FRIDAY, JULY 12
Bassel & the Supernaturals/Jul Big Green/Nick Wilkinson
Bassel Almadani, the singer who fronts the Chicago-based soul/funk/R&B group Bassel & the Supernaturals, has deep ties to Northeast Ohio. Born and raised in Kent, he blossomed as a songwriter here, where he regularly attended shows at the Grog Shop. After moving to Chicago a few years, he started listening to the music of Otis Redding, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder; their “emotionally saturated” music inspired him to put together his own damn band, the Supernaturals, who are cut from that same musical cloth. The band has a high-energy live show, which will be on display tonight at the Grog. (Jeff Niesel), 9 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Grog Shop.
Dave Alvin with special guest Steve Forbert/Dead Rock West
Recorded in Los Angeles the day after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Dave Alvin’s twangy King of California features acoustic renditions of some of the songs in Alvin’s catalog, including rousing numbers such as “Fourth of July” and the classic roots rock anthem “Border Radio.” Though acoustic, a track such as “Barn Burning” has a quiet intensity to it thanks to Alvin’s hushed vocals and some terrific harmonica work. Alvin comes to town tonight on a tour celebrating the album’s 25th anniversary. (Jeff Niesel) 8 p.m., $25. Beachland Ballroom.
The Morning Bird EP Release/Apostle Jones/Emily Keener
Morning Bird singer-guitarist Jeremy Taylor says his first cassette tape was Green Day's Dookie, and the punk rock album proved to be a major inspiration. Latter-day Johnny Cash also proved to have a major influence. Those influences come across on the band's latest offering, Lonesome Leaving Sound, a five-song EP that commences with the anthemic, Cash-like "Sober." Terry Geer at Apparatus CLE recorded and mixed the album and another local hero, Adam Boose, mastered it at his Cauliflower Audio. Tonight's show at Mahall's serves as a release party. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $12. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
Queensryche
Just about four years ago, this veteran hard rock act came through town and opened for the Scorpions at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. The group impressed during a 45-minute opening set that enabled it to show off the incredible pipes of singer Todd La Torre, who joined the group in 2012 and has given the band a good second wind. On new songs such as the heavy-hitting “Blood of the Levant” and the moody "Portrait," La Torre sings with the kind of power that would’ve made the late, great Dio proud. (Niesel) 8 p.m. MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
LoveMuffinPalooza with Tracy Marie Tom Adams/XLT 1000/The Village Bicycle/Birdog Cats
An annual event, the two-day LoveMuffinPalooza serves as a fundraiser for the Gathering Place, a cancer support center with locations in Beachwood and Westlake. The Gathering Place, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, provides free programs and services for individuals and families coping with a cancer diagnosis. Adam Rich launched the event ten years ago in the effort to put together his own version of Undercurrents, a popular yearly music showcase that had ceased to exist after a successful run in the '80s and '90s. Last year, LoveMuffinPalooza became a full-blown benefit concert; to date, it’s raised more than $8000. Today's lineup features Tracy Marie, Tom Adams, XLT 1000, the Village Bicycle and Birdog Cats. Local musician Shawn Brewster will serve as the MC. Acts slated to play tomorrow at Brothers Lounge include Ray Flanagan, David Smeltz & the Smeltztones, the Tie Downs, Cary & the Dissidents and MellaDramatics. Todd Meany and Jessica Dill from Fox 8 News will serve as the MCs. (Niesel) 8 p.m., $10. Bop Stop.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
An Evening with Alice Cooper
Earlier this year, shock rocker Alice Cooper recently announced a handful of July shows that will offer the premiere of his all-new Ol' Black Eyes Is Back show, which will have a very different look than recent tours. In addition to recording and touring both on his own and with the Hollywood Vampires with Joe Perry and Johnny Depp, Cooper continues his long-running nightly syndicated radio show Nights With Alice Cooper, a program that airs on over 100 radio stations. Expect a highly theatrical performance tonight. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $25-$55. Jacobs Pavilion.
Reggae Sundays: Outlaws I & I (in the Supper Club)
This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series began earlier this month and continues every Sunday through Sept. 1. The indoor/outdoor concert series will take place rain or shine with live music from 4 to 7 p.m. Music Box will also offer food and drink specials exclusive to the series. Today, locals Outlaws I & I will perform. (Niesel) 4 p.m., free. Music Box Supper Club.
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