Jammin' Out
This Damn Band
We caught the bands’ show up at Big Ed’s in Amelia. We walked in to a rockin’ Rolling Stones cover and walked out on the last note of an awesome Allman brothers tune at last call. If your lookin’ to get a groove on diggin’ into some classic rock that fills the bill here you go. This Damn Band is a newcomer to the Eastside music scene but the players have been around a long time. Excellent group to book when your looking for a band that plays good Southern rock, classics and 80’s hits. They have a good time jammin’ to a crowd 20 or 200. Keep an eye on Big Ed’s schedule, they have a lot of talent coming through the doors, some you know of, some you will.
Tiny Johnson Band
We saw this dynamic duo up at By Gollys. Yes By Gollys has bands every Thursday, Friday & Saturday in June, in fact a Memories of Elvis show is scheduled for June 20th you won’t want to miss. Even without The King in the building By Golly’s has live entertainment, The Tiny Johnson Band was keeping things lively with their down home grass roots, folk & classic tunes. Keep an eye on the schedule, there is more to this little pub than just the By Golly Burger.
Dr. Dan & Andy
We found Dr. Dan & Andy keepin’ it casual at Sleepy Hollow. The two man band takes a six string and a mandolin and caresses sweet sounds of great acoustic classic tunes out of them. You’ll hear CSN, The Dead and the like but don’t be afraid to speak up and request a tune. Jimmy Buffett fans are always welcome as well. Sleepy Hollow is not so sleepy since the owners have staffed the bar with fresh new blood. Dan the bar manager has been burning up our band list booking cool acoustic and electric acts for the weekends. He’s had a huge response from the lively atmosphere too, in fact last month Sleepy’s hit an all time new sales record! In June he’s booked Vaughn & Co, Harvest, Dave & Amos Hawkin, Pete Snow, Tom Triplet, David Sedlak and Todd Hagedorn.
Midnight On Vine
Midnight On Vine is a classic rock jam band that has impressed fans and musicians alike for a long time in Cincy. They’ve played big stages and tiny pubs. We saw the show at Anderson Bar & Grill.
This band definitely has something that makes them stand out (maybe it’s that cool guitar/bass combo). ABG does an excellent job of keeping their entertainment as fresh as their big slabs of fish (and that’s saying something too). June is a slow time for pubs but ABG is keeping the pedal to the metal, just check out the June schedule.
House Party
House Party is an Eastside staple. We remember when Rhinos first booked a band at all, and it was House Party. J&B’s hasn’t forgot how much the crowd loves this band and you’ll see their name on his band roster frequently. Why do people like them so much? Well maybe it because House party is like having a live DJ/band. They don’t just spin “Pussy Control” they play it live. Much of their set is club DJ style hits. They keep it funky and occasionally get the audience involved like in this photo. J&B’s is getting a reputation for booking the good local bands the crowds want. Including some up coming 80’s nights that have become so popular recently.
Kenny Welch
KWB can be found kickin’ ass on the country stage all over town playing their brand of modern country. We stopped by Rhinos for the Joe Carpenter Benefit to check it out. Haze Effect and Kenny Welch both did an excellent job keeping the crowd entertained. We really liked KWB’s Kid Rock cover. Guitaist Rob Fancher sings with Kenny on this tune and they really did a stellar job. KWB keeps the set list fresh by learning the latest greatest top country hits. Special thanks to Rhinos, Haze Effect, KWB and everyone who made this benefit memorable. Great job guys
Ridge Runner
Another great modern country band. We consistently see Ridge Runner booked around town. A peek at their schedule reveals that they are booked all over the Tri-State including at the upcoming Fountain Square Southern Sounds Concert Series (June 30th). Ridge Runner has two original CD releases “Leave The Rest Behind (06’) and Kickin’& Stompin’ (09’). You can hear the bands originals at their web site www.ridgerunnerband.com They are certainly talented and we really love the “big” country sound they achieve by incorporating piano & fiddle into their six piece band.
Check out the live show at Buffalo Harry’s, if anyone in the city has the best live country bands you know it’s going to be them.
Bob Cushing
We realize how often we harp on Bob but he deserves it. Last month we told you about Bob’s new CD release “Still Alive” and we are still listening to it almost daily. Instead of re-hashing our previous kudos on one of our all time favorite local artists just look him up on our site and read the past articles. What you really need to do is get a driver, (it’s Bob, you’re going to need one) and get to the live show. You can see Bob at Lebos on June 3rd & 17th. Bob stays booked on the Westside but he’s getting more and more gigs over here on the good side. With only 2 shows at Lebos you had better show up to one (or both) and let Lebo’s know we want Bob to stay booked on the Eastside. Don’t forget Lebo’s Thursday night open jam with the Dan Varner Trio.
Grateful Dads
Here’s band that’s hard to find playing out but when you do see them booked you had better jump on it. The Grateful Dads are a Grateful dead cover band (really?) and every pub that books them has nothing but rave reviews. Jack Casey owner of KC’s Pub never steers us wrong and judging by the talent he brings in every month if he says they are “Phenomenal” you can cash that like a certified check. KC’s has them playing June 27 and that’s their only June show so if you dig the Dead don’t miss out on this singular show.
If you do miss it don’t forget KC’s has bands you would never expect to see in a small pub. Jack has been one of the best talent scouts in town, nearly every good band in town has played his stage and it shows no signs of slowing.
