An annual tradition, WJCU 88.7 FM’s annual Blizzard Bash holiday showcase will feature several terrific local acts, including the following: Cholly, a seven-piece funk/jazz/blues act; Sun Shade, a Jamaican-born Caribbean-styled singer-songwriter and DJ who’ll be backed by the DubbStarr Crew; gospel singer Donnie Lynee, a Cleveland School of the Arts alum; and Lea Marra, a singer-songwriter who combines ambient upbeat tracks with “nature-inspired themes.”

The event, which serves as a benefit for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, takes place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Beachland Tavern.

“The holidays should be a magical time,” says Jason Meyers, host of WJCU’s NEORocks, a local music showcase, in a press release about the event. “Unfortunately, too often they feel more like a series of Sophie’s choices of conflicting events, responsibilities and stress. For this year’s Blizzard Bash, we’d like to give Clevelanders one less reason to stress about what’s on their schedule and one more reason to get out and enjoy great local music while giving back to an important cause.”

“The Hunger Network is just so grateful for a partnership with WJCU that’s been going on for 10-plus years,” says Alexa Guarino, Marketing and Special Events Coordinator for the Hunger Network. “Last year alone, with the proceeds from WJCU’s Blizzard Bash, we were able to provide over 3,000 meals to families, individuals and children in need.”

Tickets cost $10. 

This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2018.

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.