Band Members

Jake Speed: Guitar, harmonica, kazoo, washboard

Kentucky Graham: Guitar

Justin Todhunter: Mandolin

Chris Werner: Bass

Booking info: jakespeed2001@hotmail.com

Bands Website

More Pics

Upcoming Shows

Fri, Sep 5 Northside Tavern on Hamilton Ave. in Northside 10pm-1am. Free.
Sat, Sep 6 Imago Nature Center in Price Hill. 9:30pm-11:00pm.
Sat, Sep 27 Private Party 8pm-11pm.

Eastside Vibe Review

Putters is a great place to eat, especially if your into the game because they have dozens of tv’s in all sizes with every game known to man on. However, after the dinner rush Putters fires up the stage lights and the bands take over. Putters has been booking some really great talent lately too. We see a lot of names on Putter’s band list we don’t see anywhere else on the Eastside. I have to say Amen! to Putters for booking Jake Speed. We don’t see their name around here near enough and I hope that’s going to change. These guys pluck the strings and sing like nothing you have ever seen. Our buddy Phil (Right Turn Clyde) told us we just have to see the band. “Man, you have to see em’... it’s a sight to behold, they play all kinds of songs you’ve never heard of, it’s unbelievable, they even play songs from the 1800’s, it’s crazy”
Phil was right. Jake Speed is a sight to behold. The band is a little bluegrass, a little folk and definitely original. Original is what it’s all about with these guys and their originals are so impressive I’ve only seen them once and I’m already a fan. I will say this, nothing I can write will adequately prepare you for the show.
Like Phil said “it’s a sight to behold” and that ain’t no lie people.
The originals they play are almost all based on local places and Cincinnati themes. Think about that! Dozens of songs about Cincinnati
(Leaving Cincinnati, Rabbit Hash, Old Ludlow, Ohio River Waltz, Queen City Rag, Witch in Mill Creek, Anderson Ferry & Losantaville just to name a few) Who’d ever imagine?
Now if that’s not original what is? 89.7 could catapult these guys to the top, they play better than most anyone I’ve heard on that station for a while now. Seriously they’re that good. It’s a sound that’s so infectious you can’t look away and if you look closely you’ll see front man Jake Speed tapping his toes on a wash board covered in pennies, a funky little background instrument of his own design. When he’s not tapping on the washboard, picking his six string and blowing in the harp he’s casually entertaining the crowd with wit and a sense of humor reminiscent of the late Mitch Hedberg.
The rest of the band seems as entertained by Jake as the crowd is. It’s pure spontaneity.
Pro musicians jammin to their own unique beat will please any crowd, and the Putters crowd was no exception. Diners were leaving the tables and taking seats right up front when the band got in gear. You just can’t help it! In the tune “Leaving Cincinnati” the lyrics go “I’m leaving Cincinnati, I’m southern bound, leaving Cincinnati cause I’m scared of downtown” I know what you mean Jake, I hate our dilapidated downtown as well. Thankfully all of us Eastsiders don’t have to venture into the mean streets of downtown to see great acts like Jake Speed. You can catch the acts right here in Milford.
Until they play the Eastside again, you can check out the band at www.freddiesmusic.com
Hopefully we’ll see them here again real soon.