Brian Ahnmark
Keep it up, gentlemen. You won't be an opening act for long.
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shows
Hundred Visions
Hundred Visions
Live @ The Basement
Live @ The Basement
Heartless Bastards
Heartless Bastards
Live @ The A&R Bar
Live @ The A&R Bar
Brian Ahnmark
Touring in support of their fourth LP Arrow, released just two days before the show, the Bastards surprisingly played the record in its entirety. And for good reason; the ten-song cycle is their most focused and creative work to date. Epic album opener “Marathon” also lit the fuse for the concert, Wennerstrom wailing the refrain of “I'm on my way home” with added poignancy.
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Touring in support of their fourth LP Arrow, released just two days before the show, the Bastards surprisingly played the record in its entirety. And for good reason; the ten-song cycle is their most focused and creative work to date. Epic album opener “Marathon” also lit the fuse for the concert, Wennerstrom wailing the refrain of “I'm on my way home” with added poignancy.
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Buffalo Killers, Nick Tolford and Company, Mount Carmel
Buffalo Killers, Nick Tolford and Company, Mount Carmel
Live @ The Woodlands Tavern
Live @ The Woodlands Tavern
Brian Ahnmark
On the first bitter day of the 2012 winter, visitors to Grandview's Woodlands Tavern were greeted by a roaring pit fire on the outdoor patio. 'Twas a harbinger of the Friday night to come, as three Ohio bands generated sufficient heat to melt the freeze.
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On the first bitter day of the 2012 winter, visitors to Grandview's Woodlands Tavern were greeted by a roaring pit fire on the outdoor patio. 'Twas a harbinger of the Friday night to come, as three Ohio bands generated sufficient heat to melt the freeze.
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Jenny Owen Youngs
Jenny Owen Youngs
Live @ The Basement
Live @ The Basement
The Ridges
The Ridges
Jess Meadows
The Ridges EP and live performance are a chilling and intriguing journey into the realm of the unknown.
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The Ridges EP and live performance are a chilling and intriguing journey into the realm of the unknown.
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Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band
Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band
Marty Connors
The last time Josh Ritter came to the Ballroom, I wrote a review for that show as well, so I will try not to retrace my steps here, but there is only so many ways that I can tell you how brilliant Josh Ritter is live.
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The last time Josh Ritter came to the Ballroom, I wrote a review for that show as well, so I will try not to retrace my steps here, but there is only so many ways that I can tell you how brilliant Josh Ritter is live.
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Southeast Engine
Southeast Engine
Brian Ahnmark
A veritable feast of songwriters brought all the warmth of a family gathering to the intimate venue, minus the pesky in-fighting and stilted interaction with distant relatives. 'Twas a welcome respite from the cold November night, complete with a cornucopia of snapshot-worthy moments.
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A veritable feast of songwriters brought all the warmth of a family gathering to the intimate venue, minus the pesky in-fighting and stilted interaction with distant relatives. 'Twas a welcome respite from the cold November night, complete with a cornucopia of snapshot-worthy moments.
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Jesco White
Jesco White
Wil Burton
Jesco cannot really be described in a written article. You have to see him in action. And although only a shell of his former self, due mostly to extreme gas-huffing over a long period of time, he can still put on a show with his feet.
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Jesco cannot really be described in a written article. You have to see him in action. And although only a shell of his former self, due mostly to extreme gas-huffing over a long period of time, he can still put on a show with his feet.
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Phantogram w/ Josiah Wolf
Phantogram w/ Josiah Wolf
Jason Turner
By the time Phantogram took the stage my concern about Carter’s dislike of empty rooms was all but forgotten. The room was tightly, but not uncomfortably, packed, with a disproportionately high number of faux-hawks, facial hair and flannel filling the space.
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By the time Phantogram took the stage my concern about Carter’s dislike of empty rooms was all but forgotten. The room was tightly, but not uncomfortably, packed, with a disproportionately high number of faux-hawks, facial hair and flannel filling the space.
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Ben Kweller
Ben Kweller
Live @ The Basement
Live @ The Basement
Brian Ahnmark
The many sides of Ben Kweller were on full display Monday at The Basement in Columbus. Gibson-shredding rock showman? Check. Introspective acoustic strummer? Check. Piano balladeer? Check.
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The many sides of Ben Kweller were on full display Monday at The Basement in Columbus. Gibson-shredding rock showman? Check. Introspective acoustic strummer? Check. Piano balladeer? Check.
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The Summer Set
The Summer Set
Courtney Hill
I’ve seen The Summer Set about a half-a-dozen times and they have yet to disappoint. They are fun, they are energetic they are passionate and continually growing and improving. It doesn’t hurt that the lead singer, Brian Dales, used to date Disney darling Chelsea Kane from Jonas L.A.
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I’ve seen The Summer Set about a half-a-dozen times and they have yet to disappoint. They are fun, they are energetic they are passionate and continually growing and improving. It doesn’t hurt that the lead singer, Brian Dales, used to date Disney darling Chelsea Kane from Jonas L.A.
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Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog
Live @ Newport Music Hall
Live @ Newport Music Hall
Brian Ahnmark
A number of unique production quirks also added to the ambiance and celebratory atmosphere. Prior to the band's entrance, a fully-suited astronaut appeared and aimed a bullhorn at the crowd (message unintelligible). As is their custom, the band members sported stocking caps and sunglasses (Yes, for an indoor show at night).
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A number of unique production quirks also added to the ambiance and celebratory atmosphere. Prior to the band's entrance, a fully-suited astronaut appeared and aimed a bullhorn at the crowd (message unintelligible). As is their custom, the band members sported stocking caps and sunglasses (Yes, for an indoor show at night).
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Southeast Engine
Southeast Engine
Brian Ahnmark
A loose, celebratory spirit infused the performance, comprised primarily of material from the band’s two most recent releases.
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A loose, celebratory spirit infused the performance, comprised primarily of material from the band’s two most recent releases.
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Live @ The Tree Bar
Live @ The Tree Bar
The Features
The Features
Brian Ahnmark
Tennessee quartet The Features have established a solid resume three albums deep, their catalog rife with tidy rock gems. Hints of British invasion mix with New Wave flavor and a modern edge.
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Tennessee quartet The Features have established a solid resume three albums deep, their catalog rife with tidy rock gems. Hints of British invasion mix with New Wave flavor and a modern edge.
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Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle
Live at Rumba Cafe
Live at Rumba Cafe
Brian Ahnmark
A performer to the core through every fiber of his being, Earle delivered self-deprecating, autobiographical laughs between stellar renditions of songs from his three major studio albums. The crackshot supporting cast – Bryn Davies on upright bass and harmonies, Amanda Shires on fiddle and backing vocals – was bolstered by surprise guest Jason Isbell on lead guitar.
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A performer to the core through every fiber of his being, Earle delivered self-deprecating, autobiographical laughs between stellar renditions of songs from his three major studio albums. The crackshot supporting cast – Bryn Davies on upright bass and harmonies, Amanda Shires on fiddle and backing vocals – was bolstered by surprise guest Jason Isbell on lead guitar.
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Rasputina
Rasputina
Samantha Bako
Once the black-clad top hat bedecked gentleman removed himself from the stage, the demure and modest trio of musicians took over. Known for their Victorian-era affinity, Rasputina embraces the spirit of the era by veiling naughty debauchery in prim and proper taffeta and lace.
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Once the black-clad top hat bedecked gentleman removed himself from the stage, the demure and modest trio of musicians took over. Known for their Victorian-era affinity, Rasputina embraces the spirit of the era by veiling naughty debauchery in prim and proper taffeta and lace.
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Tom Evanchuck
Tom Evanchuck
Josh Burton
When Tom Evanchuck took to the stage the atmosphere changed and the attention went to him when his guitar began to speak.
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When Tom Evanchuck took to the stage the atmosphere changed and the attention went to him when his guitar began to speak.
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Mates of State
Mates of State
Brent Andermann
They just sang and smiled at each other. After thirteen years of playing these songs together, their wasn’t one thing about what they were doing up there that wasn’t genuine. It was uplifting to see love translated into something that they can share with everyone.
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They just sang and smiled at each other. After thirteen years of playing these songs together, their wasn’t one thing about what they were doing up there that wasn’t genuine. It was uplifting to see love translated into something that they can share with everyone.
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The Features
The Features
Live @ The Basement
Live @ The Basement
Brian Ahnmark
Of the myriad reasons to fall in love with Nashville quartet The Features, the deal-sealer is their workmanlike approach to a live performance. In summation: Tune, roll up sleeves, conquer.
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Of the myriad reasons to fall in love with Nashville quartet The Features, the deal-sealer is their workmanlike approach to a live performance. In summation: Tune, roll up sleeves, conquer.
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Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys
Live @ The Schott
Live @ The Schott
Brian Ahnmark
It’s a wonder, particularly considering scalding performances like the
one on March 4 at the Schottenstein Center, opening for The Black
Keys. The UK quartet lit a fire under a reserved crowd that seemed
baffled how to process such a snarling presentation (Here's a hint,
folks: You dance).
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It’s a wonder, particularly considering scalding performances like the
one on March 4 at the Schottenstein Center, opening for The Black
Keys. The UK quartet lit a fire under a reserved crowd that seemed
baffled how to process such a snarling presentation (Here's a hint,
folks: You dance).
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Cabin Fever Festival
Cabin Fever Festival
Brian Ahnmark
In the aftermath of another crippling Ohio Midwest'ner (Read: One inch of snow), I was faced with a Saturday conundrum: Brave the great unknown backroads of Southeastern Ohio enroute to the Cabin Fever Music Festival in Nelsonville, or twiddle my thumbs and curse myself come Sunday.
Easy decision.
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In the aftermath of another crippling Ohio Midwest'ner (Read: One inch of snow), I was faced with a Saturday conundrum: Brave the great unknown backroads of Southeastern Ohio enroute to the Cabin Fever Music Festival in Nelsonville, or twiddle my thumbs and curse myself come Sunday.
Easy decision.
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Foster the People
Foster the People
Live @ The LC
Live @ The LC
Rachel Mooney
With only a single album, it’s a wonder Foster The People had no trouble selling out nearly every venue on their current tour but they are, quintessentially, on fire.
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With only a single album, it’s a wonder Foster The People had no trouble selling out nearly every venue on their current tour but they are, quintessentially, on fire.
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Southeast Engine
Southeast Engine
Live at The Treehouse
Live at The Treehouse
Brian Ahnmark
The show opened with a curveball, as bassist Jesse Remnant and keyboardist Billy Matheny traded jobs. Remnant delivered a lovely, mournful piano instrumental straight out of an old-timey bar; it was a suitable display for the all-too-brief melody, which whispers by as a “tweener” on Canary.
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The show opened with a curveball, as bassist Jesse Remnant and keyboardist Billy Matheny traded jobs. Remnant delivered a lovely, mournful piano instrumental straight out of an old-timey bar; it was a suitable display for the all-too-brief melody, which whispers by as a “tweener” on Canary.
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Live at The MOTR Pub
Live at The MOTR Pub
Shawn Braley
Southeast Engine represents kindness to me. They’re songs about longing, searching, loving, losing…these are the universal truth’s we all know.
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Southeast Engine represents kindness to me. They’re songs about longing, searching, loving, losing…these are the universal truth’s we all know.
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Dawes
Dawes
Brian Ahnmark
It's a good bet Dawes won't be playing a tiny venue like the Rumba Cafe the next time they roll into town.
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It's a good bet Dawes won't be playing a tiny venue like the Rumba Cafe the next time they roll into town.
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Beach House
Beach House
Brent Andermann
Everyone swayed as Victoria Legrande bellowed, her voice and Alex’s guitar sent out walls of reverb that filled Beachland.
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Everyone swayed as Victoria Legrande bellowed, her voice and Alex’s guitar sent out walls of reverb that filled Beachland.
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The Black Keys
The Black Keys
Brian Ahnmark
The palpable electricity in the brisk river air peaked with the closing couplet of “Your Touch” and “I Got Mine.” Dan led the way on the former, nimbly picking the opening melody and slashing the guts out of the midsection with savage solos, weaved seamlessly around the hook.
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The palpable electricity in the brisk river air peaked with the closing couplet of “Your Touch” and “I Got Mine.” Dan led the way on the former, nimbly picking the opening melody and slashing the guts out of the midsection with savage solos, weaved seamlessly around the hook.
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The Spinto Band
The Spinto Band
Aaron George
I haven't been to many shows this summer, but The Spinto Band was probably the highlight for me. They sounded great, they had a good dynamic, and they kept their show fun.
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I haven't been to many shows this summer, but The Spinto Band was probably the highlight for me. They sounded great, they had a good dynamic, and they kept their show fun.
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