Credit: Courtesy of ROAM
An American cartoonist and musician, R. Crumb displays a nostalgia for American folk culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in his artwork and music. He also effectively satirizes contemporary American culture. His band Robert Crumb and the Cheap Suit Serenades released three albums on the Blue Goose record label. The albums draw from pre-war acoustic blues, rags and old time classics. Crumb is truly an American original.

Earlier today, Roots of American Music (ROAM) announced that it’ll present Following the Crumbs, a special tribute concert honoring Crumb, at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27, at the 78th Street Studios. Crumb’s early career began at American Greetings, which was located in what is now the 78th Street Studios. The performance will feature stories and pre-war acoustic music. Singer-songwriter Tim Easton (pictured) will headline, and opening acts include locals such as the SpYder Stompers, Sugar Pie and Brent Kirby.

Following the Crumbs is part of ROAM’s program called The Ohio Heritage Music Project, whose mission is to “re-imagine music production in order to document, preserve and build awareness of regional music.”

As part of the event, Easton will record earlier in the day at the locally based Earnest Tube using direct-to-lacquer technology.

Admission to the event is free. 

This article appears in Jan 2-8, 2019.

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.