Ticket to the Ride

Currently the afternoon drive DJ on WNCX, singer-guitarist Michael Stanley can't fill venues like he once did in the ‘80s when he was setting attendance records at Blossom. And yet, he's kept at it with a terrific backing band he calls the Resonators; his new self-released album, The Ride, comes on the heels of last year's The Hang, an introspective album he's referred to as his darkest release yet. The Ride is a bit more fun as he gets a little funky on the rousing album opener “Shiny Things” and evokes Springsteen on the rootsy, horn-driven “Take That Ride.” Stanley's not touring in support of the album but he has played regularly in Northeast Ohio. This special show at Rock the Park pairs him with MSB alum John Koslen, who will open with a solo acoustic set and then join Stanley and band for a few songs. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $33-$80. (Niesel)