Many bands touring across the country have screamed on stage, “I love [insert city name!] This is the best show of our tour!” Sometimes they mean it, and sometimes they do not. When talking about Cleveland, they more often than not stand by the words that the crowd craves.
Venues like the House of Blues and the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern often bring nationally renowned bands to our city, whereas places like the Barking Spider (which is on campus!) feature more local singer-songwriters. If you are looking for some psychedelic jamming, soulful blues, or hardcore, chances are, some Cleveland venue will have it.
Here are some shows that you might want to check out this week:
Humble Home/Above the Atlantic/Moon Men/Me
Saturday, Sept. 8
Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd.)
Humble Home comes from modest beginnings in nearby Aurora, Ohio. The delicately finger-picked acoustic guitar adds to the emotional meaning of their lyrics. Although University Circle is not their home, they have been spotted on YouTube at Algebra Tea House on Murray Hill Rd. This record release show will feature many songs from their album, In Our Sleep, coming out on Sept. 11. The Grog Shop is easy to find and a quick south loop Greenie stop away from campus. Doors open at 9 p.m., and more information can be found on the Grog Shop’s website.
Sondre Lerche/ Fancy Colors
Wednesday, September 12
Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd.)
This Norwegian singer-songwriter incorporates the improvisational bridges of jazz, the lyrics of an indie group, and the stage presence of a rock band. It’s a mix not many can pull off, but Lerche brings it all together in good spirits. With six albums out and his most recent live album, Bootlegs, hitting stores this week, his set is sure to be a varied and delightful showcase of his growth as an artist. Although the Beachland Ballroom is not easily accessible by bus, this show is worth borrowing a friend’s car to attend. For those who don’t know Sondre Lerche, songs to look up include “Two Way Monologue,” “Phantom Punch,” and “My Hands Are Shaking.” Beachland Ballroom opens at 8:30 p.m., and more information can be found online.
Less Than Jake/ a Wilhelm Scream/ Junior Battles/ Mrs. Skannotto
Thursday, September 13
Grog Shop
Remember those long summer days spent biking around the neighborhood, hitting up convenience stores to get as much candy as possible, only to return home in a full blown sugar rush to blast some good ol’ punk ska to get the angst out of you? Here’s your chance to relive all of it. Not only can you stock up on your sweets at Constantino’s before heading to the Greenie stop, but Less Than Jake can give you the motivation to mosh out all the frustrations the beginning of the semester brings. Doors open at 9 p.m. Be sure to get your tickets; this show is going to sell out fast.
Gotye/ Chairlift/ Zammuto
Sunday, September 16
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica (2014 Sycamore Rd.)
Yeah, I know, you’re just somebody I used to know. We heard it a million times on the radio, and then a million more when that catchy refrain played over and over and over in our heads… But we’ll forgive you, Gotye, because you’re coming to Cleveland, and we can finally scream it at your concert (and never in our cars…). Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, formerly Nautica Pavilion, is the perfect spot to say goodbye to summer with a great view of the Cuyahoga River. Tickets are available at online and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.