October/November Concert Calendar

October/November Concert Calendar
I spent some time looking at the October and November offerings at my favorite music venues and was surprised at how many shows caught my eye. This Sunday, October 10, Raul Malo is at the Kent Stage. He is a tremendous performer, and if you have a chance to see him this time around don’t pass it up. The Kent stage has a lot of great shows coming up, including Marc Cohn on October 12 and the Max Weinberg Big Band on November 4. Check out their colander at www.kentstage.org.
The Beachland Ballroom features the return of Alejandro Escovedo, still touring in support of his “Streetsongs of Love” release on Monday, October 11; singer/songwriter Chuck Prophet on Wednesday October 20 (I have never seen him but he comes highly recommended by music aficionado Mike Sokolowski); and Josh Ritter, in support of his new release “So Goes the World Away.” His last Beachland show was terrific. All three shows should be pretty solid. For the complete Beachland music calendar visit www.beachlandballroom.com.
The Trombone Shorty show originally scheduled for the Beachland has been moved to the House of Blues on Friday, November 12, with the Rebirth Brass Band added to the bill. Also at the House of Blues in November is the annual return of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on the 26th. Yes, it will be 1980 all over again and the crowd will love it. For all the good things going on at the House of Blues visit www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/Cleveland.
Over a nine day period the Winchester has three potentially great shows lined up. On Wednesday, October 27, former Byrd and founding member of the Flying Burrito Brothers (not to mention his time with the Southern, Hillman, Furay Band) Chris Hillman hits the stage. Here’s a chance to see up close a real legend of rock and roll, one often credited with being the founder of country rock. Two days later on Friday, October 29, one time Cleveland favorite Andy Pratt plays here for the first time in who knows when. Remember “Avenging Annie”? Then the following Friday, November 5, Mississippi based blues pianist/vocalist Eden Brent makes her Cleveland debut. I haven’t seen her yet, but the buzz about her is that she is very good. For more information about these shows and more visit www.thewinchester.net.
On Thursday, November 4, Los Lobos returns to Cleveland with a show at the Masonic Auditorium at 36th and Euclid. This should be a good show in an under used venue. The concert is being promoted by Visible Voices Books, the great Tremont bookstore/wine bar. For more information go to www.visiblevoicesbooks.com/events.
Nighttown didn’t have their November calendar posted yet, but three shows in October jumped out at me. On Saturday, October 16, the San Francisco Jazz Collective makes an appearance; on Wednesday, October 20, Cleveland Hts. native jazz drummer Neil Smith brings in his All Star Quartet; and on Monday, October 25, 8 string guitar virtuoso Charlie Hunter and his Trio perform. Visit www.nighttowncleveland.com for information on all of their shows.