THURS 02/27
Bad Boys Jam: 9 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Terence Blanchard Quintet: 8 p.m., $30. Nighttown.
Vicki Chew/Lenny Gray Jazz Trio: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.
Counter Intuits/Pleasure Leftists/The Insurance Salesmen: 9 p.m., $5. Happy Dog.
Dead Ahead/Syrup: 9 p.m., $10. Beachland Ballroom.
Chris Hatton (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Lydia Loveless/Hazard Adams: 8:30 p.m., $8. Beachland Tavern.
Mush Mouth/Clockwork Rapperatus/Kill the Hippies: 9 p.m., free. Now That's Class.
The Official Benefit for DJ Besto Part 2 with DJ Know1/No Loot/DJ Ceven/DJ Tek: 10 p.m., $10. Grog Shop.
FRI 02/28
Bad Boys Jam: 9 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
The Admirables: 9 p.m., $5. Happy Dog.
Big Head Todd & the Monsters: 8 p.m., $22.50 ADV, $25 DOS. House of Blues.
Terence Blanchard Quintet: 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., $30. Nighttown.
Cuyuga/Max's Farm/George Foley & Friends: 5:30 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.
James Fenske CD Release (in the Locker Room): 8 p.m., free. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
Jimmy Jack (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Lincoln Way Band: 9:30 p.m. Thirsty Cowboy.
Bam Margera as Fuck Face Unstoppable: 7 p.m., $15 ADV, $19 DOS. Agora Ballroom.
Thor Platter/Erica Blinn & Yellow Light Maybe: 9 p.m., $5. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
The Promise Hero/Farraday/A Work of Fiction/Motives/Everyone Leaves/Breaking Character: While the Promise Hero has been associated with the emo/screamo scene, singer-guitarist Bobby Vaughn says the band's music on last year's Deja Vu comes out on the quieter side of things. "If I had to choose between the two, I would say we're emo," he says. "But I like to think of us as acoustic alternative rock." On album opener "Déjà Vu," an elegant string arrangement and bits of piano amplify singer Bobby Vaughn's high-pitched vocals, making an otherwise ordinary power ballad into something powerful (think of Green Day's "Street of Broken Dreams"). Elsewhere, "Keep It Flowing" is a poppy Weezer-like number with nasally vocals, and the bouncy piano in "Locked Up Alone" sounds like something from a Ben Folds album. The tunes reflect Vaughn's inspirations: the Beatles and Beach Boys. 7:30 p.m., $5. Grog Shop. (Jeff Niesel)
Rockabilly Anniversary: Alan Leatherwood/David Loy & the Ramrods/The Rocket 88s: 8 p.m., $7. Beachland Tavern.
The Sonics/The Cynics: 9 p.m., $25-$50. Beachland Ballroom.
Richard Thompson/Teddy Thompson: Singer-songwriter, guitarist and critically acclaimed darling of British Invasion bands, Richard Thompson, will electrify the Kent Stage tonight. His founding band Fairport Convention hit the airwaves in 1968 but after five albums Thompson left to pursue a solo career. From bare bones folk to soaring electric guitar solos, he has the versatility to meet any situation. Simply titled Electric, last year's effort showcases the artist's electric guitar skills and upholds his reputation as a top-notch songwriter. "Good Things Happen To Bad People" sounds like an R.E.M.-inspired electric folk song while coming off as uplifting despite the song's cynical title. "Straight And Narrow" on the other hand features a Doors-style organ overtop short, punchy guitar licks. And if neither of those songs interests you, look back to his 2003 blues cover of "Oops! I Did It Again" by Britney Spears for a few good laughs. 8 p.m., $30-$40. The Kent Stage. (William Hoffman)
Yeesh/Mighty Ducks Too/Daylight is the Dream: Indie rockers Yeesh appropriately describe their sound as "guitars like airplanes: loud, fast, delayed." The band falls into a post-hardcore-ish kind of category. Songs like "Young Man" and "Hot Jupiter" start with a slow build and then take off with the energy of a jet, soaring up to the sky with airy, echoing vocals and fast-paced guitars. Not everything is so frenzied; tracks like "Japanese Jabberwocky" and "Crushed" have more controlled, deliberate riffs. 9 p.m., $5. Now That's Class. (Liz Trenholme)
SAT 03/01
All Dinosaurs/Night Sweats/Black Puddle Noise: 9 p.m., $8. Beachland Tavern.
The Approach and the Execution/Deadiron/Ruins of Tekoah/Purveyors of Fiction: 7 p.m., $8 ADV, $10 DOS. Agora Ballroom.
Eddie Baccus Sr. and Friends: 8:30 p.m., $15. Nighttown.
Badfish/Tropidelic: The thing about Sublime tribute band Badfish is that they perfectly encapsulate the vision set forth by Bradley Nowell and Co. back in the day. While putting their own twist on certain songs, the band members keep the energetic spirit of Sublime alive, all while proffering the music to younger generations and new fans alike. They formed in 2001 at the University of Rhode Island and it's been a wild ride ever since. Each time they come around to the region, they seem to be bolder and more invigorated. Seven or eight years ago, they were a slimmed-down version of themselves playing smaller bars around Ohio, including a long-gone Blue Gator in Athens. A frontman change in 2007 opened up their sound and ensured that there was no slowing down for these guys. 9 p.m., $17 ADV, $20 DOS. House of Blues. (Eric Sandy)
The Greg Blachman Band/K.K. Farnsworth Eclecticity/Flannel Response/Scum Park Hooligan: On last year's Beyond Horizons, progressive metal heroes the Greg Blachman Band draw from the well of late '90s grunge. While the technical guitar leads are more rooted in classic rock (think Joe Satriani), the title track evokes Alice in Chains. The Cincy-based band is currently on a short regional tour. The guys don't play these parts much so prog rock fans will want to check out tonight's show. 7:30 p.m. The Symposium. (Niesel)
Danyl Chambers/Bill Lestock: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.
Stanley Clarke: For its 14th anniversary weekend, Beachland Ballroom has really done itself proud. The hallowed Collinwood music venue rolls out the road construction carpet for none other than Stanley Clarke tonight. The legendary jazz bassist will be playing his iconic School Days in its entirety, along with other tunes from across his career. To the curious: If you haven't chanced upon Clarke's work, do check out School Days. You'll be groovin' hard all day. This album is a wonder of four-string magic. To those in the know, you know. We recommend cueing up "The Dancer" for now and just letting the atmospheric rhythms wash across your mind. The beauty of that song and many more will really come alive beneath the disco ball refractions of the Beachland. This one's gonna be special. 'Nuff said. 8:30 p.m., $35-$55. Beachland Ballroom. (Sandy)
Dinner and a Suit/Daniel Rylander/First and Thorne/Allen Cruz and the Galaxy: 8 p.m., $10. Musica.
Into the Blue: Grateful Dead Revival: 9 p.m., $10. The Winchester.
Steve Masek (in the Wine Bar): Brothers Lounge.
Murder by Death/Samantha Crain: If the guys in an American tall tale came to life, got drunk on bourbon and started singing songs, they would sound a lot like Murder By Death. This band from Bloomington, Ind., comes to the Grog Shop tonight to play its own blend of indie rock/Americana. Frontman Adam Turla's gruff vocals are complemented by cello, cornet, accordion, mandolin and theremin. The group's 2012 release Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon features hard-hitting ballads like "Straight At The Sun" which borders on psychedelic electro-noise while retaining the band's dusty folk sound. Expect a few fan favorites from their latest release, the Kickstarter-funded As You Wish, an album featuring covers of songs like the Misfits' "Some Kind Of Hate" and Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World." 9 p.m., $17. Grog Shop. (Eric Gonzalez)
Tom Orange/Jonah Parzen-Johnson/Austin Vaughn (in the Locker Room): 9 p.m., free. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
Revolution Brass Band CD Release/Muamin Collective: 9 p.m., $10-$15. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
Cal Scruby: 8 p.m., $15. The Kent Stage.
The Tossers/Continental/Craic/Andy Powder & the Drips: Celtic punk band the Tossers make their way to Cleveland tonight as part of their annual St. Patrick's Day tour. Featuring fiddles and tin whistles, their music ignites a party atmosphere as only an Irish band (and some booze) can. They'll be playing songs off their latest album, Emerald City. Songs like the title track and "USA" feature fast-paced beats and catchy riffs punctuated by syrupy smooth violin, contrasted with singer Tony Duggins' scratchy voice. "Siobhan" marries fast fiddles with fast-paced singing and drums, topping all of that off with a chorus dance-y enough to get your feet moving. Lyrics focus on good times with friends and family, and even touch on what it means to reach for the American dream while keeping true to your Irish roots. 8 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Now That's Class. (Trenholme)
The Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute: Terry Lee Goffee: Local 9 p.m., $10. Thirsty Cowboy. Whipping Post: 9:30 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
SUN 03/02
Bog Trotters: 6 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.
Chil CD Release: 6 p.m., $5. The Kent Stage.
Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands: 4 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Agora Ballroom.
Lord Dying/Venomin James/Goosed: 9 p.m., $8. Now That's Class.
Donny McCaslin Quartet: 7 p.m., $20. Nighttown.
Parquet Courts/Connections/Pleasure Leftists: 8:30 p.m., $13 ADV, $15 DOS. Beachland Ballroom.
Polka Bash with Polka Pirates: 3 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Lou Reed Birthday Celebration with Mirrors/Kevin Junior/Rainy Day Saints: Hey, it's Lou Reed's birthday! While he's no long with us, there's a party tonight at the Beachland celebrating the iconic artist's special day, and local musicians Mirrors, Kevin Junior & Friends (ex Chamber Strings) and Rainy Day Saints will perform as a tribute to him. Born Lewis Allan Reed on March 2, 1942, in Freeport, Long Island, he fronted the Velvet Underground and later pursued an extensive solo career. While the Velvets didn't achieve much commercial success during their time together, they've gained increasing attention in the years since, garnering quite a following and proving to be very influential to many acts and artists of today. Reed underwent a liver transplant in Cleveland last May, but unfortunately passed away five months later on Oct. 27. 9 p.m., free. Beachland Tavern. (Trenholme)
Sunday Noise Lunch: 4 p.m., free. Now That's Class.
The Sword/Big Business/O' Brother: Resurrecting classic metal, the Sword pays tribute to the '70s heavy metal style while giving it a modern update. Super chunky guitar riffs and slower paced songs mixed with carefully thought-out lyrics bring back the epic craft of what once was heavy metal songwriting. Unlike metal bands that get their kicks from high-octane blast beats and death growling vocals, these guys play it cool by incorporating musicality while still seriously rocking out. In "Cloak of Feathers" from Apocryphon, their latest release, the guys explode with searing guitar riffs that drop out to leave room for vocals. It's an epic style of playing that definitely picks up on what was so awesome about Sabbath and Zeppelin but gives it a great modern take. 8 p.m., $18. Grog Shop. (Patrick Stoops)
MON 03/03
Gary Clark Jr.: Gary Clark Jr. recently exploded out of Austin, Texas, winning pretty much every award at SXSW last year and then nabbing a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Expect to hear much more from this rising guitarist in the near future. Clark is known for his raw, fuzzy guitar playing, and his 2012 release Blak and Blu is an eclectic mix of soul, pop, hip-hop, R&B and blues. "When My Train Pulls In" is one of Clark's signature blues tunes, rolling out some heavy fuzz-laden solos over thick, dark harmonies. On the lighter side, his happy-go-lucky power-pop blues hybrid "Glitter Ain't Gold" has a nice, shiny, upbeat brightness in the guitars and backing vocals. He's received much criticism about his sound being too clean and spread over too many genres, but Clark has expressed a fear of being pigeonholed as "that guitar guy." Expect tonight's show to push those boundaries a bit more. 8 p.m., $27.50 ADV, $32 DOS. House of Blues. (Gonzalez)
George Foley & Friends/Alex Grubb: 8:30 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.
Mojo Big Band: 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Velvet Voyage (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
We Were Promised Jetpacks/Honeyblood: 8:30 p.m., $13. Grog Shop.
TUES 03/04
10th Annual Green 17 Tour with Flogging Molly/The Drowning Men: Flogging Molly's blend of banjo, fiddle and tin whistle with high-octane buzz-saw guitar and driving bass and drum is truly original and different. The seven-member group has attracted a diverse base of all ages. Its influences range from the Dubliners and Luke Kelly to the Clash and Johnny Cash. Lead singer Dave King, who had been in '80s heavy-metal band Fastway, left Europe to strike out on his own in the early '90s and landed in Los Angeles. Flogging Molly began in Los Angeles in 1997, quickly becoming a house band of sorts at local watering hole Molly Malone's. The band's most recent release, 2011's Speed of Darkness was released on the group's new start-up label Borstal Beat Records. The fifth studio effort shed light on the plight of the industrial recession in Detroit, where King and wife Bridgette Regan live part of the year. 7:30 p.m., $34 ADV, $36 DOS. House of Blues. (Mark C. Horn)
Lyrical Rhythms: Poetry & Soul Open Mic: 9 p.m., free. Grog Shop.
Maker/Rust Belt Lights/Blacklister/Uptight/The Spectators (in the Locker Room): 7 p.m., $6. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
The Neighbors: 10 p.m., free. Now That's Class.
Open Mic Night with Gary Hall: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.
Two Set Tuesday (in the Wine Bar): 6:30 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Water Liars/Humble Home: Water Liars' new self-titled LP is a folksy work that vacillates between reflective tunes and bombastic, in-your-face rock 'n' roll. "Let it Breathe" is a terrific example of the former, offering glimpses of American life that at times border on Woody Guthrie-tinged simplicity. Then you've got songs like "Ray Charles Dream" that sound torn from the set list of a punk-rockabilly show. The trio throws down the thrills throughout though, and it's a sure bet that their show tonight will dish up hills and valleys of emotion. Several fun facts: The band is named after the first story in Barry Hannah's collection Airships. The musicians (originally a duo) met in Pittsboro, Miss., and they claim they are on tour "forever." You can catch 'em tonight. 8 p.m., $25. Beachland Tavern. (Sandy)
WED 03/05
10 X 3 Hosted by Brent Kirby (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Bayside/Four Year Strong/Daylight/Mixtapes: 7:30 p.m., $15.50 ADV, $18 DOS. Beachland Ballroom.
Rob Bliss/The Jeremy Mohney Trio: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.
Green River Ordinance/Elenowen/Marc Scibilia: 8 p.m., $12. Musica.
Juicy J/Travi$ Scott/Project Pat: 7 p.m., $28 ADV, $35 DOS. The Agora Theatre.
Perfect Pussy/Nope/Jane Ire: 9 p.m., $8. Now That's Class.
Saintseneca/Two Hand Fools/The Melodic/Dolfish: Saintseneca brings much-needed distinction to the watered-down folk/Americana scene, particularly in their eerie background washes and terrific harmonies. When we last met Saintseneca in 2012, the band was working its most recent album, Last, on the road. And that album remains the hallmark of a tidily quaint catalog. With aplomb, the musicians wind their way through a dynamic collection of tunes. The opening triumvirate, "Acid Rain," "Blood Drawing," and "Beasts" presents a nice cross-section of everything good in indie folk music these days. "Beasts," in particular, showcases how a songwriter can balance strength on the back of solitude and quiet. Looking ahead, Saintseneca drops their next album, Dark Arc, on April 1. Several songs have been released publicly so far. The merrily brooding "Happy Alone" portends great things for the rest of the album. Listen for new tunes during tonight's gig. 8:30 p.m., $8. Grog Shop. (Sandy)
That 1 Guy: 9 p.m., $15. Beachland Tavern.