Courtesy of Live Nation
Dennis DeYoung The Grand Illusion 40th Anniversary Album Tour
Though he can't legally tour and record as Styx, singer Dennis DeYoung, who wrote and sang lead vocals on seven of Styx's eight Top 10 hits including "Babe,” "Mr. Roboto,” "The Best of Times,” "Show Me the Way,” "Lady,” "Don't Let It End,” "Come Sail Away" and "Too Much Time On My Hands,” continues to play songs from the prog rock’s catalog during live performances. DeYoung comes to town tonight to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Styx album The Grand Illusion. He'll perform the album in its entirety and also play all eight of Styx's Top Ten hits. (Jeff Niesel), 8 p.m., $32.50-$65. Hard Rock Rocksino.
The Spear Shakers/Sam Hooper Group/City Heat
Billed as a power duo, the Spear Shakers feature two seasoned veteran musicians. Singer-guitarist Kelly Richey has a long career that stretches back 25 years. She’s released 16 albums over the course of that time and played lead guitar in Stealin Horses, a popular Kentucky-based rock group once signed to Arista Records. Drummer Sherri McGee is an in-demand session musician who previously anchored the rock group Velvet Elvis. They'll bring their combination of blues and rock to the Winchester Music Tavern tonight for the first time ever. (Niesel) 8 p.m., $8-$12. The Winchester.
SATURDAY, DEC. 15
Michael Stanley & the Resonators/Donnie Iris and the Cruisers
Despite his recent health issues, local singer-guitarist Michael Stanley continues to be productive. He's put out an album a year for the past six years, self-releasing the discs through his own Line Level label. Expect to hear MSB favs as well as a good sampling of Stanley’s solo material tonight at a show that pairs him with singer-guitarist Donnie Iris, another Midwestern rocker who's become a legacy act and still draws well in Northeast Ohio. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $48.50-$75. Hard Rock Rocksino.
SUNDAY, DEC. 16
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Almost five years ago, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts played the first-ever show at the newly opened Hard Rock Live in Northfield. Jett kicked off the terrific 90-minute concert with the glitter-rock inspired “TMI,” and then delivered the stuttering anthem “Cherry Bomb." A grunge-y rendition of “Do You Wanna Touch Me” and a punked-up version of “Bad Reputation” followed. Since that appearance, Jett has been inducted into the Rock Hall, something that acknowledges the significance of her influence on rock 'n' roll and has given her a good second wind. (Niesel), 7:30 p.m., $59.50-$89.50. Hard Rock Rocksino.
Over the Rhine
Shortly after Over the Rhine formed in Cincinnati nearly 30 years ago, the band appeared on National Public Radio and played a few Christmas tunes. The phones lit up, and the group realized there was an audience for that kind of music. Eventually, it would release The Darkest Night of the Year, an album that guitarist Linford Detweiler refers to as an “odd little recording” that features the band's take on some traditional tunes. The album opens with a somber rendition of “The First Noel” and includes versions of classic Christmas tunes such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Silent Night.” The group has continued to release new albums featuring Christmas music, and it plays special Christmas shows each year too. (Niesel) 7 p.m., $32 ADV, $38 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.
Bill Rudman's Christmas Cabaret
For tonight's annual Christmas extravaganza, Bill Rudman has put together a show of more than 30 songs, blending Christmas standards and novelties. The set list draws heavily on Great American Songbook composers like Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. Expect to hear classics such as "Winter Wonderland," "Let It Snow," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and tributes to Rudolph, Frosty and Mr. Grinch. Yep, you can bring the grandparents to this gig. (Niesel), 7 p.m., $30-$35. Nighttown.
