Mike Starcher – Drivin' It!

Hi gang!

It appears that summer has finally arrived! We celebrated last week with another Cleveland Music Club – CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s Bar & Grille. Big thanks to all who came out to play for us, including guest hosts Drew Doman and Steve Smith, Robby on drums, Eddie Santos, Dan Elliott, Greg Kern, John Kerver, Hayden Frosti, Bob Laeng, “Other” Bob™, James on guitar, John on drums, William Kiehn, Captain Bill, Mal Mapes, Patricia Reiter, Jmy T, Sammy Free, Frank Medina, Paul Lewis, and the bands “The Casual Observers” (Jimmy Deamiches, Dan Haller, Evan and Dennis,) and “Conquer the World” (Joey Samide, Andy, Nathan and Max.) The room was over flowing with talented young people.
More thanks go to all of the people came out to support the musicians and get a little goofy CMC-style, including: Wes, Cindy, Joe, Jim, Scott, Tommy, Tori, Aron, Lisa, Vern, Peanuts, The Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons. Still MORE thanks to Dana Clarke and Guitar Center N. Olmsted who surprised us with an unplanned “drummer swag” giveaway. This week’s drummers scored some Vic Firth sticks and stickers. Eddie Santos won a $10 iTunes gift card courtesy of Forcefield Entertainment.
Finally, as always, thank you Doc and Sherri for their hard work and for giving us a great place to meet up each week.

After that, Shady Drive was off to 42 Eighty Food and Drink for our Friday night show. The joint was jammin’ all night with some help from Gary, Laura, Merle, Coreen and the posse they had in tow (especially the “Girls’ Weekend” attendees), Jen, Kendall, Morgan, Steve, George, Amanda and the rest of the 42 Eighty gang. Special thanks to Mr. Bob Gerhard (Wish You Were Here, Sugar Magnolia) for joining us onstage for the evening and turning in one hell of a performance!

We were off to Toledo early on Saturday to play a private event at the historic Valentine Theater. Congrats to Rob and Ellen, and many thanks for allowing us to be a part of your special day. Big thanks to Gabriel at Manhattan’s for taking great care of the band on Saturday afternoon! :c)

Coming up this week…

This Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Gary ‘GRock’ Stulak. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Wednesday night, I’ll join Jason Kelty, Dave Rupnow and Gary GRock Stulak as this week’s guest host at Maracas (7597 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 8:30pm – 12:30am) Jam Night. This should prove to be a blast, so come join us!

On Friday, Shady Drive travels to Bayshore Campground (7124 Pymatuning Lake Rd., Andover, 7pm – 11:00pm) to party down with the campers. C’mon out and join us! We’re off on Saturday.

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday! We started it off in style on Tuesday at Doc and Louie’s with the CMC Musicians’ Jam Night! Taking the stage were guest hosts Rob ‘Shady’ Hayes and Kevin ‘Hollywood’ Fancher and jammers Jen Adame (awesome jam night debut!!), Jon Darling, John Powell, Greg Kern, Don Lydon, Mike Cottom, Michael Horvath, Bob Laeng, Scott Urbas, Joey Samide, Bob, Blake Kniola, Celeste Harsa, Pat Reiter, Jerry Shultz, Frank Fischer, Bob DeVries, Tom Pullitt and the band “Casual Observers”… Jimmy Deamiches, Dan Haller, Evan and Dennis). Thanks also to Barb, Gene, Shelly, Vern, Nancy, Effie, Aron, Joe, Wes, Peanuts, The Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons for coming out to share in all the fun and music. Also huge thanks to Dirty Town Guitars and Amps for their sponsorship. I don’t know of any other local business that does as much to support the music community. Finally, thank you Doc and Sherri for your hard work.

I was off the rest of the week, as Shady Drive took a breather to rest up for the busy weeks and months ahead.

So, coming up this week…

This Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are Drew Doman and Steve Smith. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Friday will find Shady Drive back at the fabulous 42 Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy. Brunswick, 9:30pm – 1:30am) to rock the house. The food is out of this world (try the burgers or wings!), the drinks are delicious and the staff is super fast and friendly! Our gigs there are always a blast so don’t miss out! Come join us!!

On Saturday we’ll travel to Toledo for a private event.

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Busy week! Last Tuesday’s CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s was off the hook! it was great to see Carol Dieball, Luke Pernici, ET King, Jimmy Deamiches, Jeff Sherman, Gregory Boehnlein, Skip Werke, Bob Laeng, Dan Elliott, Hayden Frosti, Joey Samide, Wally Marflak, John Kerver, Dan Haller and Dennis and Evan (with Jimmy, “The Casual Observers”), Katyana Speckman, Joe T., and Brian H. (with Greg Boehlein, “The Chromes”), Frances O’Daniel, JMY T, Jay Smith, Greg Kern, Don Lydon, Rob Warth, Wes, Lisa, Ron, Aron, Suann, Courtney, Effie, Vern, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons! Big big thanks to our new sponsor, “Fat Cat Music Company.” Congrats to Hayden Frosti who won a Snark Tuner! As always, thanks to Doc and Sherri for putting up with our goofy group and for making sure everyone’s plates and glasses stayed full all night.

On to Wednesday night and the Cleveland Music Club’s Fairview tavern show featuring Priscilla Zietlow, Mike Binder and Tim Hamman. It was a great time and it was good to see Gerald and Laura. :c)

Friday’s Shady Drive show at Peppermill proved to be a great night! Thanks to Joe and Lisa, Bill Koteles, John Adams and the entire ‘Mill crew for stopping by to party with us. Thanks also to Stephanie and Christie for keeping everyone’s glasses full!

Saturday’s gig was a private function in Solon.

Coming up this week,

In just a few short hours, Shady Drive will be appearing along with a host of other Cleveland musicians at JR JAM, A benefit for drummer Jim ‘JR’ Richley will be held Sunday June 30 at the Sly Fox in North Olmsted, from 5-11pm. Featuring sets by WISH YOU WERE HERE, SUGAR MAGNOLIA, RUN AVRIL RUN, JUKEBOX HEROES, and jams by musical friends of JR, the benefit will help pay for major medical expenses from 9 recent surgeries to treat Necrotizing Fascitis. Donation is $20, includes food & music, plus 50/50 raffle. This is for a good cause, gang, so try to make it out if you can.

On Tuesday, join us for the Cleveland Music Club Musicians’ Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm). This week’s guest hosts are Rob ‘Shady’ Hayes and Kevin ‘Hollywood’ Fancher of Shady Drive and our sponsor is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Shady Drive is off this weekend, resting up for the weeks ahead when we’ll be appearing at Twilight at the Zoo, Black River Landing’s Labatt Summer Concert Series, Schoharie County Fair (Cobleskill, NY), along with our regular club schedule and numerous private events. Have a wonderful and safe holiday and support live music!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week started with a bang at the CMC Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s. Thanks to guest hosts George Hartwig and Gary Stulak, jammers Marina Strah, Rick Strah, John Kerver, Bob Laeng, Nate Mysza, Joey Samide, Wally Marflak, Scott Urbas, John Powell, Ronny B., Don Lydon, Greg Kern, Mike Cottom, Sean on drums, Jay Smith, Blake Kniola, Ron Jackson, Lenna Pauley, Harmonica Stan, JMY T, Dan Hearns, Pat Reiter, Sheila Petro and Becky on vox (thanks also to Dan Elliott who does a mean stick-bag repair but had to leave before his turn… have a safe trip, Dan!), to Vern, Effie, Sheri, Kyle, “Bean”, Pat, Charlie, Bob, Liz, Joe, Lisa, Sal, Karen, The Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons for hanging out with us and filling the room with applause! Finally, thanks as always to Sherri and Doc for filling the evening with hot food and frosty beverages!

At Friday’s Shady Drive appearance at 42 Eighty, the crowd was light but mighty. Thanks to George, Chris, Daryl, Janet, Jen and Blake for partying with us! We had a blast! :c)

Last night’s gig was a private function and we’re playing another private event in just a few hours, so…on to what’s coming up this week…

On Tuesday, join us for the Cleveland Music Club Musicians’ Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm). This week’s guest hosts are Drew Doman and Tony Camerato and our sponsor is Fat Cat Music Company. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Wednesday brings another Cleveland Music Club appearance at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 8pm – 11pm). This edition features Priscilla Zietlow and Mike Binder along with Tim Hamman and me. The food, drinks and service at the Fairview Tavern are ALL top shelf, so come have dinner and a beverage or three while we play your favorite tunes! There’s no better way to spend a Wednesday evening. :c)

This Friday, Shady Drive returns to The Peppermill (7011 Mill Rd., Brecksville, 9pm – 1am). The food is great, the beer is cold and there’s a rockin’ crowd at the ‘Mill ready to kick off the weekend, so come join the fun and party with us!

On Saturday, Shady Drive will play a private event in Toledo. Sunday will find us back home in Cleveland and attending the J.R. JAM, benefit for drummer Jim ‘JR’ Richley. It all happens Sunday June 30 at the Sly Fox (4755 Great Northern Blvd., North Olmsted, 5-11pm). Featuring sets by WISH YOU WERE HERE, SUGAR MAGNOLIA, RUN AVRIL RUN, JUKEBOX HEROES, and jams by musical friends of JR, the benefit will help pay for major medical expenses from 9 recent surgeries to treat Necrotizing Fascitis. Donation is $20, includes food & music, plus 50/50 raffle. Shady Drive will be participating in the jam and we hope to see you there!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week’s only public gig was our CMC Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s on Tuesday and it was fun from start to finish. Lots of great players. Lots of friends out to listen, dance and cheer. Mr. Bielinski even managed to drop in! Thanks to everyone who came out to host, to jam or just hang out and enjoy the music, including: G.S. Harper, Jeff Beam (welcome to the CMC family Jeff!) Sammy Free, Tony Yerman, Ronny B., Bobbie Yerman, Patricia Reiter, JMY T, John Kerver, Joey Samide, Bob Laeng, Ed Sarley, Wally Marflak, The “other” Bob, Gerald Hurd, Hayden Frosti, Don Lydon, Mike Cottom, Greg Kern, Eric, Gary, Sheri, Effie, Helen, Bill, Vern, Steven, Nancy, Jill, Sue Ann, Courtney, Lenna, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons. Thanks also to Doc and Sherri, without whom we would all be dehydrated and starve. A special thanks to Dennis Bielinski and Dirty Town Guitar and Amps for sponsoring so many of the CMC jams and countless other events around town. We encourage you to thank them yourselves by making Dirty Town your number one stop for custom amps, vintage guitars, repairs and more.

I want to take a moment to remind everyone that today from 1pm-9pm there will be a benefit celebrating the life of Cheryl Reeves and her love of music and photography. Proceeds will go to the family to help pay for outstanding medical expenses. The benefit will be at The Z-Plex inside Stringz and Wingz (1543 State Route 303 in Streetsboro, OH) Tickets are $20 if you buy them in advance at http://www.clevelandmusicianscare.com/#!portrait-of-life/c1ghi or $25 at the door. There will be 29 different acts performing as well as raffles and a spaghetti dinner. This is a fantastic way to honor this wonderful lady’s life. I hope to see you there.

Coming up this week…

On Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are Drew Doman and ‘Uncle’ Steve Smith. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Friday night will find Shady Drive back at the Parma Tavern (5680 Broadview Road, Parma, 10pm – 2am). We’ll be rockin’ the house with all of your favorite rock and blues tunes all night long. Come on out and let’s kick the weekend off with a bang!

On Saturday, Shady Drive travels north to Lathrup Village, Michigan with the Soul Men to headline the 10th Annual Michigan First Summer in the Village Festival (24700 Southfield Rd., Lathrup Village, MI, 7pm – 10pm). It’s a bit of a drive, but come join us if you can! There will be plenty of food (including a BBQ Battle) $2 Michigan brews and much more!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week’s events started off with the CMC Sunday Jam at 42 Eighty Food & Drink. It may not have been the busiest, but it was a whole lot of fun! Guest hosts George Hartwig and Tim Hamman did a stellar job during the host set. Then the band “Double Shot” (George S. Yunis, Robert D Garuccio, Ed Strauss, Jim Burger, and Devin Hogan) treated us all to a mini-reunion. After that, was a virtual free for all of musical chairs musicianship featuring the above players and Frank Thomas, Patricia Reiter, Mal Mapes, Scott Urbas, TJ Plechaty, John Kerver, Dan Elliott and Jay Calvin. We also got to visit with Nancy B., and Becky G.! Great night! Thanks to all who came out. Also thanks to Bruno Bros Music for supplying prizes for the drawing, and to Rachel and Vern for all of their hard work.

Tuesday’s CMC? Jam at Doc and Louie’s Bar & Grille was a fantastic night with hosts George Hartwig and Gary Stulak, jammers Jay Smith, Scott Urbas, Gerald Hurd, Bob Laeng, Joey Samide, Jim Belanger, Blake Kniola, Don Lydon, Dan Elliott, Ronny B., Dylan Free, Chris B., Greg Kern, Jonathon, Lenna Pauley, Pat Reiter, JMY T., and The Cottom Catz (Mike Cottom Sr., Mike Cottom Jr., Kaylee Cottom and Chloe Cottom)! Thank you all for coming out and filling the night with great music! Thanks also to Lisa?, Katyana, Ron, Sammy, Cindy, Bill, Effie, Trish, Joe, Sheri, Charmae, Jason, Amanda, Aron, Gary, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons for providing some great fun and conversation! Thanks to Sonor USA for sponsoring and to Doc and Sherry for working hard all night!

Lots of fun at the Fairview Tavern on Wednesday with George Hartwig and Tim Hamman! It was great to see Gerald, Laura and all of the Tavern crew. :c)

Our thanks to everyone who came out for the final CMC Sunday Jam 42 Eighty Food & Drink. Becky Boyd, Michael Bay, Brian McDonald and Jon Darling started things off with a fabulous host set. Then we were treated to more great music by Bob Laeng, Chase Ockuly, Mike Binder, Carl E. De Scott, Priscilla Zietlow, Blake Kniola, Carla Funk, and Mal Mapes! Thanks also to Jen, Amanda, Jason, Phil, Kathy, Tori, Ray and the rest of the 42Eighty faithful for all of the whistles and applause as well as the good company, to Dirty Town Guitar and Amps for sponsoring the jam and congrats to Chase and Carla who won a string winder and guitar strings. Finally, thanks to Emily and Vern for all of your hard work not just tonight but for the past 5 months. You guys rock!

Coming up this week…

Tonight, join us as we celebrate Doc and Louie’s 18th Anniversary! (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) at our weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are Rob ‘Shady’ Hayes and Tony Camerato. All drinks are $2 until 9pm, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) and wings are just 50 cents all night. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Friday, Shady Drive returns to The Upper Deck (375 W. Bagley Rd., Berea, 9pm – 1am) to party the night away. Playing ‘the Deck’ is always fun with their regular gang and great food and drinks and there’s plenty of parking, so come join us!

Shady Drive is playing a private function on Saturday.

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Many thanks to everyone who made it out to a jam night or gig this past week. It was great to jam with Hayden Frosti, Jay Smith, Gerald Hurd, Bob Laeng, Joey Samide, John Kerver, Jim Belanger, Katyana Speckman, Bob DeVries, Mal Mapes, Ronny B., Eroc Sosinski, Bill Sanders, Greg Kern, Dan Elliott, Frances O’Daniel, Alan Beeler, JMY T., The Cottom Catz (Mike Sr., Mike Jr., Kaylee and Chloe Cottom) and guest hosts Drew Doman and “Uncle” Steve Smith! Big thanks to Sonor USA for sponsoring (congrats Ronnie B and Don “Cowbell” Elliott) and to Doc and Sherry for their hard work. It was good to see Chris, Wally, Sharon, Gary, Laura, Merle, Sandy, Ken, Chris, Daryl, Janet, Chey, Lisa, Steven, Sheri, Karen, Jason, Amanda, Tori, Vickie, Vern, Helen, Trish, Peanuts, The Dancing Marilyns, Debbie, Jen, Bud, Louise and Karen, along with everyone else who came out to see us this past week! Thanks so much for coming out and supporting the band and live music!

Coming up this week…

Tonight’s CMC Sunday Jam at 42 Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy., Brunswick, 7pm – 11pm) is sponsored by Bruno Brothers Music in Brunswick and features guest hosts ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Tim Hamman, Emily behind the bar and Vern manning the kitchen. The food is awesome (40 cent wings and the most awesome homemade kettle chips w/ dip!), the beer is cold ($4 pitchers of domestic beer and happy hour prices until 9pm!) and full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS 6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe or sticks and come jam with us!

On Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Gary ‘G Rock’ Stulak. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Next, you’ll find me at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 8pm – 11pm) with ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Tim Hamman for the Cleveland Music Club Wednesday show. We’ll play your favorite tunes while you enjoy the tavern’s fine food, delicious drinks and fast, friendly service! It’s always fun, so c’mon out! :c)

Shady Drive is off on Friday and playing private events on Saturday and Sunday (the May 26th CMC Sunday Jam will be hosted by Michael Bay with Becky Boyd, Brian McDonald and Jon Darling). Cleveland Music Club is playing a private event on Monday. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Great gigs the past two weeks! Thanks to Bob Laverty, John Hamley, A.J. Hamley, Scott Urbas, Hollywood, Greg Kern, Patricia Reiter, Blake Kniola, Don Baker, Roger Fleckinger, Jim Belanger, Bob Laeng, Gerald Hurd, John Kerver, Jay Smith, Dick Rogers, Greg Lapsevich, Don Lydon, Dan Elliott, Ronny B., Blake Kniola, JMY T., Bob DeVries, Jim Keserich, The Cottom Catz (Mike Cottom SR., Mike Cottom JR. and Chloe Cottom stopping by 42 Eighty and Doc and Louie’s to jam with us and to Hayden, Pat, Trish, Vern, John B., Steve, Sheri, Lenna, Aaron, Effie, “The Dancing Marilyns” Joe Z., Tammy, George, Amanda, Steve and all of the rest of the 42Eighty and Doc’s crowd of music loving patrons for hanging out with us!

Shady Drive played 42 Eighty’s 1st Anniversary bash on May 3 (w/the North Coast Horns) and the Savannah Bar and Grille on May 10 (w/the North Coast Horns) and the Fairview Tavern on May 11 (trio). All three nights were spectacular in attendance and fun! Thanks to all who came out to see us including Chris, Daryl, Gary, Laura, Merle, Jess, Joy, Kevin, Marilyn, Karen, Don, Effie, George, Amanda, Jason, Amanda, John, Jen, Diane, Katy, Debbie, Tina, Pat, Wally, Sandy and Ken! I apologize if I missed anyone. There were a LOT of you!

Somewhere in the midst of all that, we saw Wish You Were Here put on an amazing show at the House of Blues on May 4. Great show guys and gals! :c)

Coming up this week…

On Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are Drew Doman and ‘Uncle’ Steve Smith. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Friday, please join Shady Drive as we return to one of Strongsville’s premier dining establishments, The Bier Haus (17692 Pearl Rd., Strongsville , 8:30-12:30). They have a huge variety of craft beers to choose from as well as a great menu of delicious eats! Come on out and party with us! :c)

This Saturday, Shady Drive (with Chris Hanna on keys) and the North Coast Horns will appear at the new Thistledown Racino (21501 Emery Rd., Cleveland, 8pm – Midnight). This will be one hell of a party, so make plans now to join us! :c)

On Sunday, we’ll jam out at 42 Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy., Brunswick, 7pm – 11pm) features guest hosts ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Tim Hamman, Rachel behind the bar and Vern manning the kitchen. The food is awesome (40 cent wings and the most awesome homemade kettle chips w/ dip!), the beer is cold ($4 pitchers of domestic beer and happy hour prices until 9pm!) and full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS 6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe or sticks and come jam with us!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang,

Last Sunday’s CMC Jam Night was a rockin’ good time! Stopping by to jam or just hang out with us were TJ Plechaty, Ken Porter, Dave Tupa, Scott Urbas, Tony (bass), Blake Kniola, Mike Frate, Tammy (vocals), Lenna Pauley, Jay, Amanda, Ro, George and the rest of the 42Eighty faithful. Thanks to guest hosts George Hartwig and Tim Hamman, to Vern and Emily for their hard work in the kitchen and behind the bar and to sponsor Dirty Town Guitar and Amps! Congrats to prize winners Pat, Lenna and Mike F!

Tuesday’s CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s featured a great group of players including Jay Smith, Bob Laeng, John Kerver, Skip Werke, Jeff Sherman, Wally Marflak, Ronny B., Don Lydon, Dan Elliott, Greg Kern, Mike Cottom, Blake Kniola, Lenna Pauley, JMY T., Carl De Scott and Dan Hearns. Thank you all for entertaining us all evening, both on and off stage. Speaking of off stage, Barb, Pattie, Vern, Helen, Karen, Effie, Sheri, Kaylee, Scott, Steve, Chuck, Uncle Peanuts, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons, thanks for coming out to watch, listen, dance and cheer. Sherri and Doc, thanks for putting up with us again!

On Wednesday, George Hartwig and Tim Hamman joined me at the Fairview Tavern for the Cleveland Music Club show. It was great to see Gerald, Laura, Lisa, Katy, Ron, Chrissy and Lenna! Fun night :c)

Friday’s Shady Drive show at The Mad Cactus was a fabulous evening! We rocked the Cactus until after 1:30am with Teddy and Kelly behind the bar, and Katy, Shane, Jen, Gerald, Sandy, Ken, Pat, Charlie, Laura, Gary, Donna, Merle, Joanne, Janet, Gordy and the Cactus gang partying with us! What a blast! :c)

Coming up this week…

Tonight’s CMC Sunday Jam at 42 Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy., Brunswick, 7pm – 11pm) features guest hosts Becky Boyd, Michael Bay and Kevin Fancher, Emily behind the bar and Vern manning the kitchen. The food is awesome (40 cent wings and the most awesome homemade kettle chips w/ dip!), the beer is cold ($4 pitchers of domestic beer and happy hour prices until 9pm!) and full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS 6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe or sticks and come jam with us!

On Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are Drew Doman and ‘Uncle’ Steve Smith. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

This Friday, come join Shady Drive and the North Coast Horns as we celebrate the 1-Year Anniversary of 42 Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy, Brunswick, 8:30pm – 12:30am)!! There will be food and drink specials all night long and lots of great music as we crank out your favorite tunes by The Blues Brothers, Chicago, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Paul Simon and many more!

On Saturday, I’m off to the House of Blues to catch Wish You Were Here as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. These guys and gals put on a terrific show, gang. If you haven’t seen them, do yourself a favor and get down to the HOB this Saturday!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang,

On April 17, the Cleveland music community lost a treasured friend and talented photographer with the passing of Cheryl Reeves. Cheryl was not only a great photographer and avid live music supporter, she was a friend who always gave freely of her time, her talents and her wisdom. Although her light will be with us always, she’ll be deeply missed.
We love you, Cheryl.

Last Sunday’s CMC Jam at 42 Eighty was a fun night. Thanks to Gerald Hurd, John Hamley, Tj Plechaty, Don Baker, Ken Porter, Greg Kern, John Powell, Tony Mazzone, Don Nero, Tammy, Patricia Reiter, Mike Frate, Ro, Liz, Tiffany, George and the 42 Eighty gang for sharing your musical talents and your good company with us! Thanks also to Emily, Vern and the rest of the staff for taking good care of us and to Rob Hayes and Eroc Sosinski for turning in a stellare performance as guest hosts! on another note, best of luck to Don and Liz Nero who moved to South Carolina this past week. We’ll miss Don’s awesome keyboard sounds at our jam nights!

Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club Jam at Doc and Louie’s was a rockin’ evening. Thank you Bob Laeng, Gerald Hurd, Hayden Frosti, William Kiehn, Bill Schlegel, Wally Marflak, Ronny B., Ben Villyes, Greg Kern, Dan Elliott, Don Lydon, Justin Melcarek, Mike Cottom, Carl DeScott, Katyana Speckman, Chuck & Steve, Mal Mapes, Stan (on harp), Bob DeVries, JMY T, Todd Allen, Rebel Grindstone (Jeff, Dave, Andrew, and Brinton,) for filling the night with your music. Thanks to Effie, Frances, Vern, John B., Steven F., Lisa, Ron, Sue Ann, Courtney, Nancy, Tori, Sheri, Bennett, Scott, Amanda, Jason, Jeff, John P., the dancing Marilyn’s and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons for coming out on a weeknight to hang out with us and get lost in the music for a few hours. Thanks to G.S. Harper and Kevin Fancher thanks for being awesome guest hosts and for staying late even though one of you was sick and the other probably had to be up at the crack of dawn, to home town favorite, Dirty Town Guitar and Amps for sponsoring this week’s jam. Congrats to prize winners Bob Laeng ($15 GC), The Unknown Guitarist (strings) and Captain Bill (strings.)

Friday’s Lampliter show was a bit light on attendance, but not on fun. Those that came out had a fun night and so did we! It was great to see Matt and the Lampliter gang again!

Shady Drive’s debut at The Bier Haus on Saturday was a huge success. Thanks to Chris, Daryl, Jen, Rob, Brandon, Merle, Jenny, Chris and the Bier Haus gang for hanging with us all evening and to Bob, Michelle and Robert for having us! Also, huge thanks to Emily Keener, who brought the house down with her amazing performance between Shady Drive’s sets. We’ll be back at The Bier Haus monthly beginning on August 23.

Coming up this week…

Tonight’s CMC Sunday Jam at 42 Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy., Brunswick, 7pm – 11pm) features guest hosts ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Tim Hamman, Emily behind the bar and Vern manning the kitchen. The food is awesome (40 cent wings and the most awesome homemade kettle chips w/ dip!), the beer is cold ($4 pitchers of domestic beer and happy hour prices until 9pm!) and full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS 6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe or sticks and come jam with us!

On Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. Guest hosts this week are and Tony Camerato and Sonor Drums is our sponsor. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Wednesday join us for the Cleveland Music Club show at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 8pm – 11pm) with ‘Furious’ George Hartwig, Tim Hamman and me playing your favorite tunes. It’s always a really fun time and the food and service are nothing short of remarkable. Don’t take my word for it though, come see for yourself!

This Friday, Shady Drive returns to The Mad Cactus (9175 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, 9pm – 1am) to party down with Teddy and the Cactus gang. This place really rocks when the sun goes down so c’mon out and join in the fun! :c)

We’re off this Saturday, so that’s it for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)