Mike Starcher – Drivin' It!

Hi gang!

Tuesday’s jam was another great night, thanks to Furious George Hartwig and Gary G Rock Stulak (great host set!) and David Koler, Doug, Ally, Rosey, Joe Ferrara, John Kerver, Drew Doman, Dale Bally, Tim Reeves, Don Lydon, Lou Eliopulous, Greg Kern, Ted Wallingford and Maddie, Robert A. DeVries and Janette Emmerling for providing this week’s sound track, to Suann, Vern, Patty, Denise, Dan, Mike, Mike, Gregory, Jason, Ken, Sue, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful for hanging out with us and to Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe for their continued support.

Saturday’s private gig was a bit chilly to start but turned out great! Congrats to Timea and Andy and thanks for a great time!

Coming up this week…

Hi gang!

Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam was a little extra cool. Not just because it featured hosts Brian “Holy Crap!!” Davidson and super trooper Bill March. That’s always cool, and thank you, guys. The extra cool comes from the band “Market Avenue” making their public stage debut with us. Jacob, Lianne, Mike, Julie and Frank we are honored you gave us “first” listen. Thank you and thanks to the rest of this week’s jam crew: John Kerver, Bob Laeng, Doug, Mike Cottom, Greg Kern, Greg McGill, Mike Cottom, Ron Jackson, Phil O., and Bob DeVries.  Jason, Patty, Vern, David, JoAnne, Thom, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful’, thanks for hanging with us! Finally, thank you to our sponsor Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and to the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe for keeping us going.

Friday at the Blue Turtle was a slam dunk great time! Thanks to all of the Turtle gang that came out to hang out with us! Thanks to Kalani, Lindsey, Kaitlyn and Michelle for all of their hard work keeping everyone fed and watered!

Saturday at Bar107 was unfortunately a very light turnout, but we still had a great time with Chris, Daryl, Marilyn, Jerry and the others who came out to see us. Thanks to Jessica and Shaina for a great job behind the bar.

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Gary ‘G Rock’ Stulak! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

Shady Drive will play a private function on Saturday, but you can still hear us on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com! Our CD, ‘Darker Shade of Blue’ is also available on iTunes and CDBaby.

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club Jam was a hit, thanks to hosts Drew Doman and Eroc, jammers Bob Laeng, Mike Cottom, Dale Bally, Paul Fresty, “Idle Frets” (Tim Reeves, Joe Ferrara, Lou), Mike Bally, Greg Kern, Mike Cottom, Greg McGill, Ron Jackson and Bob DeVries, great show! Vern, Patty, Pamela, Bob, Sue, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful’, thanks for hanging with us. And as always, big thanks to our sponsor Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and to the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe for their continued support.

Gigs on Wednesday at Zeppe’s and Friday at Damon’s with the Burnt River Band were awesome! Big thanks to Stan and Bill for having me along!

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are Brian Davidson and Bill March! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

Friday marks the return of Slim N’ Shady to Blue Turtle Tavern (29352 Lorain Rd., N. Olmsted) for Friday Happy Hour from 6-9pm! C’mon out and help us rock the house while we play your favorite classic rock and blues tunes! You can even sing along! It’s that kinda party!

This Saturday, Slim N’ Shady will hit the stage at Bar 107 (107 Front Street, Berea, 8pm – 11pm). Come join Rob and I at this great establishment as we play all your favorite tunes! The food is amazing, drinks are frosty, Jessica and Shaina will be behind the bar and it’s gonna be a blast!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club jam was bunches of fun, thanks to hosts Rob Hayes and Justin Butcher, jammers John Hamley, Angelo Ciu, Bob Laeng, Doug, John Kerver, Nate Mysza, Mike Cottom, Dan Elliott, Greg Kern, Don Lydon, Mike Cottom, Bob DeVries, Ron Jackson, Jay Willis and to George, the Dancing Marilyns, Sue and the rest of the ‘frog faithful’ for hanging out with us! Big thanks also to our sponsor Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe!

Saturday night at the Fairview Tavern with Shady Drive was an awesome night! We were so glad to see Pat, Wally, Denny, Rhonda, Dan, Liz, Rita, Tim, Manders, Erika, Kathleen, Tom, Blanche, Lauren and everyone else who came out! Big thanks to Blake Kniola who turned in a killer performance on bass!

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are Drew Doman and Eroc Sosinski! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

Then on Wednesday, I’ll be filling in for Rick Fischer with Burnt River Band at Zeppe’s Tavern and Pizzeria (11110 Kinsman Rd., Newbury,  6:30pm-10:30pm) for their final bike night of the season, sponsored by WNCX! Should be a great time, c’mon out!

On Friday, I’ll be with Burnt River Band, this time at Damon’s (701 E. Water St, Sandusky, 6pm-9pm). They’re known for their ribs, but the rest of their menu is pretty awesome as well! Add in the Burnt River Band playin’ some rockin’ blues and you’ve got a party! Come join us!

Shady Drive is off this weekend, but you can hear us on www.BluesMusicFan.com, or on our CD, ‘Darker Shade of Blue‘, available on iTunes and CDBaby! :c)

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Happy Labor Day! Last Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club Jam was a marathon session, but for good reason! There was just too much musical goodness to fit into our allotted time. An amazing night without question. Huge thank you to hosts Becky Boyd, Mike Dixon and Tim Hamman. This week’s players kept the quality and energy going the rest of the night. Thank you David Koler, Bob Laeng, Angelo Ciu, Doug, Nate Mysza, Michael Bay, Lenny Grey, Tom King, Greg Kern, Benny, Don Lydon, Jeff, Jmy T., Robert A. DeVries, “Idle Frets” (Tim, Lou, Joe) and Ron ‘Papa J’ Jackson! To everyone who came out to enjoy the music and/or just say some hellos, including: Kelly, Vern, John, Brianna, Tim, Tom, Jennifer, Ray, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful.’ Thanks for sharing the night with us. As always, thank you to Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and to the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe for your continued support.

On Friday night, Shady Drive traveled to Marblehead where we made our debut appearance at Erie Social Shuffleboard Club & Bar. What a great night!! The place was jammin’ right up until our last tune. The drinks were great and it’s a huge room with all sorts of fun things to do! Thanks to Erie Social’s staff and ownership for making us feel welcome! We had fun!

Saturday found Rob and I back at Gandalf’s Pub in Valley City for our monthly Slim N’ Shady gig. We had a great time as always! It was great to see Suz, Guy, Rhonda, Mike, Erika, Chris, Daryl, Amy, Ron and Pete and his gang! Thank you to Sean and Michelle for their continued hospitality at Gandalf’s!

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are Rob ‘Shady’ Hayes and Justin Butcher! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

This Saturday night, Shady Drive returns to the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 9:30pm-1:30am) with Blake Kniola joining us on bass. The food there is second to none (try the $10 strip steak special!), the drinks are cold and the service is top notch! Add to that an evening of your favorite blues and rock tunes by Shady Drive and it’s party time!! Come join us!!

As always, don’t forget to check out Shady Drive and many other blues artists on BluesMusicFan.com! Our CD “Darker Shade Of Blue” is available on CD Baby and iTunes as well as at every Shady Drive or Slim N’ Shady show!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam featured some great music, some interesting conversation and some sharing pics of grand babies. Pretty perfect. Thank you to this week’s hosts: Brian Davidson (Holy Crap!) and Bill March… and to this week’s jam crew: Hayden Frosti (we missed ya!), Bob Laeng, John Kerver, Doug, Rich, Doobie, Greg Kern, Regan, Don Lydon, Mitch, Michael, Phil O., and Ron Jackson. You guys are awesome! Thanks also to everyone who came out to listen, dance, hang out, including: Greg, Pamela, Dave, Effie, Steven, Dawn, Vern, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful.’ Finally, big thanks as always to our sponsor Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and to the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe for their continued support.

Friday at Brothers Lounge was a fun gig, although the crowd was extremely light. But it was fun anyway since Sandy, Ken, Erika, Effie, Don, Lisa, Ed, Rod, Michy and her beau were all there! :c) Great job by Bill Kraker on bass, Rick Matousek on keys and Mark on the sound board.

At Saturday’s Shady Drive show at Sly Fox the crowd was a bit better, thanks in no small part to Shelley, Dave, Debbie, Janice, Debbie, Cindy, Flash, Jim, Dave, Bob, Keith, Angie, Nicole, Dave, Doug and Mary Erin! Thanks to you all for coming out and making it one hell of a party! Thanks also to Valerie and Karen behind the bar and George on the sound board! And, to the inebriated young lady who grabbed the GoPro camera thinking it was a microphone, huge thanks for (a. Not breaking the camera and (b. Not singing. :c)

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are Becky Boyd, Mike Dixon and Tim Hamman! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

On Friday, Shady Drive will debut at The Erie Social Shuffleboard Club and Bar (5686 E Harbor Rd, Marblehead, 7pm-10pm) This is a brand new venue for us, but they have a virtual tour on their website and the place looks great! Come join us and let’s check it out together!

Saturday will find Slim N’ Shady at Gandalf’s Pub (6757 Center Rd., Valley City, 8pm-11pm). Gandalf’s has a great Irish-American menu (think boxties!!), a great selection of beers and all of your favorite wines and mixed drinks. If weather permits, we’ll be out on the patio, so come join us on a Saturday night!

As always, don’t forget to check out Shady Drive and many other blues artists on BluesMusicFan.com! Our CD “Darker Shade Of Blue” is available on CD Baby and iTunes as well as at every Shady Drive or Slim N’ Shady show!

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

Rob, Tim and Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam was a blast, thanks to hosts Furious George Hartwig and Gary G Rock Stulak, jammers Bob Laeng, John Kerver, Mike Cottom, Hichem Ferrah, Dan Elliott, Greg Kern, Regan, Mike Cottom, Greg McGill, Ron Jackson, Bob DeVries and our faithful “hanger-outers” Chris, Daryl, Vern, Peanuts, The Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful.’ Big thanks also to our sponsor, Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and to the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe!

Thursday’s Cleveland Music Club gig at Panini’s was big fun, and no yellow jackets! Thanks to Brian Davidson and Bill March for an awesome performance. :c)

On Friday, Slim N’ Shady appeared at the Valley City Street Fair and had a great time! It was great to see Sandy, Ken, Gabrielle, John, Erika, Chris, Daryl, Debbie, Darrin, Dave and Bob! Fun times! Thanks to Gandalf’s Pub for having us and to Samosky’s for providing a cool stage and electricity!! We’re back at Gandalf’s Pub on September 5.

Coming up this week…

Rob and I would like to welcome Tim Hamman to Shady Drive filling the bass/vocal spot. Tim’s been doing an awesome job as a fill in and we’re glad to have him aboard!

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are Brian Davidson and Bill March! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

This Friday, Shady Drive returns to The Brothers Lounge (11609 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 9:30-1:30). Joining Rob and Mike are Bill Kraker (bass/vocals) and Rick Matousek (keys/vocals). Brothers is a vintage establishment with great food, frosty cold drinks, house sound and lights and a remarkable atmosphere! We’ll appear in the Music Hall on the main stage. There is a $5 cover charge. We’ve not played Brothers since our CD release party last July, so we’re very excited to be heading back there this Friday. Come join us! A great time is guaranteed for all!

This Saturday’s Shady Drive show at Century Harley-Davidson has been canceled due to Century’s booking error.

Also on Saturday, Shady Drive returns to Sly Fox Lounge (4755 Great Northern Blvd., North Olmsted, 9:30-1:30). The ‘Fox’ has a great stage with house sound and lights and an ample dance floor, not to mention that the drinks are always frosty cold and delicious! Come out and spend your Saturday night with us and let’s rock the house!!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last Tuesday’s CMC Jam was a hit, thanks to hosts Rob Hayes and Justin Butcher, Papa J on keys, John Kerver, Bob Laeng, Doug, Angelo Ciu, Tom King, Dan Elliott, Greg Kern, Don Lydon, Benny, Bob DeVries… as well as Paul A. Fresty and Hichem Ferrah who had to leave before their turns. Thanks also to Vern, Phil, Kathy, Sue, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful’ for hanging with us tonight. As always, big thanks to our sponsor Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and to the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe for keeping us all jamming every Tuesday.

Friday night’s Slim N’ Shady gig at the Blue Turtle was big fun as always! Thanks to everyone who came out and joined in the fun. :c)

Saturday at the Park Tavern ended all too soon! We were all having a great time and all of a sudden it was 10pm and time to go home! Many thanks to Pat, Wally and the army they brought with them, Kat, Dave, Judy and John for coming out, Gil and Mikki for having us in, and to Samantha, Nikki and Tracy for taking such great care of us (and everyone else!) all evening! It was way cool and we can’t wait to play there again on October 7!

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Gary ‘G Rock’ Stulak! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

Friday will find Slim N’ Shady playing the Valley City Street Fair outside of Gandalf’s Pub (6757 Center Rd., Valley City, 7pm-10pm). Gandalf’s has a great Irish-American menu (think boxties!!), a great selection of beers and all of your favorite wines and mixed drinks. Come join us!

On Saturday, Shady Drive plays a private event in Stow, Ohio.

Don’t forget to check out BluesMusicFan.com radio and look for Shady Drive’s CD on iTunes and CDBaby!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

What a great crowd at the Cleveland Music Club Jam this week! Many thanks to Becky Boyd, Mike Dixon and Tim Hamman for a seriously awesome host set! Thanks also to all of this week’s jammers: “Idol Frets” (Joe Ferrara, Tim Reeves, and Lou), John Kerver, Bob Laeng, Skip Werke, TJ Plechaty, Nate Mysza, Jim Belanger, Rich, John Horvath, Mike Cottom, David Koler, Tom King, Regan, Mike Cottom, Don Lydon, Mark, Ron Jackson, Jmy T, and Bob DeVries and to everyone else who came out, including: Eric, Jude, Pete, Pam, Ira, Roger, Sue, April, Dave, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of the ‘Frog Faithful.’ Finally, thank you to our sponsor Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and to the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe.

On Friday night, I filled in for Kevin Morgan with Stone Pony at the Holy Family Festival in Parma. It was a fabulous gig! They are such a pleasure to play with! Many thanks to Kelly, Doug, Jim, Bob, Darrin, Mark, Lori, Al and Julie for a great night. It was great to see Lois, Rick and Rob in the crowd also! What fun!

Saturday found me back home with Shady Drive at the Fairview Tavern and another awesome crowd including Blanche, Jude, Eric, Tricia, Barb, Tony, Jen, Rita, Sandy and Ken! Huge thanks to Lani and Brittany behind the bar for keeping everyone fed and watered!

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are Rob ‘Shady’ Hayes and Justin Butcher! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

Friday marks the return of Slim N’ Shady to Blue Turtle Tavern (29352 Lorain Rd., N. Olmsted) for Friday Happy Hour from 6-9pm! C’mon out and help us rock the house while we play your favorite classic rock and blues tunes! You can even sing along! It’s that kinda party!

Saturday will find Shady Drive making a debut appearance at Park Tavern (12897 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, 7pm – 10pm) featuring great food, frosty drinks and friendly service all on the patio, weather permitting. Make plans to come out and help us rock the house!

Don’t forget to check us out at http://www.bluesmusicfan.com/, where DJs Jordan, Ciani, Chris and Ben are busy spinning our CD “Darker Shade Of Blue”. You can find it on CDBaby and iTunes as well as at our live performances!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week’s CMC Jam was another great night thanks to hosts, jammers, spectators, sponsor and venue! Pure awesome, the lot of you!!!… Brian Davidson, Bill March, Bob Laeng, David Lewicki, John Kerver, Doug on guitar, Regan on drums, Don Lydon, Ron Jackson, Robert A. DeVries, Vern, Gary, Derek, the Dancing Marilyns, the ‘Frog Faithful,’ Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and the staff and management of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe, thank you!!!

Thursday’s Shady Drive show at Panini’s Solon was a gorgeous evening, despite the unfriendly yellow jackets. :cX We had a great time and hope you did too!

Friday night at Vosh it was great to see Amy, Alice, Alex and the whole gang that came out to see us! Fun night!

It was very cool to be back at Fat Little Buddies on Saturday night. Many thanks to Mary, Bob, Chris, Daryl, Erika, Tricia, Shelley, Dave, Louise, Carol, Rita and everyone else who came out! We had a blast!

Coming up this week…

The Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam happens every Tuesday at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe (33137 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, 8:30 – 12:30). This week’s guest hosts are Becky Boyd, Mike Dixon and Tim Hamman! Our sponsor each and every week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood)! Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, SONOR DRUMS and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

This Saturday night, Shady Drive returns to the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 9:30pm-1:30am) with Tim Hamman joining us on bass. The food there is second to none (try the $10 strip steak special!), the drinks are cold and the service is top notch! Add to that an evening of your favorite blues and rock tunes by Shady Drive and it’s party time!! Come join us!!

Don’t forget to check us out on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com/, an awesome Internet radio station! Also, our CD “Darker Shade Of Blue” is now available on iTunes and CDBaby!

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

Mike :c)