May/June 2012 Cleveland Clubs Concert Preview

Great stuff all around…I love going to Nighttown, and over the years have seen every genre of jazz performed there. But I think the place is at its best when it’s a great vocalist surrounded by stellar players. You’ll have that chance to see two of the best in May as Helen Welch does two nights on May 11 and 12. She’ll be doing songs from her recent Beatles tribute album, and then the legendary Freddy Cole comes in on May 14 & 15. I’ve seen both of these great singers perform at Nighttown and it is always special.  For those of you who like a touch of rock with your jazz, former Journey drummer Steve Smith brings his band Vital Information to Nighttown on June 18 & 19. Cleveland’s best jazz club has all sorts of great things going on in the next few months, check out their music calendar at www.nighttown.com.

As you head to Progressive Field this summer to see the Tribe don’t forget Wilbert’s, right outside centerfield on Huron Avenue. The club will feature almost every genre of popular music over the next few months. I have not seen her yet, but I have heard very good things about Australian folk singer Marta Pecek who plays the club on June 1.  Thursday, June 14, will be a special night at the club with a tribute to the recently deceased blues DJ “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, with a who’s who of the local blues scene playing including “Moon Child” Haddix and Wallace Coleman. Long time Cleveland favorite Norm Nardini from Pittsburgh will play for two nights June 15 & 16.  Check out all the stuff going on at Wilbert’s by visiting www.wilberts.com.

Don’t forget to head out to the west side soon and check out all the good things happening at the Winchester in Lakewood. May 4 slide guitarist Chris Duarte from Austin, Texas; Glen Philips from Toad the Wet Sprocket plays May 19; and local favorite Bowie tribute band Diamond Dogs returns on June 16. Lots of other great shows, plus Phil Keaggy in July, check it out at www.thewinchester.net.

Down in Kent the Kent Stage is continuing its tenth anniversary celebration with some terrific shows, including Asleep at the Wheel and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on May 18; blues guitarist Robert Cray on June 2; and making a rare northern Ohio appearance on June 8 is Rickie Lee Jones. Their music calendar is at www.thekentstage.com.

The Beachland Ballroom as always will be going strong over the next few months with blues guitarist Sonny Landreth on May 17; the Punch Brothers on June 3^rd; Jonathon Richmond on June 6^th; and one of my favorites, Paul Thorn and his Band on June 20^th. Don’t forget about the club’s rock and roll brunches on Sundays and its record/vintage clothing store in the basement. Check out www.beachlandballroom.com for all the story.

            Downtown at the House of Blues things will be rocking with local products Rosavelt along with Don Dixon and Marti Jones on May 18; local favorites the BeDeans on June 24^th; and Collective Soul on June 26^th. Don’t forget about their Sunday Gospel Brunches and Brandi Carlisle and Rufus Wainwright are coming in August. For more info visit www.houseofblues.com/cleveland.