Blue October performing at House of Blues in 2014. Credit: Joe Kleon
Led by volatile singer-guitarist Justin Furstenfeld, the alt-rock act Blue October has experienced extreme ups and downs since forming just over 20 years ago.

Furstenfeld chronicles that rollercoaster ride in Crazy Making — The Words and Lyrics of Justin Furstenfeld, a collection of annotated lyrics for the songs in the band’s discography. A couple of years ago, he toured in support of the book and played acoustic shows.

Recently, he’s turned his attention back to Blue October, which just issued its eighth studio album, Home. The band will perform a special acoustic set at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Aloft Cleveland Downtown on the East Bank of the Flats. Admission is free. 

This article appears in Aug 10-16, 2016.

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.