life, Sister Kate and the Bad Habits, and most notably, Blue Eyed Souls.
HAZEY DAVEY SMOOT
drums
With almost 25 years working in and around Northern Ohio, Dave had been the driving rhythm for 10 years alongside Howard in Al's Fast Freight. For the last 4 years he has held the drum chair for the regional rockin' country band Cedar Creek. Dave has played with many Cleveland area musicians including folk/roots band Take This Hammer, The Fulbrights (with the late, great Chaz Smith), The Sonny Miller Band and currently drums for the up and coming Youngstown country duo Southern Boulevard.
CHRIS deHAAS
bass
Chris deHaas has an extensive musical history in Cleveland and beyond as a performer in bands and musical productions and as a music teacher. As the bassist for Odd Girl Out (1991 – 1995) he played clubs and colleges all around the Midwest and opened concerts for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLaughlin, Joan Armatrading. As bassist for TJ and the Northcoast (1991 – 1992) he opened concerts for The Oak Ridge Boys and Reba McEntire. He has appeared on recordings for Steve Jochum, Alexis Antes, Odd Girl Out, and on the soundtrack for independent film "Shooting Star". Chris can also currently be seen around town in the bands Free Howie, The Midlife Crisis Band and Big Zipper.
ROSALITA BONITA MCSWIGGEN
guitar and vocals
Ann Marie has been lending her songwriting and vocal talents to Cleveland bands since the nineties. She appeared on the music scene in Cleveland's “The Walk-Ins”. She continued honing her songwriting and vocal skills in the band The Dandelion People before breaking out and releasing her own original CD under the moniker Anna Nausea. Currently, when she's not busy being Swamps of Jersey's own “Rosalita” she can be seen locally in the folk roots band Take This Hammer.
is a Neil Young + Crazy Horse Tribute Band. Based out of Northern Ohio, they've been rockin' up this scene for over 15 years. Like this page to stay up to date on their latest gigs - including the legendary Annual Northern Ohio Rust Fest!
Austin Veldman writes honest and authentic pop music. His band's melodies and instrumentation have been compared to the sounds of John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, and Jack Johnson. Songs vary from slow blues ballads like "Amsterdam" to upbeat pop-rock songs like "Discover".
Project is one of the most innovative bands to come out of the East Coast in the last decade. Completely acoustic, and interwoven with shining cello, “Pity In A Heartbeat” breathes a new breath of life to Washington D.C.'s stale acoustic scene." CWG Magazine
Cats On Holiday is a Roots-based, Swamp Pop band that has been pleasing Ohio audiences for 15 years with its own special blend of Texas and Louisiana inspired Blues & Zydeco, infused with healthy doses of original songs and poems about urban life. They perform at the best live music venues in the greater Cleveland area, and at large outdoor events such as Parade the Circle, Lock 3 Live, Wade Oval ... Wednesdays, Ingenuity Festival, Burning River Fest, Starwood, and Land of Nod. The ensemble has released four albums to date and opened for various New Orleans' favorites, including: Marcia Ball, BeauSoleil, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Buckwheat Zydeco, The Iguanas,
Los Lobos, NRBQ, Leon Russell, and Terrance Simien.
The upcoming CD, "Holiday in a Box" produced by lead guitar player, Rick Christyson, in collaboration with Mike Zaremba, features Button-Box based tunes, including five originals written by Denis DeVito, a spoken word piece by conga player and resident poet, Jeffrey Bowen and three covers laced with the Cats own special sauce. The band's rock solid bottom comes from Drummer, Kevin Price; Bassists Dillon DeVito and Steve Hudock; and Bowen's congas and percussion. As always, Christyson's superlative guitar work and harmonies combined with DeVito's driving button box, acoustic guitar and down to earth lyrics, set the stage for a great time, both in the studio and on the bandstand. This band always has fun! Come on down and dance some...
“Marta's songs are beautifully crafted and subtly orchestrated folk compositions of a rare quality” whisperinandhollerin.com
“Sultry songstress Marta's latest release Rebel Baby is a sexy, neo-folk serenade”Jon Regen. Playboy Magazine
The Polish-born, Australian-raised Marta Pacek grew up on the outskirts of Australia's capital Canberra before moving to Melbourne to focus on singing and songwriting.
She began her career writing and recording with Mark Seymour, front man of iconic Australian group Hunters & Collectors. With a handful of songs she had co-written with Seymour, Marta recorded her debut EP with Cameron McKenzie and Mark Seymour. She later went on to record a further 4 tracks with producer Danny Simcic (Real Life “Send Me An Angel”) and UK ex-pat Martin Van Hoof Jenkins to complete her self-titled full release.
Since then she has taken the time to hone her craft having recently made NYC her base when not touring internationally.
In 2008, Marta was approached by Toronto-based management and found her way to Canada. Within a year, Marta was opening for her collaborator, Mark Seymour on his North American tour.
The following April, Marta traveled to New York City to work with award-winning director Devaashish Khanna to shoot a music video for her song '”Annie” at the infamous Hotel Chelsea.
In November 2010, Marta was awarded Best Alternative-Country song for her single "A Girl Gets By" at the Canberra Country Music Awards. She also won Best International Artist for her single "Loving Is Easy" at the New Music Festival in Ontario, Canada.
Marta has opened for the Partridge Family's David Cassidy and Phoenix-based band Vinyl Station (formed by ex Gin Blossoms drummer Scott Kusmirek,) on their U.S. tour. During her European dates, Marta was approached by classical conductor Giancarrlo Urso and first violinist Maurizio Azzarello with an interest in writing orchestral arrangements of her compositions. As part of a special live DVD release featuring tracks from Rebel Baby, Marta returned to Italy in December 2010 for a Christmas concert where she performed with The Gala Orchestra of Milan at Teatro Sociale of Lecco, Italy.
Marta's intense and moody writing style has gained her attention in the film & television industry recently when her cover of Patty Griffin's "Nobody's Crying" was licensed for use in ABCs popular television series Rookie Blue seen by over 9 million viewers in the U.S., and millions more worldwide. She also wrote the song “In The Name Of Love” to be licensed for Canadian Director Devaashish Khanna's feature film Fondi 91.
Marta co-produced her newest release Rebel Baby with Jason Mercer (Ani DiFranco & Ron Sexsmith) and emerging artist Peirson Ross. Rebel Baby features 27 world-class musicians including Canadian alt-country artist Justin Rutledge on backing vocals and Jerome Godboo (Phantoms) on harmonica.
Since the release of her debut EP, Marta has evolved from songwriter to producer/arranger. The newfound honesty in her songs is more intimate, moody and human. In Rebel Baby, Marta has felt true human frailty and is sharing it with her listeners.
"Sultry songstress Marta's latest release Rebel Baby is a sexy, neo-folk serenade." Jon Regen
Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Blackstone is a Rock-n'-Roll power trio with soul. Their heavy blues rock feels like Pink Floyd and the late-great Jimi Hendrix laced with The Mars Volta. This fusion of rock, soul and bluesy influence makes for a refreshing listening experience.
This soulfulness can be heard in the instrumentation, but it's the voice that gives the best elements of soul to the songs. Songwriter, Lead Singer and Guitar player Jerry "JRoc" Franklin's blues roots can be traced back to his home state of Kentucky. His soulful voice gives you both the twang of country spliced with a hard bluesy-rock angst that makes JRoc's voice one of the most unique you'll ever hear.
Of course without the supporting elements, the band would be hollow. Bassist Remy Gareau sets the tone for the band through his incomparable bass playing, having played in a variety of different bands and styles such as hip-hop, blues, indie rock, and punk rock. His talents drive the sound and give some added meat and potatoes.
But without someone to keep the tempo of these heavy blues rock songs, things would get messy. Having a Classically Trained drummer like John Cardilino helps - a musician who at the age of only 8 was so eager to play drums he assembled a make shift set out of pots and pans! The drummer has also played in a plethora of different styles ranging from heavy metal to African-Caribbean.The band's music is a melting pot of different genres, styles, and influences from each of the three talented individuals and it bleeds through into each song.
Blend the passion of The Avett Brothers, the instrumentals of Old Crow Medicine Show, and backwoods feel of The Legendary Shack Shakers -John Walker Americana Roots
On the road and in the studio, The Steel Wheels are tapping into Americana traditions and creating fresh-sounding acoustic fervor. The band's new album Lay Down Lay Low succeeds in capturing the fire-in-the-belly spirit of the band's mesmerizing live shows wile fine-tuning carefully crafted lyrical stories that surprise the ear and linger in the heart. Like the Shenandoah Valley that the band calls home, Lay Down Lay Low reveals both light and shadow, providing a musical landscape for songs that chronicle and celebrate what the band describes as "the good struggle."
The chemistry of the musicians and a flare for honest storytelling roots the album in fertile ground. Acoustic instrumentation escorts the listener into a slow dance or a full-throttle ride, while lead vocals from Trent Wagler soar and find the perfect complement in supporting vocals from mandolin player Jay Lapp, with bass player Brian Dickel and fiddler Eric Brubaker joining for soul-thrilling harmonies. "Americana music at its very best!" said Larry Groce of Mountain Stage.
For this hard-touring band, Lay Down Lay Low is the worthy follow-up to Red Wing , which ranked in the Americana Music Association's Top 100 Albums of the Year in 2010 after spending 13 weeks on the Top 40 Americana radio charts and, notably, landing as the second-highest ranked album of all independent releases that year. Red Wing also cracked the EuroAmericana Top 10 and Folk charts and racked up five Independent Music Awards nominations, winning Best Country Song.
"If one must compare The Steel Wheels to another act in order to get an idea of their music imagine a blend of the passion of the Avett Brothers, the instrumentals of Old Crow Medicine Show and then sprinkle in the backwoods feel of The Legendary Shack Shakers. In truth attempting to compare them with anyone is an injustice, since after one listen you can hear that they stand very well on their own perch." — John Walker, Americana Roots
"The Steel Wheels are certainly going places... on the line between old timey folk and something raw, new and bluegrassy. Catch Trent and company on their way to fame and glory." said "Cover Lay Down" magazine.
have discovered, almost by accident, that they have filled the void of a long neglected audience.
The group was assembled by five musicians that simply wanted to have some fun playing some of the old songs that they enjoyed.
Being “Baby Boomers,” songs from the 50's and 60's seemed to be a natural choice.
Rather than follow the usual “oldies dance” formula, the Claytons chose a more “primitive” approach. Selecting lesser known songs along with some big hits and choosing songs which have a little more “attitude,” the band looked toward The Kinks, Animals, Carl Perkins, Yardbirds, Johnny Otis, Zombies, Byrds, Sonics and a number of others to compile their song list.
The band soon discovered that they weren't alone in their enjoyment of these great songs. One fan said to the band, “we stopped going to hear bands because no one was playing our music…” The audiences have continued to grow each year and their feedback confirms that this era of rock and roll is truly special and still loved by people of all ages. The connection between this music and the audience has become more than even the Claytons could have imagined.
The Brothers, all seasoned players, came together in 2004 to form the band.
Brother Bill's steady beat punctuates the three guitar sound that has become the “Clayton” trademark. His tastes lean toward the British Invasion and other group songs of the sixties.
Brother Marc, lead guitar and vocalist, provides the guitar riffs which are the signature to so many of the songs of the era. His knowledge and experience are key ingredients to The Clayton Brothers success.
The original Clayton is brother Terry. In addition to bringing a solid rhythm guitar and vocals to the band, he is also a successful country-western songwriter. He helps this rock and roll outfit be “a little bit country.”
The voice most often heard at a Clayton Brothers show is that of brother John. In addition to his rhythm guitar, bass and vocal duties he is also the link between the band and it's audience. John's fondness for the British Invasion and his taste for folk rock brings out the gentler side of the band.
The Clayton Brothers Band is one of the few groups which can boast four accomplished vocalists. Brother Rob's taste for the blues give the band yet another dimension. His vocal interpretations of blues based rock along with his steady bass and soaring harmonica complete the mix.
In performance The Clayton Brothers Band has a very basic goal. Have fun and invite the audience to have fun too.
Appearing for the seventh consecutive year at The Berea National Rib Cook-Off.
The Clayton Brothers Band…Primitive Rock and Roll for the “now” generation.
Saturday September 29
GrandEvolution
FYI-All shows are all ages and the kitchen is open until I go home!
Remember To Have A Nice Time!
WILBERT'S is Great Music + Delicious food In An Intimate Setting = What a Concept!
