Sometimes, the sum of something is much greater than it's parts….this is exceptionally true when it comes to this Nashville-based band, who just release their CD, Kids With Songs. this is the product of ‘divorce, death and broken bones' among other life changing events.
FYI-All show's are all ages and the kitchen is open until I go home!
Wilbert's Food & Music
812 Huron Avenue E.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216.902.4663
All shows are all ages.Weekend shows (Fri.&Sat.) start at 9:00 p.m. and weekday shows start at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted, with doors 2 hours before show time.
Dinner reservations are suggested. You can make them by calling 216 902 4663. Please, leave a message with your phone #, and we'll call you back with a reservation conformation, or better yet,-you can e-mail us at
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway orality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit 'delete'.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone, who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
A Message by George Carlin
o
Reminder
We're always open before all Indians/Cav's home Games with $2-Domestics-Labatt blue,Budweise, .Bud Light, Bud Select, Coors light MGD, Miller Lite, Miller high life,Rolling Rock, PBR
$3- Microbrews-Killian's Red, Michelob Ultra, Bud Lime, Landshark, Great Lakes Dortmunder, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Blue Moon, Samuel Adams
"YELLOW LIGHT MAYBE IS THE BAND YOU ALWAYS WISH YOU HAD STARTED. A STRAIGHT AHEAD ROCK'N'ROLL MACHINE THAT DOESN'T PRETEND TO BE ANYTHING ELSE. NO GIMMICKS, NO TRICKS. AND VERY, VERY FRIENDLY."- Kyle Reisz, Uweekly.
"A BAND THAT CONSCIOUSLY REFUSES TO DEFINE ITSELF." - The Newark Advocate.
"THEY'VE GOT A HANDLE ON BIG HOOKS AND SMART ARRANGEMENTS." -Chris DeVille, Columbus Alive
"YELLOW LIGHT MAYBE HAS THE FORMULA DOWN." - Joel Oliphint, The Other Paper
"A STRONG SENSE OF MUSICAL PROWESS." -Alise Belcher, Melt Magazine
Cleveland's hot new hip-hop/alternative rock group, formed in January 2009 when it's members entered the studio to record several hip-hop songs played as a live band. The result was the group's first EP, "Listen Hard," an aggressive blend of hip-hop, rock, and pop. Immediately following the record's release, iPhonic began to perform all across Ohio, receiving positive feedback for both the music and the stage show, which is packed with enthusiasm and energy from the band and crowd. Less than eight months after recording "Listen Hard," the band was back at work in the studio; recording four new songs at Spider Studio's with producer Ben Schigel. The new recordings, titled "Almost Famous," showcases the extent of iPhonic's musical possibilities, with music ranging from feel good, sing along pop songs to aggressive club bangers that are sure to have you on the dance floor. Be sure to check out iPhonic's music and experience what is sure to be a great show and one hell of a party!
Friday September 3
"what a Great show"!
what one critic is saying:
BOSTON HERALD
"This young quartet's exhilarating mix of alt-country, roots-rock and pop might sound subversive in its stodgy Nashville, Tenn., hometown, but elsewhere its second album washes over the ears like a summer breeze. Featuring simple, sturdily built songs recorded on vintage gear in a mix that lets you hear the grain in the wood the instruments are made of, “Beauty Is a Moment” lives up to its title - and the Coal Men live up to their buzz."
- Kevin R. Convey
PERFORMING SONGWRITER
"The laid-back drawl of Coal Men lead singer Dave Coleman falls somewhere between Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant and Alan Jackson. Bluesy Hammond organ and twangy, Allman Brothers-style electric guitar complete the Southern rock vibe on Beauty Is a Moment. Highlights include “Pretty Girls,” in which a syncopated drum beat embellishes the chorus. “They can twist your arm, make you do what they want you to,” Coleman sings, describing the cloud in front of the silver lining. “Outside Lookin' In” is another gem, this time on the poppier side, with a bouncing, harmony-laden chorus. Songs are mostly populated with thoughts on relationships and childhood memories, but scattered throughout these familiar themes are shimmering dewdrops of lyrical poetry. “Beauty is a moment, like youth it cannot last,” Coleman sings in the title track, but it's moments like these that will make this beauty of an album last."
- Mare Wakefield
VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE
With the addition of Chris Frame (Son Volt) on guitar and Jen Gunderman (The Jayhawks) ..boards, The Coal Men have gone from trio to quintet and their second full-length release, Beauty Is A Moment, reflects creative growth that shows no sign of letting up. Composer and guitarist Dave Coleman – who wrote or cowrote most the disc's 12 cuts – is the force behind much of what puts The Coal Men into the first rank of roots rock/alt country music.
Coleman writes with the fearless emotional candor that marks the best of Alabama songwriter Will Kimbrough's work, and the band is just similar enough to the Jayhawks to invite favorable comparison. But despite Coleman's slight, dismissible vocal resemblance to an earthier more soulful Jackson Browne, The Coal Men don't really really sound like anyone else. Coleman's songs have the naturalness of good conversation and unfold with the same freshness. A laconic but literate and expressive lyricist who isn't afraid to let melody pull an equal share, he paints with fewer strokes than many, yet gets so much out of them. For him and the rest of the Coal Men, beauty is a moment – actually, a series of moments – and there are a wealth of fine ones (“Natural Wonder,” “Cleveland Sky,” “ Louisiana ”) here. Coleman and Frame's guitars, Dave Ray's deep-bucket Levon Helm-type drumming, the tight but unceremonious competence of the band, and the quality of the songs put the album outside of trends and vogue.
The next big thing always comes and goes, but everything about Beauty Is A Moment indicates a deservedly long and laudable musical life ahead for The Coal Men.
MUSIC ROW MAGAZINE
"The Coal Men are one of my favorite Nashville bands. Leader Dave Coleman writes brilliantly and sings with soulful conviction. The striking imagery is in the new album's title tune: lyrics equaled by its fuzz-tone undertow bass line, slashing electric guitars, pounding percussion and sizzling organ/piano work. These folks deserve stardom, people."
- Robert K. Oermann
THE TENNESSEAN
"The Coal Men have risen from the ranks of Nashville up-and-comers to a spot as one of Music City's strongest, nerviest rock acts."
— Peter Cooper
BOSTON HERALD
"This young quartet's exhilarating mix of alt-country, roots-rock and pop might sound subversive in its stodgy Nashville, Tenn., hometown, but elsewhere its second album washes over the ears like a summer breeze. Featuring simple, sturdily built songs recorded on vintage gear in a mix that lets you hear the grain in the wood the instruments are made of, “Beauty Is a Moment” lives up to its title - and the Coal Men live up to their buzz."
- Kevin R. Convey
NASHVILLE SCENE
"Youthful cohorts The Coal Men lay down the roots with a tenacity that belies their tender years."
— Jack Silverman
THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE (WV)
"Nashville's The Coal Men serve up a huge slice of Americana pie with their second full-length release, “Beauty Is A Moment.” Led by singer/guitarist Dave Coleman, this band manages to epitomize the best of Southern rock without sinking to a redneck stereotype. This is sophisticated rock-tinged pop with a genuine regional flavor."
- Rudy Panucci
WESTERN BEAT RADIO
"The Coal Men are a quadruple threat. They write great songs, their front-man is a phenomenal singer, they play the fire out of their instruments, and they produce everything with a radio friendly flair for detail."
— Billy Block
opening
On the surface, The Flavor is a Cleveland-based four-piece blues-rock band. However, like any good sauce, it's more complex than that. The members span an age range of 30 years, and their influences, which vary from blues to metal to Motown, are just as wide. They're also established - they were the backing band for acclaimed musicians Oliver Buck and Quinn Sands, and three of the four members are solo artists in their own right. Notable, too, is that the band are largely self-sufficient; they are their own graphic designers, recording engineers, producers, etc.
So, what ingredients are required to get The Flavor tasting just right? First in the mix is 25-year-old Cleveland blues singer/songwriter/guitarist “Hot Sauce” Joe Landes, the youngest member with the oldest musical collection, and a true student of blues music. Also adding a heaping helping of guitar, vocals, and songwriting is veteran musician/producer/recording engineer (he does it all, folks) Dave “Mann Wolf.” He takes pride in being the oldest member with the youngest mentality. Picking up the low-end with a dash of bass is Love Muffin Records owner and dedicated Cavs fan Adam Rich. Rounding out the group with a cup of drums is Ernie Richmann, also the band's art director.
Together as The Flavor, the group offers an exciting entree of rockin' blues and original music that's sure to leave you feeling pleasantly satisfied and wanting more.
Music Row songwriting credentials combined with real deal school-of-hard-knocks life experience result in this fresh and genuine country folk blues recording. Stacey is the sister of country maverick Steve Earle. Her Texas twang and Mark's sympatico harmonies and songwriting chops beget the warm, homespun music of this roots maverick duo.
Few husband-wife musical duos provide audiences with the complete entertainment package that Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart dish out in a live performance. Armed with clever acoustic guitar interplay, autobiographical songwriting, lovely harmonies, and humorous storytelling this couple captivates your attention from the first moment they are onstage. Based out of Tennessee, Earle and Stuart draw from blues, pop, country, rock, and more in their heartfelt music. The years of touring the folk/Americana circuit (playing 170 concerts a year) have given them a knack for reaching out to the audience in an intimate “come in to my living room” fashion.
Stacey and Mark own their own record label, Gearle Records, and have made 8 CDs over the years. Since meeting in 1992 and marrying in late 1993, the partners have toured the USA, Canada, and Europe repeatedly. They left the environment of pursuing a major label deal in Nashville in 1998 to target small intimate venue crowds in theaters, coffeehouses, festivals, clubs, and house concerts. This has become their home and they are a recognized fixture on the folk music trail they blaze.
“It's impossible not to like Ashley Brooke Toussant. Her stories are full of wanderlust and make believe. There is no end to her range or her spirit. She appears shy until she's in front of you singing; suddenly you find yourself all wrapped up in her magic. That's a good place to be.” -Jim Blum (WKSU-89.7, Folkalley.com)
Ms. Toussant has a voice that is in the stratosphere, where the air is pristine and clear, as is this album, a fine, fine, fine album! I bought two. Ashley and her music puts me next to a crystal clear mountain stream in the hemlocks and tall pines. Which makes the prison guard mighty suspicious of me at the moment... OK, OK, just joking, this bird still has wings, and my heart and soul take flight in the middle of the night, listening over and over... you must buy her CD!!!! Five stars. Hats off to the producer also; this package is flawless!
"Mojoflo: It's as fun to listen to as it is to say. Playing both horn-driven instrumentals and vivacious ditties with accompanying lyrics, Mojoflo successfully mixes elements of jazz, funk, hip hop and rock into an eclectic groove theycan only call their own" Emily Rippe - Toledo City Paper
Literally born into the musical tradition of southwest Louisiana and Texas Zydeco, a chugging, accordion-led blend of French Creole and African-derived influences
"The first tape I made was about my eighth-grade teacher," recalls the 30-year-old rapper, whose real name is Joseph Foreman. "She got me kicked out of school for sagging my pants, which was a big deal back then. So I wrote this song about her and it sold about 400 copies: it was selling to teachers, students, just about everybody. And I realized that, even though I wasn't at school, my song was at school, so in a way I was still there. All these people would come by my house just to give me comments about how cool they thought the song was."
That episode was precisely the proverbial 'kick in the pants' Afroman needed to satisfy his burgeoning musical aspirations. Using a low-cost microphone, tape deck and mixer -- purchased by his parents to "keep him out of trouble" -- the novice rapper went from ragging on his teacher to crafting spirited tapes filled with his patented mixture of perceptive humor and straight-from-the-street sentiments.
"I'd hustle to all the swap meets in LA until security ran me out," he remembers adding that he initially lived in the infamous South Central section of Los Angeles before moving, as a teenager, to Palmdale, California. "I also went to all the low-rider shows and Venice Beach. Basically, any function where I thought I could flip over a dollar and expose people to my music."
That hustling ultimately paid off when "Because I Got High" from THE GOOD TIMES, his debut full-length CD, became the most popular summer song of 2001. A hilarious ode to the pitfalls of smoking marijuana, the track was a Top Ten tune in over a dozen countries, with the album certified gold in the United States.
"In two minutes, eleven seconds, I had written a hit, but before that it had taken me nearly seven months to recognize I had a marijuana problem," says the now-reformed rapper. "It was only then that I realized everyone talks about smoking weed, but no one ever really talks about the effects of marijuana. We know about the effects of drinking beer, we know about the effects of looking at a naked lady, but nobody knew about the effects of smoking weed. Actually, the problem was more that the people who did know weren't songwriters; they were just dudes walking down the beach or whatever. So I decided to write that song."
Now, Afroman is following up the worldwide success of that recording with the aptly titled AFROHOLIC ... THE EVEN BETTER TIMES, a comprehensive, two-disc collection -- released on his home-grown Hungry Hustler Records label -- showcasing forthright lyrics, skilled guitar work and infectious hooks. Whether raising the roof with "Let's Get High Tonight," reliving painful "Ghetto Memories" or simply "Hittin' Switches," every hip-hop-infused cut is hard-rocking and undeniably heartfelt.
At the same time, while most of the tracks admittedly focus upon having a good time, listeners who know Afroman solely through "Because I Got High" are in for a surprise. "I caught a lot of flak for having so many drug references in my music, so on this album I wanted to give cats a few songs that are really good but don't say anything about drugs," reveals the singer. "For example, on 'Cali Swangin',' I'm talking about low-riding, which I really love to do. That's one of my hobbies -- it's kind of like skateboarding to me. I've also got another tune called 'Just My Paranoia' that's simply my interpolation of the song 'Just My Imagination.'"
Regardless of the subject, for Afroman the most important thing, both in creating the music and sharing it with fans, is that he and his audience are having fun. "Music was really made for a good time," he notes, adding that key influences include classic hip-hop heroes like Too Short, DJ Quik and 2 Live Crew. "Nowadays, most Los Angeles rappers want to kill you, which is natural, because it's LA, and a lot of those dudes are gang members who've come off the street. Well, I don't really care about this guy trying to kill me in the verse; I just like the funk he's rapping to. So on AFROHOLIC ... THE EVEN BETTER TIMES, I decided to fillet all the bullshit. I tried to get rid of all the hostility and animosity out there that usually goes with the funk, and just rap with clever, uplifting lyrics."
Ever since the eighth-grade expulsion that kick-started his career, Afroman has striven to fuse the finest early rap elements with modern-day attitudes, creating high-spirited yet unquestionably up-to-the-minute melodies. From his perspective, if the tunes sound a tad familiar, that's fine, so long as his fans are smiling, dancing and, most important of all, having a grand time.
"You know how all Mercedes Benzes look related to each other?" he asks. "Well, I don't want my music to be the equivalent of an Impala or a damned Cadillac, where one day it looks like a coupe, the next day it looks like a truck, and tomorrow it may look like a freakin' helicopter or something. I want to give cats the best of the future and, of course, maintain the past. Kind of like Mercedes Benz does with the look of their cars, where you can always see the resemblance. I want people to think of AFROHOLIC ... THE EVEN BETTER TIMES as a great '80s West Coast disc where the guy's not killing everybody. I want them to spend their $17 or whatever and, when all is said and done, just feel happy."
Rob Lewis
(Music Director, Multi-Platinum Producer & Arranger)
Rob Lewis got his ‘big break’ in 1995 with Brian McKnight as his keyboardist. Lewis worked with Brian
McKnight for 5 ½ years, during which time he became his musical director.
Lewis has worked on several Grammy Award winning singles and albums. His production and arranging
has been featured on #1 albums, gold and platinum albums, films, and live productions.
Lewis has been musical director for pop superstars like Christina Aguilera, New Kids On The Block,
The Pussycat Dolls, Leona Lewis, Toni Braxton, and Jessica Simpson, as well as R&B artists
Brian McKnight, Eric Benet, Deborah Cox, and Fantasia, and iconic artists like Patti LaBelle, and
Babyface.
Lewis has also traveled and collaborated with Christina Aguilera as her musical director on her 2006-07
Back to Basics Tour and the tour DVD, Back to Basics: Live and Down Under, and has also served as her
vocal producer. His production work with Aguilera helped to earn a Grammy nomination in 2006 for
Herbie Hancock's album Possibilities (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, for "A Song for You"), and
Lewis was the vocal producer for Aguilera's hit "Ain't No Other Man", which won a 2007 Grammy Award
for Best Pop Performance.
As a writer Lewis has songs on three Billboard #1 albums: Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics, Diddy's
Press Play, and on Def Jam recording artist Chrisette Michelle's I Am. As a vocal coach and producer,
Lewis was featured on MTV's Making the Band with Diddy and pop girl group Danity Kane.
As a part of The Recording Academy, Lewis has been a part of special events and panels and has
done workshops for Grammy Career Day, Grammy Soundchecks, and Grammy U.
Lewis continues to be an entrepreneur and philanthropist, spearheading "THE MOVEMENT ORCHESTRA",
his own school, "MISOMA" (The Movement Institute, School of Musical Advancement) and clothing line
"The MISOMA Collection"- representing music education. His most recent project is The Rob Lewis
Foundation, a foundation dedicated to providing care and help to the less fortunate using music as the
medium to give hope and inspire lives.
In September 2007, Lewis was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Berklee College Of
Music in recognition of his career accomplishments.
Recently, Lewis was seen as the keyboardist and musical director of The New Kids on the Block most
recent tour. He plans to release his debut album, Orchestrator of a Renaissance, set to drop this fall. The
debut album chronicles the rebirth (renaissance) of his own spirituality and consciousness, and through
his musicianship, arranging, song writing and production, he presents a work of art reminiscent of the
soul days with hopes of contributing to the revival of orchestration and conscious music.
Last fall, Lewis was on MTV's television series "Making His Band" where Lewis uses his musical
directing skills to assist Diddy in finding young, up and coming artists to create Diddy's new band for his
forthcoming tour.
The Mighty Diamonds—Donald “Tabby” Shaw, Fitzroy ”Bunny” Simpson and Lloyd “ Judge” Ferguson formed in 1969 in the Trenchtown area of Kingston, Jamaica. They are the most consistent and long-running vocal trio in Jamaican musical history and for the past 41 years have been entertaining and educating the world with their sweet harmonies and conscious lyrics.
With their soulful harmonies and polished performances, they quickly became known as the young group with the Motown sound . Their first recordings at Dynamic Sounds eventually led them to their classic hit "Shame and Pride" in 1973. Their first hit singles “ Country Living” and “ Hey Girl” were recorded on the Channel One label. After touring the US with Toots and the Maytals , the group signed to Virgin Records in 1975 and recorded four albums. Their debut album “ Right Time”, released on Virgin has become a classic. By 1982, "Pass the Kutchie" from the album 'Changes' had become an international hit and has since been covered by Musical Youth , whose version "Pass the Dutchie" has also been a hit all over the world.
Tabby, Bunny and Judge have produced over 40 albums in their long career. The trio has toured the world extensively and has a strong following in Europe and Japan as well as in the US. In Jamaica they are forever loved. On stage antics of the Mighty Diamonds are reminiscent of the Four Tops with their animated hand gestures and energetic footwork. Favorites of the dance hall crowd, roots or progressive audiences.
The Mighty Diamonds continue to achieve stardom on their own terms, wrapping a militant message in some of the prettiest melodies around. Even with their mushrooming international popularity, the Mighty Diamonds have not forgotten their roots which come from the unique cultural potpourri of Jamaica with its harsh ghetto realities and its irresistible reggae pulse.
The Mighty Diamonds are remarkable for the fact that the three founding members have remained together, despite the ever-changing and cut-throat music business, for 41 years -- and counting! They find strength and inspiration in their faith in Rastafari and their love of Jah. Their message is one of unity, love and at times, rebellion in the face of injustice.
Their unquestionable reputation for a stylized traditional and polished sound has earned them prominence as a model reggae harmony trio.
On Sunday November 1, 2009, in celebration of the 79th Anniversary of the coronation of Haile Selassie—TSO Productions and the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music held their 5th annual Reggae Culture Salute at Nazareth High School Performance Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Mighty Diamonds were awarded a Congressional Proclamation from Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke , of the 11th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York along with a Citation from Marty Markowitz , Brooklyn Borough President and the first ever Award for Excellence from TSO Productions and the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music.
Sit a moment with Dangermuffin's latest album, Moonscapes, and you'll hear tales of rogue lawmen, forlorn lovers, and rolling waves. Based in Folly Beach, SC, the eclectic trio casts a fresh perspective on American roots music.
With the release of Moonscapes this summer, Dangermuffin is poised for the next step in an already remarkable career. They've recently added the national support of booking agency New Frontier (The Avett Brothers, Darrell Scott) and distribution and promotion support from label Dualtone Music Group (Guy Clark, Brett Dennen). This summer finds them criss-crossing the U.S. with stops that include Virginia's FloydFest, Summer Camp Festival in Illinois, and two tours to Oregon and the west coast.
Setting Dangermuffin ahead of the pack are the refreshingly magnetic lyrics of Dan Lotti, winner of the Songwriters Hall of Fame's 2005 “New Writers Showcase.” Lotti's strong, articulate vocals perfectly frame each song, creating a stout foundation for the tasteful poly-groove jams and improvisational passages. “The concepts of Moonscapes comes from when the tide goes out on the beach, leaving tidal pools that look like craters," says Lotti. "To me, that seemed like the notion of the sea of tranquility."
Dangermuffin's rhythmic anchor lies in the creative beats of Steven Sandifer (Drew Emmitt Band, Adrienne Young), embellished by the thrilling, twangy guitar stylings of Mike Sivilli. The result of their pooled talents is an inventive, fresh sound that retains an organic Americana truthfulness.
Last year, the band celebrated acclaim in Relix Magazine as the winners of the April 2009 “Jam Off” competition. Their fanbase grows exponentially with each new market and show, building off a strong southeast regional presence with appearances at festival's like Colorado's Jazz Aspen, opening for Xavier Rudd and Widespread Panic.
With two strong records already under their belt and a new flagship album ready for takeoff, 2010 will prove to be groundbreaking for Dangermuffin. Give Moonscapes a spin and experience the post-roots groove — a punchy, folk-jam pastry for the sweet-toothed soul of the south.
"...So here we have another fine example of the prodigious talent which is treading the boards in UK clubs. That said, if you see his name flagged up in your area, go along – based on this set you could be in for a very entertaining night."
