Donnie Iris & the Cruisers. Credit: Courtesy of the Kent Stage
Based in Pittsburgh but hugely popular in Northeast Ohio, classic rockers Donnie Iris & the Cruisers will return to the Kent Stage on Aug. 14.

Iris found his early success while performing with The Jaggerz and Wild Cherry, which had a massive hit with the single “Play that Funky Music.” Iris released his first album, Back on the Streets, in 1980 through Cleveland-based Midwest Records. Thanks to the track “Ah! Leah!” receiving airplay, MCA Records took notice and signed Iris to a five album deal before re-releasing the album.

Since then Donnie Iris & the Cruisers have gone through lineup changes but have soldiered on, releasing 11 studio albums, one EP, two live albums and two compilation albums.

Tickets to the Donnie Iris & the Cruisers show at the Kent Stage go on sale at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

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This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 13, 2021.

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.