Legendary, BIZ MARKIE

www.bsideliquorlounge.com

Loneliest Monk : WIN! (7/18)

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

It's summer, so I've been craving a trip out to the Beachland Ballroom for some great music and a cold brew or two... the other evening I was perusing the upcoming calendar when the costumes of Loneliest Monk (listen to them) caught my interest.

Chicagoʼs art rock duo, The Loneliest Monk, is the musical marriage of two artist with two different backgrounds. Front lady, Michelle Morales (master- of-cellos, keyboards, vocals), has performed live with talented acts such as Phillip Glass, Kanye West, and The Foo Fighters. With a lovely, fragile voice, she sings of all things cute, fun, and innocent while Miles Benjamin (percussion, vocals, tiny pianos) lets his untamed passions pour over in a darker, more mysterious tone. I am thrilled to go see the their performance because I hear it's not just a rock show. Elaborate costumes, masks, and sets are supported by an avant-garde sound that combines cellos, pianos, organs, drums, samples, and voices. Michelle and Miles bring to the stage a sort of cool, haunting, and sexual air that is a welcoming detraction from the current indie trend.

PLUS, Ms. Blake the bands manager has offered iheartcleveland readers a free pair of tickets as well as TWO digital downloads of their album. Tell me all about the last concert you've seen in Cleveland and if you'd like to win these tickets for the Sunday night show OR free tunes. Winner will be drawn Friday afternoon. GIVE ME YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER.

Coming from Brooklyn, a sleepover in Cleveland and then on to Chicago...come on Cleveland show 'em what we got! Hope to see you there, 8pm Tavern. $6 a ticket

Summer Solstice Party

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

It’s the longest day of the year — time to have fun, let loose and be cool at one of Cleveland's most festive parties. Last year I had the privilege of getting one of the sold out tickets to the smashing soireé and let's just say it had to be the BEST party of the summer!

This Saturday, join the members of the Cleveland Museum of Art at their second annual Summer Solstice bash.

Stroll through the museum’s new galleries of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine, medieval and African art, as well as prints, drawings and more, while international musicians from Africa, the Middle East and the US turn up the tunes. DJ's and performers will keep you intrigued and excited all evening long!

For tickets visit the Cleveland Museum of Art website. I would advise you get your tickets early this week, word on the street says it will sell out!

Wade Oval WOW

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

I got to attend once last year, and this year I plan on trying to live at Wade Oval Wednesdays each and every Wednesday. Have you ever been?

If not, it is quite the treat that you won't want to miss. What started out as a small Wednesday evening concert series has grown into a weekly “party in the park.” More than 10,000 visitors each summer bring their families, friends, blankets, and lawn chairs to dance, relax, and enjoy music at WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays. This one-of-a-kind concert-going experience combines the outdoor charm of Wade Oval University Circle with the excitement of live music. Whether you’re a fan of rock & roll, jazz, folk, or reggae, there’s a concert that’s perfect for you

This week the folks at UCI welcome Carlos Jones and the Plus Band to kick off the summer festivities. Get there early for a great seat, a good place for your picnic basket and plaid blanket and first pick at many of the yummy treats all the area vendors bring to sell. See you at the Oval!

She & Him THIS THURSDAY!

While I know it says they are already sold out...there are still plenty of tickets to be had on Craig's List. Ms Deschanel & Sir Ward (She & Him) have sold out almost every show. I actually couldn't believe they were stopping in to visit with us, but I am so glad they are!

For a free sample of their sound visit the Levis (jeans) website to download a free tune. (LOVE FREE TUNES!)

Isn't this concert poster so charming? Designed by The Small Stakes, it made me think how this show may have such cute concert merchandise. Music AND shopping...my fave. :)

a busy weekend in CLE

Wow, have we a busy weekend or what Cleveland???

Feel like a dance party with a wrestling twist? Don’t miss Front Room’s “Ultimate Chapped & Chaffed Wrestling Federation International Extreme Entertainment Fighting Championship.” Beginning at 9:00pm, wear your dancing shoes. (3615 Superior Ave, East Cleveland) FREE

Sign up TODAY, for the Ultimate Sugar Cookie Decorating Class from Sandusky’s talented, Wendy Kromer. (contributing editor & baker aficionado to Martha Stewart Weddings) Join Wendy and her team as you learn her special secrets and tips of the decorating trade in her Sandusky Bake Shop. Limited spots available. Saturday, May 8th. From 9:00-11:30. $42 per person, supplies provided. To RSVP email sales@wendykromer.com



American Greetings Spring Fine Arts Show, This Friday at Spaces Gallery from 6-9pm. Don’t miss this outpouring of very talented local artists. This is a juried show so you’re in for a BIG TREAT! Spaces Gallery is located at 2220 Superior Viaduct.

I hear there are free pet nail trims at the remodeled PetSmart’s in North Olmstead & Mayfield Heights this Saturday? That’s all the info I have on that one, can’t find anything online.

Can’t make it to the Tri C Jazz Fest, Roots Concert Saturday night? Swing by B-side for some record mixing by ?uestlove. $15.00 pre-sale.

Did you know Saturday is also “Record Store Day?” As a new record player owner, I may have to get some new vinyl to spin in my kitchen. Baking and listening to records is my new love.

Pink Martini, the music (03/30)

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

If you haven't got your tickets to Tuesdays "Pink Martini" show than you may be out of luck.

The “little orchestra” from Portland, Oregon will be partnering with the Cleveland Orchestra Tuesday night and I belive it's a sold out show. You'll have to check on Craigs List perhaps?



If you've never heard of "Pink," they are simply magnifique. A sweet blend of Japanese pop, Italian film scores, and French cabaret. They have put out numerous albumns, each of them is as sweet as a little upcake. Can't wait!

She & Him in Cleveland!!!

This tour is selling out in every city from LA to Paris, I was sweetly surprised when She & Him, a duo comprised of Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward announced last week that they would stop in Cleveland.

I LOVE Zooey, last summer I even cut my bangs using her likeness as reference. Her quirky style, her charming smirk and her sassy sense of style, what's not to love?



Get your tickets today, they re SURE to sell out. Performing at the House of Blues June 10th, tickets start at $22.

Peaceful holiday weekend.

Well folks, where has December gone? As I grow older I realize how the term "time flies" is so very true. One day it's the 4th of July and the next is Christmas. I mean don't get me wrong, I've cherished each gingerbread man and peppermint stick...I've mixed and mingled. I've indulged in sweets and savory treats. I've stayed up late painting the town red. All the while...jingling all the way.

But with all this said..I'm ready for a weekend of peaceful holiday cheer. I'm one of those lucky few to be done shopping, all wrapped and shipped and now I get to enjoy the reason for the season.



A few things that are on my non-crazy holiday weekend MAY include...
- Wearing my "caterer-friend" hat and working a swanky holiday party with Cleveland's richy rich.

- An impromptu brunch with ELEVEN really great women.

- A sampling of fine cheese and wines at Baricelli Inn.

- If I realize I forgot someone on my list, maybe a stop into the Last Minute Market at the Lake Erie Screw Factory.

- Perhaps dinner "Christmas Story Style" at Touch...including Peking Duck.

- A bit of caroling with the Ohio City Singers at Happy Dog.

- Sunday jazz brunch with artists and friends at Flying Fig

- Maybe I'll even go see Santa to sit on his lap and let him know that for Christmas this year all I really want is a glittering of snow and peace of mind in the new year...okay, and maybe a sweater or two from J.Crew! :)

Happy holiday weekend to all and to all a good night.

E. Sharpe & M. Zeros (11/12)

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

So I hear this bizarre band one night on David Letterman...then a few weeks later their song "Home" appeared in the middle of "my" show, Gossip Girl...Looks like Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are invading...and their coming to Kent State Folk Festival this week!



The Beachland Ballroom is cohosting this show along with Kent and this is what they said...

"This band features Alex Ebert, formerly of dance band Ima Robot, as "Edward Sharpe," who leads a pack of Los Angeles heads and hippies into acoustic pop territory. Yes, these dudes and dudettes are rolling with a stoned and bearded zeitgeist that to Cleveland-bred listeners, sound kinda like Mikey Machine fronting the Dreadful Yawns. The rest of you might think it's all a very Polyphonic Spree/Flaming Lips-style bowl of musical cherries, but one can't deny Sharpe's way with a hook. This feel-good fest also features Family of the Year, and the darkened musical visage of Clevelanders Unsparing Sea."

Tickets are only $12 and are going fast, to buy tickets visit kentstage.org/index.html

Money, Drawings & Bells (11/05)

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Looking for some new music this week? Check out the following trio that will be performing this Thursday at Front Room Gallery

Helen Money is Alison Chesley, from Chicago. She played the Parish Hallin 2007. Her new album, "In Tune," is out now on Table of the Elements, and contains 9 tracks of dense and dark looped cello, including an instrumental cover of the Minutemen's "Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing."



Technical Drawings (Pittsburgh) is a duo comprised of Melissa St. Pierre (prepared piano) and Jesse Stiles (real-time drum algorithms, electronics, DSP). St. Pierre and Stiles’ performances and recordings embody a diverse set of influences including neoclassicism, rock, gamelan, and electronica.

Like Bells is an instrumental drums, guitar, and violin trio from Oberlin who have a full-length LP out on Cleveland's Exit Stencil Recordings.

The show will kick at The Front Room Gallery at 9pm, $5 cover and BYOB

a Wicked weekend

Halloween is my favorite holiday! The warm colors, the spicy scents, the sassy costumes, the sugary sweets it all adds up to the celebration of fall. Plus we fall back so we get a bonus hour of sleep.



This weekend along with bobbin for apples see if you can squeeze any of these little treats to your weekend rundown...

- An “All You Can Eat Buffet”
- A Party with the Dead
- A little Coco before Chanel
- Hoops with the boys
- Being okay with Miss Michaelson

So Happy HAlloween to everyone in the "Land-of-Cleve," and might I warn you, don't come by my house without a costume or you won't get any candy. :)

Mr. J-Z (10/22)

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Yeah I'm out that Brooklyn.
Now I'm down in Tribeca.
Right next to DeNiro
But I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra
And since I made it here
I can make it anywhere.

(Empire State Of Mind Lyrics, from "The Blueprint 3" album)



Grammy-winning rapper, and Beyonces hubbie, Jay-Z is booked for a concert at 7:30 THIS WEEK at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center. Tickets run from $35 to $125. If you don't want to gamble with trying to scalp a pair, visit www.livenation.com

Free Orchestra (9/23)

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Did you read the Sunday Arts Section of yesterdays Plain Dealer? The article was about the upcoming season of the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra. They outlined-in detail the musical season and highlighted each of the violin performers, needless to day it was a musical masterpiece. Inspiring!

While I can't honestly say I get to attend the orchestra often...have always wanted too though. This year, I plan to get tickets to one of the Cleveland Institute of Musics concerts. Master students fully staged opera performances, recitals, and other events.

This weeks FREE concert will feature Carl Topilow as conductor and Meredith Clark on harp. They will be performing BERLIOZ Overture to Benvenuto Cellini, GINASTERA Harp Concerto, Op. 25 and DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9, E minor, Op. 95 (“New World”) at CIM in Kulas Hall.



While most concerts are free, seating passes are distributed before selected concerts when capacity attendance is anticipated. Free seating passes must be reserved in advance of those concerts by calling the CIM Box Office at 216-791-5000, ext. 411. Passes must be picked up at the Box Office on the night of the concert, no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the concert or they will be distributed to patrons waiting for seats.

I hope to be able to squeeze in a sonnet or two this fall. For additional concert information visit www.cim.edu

Hot Cha Cha (8/30)

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

HotChaCha started as a girl band on an early Friday morning in '07 at the West Side Market in Cleveland.

Mandy and Jovana were sipping on coffee and decided that due to Mandys’ brilliant guitar sound, and Jovanas’ outrageous stage presence, they had something HUGE going on. A few days later a local drummer, Lisa, was txt messaged to come and jam with the above mentioned broads.

For three months the girls consumed large amounts of beer, peed in the garbage can at the practice space, wrote music, and jammed. Finally, one night under the influence of large amounts of alcohol, they agreed to play their first show.



After they rocked, offended a bunch of people, and inspired everyone to cry, they realized how HUGE they could be. Another thing became apparent- they needed a bass player!

Local bass playing boys were all in their business trying to get in on the HotChaCha phenomena, but the girls were firm- they wanted a girl bass player. That night Heather saw the show and fell in love with the band. The next practice she joined HotChaCha and never left.

It is than, that HCC was truly created. Mandy, Lisa. Heather, and Jovi became one ultimate machine that will make you laugh, and cry all at once.

See the Hot Cha Chas THIS Sunday at the Grog Shop tickets are $6

Concert Wednesday (8/19)

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

If you haven't been able to make any of the free shows the rock hall has been presenting this summer, this is your LAST CHANCE. This Wednesday, Youngstown’s Gil Mantera’s Party Dream will be playing with special guest, This is a Shakedown!



Gil Mantera’s Party Dream formed during a blizzard in 1999 as a joke, and by 2006 they were selling out shows across the country. In 2006, Village Voice honored them with the Best Show at the SXSW festival that year. They seem to like to wear crazy scantily clad costumes, wonder what Wednesday will bring?



This is a Shakedown!, although relatively new to the Cleveland music scene, is comprised of members of previously popular Northeast Ohio bands Dozen Dead Roses and Leo.

Each concert will be held outside on the Museum’s plaza. In case of bad weather, the shows will be moved indoors on the Main Stage. 6 pm www.rockhall.com

Heads Will Roll (7/28)

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Looking for an evening out to dance and scream your brains out? To wake up in the morning with a horse voice? To have the best pics on your ipod to share with your office-mates? The New York City-based indie band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be rolling into our town this Tuesday for their big Midwest debut at the House of Blues, you can't miss it.



The band consists of lead singer Karen O, drummer Brian Chase, and guitarist Nick Zinner. In 2000 they formed a trio, and were later joined by second guitarist Imaad Wasif in 2006 for touring purposes. According to an interview that aired during the ABC network's Live from Central Park SummerStage series, the band's name was taken from modern New York City vernacular.



Doors at 7pm, Show at 8:00pm tickets are $28.00
For ticket information visit www.houseofblues.com.

Peaches & Barbecue (7/23)

TODAY! July 23rd, 2009

Even though it's bit damp...put on your wellies, grab your unbrella and head over to the 3rd Annual, Blue Pike Farm Peach and Barbecue Festival.

Located at 900 E. 72nd St. location in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood the farm is the first farm started in Cleveland proper in the 21st Century. Dedicated to growing fresh products, using natural and sustainable agricultural practices.



Today's event will feature fresh peaches from Wolf Family Farms, BBQ by Wild Bill's championship BarBQ team, musical guests Squeal'n Like A Pig, a car & truck parade and special pastries by Lucy's Sweet Surrender.


4-7pm. Call 373-9461 for more info or visit www.localharvest.org/farms/M16461

Strings on Sunday (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

This weekend they are calling for off and on showers. What better way to shield ourselves from the sprinkles than to head indoors to this years "String Spectacular" as part of the Cleveland Orchestras summer series.

Come hear over 100 of the country’s finest young string players performing all-time favorites such as Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Barber: Adagio for Strings and Vivaldi: “Spring” from The Four Seasons.



Severance Hall, 3pm, For tickets and more information visit www.clevelandorchestra.com

Day 'N Night (7/17)

Friday, July 17th, 2009

I don't know much about "Mr. Kid Kudi," but I do know that I think his song "Day N Night" is the BEST summer drive-fast-down-the-shoreway-tune! AND he is going to be in Cleveland in Concert THIS Friday night at the House of Blues.



"Kid," will be part of the Great Hangover Tour, tickets start at $28, show starts at 9pm.