THU 01/30
Bertha: Grateful Drag
A Nashville-based group that claims to be the world’s first draq Grateful Dead tribute band formed two years ago to fight the anti trans and LGBTQ laws being passed in Tennessee and around the country. Tonight at 8 at the Beachland Ballroom, the band makes its Cleveland debut. The concert serves as a benefit for Trans Ohio, and local drag queen Dr. Lady J will host the affair.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
FRI 01/31
Bumpin’ Uglies
The reggae/ska/punk band brings its tour in support of its new album, Lyrics Over Everything, to the Beachland Ballroom tonight for the start of a two-night residency. The show begins at 7:30, and Joey Harkum and Derek McBryde open. Joint Operation and TobyRaps open tomorrow’s show.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers
The Pittsburgh-based singer-guitarist became a regional sensation in the 1970s and 1980s and continues to regularly tour and record. He counts Bruce Springsteen as one of his biggest fans. He plays at 8 p.m. at the Music Box Supper Club.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Mourning [A] BLKstar 10th Anniversary Concert
The ambitious local band that draws from noise, funk, indie rock and jazz celebrates its tenth anniversary with this special show at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
SAT 02/01
The Backfires
Formed in 2018, when singer Alex Gomez left New York to study in London and met guitarist Harry Ruprecht and drummer Max Wanduragala. The three of them then returned to the states in 2022 and recruited bassist Matt Walter before they recorded their debut EP, Consider the Backfires. Songs like the mid-tempo rocker “The Man” have a Måneskin-meets-the Strokes vibe. The group comes to Mahall’s in Lakewood, where it performs at 7 p.m.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
SUN 02/02
Marty Friedman
This guitar hero who famously played in the thrash metal band Megadeth from 1990 to 2000 will bring his full Japanese band to the Winchester tonight as part of a tour supporting his new album, Drama. Guitarists Nikki Stringfield and Patrick Kennison will open the show with an acoustic set.
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
Billy F. Gibbons
The ZZ Top guitarist plays a solo show at House of Blues. His foot-stomping new single, “Livin’ It Up Down in Texas,” has a ZZ Top feel to it thanks to his husky voice and the gritty guitarist. His backing band includes Rock Hall of Famer Chris “Whipper” Layton and Austin’s Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin. Doors open at 7 p.m.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Shotgun Bowl 3
The local hard rock Olathia headlines this multi-band metal bill that features Doctor Smoke, Cyadine, the Great Iron Snake, Kurnugia, Tundra, Radiatrix and Sabon. Doors open at 1 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern. Bands will play on both of the club’s stages.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
TUE 02/04
Matt Pond PA
Singer-songwriter Matt Pond’s first show in Cleveland was at the Beachland Ballroom, where he opened for the indie pop group the New Pornographers. Pond returns to the Beachland Tavern tonight at 8 in support of his new album, The Ballad of Natural Lines. Two of his bandmates are from Ohio, and Pond makes sure to include Cleveland on his tour routes. Anya Marina and Bathtub Cig open.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
WED 02/05
Tim Heidecker
Musician, comedian, actor, podcast host, producer and family man brings his band, simply called the Very Good Band, to the Beachland Ballroom tonight as part of a tour in support of his new album, Slipping Away. Released last year, Slipping Away embraces alt-country as Heidecker adopts a droll manner of singing on twangy tunes such as “Well’s Running Dry” and “Dad of the Year.” The show begins at 8 p.m., and comedian Neil Hamburger opens.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
THU 02/06
Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes
Singer-guitarist Chuck Prophet brings His Cumbia Shoes, a band that features two members of the Salinas, CA-based cumbia band ¿Qiensave? along with Prophet’s long-time band, the Mission Express, to the Beachland Ballroom in support of the recently released Wake the Dead.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
FRI 02/07
An Evening with Acoustic Hot Tuna
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady have kept this blues rock group going strong for more than 50 years. Tonight at 6:30, the band plays a special acoustic show at the Kent Stage.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Mania: The ABBA Tribute
Each month seems to bring with it another tribute to the influential Swedish pop act ABBA. Tonight at 7:30, Mania swings into town to perform ABBA songs at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.
SAT 02/08
Parliament Funkadelic
Funkmeister George Clinton and his band Parliament Funkadelic come to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage today on what Clinton’s calling his final tour. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.
WJCU Blizzard Bash
Ziggy D of C-Level, Esther Fitz, JT’s Sparks Trio, Mr. Carnivore perform at this show that serves as a benefit for the Hunger Network of Cleveland Ohio. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Beachland Tavern. A $10 donation is suggested as the cover charge.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
TUE 02/11
Travis
Singer Fran Healy’s experiences living in Los Angeles inspired the new album, an “in-depth exploration of displacement and finding oneself in a new environment.” The single “L.A. Times” is a dreamy tune with a quiet intensity thanks to understated guitars and swirling synths. Coldplay’s Chris Martin and the Killers’ Brandon Flowers guest on the album. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Agora Theatre, 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
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This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 12, 2025.
