Mike Starcher – Drivin' It!

Hi gang!

Happy Labor Day! Wow, the summer’s gone and it seems like it just started. I’ve had a very busy summer season and the time just flew by. I’m very thankful for all of the work, though. It’s been a fun season with lots of new developments!

This past week, Rob, Kevin and I hosted the Lube Jam on Monday and the Cleveland Music Club jam on Tuesday. Both were a lot of fun! We were off on Friday and played private functions on Saturday and Sunday.

Joining me tomorrow night for this week’s installment of the Cleveland Music Club jam at Bullfrog’s are G.S. Harper and Sammy Free. It’s always a blast onstage with these two characters, and we manage to play some good music as well! Bullfrog’s has really good food (try the Blackened chicken tortellini or the Jam Night Steak Special), 30 beers on tap and a friendly staff including Melissa behind the bar and servers Maria, Shannon and Lauren. We start at 7:30 and at 8:15 we turn the stage over to YOU! always a fun night, so make plans to come early and bring your axe!

This Friday, Shady Drive returns to our favorite Lakewood venue, Irish Kevin’s, where we’ll be partying with Jen and the regular Kevin’s gang. The regulars there are loads of fun to hang out with and if Jen’s gorgeous smile and friendly service behind the bar doesn’t make your night, I’ll eat my hat. Come join us at 9pm and be a part of the festivities!

On Saturday at 9:30pm, Shady Drive takes the stage at the fabulous Fairview Tavern. Featuring a $10 Strip Steak special and the BEST patty melt ever made, the Tavern’s menu is second to none. Their pizza rocks, the wings are awesome…there isn’t an item on the menu I wouldn’t recommend. You’ll get great service too, from Heather, Morgan, Kate, Frances, Ann Marie or Courtney. Beer? Ha! Stella, Miller, Labatt, Corona, Landshark…even Black Label! When you add Shady Drive to this mix, you just can’t go wrong at the Fairview Tavern!

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

Hi gang!

Just finished up a really fun week, starting with the Cleveland Music Club jam last Tuesday. Joining me were Dwayne Dickman and Eroc Sosinski for a great evening of music and fun! Thanks guys! It was a blast! On Friday, Shady Drive was off to the newly renovated Mad Cactus to party the night away, and that’s exactly what we did! The Cactus looks great and the food is just as delicious as ever! We’re back there on October 22.

Coming up, Shady Drive is off Friday and playing a private function Saturday, but you’ll still have two chances to catch us in action this week as we host jam nights on Monday and Tuesday.

First up is the Lube Jam at Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield on Monday starting at 7pm. Come join us at Cleveland’s only outdoor open jam night!

On Tuesday, my Shady Drive bandmates Rob Hayes and Kevin Fancher will join me for another installment of the Cleveland Music Club jam night at Bullfrog’s. The fun begins at 7:30pm, so come early for dinner and stay for the jam!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

A week of mixed emotions started with a great jam at Bullfrog’s on Tuesday with Rob and Kevin, followed by Dick’s last Shady Drive gig on Friday and Kevin’s first official Shady Drive gig on Saturday. What a roller coaster! :c)

Coming up this week, Tuesday’s Cleveland Music Club jam at Bullfrog’s will be off the hook as my co-hosts are Eroc Sosinski (Wish You Were Here, Michael Stanley and the Resonators, Tie Dye Harvest) and Dwayne Dickman (My Three Sons, Band Of Brothers, Jerry Bruno). The fun starts at 7:30pm so don’t miss it!

On Friday, Shady Drive returns to The Mad Cactus to rock out with Teddy and the Cactus crowd at 9pm. Make sure you’re a part of the action!

On Saturday Shady Drive plays a private function, so that wraps up the week ahead.

We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

It’s been a very busy week, starting with the Bullfrog’s jam last Tuesday with Cy and Bill (thanks guys!), then with Shady Drive on Friday at Bullfrog’s, Saturday at Walk and Roll and then a private function. We were scheduled at Blue Snapper today at 3pm, but were rained out. I have mixed feelings about that, since it’s a really fun gig but I’ve enjoyed the day off. :c)

The week ahead will be bittersweet as well, as Shady Drive experiences a “changing of the guard” on bass. Mr. Dick Devries’ last public gig with Shady Drive is our appearance at Irish Kevin’s this coming Friday, August 19. Dick is leaving to devote more time to “The Melz” and another project he is putting together. It’s been an honor and pleasure to share the stage with you the past 2 1/2 years, Dick. I wish you much success with your new projects!

With that, I’d like to welcome Mr. Kevin Fancher aboard as Shady Drive’s new bassist. Kevin comes to us from E.T. King and the Determination, Bad Neighbors and Dupree. He holds a BA in Music Education and teaches in the Fairview Park School system. His first gig with Shady Drive will be at the Fairview Tavern this Saturday, August 20 at 9:30pm. He and Rob Hayes will be co-hosting the Cleveland Music Club jam night with me at Bullfrog’s this Tuesday, August 16 at 7:30pm.

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

“How I Spent My Summer Vacation”

It’s been one heck of a week! Last Monday, Cleveland Music Club hosted the Lube Jam at the Sheffield Quaker Steak and Lube. Joining me were Rob Hayes (Shady Drive), Sammy Free (Ace Molar, Dave’s Planet) and Mike Wypasek (TCB). On Tuesday night I was with Dwayne Dickman and Tim Hamman for Cleveland Music Club’s weekly jam night at Bullfrog’s. Thursday found Shady Drive at Bubba’s Q in Avon and we ended the week in fine fashion as Shady Drive, Erin Rossi and the North Coast Horns appeared at Twilight at the Zoo, Cleveland’s largest fundraiser. Check out the videos and photos on Shady Drive’s Facebook page!

Coming up this week, Cy Sulak (Victory Hwy, Brothers Blues Band) and Bill March (Twist, Jonah Koslen) join me tomorrow night at 7:30pm as Cleveland Music Club hosts the weekly Musicians’ Jam Night at Bullfrog’s! Along with great music, you can enjoy one of 30 draft beers and an amazing selection of dishes from Bullfrog’s menu! Bring your favorite axe and jam with us or just hang out and listen!

On Friday, Shady Drive will appear at Bullfrog’s, so you’ll have another chance this week to experience their wide selection of food and beer!

This Saturday at 3pm, Shady Drive will appear at Walk and Roll for the second consecutive year before cruising off to perform for a private function that evening.

I’ll wind up the week with Shady Drive as we appear on the patio at The Blue Snapper from 3-7pm. The Snapper boasts one of the best patios in Cleveland and our Sunday appearances there are always great fun, so come join us!

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

Hi gang!

There’s lots to tell this week! The Bullfrog’s Jam Nite was AMAZING with Erin Rossi, G.S. Harper and Sammy Free on board. A great crowd and some equally great music! Definitely a fun night!

On Wednesday Shady Drive was off to Savannah with special guest vocalist Erin Rossi and another fun night! There was a generous amount of dancing and partying going on, and the ol’ Savannah was rockin’ for sure!

Friday night found Shady Drive back at Cebar’s Euclid Tavern for some hot blues and cold beer. Both were flowing in abundance as we jammed until almost 2am with the Cebar’s gang. Love that place!

On Saturday, I appeared with No Hurry at the Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. It was a gorgeous evening for music outdoors as Ira led the band through some great classic rock selections. It was a blast guys! :c)

Then on Sunday, Shady Drive played a private party held by Erin Rossi, and WHAT a party! We were joined onstage by Erin herself, Michelle Romary, Dieter Jagiela, Alexis, Audie and Ray Varga! The food, music and people were all outstanding. Thank you Erin for having us! :c)

Don’t sit down yet! Tonight I’m with Cleveland Music Club hosting the Lube Jam at Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. Joining me onstage tonight at 7pm are Rob Hayes (Shady Drive), Mike Wypasek (Cool Breeze Band) and Sammy Free (Ace Molar, Dave’s Planet and Brothers Blues Band). Add The Lube’s famous wings and some cold beer and you’ve got a winning combination!

Tomorrow I’m back at Bullfrog’s for the Tuesday Night Jam at 7:30pm. This week, Dwayne Dickman and Tim Hamman fill the guitar and bass spots, so you don’t want to miss this one!

On Thursday, Shady Drive makes a debut appearance at Bubba’s Q in Avon for an installment of their “Blue Thursday” music series. We met Bubba while playing a private party and have really been looking forward to appearing at his establishment!

On Friday, Shady Drive makes a 4th consecutive appearance at the amazing “Twilight at the Zoo” event. Appearing with us this year are Erin Rossi and The North Coast Horns! If you have never attended this event, you’re missing something very special. Sam Adams beer, food and 17 bands are all included in the ticket price and located throughout the entire Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!! How COOL is that??

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

This past weekend, the crowds were light, but what they were lacking in size they made up for in enthusiasm. Both on Friday at Harpo’s and Saturday at Doc & Louie’s, folks were GREAT! We really appreciate you all coming out and hanging with us. :c)

Coming up this week, I’m hosting the Bullfrog’s Jam Night on Tuesday with guests G.S. Harper, Sammy free and Erin Rossi on vocals. Bullfrog’s has a great menu, friendly staff and 30 beers on tap! It’s always fun so come jam with us!

On Wednesday I’m with Shady Drive and Erin Rossi at the Savannah Bar and Grille from 8pm to Midnight. Good food, good drinks and great music at the Savannah! Come join us!

Friday, Shady Drive returns to Cebar’s Euclid Tavern for some cold beers and hot blues. Don’t miss this one!

On Saturday, I’m filling in with Ira Swartz and No Hurry at the Sheffield Quaker Steak and Lube. Come check us out!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

We just finished up a great week! This past Tuesday, Shady Drive hosted the Bullfrog’s Jam Night from 7:30pm to 11pm. It was such a fun time, we’re back there again this Tuesday night! After playing a private function on Friday night, we were at The Lampliter in Parma last night. Thanks to Sammy and Cindy, Eric and Cheryl, Koz and the Lamp crew for coming out to hang with us!

This week is comin’ at ya pretty fast as we are at The Blue Snapper this afternoon from 3-7pm on the patio. If you’ve never been to the Snapper, their patio is something you absolutely need to experience! Great food, massive bar, Shady Drive and WMMS! What else is there??

On Monday, Shady Drive will be at the Sheffield Quaker Steak and Lube hosting the Monday Night Lube Jam. This is Cleveland’s ONLY outdoor open jam night! Combine that with Shady Drive and Quaker Steak’s awesome wings…WINNING! ;c)

On Tuesday, Shady Drive returns to host Bullfrog’s Musicians’ Jam Night at 7:30pm with Bill March in the bass chair. Bullfrog’s is a great venue with 30 beers on tap, a mouth-watering menu (including the $8 Jam Night Steak Special) and a friendly staff including Shaun behind the bar and Maria and Shannon in the dining room. Add Shady Drive to that and you’ve got FUN!

Then on Friday, Shady Drive returns to the fabulous Harpo’s Sports Cafe in Brookpark at 9pm. This is our second appearance there and we can’t wait to party with the Harpo’s gang again!

On Saturday, we’re cruisin’ back to Doc and Louie’s at 9pm for another rockin’ evening! Always a great time at Doc’s, so be sure to join us!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Another wonderful week has gone by! Shady Drive rocked the Fairview Tavern last Friday night until almost 2am. The crowd there was light but enthusiastic and we had a great time!

On Saturday, Shady Drive appeared at Mapleside Farms’ 1st Annual “Rock, Ribs and Blues” Festival. We really enjoyed this one. The event was extremely well-run and organized. Many, many thanks to Mapleside Farms and RCS Sound for their hard work in putting on an amazing event! We’re looking forward to appearing there again soon!

Coming up this week, I’ll be with The List on Monday July 11, hosting the Lube Jam at Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. The fun starts at 7pm. Great food and a variety of beers along with some great music make this an event you shouldn’t miss!

On Tuesday, July 12, Shady Drive will host Musician’s Jam Nite at Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe in North Ridgeville beginning at 7:30pm. Bullfrog’s has a an awesome menu (my favorite is the Blackened Chicken Tortellini), 30 beers on tap and a great staff. Shady Drive will play your favorites from 7:30 – 8:15 and then turn the stage over to you! Come join us!

After a private gig on Friday, looking ahead to Saturday, Shady Drive returns to The Lampliter in Parma. A long-standing destination for live music in Cleveland, “The Lamp” is always a fun gig!

On Sunday, July 17, Shady Drive is back on the patio at the Blue Snapper. This is definitely one you don’t want to miss. The Blue Snapper features a great menu, cold beer, a fun, friendly staff and great music, all outside on their totally tricked out patio! WMMS-FM will be there and you should too!

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

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

It’s been another great weekend! I hope all of you are having a wonderful 4th of July holiday.

My weekend started with Shady Drive at Irish Kevin’s on Friday as we partied with the Kevin’s gang and Jen behind the bar. We had a great time and can’t wait for our next show there, which is on August 19th.

On Saturday, Shady Drive traveled to Oberlin for our annual Schaun Acres show. With keyboardist Bob Hayes on board, we rocked the Schaun pavilion all evening long!

On Sunday, I was off to Mike’s Barn with The List to appear at the “Kickin’ The Cancer Blues” benefit. The Barn was absolutely packed and ready to party. In addition to playing an hour set with The List, I had the pleasure of playing with Matt Miller and Michael Bay, backing Kristine Jackson during her set to close out the night. What a great time!

I have today off, but tomorrow it’s back to work with The List as we host our weekly jam night at Bullfrog’s. The fun starts at 7:30pm as we play your favorite tunes. At 8:30 we turn the stage over to you, so bring your favorite axe and come jam with us!

On Friday, Shady Drive rolls into the fabulous Fairview Tavern at 9:30pm. The Tavern has absolutely amazing food, plenty of great beers and drink specials and a stellar staff. Add Shady Drive’s hot blues and classic rock to that mix and it’s party time! Don’t miss it!

On Saturday, Shady Drive heads to Mapleside Farms at 5pm to kick off their “Rock, Ribs and Blues” Festival weekend. This should be a really great time!

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

Mike :c)