Credit: Courtesy of Tony Cuda
ProgNation, the local tribute act that formed last year in response to what members perceive as the exclusion of prog acts from the Rock Hall, has just announced a series of concerts. The first show takes place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, at New Heights Grille in Cleveland Heights. The Cigars, a rock group featuring Rick Christyson, will open.  Tickets are $8 at the door, but the band is offering discounted tickets that cost only $5.  Email band leader Anthony Cuda at tcuda@msn.com if you’re interested in obtaining a discounted ticket.

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“The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced that they have once again disrespected prog rock pioneers, YES, by failing to garner the required votes to enshrine the iconic band even though they finished second to Chicago in the fan balloting,” says Cuda in a press release. “In response, we are announcing the creation of a new tribute band, ProgNation, to celebrate the accomplishments of some of the greatest prog rock bands/musicians currently being ignored by the Rock Hall.”

The group features locals Tony and Chris Cuda, the bassist and guitarist from the local prog/jazz group, CuDa, KrishNa & CuDa. In addition, it also includes singer Steve Kolesar (Rockin Ravers, ex-Champion), drummer Marty Zlocki (Time Traveler, ex-Fayerweather) and keyboardist Dan Maier (ex-Phillip Glass). ProgNation will play the music of Yes, King Crimson, ELP, the Moody Blues, Genesis and a handful of other prog acts from the late ’60s/early ’70s.

“Everyone in ProgNation has been a fan of prog rock since Yes came out in 1968,” says Cuda. “ProgNation will be an outlet for us and all the fans who know how great these musicians are and want to enjoy their music in a live setting. We also want to send a message to the Rock Hall that until they recognize Yes and all the other prog rock bands they have ignored, we will be there to remind them of their neglect. The order in which the Rock Hall inducts its members, matters. It’s all about respect. You induct the leaders of innovation first, then you look at the others. The fans love Yes and their peers always list them as one of the most influential bands of the late ’60s and ’70s. The Rock Hall board [members] seem to be the only ones that don’t get it. This could have been a golden opportunity to pay tribute to one of the greatest and most innovative bassists in rock history, Yes’ Chris Squire who passed away a few months ago. It’s really too bad.”

The newly formed band will announce a series of local shows sometime in January.

This article appears in Dec 16-22, 2015.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.

2 replies on “Local Musician Forms New Band to Protest Rock Hall’s Exclusion of Prog Rock Acts (Updated)”

  2. Since the Hall of Fame switched to a maximum of 5 inductees in the performer category, they’ve created a growing backlog of worthy candidates. Too bad having a shorter induction ceremony is more important to them than actually inducting worthy acts.

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