Mike Starcher – Drivin’ It!

Hi gang!

Another week has come to a close, and a busy one at that! Starting on Tuesday I was at Doc and Louie’s for another Cleveland Music Club Jam Night with co-hosts G.S. Harper and Sammy Free. Stopping by to jam and hang out with us were Luke Pernici, John Kerver, Bob Laeng, Carol Dieball, Darrin Meecha, Rob Hill, Heston L. Biziak, John Powell, Marc Alu, Jay Smith, Leah, The Ian Shaw Band (Chase Ockuly, Ian Shaw, Adam Rich and A.J. Henke,) Dale Hartmann, Greg Kern, Gene Frantz, Sheila Petro, Mike Sr., Mike JR., Chloe and Kaylee Cottom, David Mast, ET King, Tony Schulz, “Fat Fish,” Ken Porter, Michael B., Julia, Steve F., Marty and Mari W., Lenna P., Jim S., Ro D., Barb G., Jim and Roger B.. Thanks for another fantastic night of music and mayhem! Wednesday found me at the Fairview Tavern with G.S. Harper and Kevin Fancher as Cleveland Music Club’s unplugged show kicked off at 8pm. On Friday, I was off to Irish Kevin’s with Shady Drive. On Saturday I was back at the Fairview Tavern with Shady Drive where we played to a packed house until almost 2am. Thanks to Gary, Laura and friends, and Jen for coming out and making it a great night!

Coming up this week, join me at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted) on Tuesday at 7pm for another installment of the Cleveland Music Club Jam Night. this week’s co-hosts are Drew Doman and Uncle Steve Smith and our sponsor is Dirty Town Guitars and Amps. It’s always a great time on Tuesday at Doc and Louie’s, the burgers are 2 for 1 and margaritas are $3, so come on out!

On St. Patrick’s Day this Saturday, G.S. Harper, Kevin Fancher and I will hit the stage at 8pm as Cleveland Music Club plays the Peppermill (711 Mill Rd., Brecksville). The Peppermill sports a great menu and fun staff, so come spend your St. Patrick’s Day with us! :c)

That’s it for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

It’s been another fun week! We kicked it off with the Cleveland Music Club jam night at Doc and Louie’s. My co-hosts were Brian Davidson and Bill March and our sponsor was Sonor Drums. Stopping by to jam with us were John Kerver, Carl E. De Scott, Dave Deitke, Marc Alu, Kevin Fancher, Greg Kern, Jimmi Chance, Bob Laeng, Charlie Simms, Neal Nemeth, Jay Smith, Dan Elliott, Peter Adams, Rob Hill, David Koler and Bob DeVries. Congrats John Kerver for winning a new Sonor bass drum pedal and to Sonor t-shirt winners Dave Dietke, Kevin Fancher and Dave Koler! Thanks to Gene & Shelly, John, Kevin, Scott, Jim, Joe D., and Don D., many of whom come out every Tuesday to watch and listen. As always, thanks to Kristen for being amazing and taking care of us all night and to Doc for giving us all a roof, a stage and four hours to cut loose. :c)

On Friday, Doc and Louie’s was still the place to be as Shady Drive hit the stage at 9pm and played to a full dance floor all night long. Saturday was more of the same as we debuted at Frascati’s in the Valley. The staff even had to move some tables to make room on the dance floor! Definitely a great week!

Coming up, G. S. Harper and Sammy Free join me this week at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) to host the Cleveland Music Club Jam Night. Our sponsor this week is Grabbit Stands. As always, Doc features 2 for 1 burgers and $3 margaritas served up by the Amazing Kristen! Good music, good friends, good food and good times are what Tuesday nights at Doc and Louie’s are all about! bring your axe and come join us!

On Wednesday, join G. S. Harper, Kevin Fancher and me at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 8pm – 11pm) for our monthly Cleveland Music Club Unplugged gig! Enjoy the Tavern’s great food, drinks and service in a friendly family atmosphere as we play your favorite tunes in an acoustic setting.

On Friday, Shady Drive returns to Irish Kevin’s (13601 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 9pm – 1am) to play your favorite classic rock and blues tunes. With Jen behind the bar, we’ll party down with the Kevin’s crowd, so come join us!

This Saturday, Shady Drive is back at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 8pm – 11pm) for our monthly appearance there. The food at the Tavern is absolutely fabulous! Add in your favorite rock and blues tunes and a great staff and you can’t miss! Come early to get a good seat!

That’s it for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

An amazing week at the Cleveland Music Club jam night last Tuesday and at the Mad Cactus on Friday! Thanks so much to everyone who came out and partied with us. :c)

Coming up this week, Brian Davidson and Bill March are my co-hosts and Sonor Drums sponsors as we crank up the Cleveland Music Club jam night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) once again. Stop out and enjoy the 2 for 1 burger special and a $3 Margarita as our own amazing Kristen serves them up. Add that to great music, friends, prizes and fun and you can’t miss! Hope to see you there. :c)

On Friday, Shady Drive cruises into Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 9pm – 1am) to light up the dance floor, so bring those dancin’ shoes and come on out! On Saturday, we head across the river to Frascati in the Valley (5143 Canal Rd. Valley View) for our debut performance there. I stopped in on Monday to look the place over and it’s gorgeous! Stop out and let’s show them what a Shady Drive party is all about!

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Time to close the book on another fun week! Tuesday was Valentine’s Day and we were at Doc and Louie’s for Cleveland Music Club’s jam night. Lots of folks came out just to chill and listen to some great music. It was a great way to spend Valentine’s Day. Big thanks to Drew Doman and Uncle Steve for co-hosting and to all of Doc’s music loving patrons including Jim, Scott, Pamela, Lou, Cindy, Dawn, Dave and Mike (just to name a few)! Thank you also to Jay Smith, Bob Laeng, Dan Elliott, Jimmi Chance, Neal, Jeremy, Luke Pernici, Gary Ames, Kevin Fancher, Marc Alu, Rob Hill, and the mysterious “Drummer X” for jamming with us. You guys rocked! A huge thank you to Dirty Town Guitars and Amps for sponsoring the festivities and congrats to Marc Alu, Neal, and Dan Elliott who all won Dirty Town gift certificates. Congrats also to Rob Hill who took home the much coveted “Hans.” You’ll have to ask him to explain. ;c) Last, but definitely not least, thanks as always to The Amazing Kristen for keeping the plates and glasses full all night and to Doc for keeping the weather off our jammers each week!

On Friday, Shady Drive was back at The Lampliter and rockin’ with the Lamp crowd ’till the wee hours. Thanks to everyone who came out including Pete, Gary and Laura! It was great to see you all!

I was off on Saturday, so we took the opportunity to catch Jim, Marty and Steve opening with an acoustic set at the Cabin Fever party at Michaud’s in Strongsville. Awesome set, guys! After that, we were off to Mutt and Jeff’s in Lorain to catch Marc Alu filling in with Drew and Claudia Doman and Uncle Steve of New Decade. Great music and the harmonies were spot on!

Coming up this week, Tuesday brings us to another Cleveland Music Club jam night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm). This week’s sponsor is Guitar Center of North Olmsted and my co-hosts are Dwayne Dickman and Randy Velez. As always, Doc features 2 for 1 burgers and $3 margaritas all served up by the Amazing Kristen! Great food at a great price, great music, prizes and an abundance of fun and friends, all on a Tuesday night! It’s THE place to be on Tuesday! :c)

This Friday, Shady Drive cruises into The Mad Cactus (9175 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, 9pm – 1am) to rock the house with Teddy and the Cactus bunch. It’s always a great time and there’s plenty of good food and cold beer, so mark your calendar and make plans to join us!

Happy Birthday to Mr. Peanuts and congrats to Randy and Kim! :c)

That’s it for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Fantastic week! First was the Cleveland Music Club Jam at Doc and Louie’s and the first ever “Bass Circle” jam. Co-hosting with me were G.S. Harper and Sammy Free. We were joined by Charlie Hilderbrand (all the way from State College PA!), Luke Pernici, The Smokey Blue Band, Jay Smith, John Kerver, Nick (Hugh Jackman) Malakar, Bob Laeng, Charlie Simms, Celeste Harsa, Rob Hill, Dan Elliott, Raymond Varga, Kevin Fancher, Steve Raz, Alex Raz, Gary Ames, Dennis Bielinski, John Powell, Blake Kniola, Duane T. Bubsey, Dominic Cataldo, Jaime Flores, Marc Alu, Norm Tischler, Todd Starr, Brent Lane, Carl DeScott, Priscilla Zietlow, Greg Lapsevich, Brian (Holy CRAP!) Davidson, Lou Santoro, Dakota Domanich, Mike Layton, Hichem Ferrah, Mike B, Dan S., Bob D., Shannon H., Barb G., Dave K., Mike C., Drew O,. Lenna P., Cheryl B., Eric B., Gene, Shelly, Ami, Toni G., Uncle Peanuts and everyone else amongst the hoard of people at Doc’s! Special thanks to Kristen who went above and beyond amazing keeping everyone happy. You rock, girl! As always, thanks Doc for having us each week.

On Friday and Saturday, Shady Drive kicked off the Valentine’s Day weekend with a special two-night performance at the Fairview Tavern. Thanks to everyone who joined us over the weekend! :c)

Coming up this week, join me for the Valentine’s Day edition of the Cleveland Music Club Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) on Tuesday night. Bring your Valentine out to Doc and Louie’s for a 2 for 1 burger and a $3 Margarita while Drew Doman, Uncle Steve and I play your favorite tunes. Then after dinner, it’s your turn onstage where you can serenade your sweetie with a few tunes of your own! What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? This week’s sponsor is Dirty Town Guitar and Amp!

On Friday, Shady Drive appears at The Lampliter Lounge (6339 Olde York Rd. Parma Heights, 9:30pm – 1:30am). The Lamp is always fun and plenty of room to shake yer groove thang, so bring your dancin’ shoes and come party with us!

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

A very busy week but loads of fun! On Tuesday I was at Doc and Louie’s for the weekly Cleveland Music Club Jam Night. Co-hosting with me were G. S. Harper and my Shady Drive bandmate and rhythm section cohort, Kevin Fancher. Taking the stage to jam were Bob Laeng, Charlie Simms, Dan Elliott, Luke Pernici, Gene Frantz, Greg Kern, Blake Kniola, Angelo Ciu, Dawn Bellini, Dave Deitke, Mike Cottom, TJ Plechaty, Don Lydon, Wayne Mesker, Todd Starr, Dave Tupa, Sammy Free and Brian Davidson. Thanks also to Joe, Shelly, Mark, Rick, Clay, Cy, Drew and all of Doc’s music loving patrons. Congrats to the night’s prize winners: Blake and Dawn who each won $10 I-tunes gift cards and Dave and Dan who each won funky little shakers. Thanks as always to The Amazing Kristen and Doc for keeping the plates and glasses full and the wind out of our hair.

On Wednesday, G.S., Kevin and I were off to the Fairview Tavern for our monthly acoustic show there. It’s always a great pleasure to play for the Tavern crowd and this night was no exception. You can catch us back there the first Wednesday of every month.

Friday found me with Shady Drive as we partied at Irish Kevin’s with Jen and the gang until after 1:30am. On Saturday, a last minute booking took us to the Peppermill in Brecksville, where we found Gus and his customers to be a great crowd! we had a blast there and can’t wait to return! :c)

Coming up this week, I’m joined by G. S. Harper and Sammy Free as we host the Cleveland Music Club jam night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm)on Tuesday night. Bring your favorite guitar, bass, sticks, keyboard, maracas, tambourine, horn or just your ears and party attitude and come join us for 2 for 1 burgers, $3 Margaritas and the most fun you can have on a Tuesday night!

On Friday and Saturday, Shady Drive will make a rare two-night appearance at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd. Fairview Park, 9:30pm – 1:30pm). Showtime on both nights is 9:30pm. Come on out and enjoy something from the Tavern’s great menu items while we play your favorite blues and rock tunes!

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Another week has gone by and we had another fantastic jam with Cleveland Music Club at Doc & Louie’s on Tuesday night. Taking the stage to jam were: Dave Tupa, Michael Bomback, Blake Kniola, Greg Kern, John Powell, Carol Dieball, Ray Varga, Dan Elliott, Bob Laeng, Luke Pernici, Don Lydon, John Jannuzzi, John Kerver and G.S. Harper. Thanks for some great music and fun! Thanks also to Celeste, Barb, Brian, Lisa, Tina, Darrin, Gene, Marty, Mari, Tom, Joanne, Lenna, Tina, Scott, Jim and Bob on hand to hang out and cheer on the jammers. Thanks for coming out to support your friends (and/or fellow musicians!) Congratulations to Dan Elliott who won a shiny new Sonor kick-drum pedal and to Greg Kern, Luke Pernici, Bob Laeng who all won Sonor tee-shirts! Thank you, amazing Kristen, for your hard work, as always! Doc, thank you for hosting our party every week!

Next on the agenda was a fun private event with Shady Drive at the House of Blues on Friday morning. Thanks to Steve, Billy and the rest of the HOB crew for a great job on sound and lights. After that, Shady Drive was off to Doc and Louie’s to party with Doc and his gang. We did just that, too, playing until almost 2am! Definitely a fun night. We’ll be back at Doc and Louie’s on Friday March 2.

Coming up this week, it’s a full schedule of events. We’ll kick things off on Tuesday with the Cleveland Music Club jam night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted; 7pm – 11pm) This week’s co-hosts are Michael Bay and G.S. Harper and the evening is sponsored by Forcefield Entertainment. Come out and join us for Doc’s 2 for 1 burgers and $3 Margaritas, great music, friends, prizes and lots of fun!

On Wednesday, join G.S. Harper, Kevin Fancher and me for a Cleveland Music Club acoustic evening at the fabulous Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park) from 8pm until 11pm. Kick back and listen to your favorite blues and rock tunes in an acoustic setting while you enjoy the Tavern’s great pizza, burgers, steaks, wings or one of their many other delicious menu items.

Then on Friday, Shady Drive is back at Irish Kevin’s (13601 Detroit Ave., Lakewood) to party the night away with the Kevin’s regulars. Come join us for a great time!

That’s it for this week. We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

This past week was full of extremes! Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club jam night was rockin’ with friends new and old. CMC welcomes Alex Strekal, Ed Santos, Ken Porter and Dave Koler and also to Bill Sanders who has graced our stage, but not since we moved to Doc & Louie’s. Good to see all of you and Bill, hope you and Chey liked the new digs! Many thanks also to John Kerver, Charlie Simms, Luke Pernici, John Powell, Bob Laeng, Marc Alu, Rick Hong, Don Lydon, Blake Kniola, Rob Hill, Bob DeVries, Dan Hearns, Jim Belanger, Chey, Marty, Mari, Mike B., Michelle, Ro, Uncle Peanuts and all of Doc’s music loving patrons for making it a memorable night. A huge Cleveland Music Club thank you to Guitar Center of North Olmsted and manager Dana Clarke for sponsoring the night! Congratulations to prize winners: Marc Alu, John Kerver, Jim Belanger, Dave Koler, Ken Porter and Ed Santos.

On Friday, Shady Drive appeared at “Blues Night at the Palace” at the Canton Palace Theater, along with The Jeff Poulos Blues Revue and the amazing Brighter Side Band. The house was rockin’ all night long, including a two-song encore with Jake Friel (harp) and Fuad Farah (guitar) from the Brighter Side Band! All this while the season’s worst snowstorm was dumping tons of the white stuff outside! Thankfully, everyone got home safe and sound. Many thanks to everyone who braved the weather to attend and to Georgia, Chris, Josh and the staff at the Canton Palace for a great night! Thanks also to Maaria at the Arcadia Grille for her hospitality! :c)

Coming up this week, Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted) is THE place to be on Tuesday night (7pm – 11pm) as we crank up the Cleveland Music Club Musicians’ Jam Night once again. This week’s co-hosts are Dwayne Dickman (My Three Sons) and Kevin Fancher (Shady Drive) and our sponsor is Sonor Drums. As always, Doc features 2 for 1 burgers and $3 Margaritas on Tuesday, all served up by the Amazing Kristen! Great music, good friends, food, drinks and FUN! There’s no better place to spend a Tuesday evening! :c)

This coming Friday morning, Shady Drive performs at a private event at the House of Blues, but we’ll have plenty of rockin’ left to do when we get to Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted) on Friday night (9pm – 1am)! Come on out and rock the house with us, and bring your dancin’ shoes!

That’s all for this week. We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Another fun week in the books! Last Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club jam was again a hit, thanks to our jammers Josh Narramore, Dennis Bielinski, John Kerver, Don Lydon, Bob Laeng, Blake Kniola, Jon Darling, Luke Pernici, Marc Alu, Jake Thornhill, John Powell, Greg Kern, Dave MacAskill, Ed Ehrbar, Rob Hill, Frances Dennis, Brent Lane, Toni G., Bill M., Rich S., Lisa E., Michael B., Jim, Scott, Barb G., Peanuts and all of Doc’s music loving patrons. Without all of you “Jam Night” would just be “Night.” Also thanks to Cy for stopping in to say hello. Sorry you couldn’t hang around and we hope “Mom” gets well soon! Special thanks to Dirty Town Guitar & Amps for sponsoring the night’s ‘controlled’ mayhem. Congrats go to Ed Ehrbar who took home an over-drive pedal. Congrats also to Don Lydon who won a lighted pick holder! As always we have to thank The Amazing Kristen for all of her hard work. Lastly, thank you to Doc for giving us such a great place to hang out every Tue. We kept him there all night this week!

Saturday at the Fairview Tavern was just as big a hit! It was wall to wall people as Shady Drive hit the stage at 9:30pm. Many many thanks to everyone that came out and rocked the house with us until well after 1:30am. We’ll be back there on February 11, so we hope to see you then!

Coming up this week, I’ll be back once again at Doc and Louie’s (24289 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted) on Tuesday night (7pm – 11pm) for the weekly Cleveland Music Club Jam. Co-hosting this week are Brian Davidson (Dr. Hook) and Bill March (Twist) and our sponsor is Guitar Center of North Olmsted. Doc features 2 for 1 burgers and $3 Margaritas all served up by the Amazing Kristen, who’ll try again this week to break the World’s Land Speed Record. Bring your sticks, picks, axes, saxes, maracas, tambourine or just your love for music and party attitude and come join us. Doc and Louie’s is THE place to be on Tuesday nights for music, prizes, fun, food and friends!

On Friday night, Shady Drive headlines a three band bill at the Canton Palace Theater Blues Night as part of their 85th Anniversary celebration. Follow the link to purchase tickets ($10) and for directions and other information. The event begins at 7pm with Shady Drive taking the stage at approximately 10pm. Come early and catch the Jeff Poulos Blues Revue and The Brighter Side Band! Hope to see you there!

That’s all for this week. We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Week 1 of 2012 is in the books and what a week it was! The week’s happenings began this past Tuesday at Doc and Louie’s with the weekly Cleveland Music Club Jam. Thanks to all of the fine folks who braved the cold to come out and jam with us: Dylan Free (hope you enjoyed your jam night debut!), Josh Narramore, John Kerver, Blake Kniola, Dennis David Bielinski, Gene Frantz, Bob Laeng, Don Lydon, Greg Kern, John Jannuzzi (Don’t drink the soap!), Marc Alu, Kevin Fancher, Dick Devries, Wayne Leach, Carol Dieball, Frances Dennis, Jeff Sherman, Luke Pernici, Bob DeVries, Rob Hill, Michael Bomback, Carl DeScott, Rick, Shelly, Lenna, Mark, Jim, Scott, Efrain and Barb and all of Doc’s music loving patrons! Big thanks to Grabbit Stands for sponsoring the night’s jam and congrats to Rob Hill who scored himself a new Grabbit Stand. As always a big thanks to Kristen for keeping us all fed and watered. Thanks for sharing your cupcakes! Finally thank you Doc for giving us a great place to hang out every Tuesday!

On Wednesday, G.S. Harper, Adam Constantine and I hit the Fairview Tavern’s stage at 8pm to open a new Cleveland Music Club monthly acoustic show. G.S. and I will be there on the first Wednesday of each month with a different guest performer. If last Wednesday’s crowd was any indication, this series will be a big hit! Our next show there is February 1st when Kevin Fancher will join us for the evening.

We were off on Friday to catch the sold out Wish You Were Here show at the House of Blues. These guys always put on an outstanding performance and this past Friday was no exception. They rocked the house as they performed the entire ‘Wish You Were Here’ album and other Floyd favorites. Thanks to Eroc Sosinski, Jim Tigue, Mark Brennan, Jamie Combs, Bob Gerhard, Jon Darling, Marla Brennan, Sharron Fox and Bob Barno for an awesome show!

On Saturday, Shady Drive kicked off 2012 in style with our appearance at Irish Kevin’s. Quite a nice Saturday crowd was in attendance including our friends Paul, Michelle and Jim and new friends Dave, Shelly, Debbie and Linda (who was kind enough to jump up and help us out with some backing vocals). We’re looking forward to being back there on February 3rd.

Coming up this week, Tuesday will find me at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted) for the Cleveland Music Club Jam (7pm-11pm) on Tuesday with co-hosts Drew Doman and ‘Uncle Steve’ Smith and sponsor Dirty Town Guitars and Amps. Bring your favorite axe, sticks, your entire band, or just your party attitude and come on out! The burgers are 2 for 1, Margaritas are 3 bucks, Kristen is serving them up and there’s good music, friends, prizes and all on a Tuesday night! On Saturday, Shady Drive will open 2012 at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park; 9:30pm – 1:30am) with our first appearance there this year. Our Tavern shows are always a great time! The Tavern crowd is a blast, the food is amazing, the beer is cold and the blues are hot, so come early and get a good seat!

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…
Mike :c)