27 minute read
MUSIC
David Rhodes Brown was a mainstay on Cincinnati stages.
PHOTO: STEPH KELLER
FIRST PERSON
An Enduring Legacy
A CityBeat writer pays tribute to Cincinnati musician David Rhodes Brown.
BY NICK GREVER
The legend of David Rhodes Brown is a bit of a tall tale within the Cincinnati music scene.
Standing at a natural 6’5” before adding his signature cowboy boots and hat, Brown literally and guratively towered above his constituency with his impeccable musicianship, booming voice, over 60 years of experience and incomparable a ability and kindness.
Sadly, Brown passed away on Dec. 8 at age 72.
To know Brown as a musician meant constant delight and surprise, as he was able to take on new projects and shift seamlessly to new genres, lineups and sounds with the e ortless ability of a natural talent. To know Brown as a man, however, was even more meaningful. Brown maintained a reputation for joy, compassion and generosity through his days that somehow managed to supersede his own monumental talents and gifts to Cincinnati music.
Brown, who in many ways felt like a myth, touched the lives of many and there is no better way to remember someone than to hear directly from those they loved the most. Brown’s bandmates, Ryan Malott (500 Miles to Memphis), John Schmidt and Doug Waggoner ( e Warsaw Falcons), and Brown’s wife, Bobbi Kayser, shared with CityBeat memories both of Brown the musician and Brown the man. e stories may sound like ction at times, with small things like dates, details or speci cs being lost to history, but the truth always comes through – Brown was wondrously talented, relentlessly positive and unbelievably charitable. is is the legacy that he left with his fans and loved ones.
Brown’s musical career spanned multiple decades, cities, genres, bands, instruments and more. He began at a young age by singing in choir and learning basic notes on his sister’s guitar. Shortly thereafter, Brown began his rst band in junior high before joining the Navy at 18 years old and developing his skills, reportedly on a 12-string guitar, no less.
After his honorable discharge, Brown continued to make music for the next ve decades, even forming a punk-rock band in 1978 – quite the departure from the country and Americana he became known for playing by current music fans. He often was known to play with multiple Rock & Roll Hall of Famers like Bo Diddley when they came to town and frequently played four nights a week at the height of his performing days.
Brown had a talent for reinvention and an innate ability for songwriting and musicianship.
“ e area that I think Dave was the strongest was songwriting,” Schmidt said. “He wrote incredible music. What was great about his songs was that they just made internal sense. His songs made sense from beginning to end. He had a natural sense to where the song was going, and it made it easy to like
and easy to listen to and easy for Doug [Waggoner] and I to work with.”
Not content with keeping his gifts to himself, Brown was known for helping fellow musicians in any way he could and made an indelible impact on Malott’s early days as an up-andcoming artist. Recounting the way that Brown joined 500 Miles to Memphis, Malott said he was in the midst of planning an event (a Johnny Cash or Hank Williams tribute, depending on who you ask) and was receiving constant calls from someone who wanted to perform.
Malott didn’t return those calls but was surprised to see Brown come to the event with his lap steel, explaining that he had been calling him for weeks and wanted to know when he could play. Malott let him join him on stage, and the chemistry was immediate. Malott asked if Brown would want to play with him again. Brown’s response? “‘Aw, fuck that, I’ll just join your damn band,’” Malott recounted.
In addition to joining 500 Miles to Memphis around 2005, Brown helped Malott learn how to write songs, play guitar, understand how to manage a band and other invaluable skills.
“David cut the learning curve down for me by maybe a decade. And he funded our second record, which is Sunshine in a Shot Glass, which is one that got us signed, the one that put us on the map, the one that launched our career,” Malott remembered. “If Dave hadn’t given me that opportunity, I don’t know what my musical career would’ve been, if anything at all.”
Brown’s musical talents extended beyond songwriting and carried over to live performance, where he was a presence that couldn’t be overlooked.
“ e dude knew he was a rock star because he fucking was. He had that X factor, moxie, whatever you want to call it. He had all the elements required to be a superstar,” Malott said.
Schmidt agreed.
“He was a big personality. He was big onstage, he was big o stage. He was one of those guys where he’d walk into a room and you saw him because he was so tall, and you heard him because he had this booming voice and great laugh,” Schmidt said. “He loved everybody. He was a real booster of other musicians and the scene in general.”
Waggoner added, “Dave was a force upon himself. He was always there. He never quit.”
Brown’s in uence on local music was only eclipsed by Brown’s love for helping others and his sel ess generosity. Kayser said she met Brown on a blind date when they had each given up on long-term relationships. But after that fateful meeting, they quickly formed a friendship, followed shortly by romance and a proposal after a harrowing, snow lled, drive from Cincinnati to Rabbit Hash.
Kayser saw rst-hand Brown’s love of music as well as his love for others.
“He was so generous and always looking out for the people around him. He just couldn’t stop himself when it came to that. It cost us a lot of money over the years, but it was so worth it because it made him feel so good,” Kayser said. “He bought instruments for people that lost theirs. He paid for lessons for other musicians to get more educated in their eld. at list goes on forever.”.
Malott said Brown’s love extended even to strangers.
“Every Christmas, he’d go to Walmart guest services and just pay o someone’s layaway Christmas presents,” Malott said. “He would just give. He gave all of his money away. He gave everything away. He just gave and gave and gave.”
Both Kayser and Malott said that Brown didn’t desire any recognition for the acts. He wanted to give to others solely because it was the right thing to do and it made him feel good; the act itself was a gift enough, they said.
For many of Brown’s fans, friends and family, he seemed like a permanent xture within Cincinnati’s music scene – that he would always be here, always perform and always create top quality music and showmanship. Losing Brown has caused a deluge of memories from those who knew him or appreciated his work. Even after decades’ worth of memories, it still doesn’t feel like enough.
Brown’s presence felt everlasting when he was with us, but his legacy undoubtedly will be. David Rhodes Brown, the musician, will live through the vast amounts of recordings he was on and the bands he was a part of. But David Rhodes Brown, the man, is who will truly stand the test of time, as the lives he touched truly can’t be counted or tabulated.
In Waggoner’s words, “Dave will never be forgotten. His music will never be forgotten.”
SOUND ADVICE SOUND ADVICE
Rhiannon Giddens
PHOTO: DAVID MCCLISTER Rhiannon Giddens
PHOTO: DAVID MCCLISTER
RHIANNON GIDDENS RHIANNON GIDDENS Jan. 18 • Memorial Hall
While many people learned how to relax and catch up on naps during the COVID-19 shutdown, others endured in di erent, more productive ways. Folk musician Rhiannon Giddens opted for the latter option and in a creative urry recorded ey’re Calling Me Home, a Grammy award-winning record of traditional songs. She also published Build a House, her rst children’s book. e North Carolina musician began her career by co-founding the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a popular old-time string trio in which she ourished in songwriting and playing the ddle and banjo. She also released several solo records, moved to Ireland and since 2019 has partnered with the Italian musician Francesco Turrisi to release two collaborative gems. e breadth of Gidden’s musical interests ranges from studying opera at a university conservatory, composing scores for various orchestral productions and even receiving the MacArthur Fellows Program grant for music in 2017. ey’re Calling Me Home and its haunting eloquence touches on many aspects of Gidden’s career, from her operatic rendition of Monteverdi’s “Si Dolce e’l Tormento” to the old-fashioned grace of the folk standard “Black as Crow” in which Gidden plays the banjo, her main accompaniment. is is an
Jan. 18 • Memorial Hall artist who recorded slave narratives on While many people learned how to her previous record, researched the hisrelax and catch up on naps during the tory of the banjo and traced how African COVID-19 shutdown, others endured Americans invented the instrument in in di erent, more productive ways. Folk West Africa and the Caribbean before it musician Rhiannon Giddens opted for became a primary Appalachian bluethe latter option and in a creative urry grass instrument. recorded ey’re Calling Me Home, a In concert, Giddens and Turrisi Grammy award-winning record of tradiperform standards and originals in their tional songs. She also published Build a spare, understated style. Turrisi’s voice House, her rst children’s book. and skills on the piano, lute and accor e North Carolina musician began dion complement Giddens’ arrangeher career by co-founding the Carolina ments, as the pair collaborate and inspire Chocolate Drops, a popular old-time with their musical alchemy. string trio in which she ourished in Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco songwriting and playing the ddle and Turrisi play Memorial Hall at 8 p.m. Jan. banjo. She also released several solo 18. Info: memorialhallotr.com. records, moved to Ireland and since 2019 (Greg Gaston)has partnered with the Italian musician Francesco Turrisi to release two collaborative gems. e breadth of Gidden’s musical interests ranges from studying opera at a university conservatory, composing scores for various orchestral productions and even receiving the MacArthur Fellows Program grant for music in 2017. ey’re Calling Me Home and its haunting eloquence touches on many aspects of Gidden’s career, from her operatic rendition of Monteverdi’s “Si Dolce e’l Tormento” to the old-fashioned grace of the folk standard “Black as Crow” in which Gidden plays the banjo, her main accompaniment. is is an artist who recorded slave narratives on her previous record, researched the history of the banjo and traced how African Americans invented the instrument in West Africa and the Caribbean before it became a primary Appalachian bluegrass instrument. In concert, Giddens and Turrisi perform standards and originals in their spare, understated style. Turrisi’s voice and skills on the piano, lute and accordion complement Giddens’ arrangements, as the pair collaborate and inspire with their musical alchemy. Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi play Memorial Hall at 8 p.m. Jan. 18. Info: memorialhallotr.com.
(Greg Gaston)
ANNE WILSON
ANNE WILSON Jan. 20 • Heritage Bank Center
Jan. 20 • Heritage Bank Center When it comes to Christian music, it can When it comes to Christian music, it can be hard to break into the scene, much be hard to break into the scene, much less break the mold. If you’ve spent any less break the mold. If you’ve spent any time listening to Christian music, you time listening to Christian music, you know it’s been carried by the same voices know it’s been carried by the same voices and same sounds for decades. In 2021, and same sounds for decades. In 2021, Anne Wilson set out to change all that Anne Wilson set out to change all that and so far, so good. and so far, so good.Wilson doesn’t just change how Wilson doesn’t just change how Christian music “should sound” – she Christian music “should sound” – she also broke the pattern of how Christian also broke the pattern of how Christian artists become famous. Tons of Chrisartists become famous. Tons of Christian musicians ock to Nashville every tian musicians ock to Nashville every year looking for a big break, busting year looking for a big break, busting
Anne Wilson
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM.COM/ANNEWILSONMUSIC Anne Wilson
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM.COM/ANNEWILSONMUSIC
Plastic Picnic
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM.COM/PLASTICPICNIC Plastic Picnic
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM.COM/PLASTICPICNIC their butts on worship teams, recording their butts on worship teams, recording demo after demo and, more often than demo after demo and, more often than not, eventually heading home without not, eventually heading home without ever making a wave. Wilson, however, ever making a wave. Wilson, however, found fame without ever leaving her found fame without ever leaving her hometown or straying too far from her hometown or straying too far from her family. As a matter of fact, it’s the loss family. As a matter of fact, it’s the loss of one very important member of her of one very important member of her family – her brother – that led to Wilfamily – her brother – that led to Wilson’s fame. After her brother tragically son’s fame. After her brother tragically passed, Wilson stepped from behind passed, Wilson stepped from behind her piano and stood up with her guitar her piano and stood up with her guitar at his funeral to sing her original song, at his funeral to sing her original song, “My Jesus.” One mourner took a video “My Jesus.” One mourner took a video of the jaw-dropping performance and of the jaw-dropping performance and soon the heartbreaking performance soon the heartbreaking performance had gone viral. had gone viral.A year later, Wilson is an awardA year later, Wilson is an awardwinning Christian artist. She’s garnered winning Christian artist. She’s garnered attention and accolades not just from attention and accolades not just from Christian award ceremonies but from Christian award ceremonies but from “secular” awards, as well. Her debut “secular” awards, as well. Her debut album, My Jesus, charted on multiple album, My Jesus, charted on multiple Billboard charts and reached the top spot Billboard charts and reached the top spot on the Christian charts. Now Wilson is on the Christian charts. Now Wilson is setting out to bring her sweet-but-powsetting out to bring her sweet-but-powerful style of worship music to venues erful style of worship music to venues across the country. across the country. Anne Wilson plays Heritage Bank CenAnne Wilson plays Heritage Bank Center as part of the Winter Jam at 7 p.m. Jan. ter as part of the Winter Jam at 7 p.m. Jan.
Neko Case
PHOTO: EBRU YILDIZ Neko Case
PHOTO: EBRU YILDIZ 20. Doors open at 5 p.m. We the King20. Doors open at 5 p.m. We the Kingdom, Jeremy Camp and several others dom, Jeremy Camp and several others are on the bill. Info: heritagebankcenter. are on the bill. Info: heritagebankcenter. com. (Deirdre Kaye) com. (Deirdre Kaye)
PLASTIC PICNIC
PLASTIC PICNIC Jan. 21 • MOTR Pub
Jan. 21 • MOTR Pub Brooklyn-based dream pop band Plastic Brooklyn-based dream pop band Plastic Picnic has been busy lately, releasing Picnic has been busy lately, releasing their debut record As Long As You Need their debut record As Long As You Need over the summer in addition to a handful over the summer in addition to a handful of singles on their Bandcamp. e band of singles on their Bandcamp. e band will be embarking on a short tour of the will be embarking on a short tour of the Northeast and Midwest in early 2023. Northeast and Midwest in early 2023. With a sound somewhat reminiscent With a sound somewhat reminiscent of contemporaries like e War on of contemporaries like e War on Drugs and Alvvays but with their own Drugs and Alvvays but with their own unique style, Plastic Picnic is a band unique style, Plastic Picnic is a band to keep your eye out for. Plastic Picnic to keep your eye out for. Plastic Picnic crafts tight, memorable melodies with crafts tight, memorable melodies with heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics dealing with heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics dealing with the everyday pain and uncertainty of the everyday pain and uncertainty of relationships, romantic or otherwise. relationships, romantic or otherwise. In lyrics, the band poses questions like, In lyrics, the band poses questions like, “Who should stay? / Don’t you ever feel “Who should stay? / Don’t you ever feel afraid?/ Who – in the urgent style of love afraid?/ Who – in the urgent style of love – should wait?” If you’re a fan of catchy, – should wait?” If you’re a fan of catchy, heartfelt songs with danceable melodies heartfelt songs with danceable melodies and watery synths dripping in reverb, and watery synths dripping in reverb, don’t wait to see Plastic Picnic for free at don’t wait to see Plastic Picnic for free at MOTR Pub. MOTR Pub.Plastic Picnic plays MOTR Pub at 10 Plastic Picnic plays MOTR Pub at 10 p.m. Jan. 21. Coast O and Ann Driscoll p.m. Jan. 21. Coast O and Ann Driscoll open the show. Info: motrpub.com. open the show. Info: motrpub.com. (Derek Kalback)
(Derek Kalback) NEKO CASE
NEKO CASE Jan. 27 • Memorial Hall
Jan. 27 • Memorial Hall After an acclaimed 25-year solo career, After an acclaimed 25-year solo career, Neko Case nally decided it’s okay to Neko Case nally decided it’s okay to pause, catch her breath and look back pause, catch her breath and look back with the pleasure of a deep retrospecwith the pleasure of a deep retrospective titled Wild Creatures in 2022. It’s a tive titled Wild Creatures in 2022. It’s a revealing reminder of just how potent revealing reminder of just how potent and powerful her voice has always been, and powerful her voice has always been, whether singing solo, with her band e whether singing solo, with her band e Boyfriends, or with her part-time group Boyfriends, or with her part-time group e New Pornographers. e New Pornographers. e scarlet-haired Virginia native got e scarlet-haired Virginia native got her start in the late ‘90s with her striking her start in the late ‘90s with her striking debut, e Virginian. With her originals, debut, e Virginian. With her originals, choice of country covers by Ernest Tubb choice of country covers by Ernest Tubb and Loretta Lynn and compelling voice, and Loretta Lynn and compelling voice, Case’s path was set. Case’s path was set. Since this was the start of the AltSince this was the start of the AltCountry/Roots era, her timing was Country/Roots era, her timing was perfect. Like Canada’s K.D. Lang, Case perfect. Like Canada’s K.D. Lang, Case was often labeled a “torch and twang” was often labeled a “torch and twang” singer because of her mighty contralto singer because of her mighty contralto voice and folk/country slant. Case voice and folk/country slant. Case eventually teamed up with Lang and eventually teamed up with Lang and Laura Viers on a 2013 collaboration. Laura Viers on a 2013 collaboration. She also has contributed her charisShe also has contributed her charismatic vocals to projects by Calexico, matic vocals to projects by Calexico, John Doe and Giant Sand, among many John Doe and Giant Sand, among many collaborations. collaborations. However, Case has followed her own However, Case has followed her own adventurous, independent muse for adventurous, independent muse for many years now – no longer limited to many years now – no longer limited to roots twang – and has produced a series roots twang – and has produced a series of emotionally resonant, indie alt/pop of emotionally resonant, indie alt/pop records amply re ected on the new colrecords amply re ected on the new collection. With poetic, romantic ballads lection. With poetic, romantic ballads like “I Wish I Was the Moon Tonight,” like “I Wish I Was the Moon Tonight,” the jaded heartbreak of “ e Next Time the jaded heartbreak of “ e Next Time You Say ‘Forever” and the bold “I’m an You Say ‘Forever” and the bold “I’m an Animal,” which leads o Wild Creatures, Animal,” which leads o Wild Creatures, Case always exudes a fearless yet sophisCase always exudes a fearless yet sophisticated edge in her music. ticated edge in her music. Neko Case plays Memorial Hall at 7 Neko Case plays Memorial Hall at 7 p.m. Jan. 27. Info: memorialhallotr.com. p.m. Jan. 27. Info: memorialhallotr.com. (GG)
(GG)
MUSIC MUSIC Queen City Music Spotlight: Catch These Cincinnati Concerts Queen City Music Spotlight: Catch These Cincinnati Concerts Featuring Local Acts in January
Featuring Local Acts in January BY BRENT STROUD
BY BRENT STROUD
The New Year is already bringing some good fortune to local music lovers. With the re-emergence of old traditions, along with some familiar favorites and newer talent appearing across Greater Cincinnati over the next month, it looks like the year is starting o just re-emergence of old traditions, along newer talent appearing across Greater T he New Year is already bringing some good fortune to local music lovers. With the re-emergence of old traditions, along with some familiar favorites and newer talent appearing across Greater Cincinnati over the next month, it looks like the year is starting o just right for the Cincinnati music scene. right for the Cincinnati music scene. Rae Fisher’s Tuesday Night Rae Fisher’s Tuesday Night Residency at e Comet Singer and songwriter Rae Fisher, who also performs with locals Mol Sullivan and Strobobean, takes over e Comet’s Tuesday night residency all month in January with an eclectic and ambitiously curated lineup for each bill. Notably, the curated lineup includes the addition of a dance element most Tuesday nights, except for the rst week (Jan. 3), which featured Lillian Ruth Currens (formerly of punk band Swim Team) and the soulful art-folk of Grace Eddy. Week two (Jan. 10) features Sunlight Revival and movement by Laura Lane. Week three (Jan. 17) will be a swing night with live swing music and dancers. Week four (Jan. 24) will feature jazz musician Justin Dawson, classically trained vocalist Hayley Maloney and movement by Ana Hart. Week ve (Jan. 31) will feature a performance from local alt-pop band Strobobean, which features Fisher on bass and backing vocals, as well as appearances from Sky Hank and Muwosi. Each Tuesday in January. Free. e Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, Residency at e Comet Singer and songwriter Rae Fisher, who also performs with locals Mol Sullivan and Strobobean, takes over e Comet’s Tuesday night residency all month in January with an eclectic and ambitiously curated lineup for each bill. Notably, the curated lineup includes the addition of a dance element most Tuesday nights, except for the rst week (Jan. 3), which featured Lillian Ruth Currens (formerly of punk band Swim Team) and the soulful art-folk of Grace Eddy. Week two (Jan. 10) features Sunlight Revival and movement by Laura Lane. Week three (Jan. 17) will be a swing night with live swing music and dancers. Week four (Jan. 24) will feature jazz musician Justin Dawson, classically trained vocalist Hayley Maloney and movement by Ana Hart. Week ve (Jan. 31) will feature a performance from local alt-pop band Strobobean, which features Fisher on bass and backing vocals, as well as appearances from Sky Hank and Muwosi. Each Tuesday in January. Free. e Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, instagram.com/ yying_ ish. instagram.com/ yying_ ish. e Perfect Children, Mark Sims e Perfect Children, Mark Sims (Columbus) and Breaking Glass at MOTR Pub Longtime garage soul powerhouse band e Perfect Children appears at MOTR Pub on Jan. 13. e band is fronted by author (Rocktails: An Amped Up Spin on Mixology) and School of Rock instructor Kristen Kreft, who made her recording debut as a child on the legendary Cincinnati record label Jewel Records. Perfect Children return to MOTR with another powerful female-fronted Cincinnati band, the garage blues band Breaking Glass. Columbus’ Mark Sims, who makes well-constructed, Americanatinged pop, rounds out the bill. 10 p.m. Jan. 13. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main (Columbus) and Breaking Glass at MOTR Pub Longtime garage soul powerhouse band e Perfect Children appears at MOTR Pub on Jan. 13. e band is fronted by author (Rocktails: An Amped Up Spin on Mixology) and School of Rock instructor Kristen Kreft, who made her recording debut as a child on the legendary Cincinnati record label Jewel Records. Perfect Children return to MOTR with another powerful female-fronted Cincinnati band, the garage blues band Breaking Glass. Columbus’ Mark Sims, who makes well-constructed, Americanatinged pop, rounds out the bill. 10 p.m. Jan. 13. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com. St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com.
Strobobean
PHOTO: ALEXZANDRA ROY Strobobean
PHOTO: ALEXZANDRA ROY
Mall Witch and Hayley Sakkara at
Mall Witch and Hayley Sakkara at MOTR Pub Newer indie dream pop band Mall Witch are also set to make an appearance at MOTR Pub this month. e band is a recent addition to the local music scene but features the alreadyestablished local electronic, avant-pop artist sappha (stylized in all lower case letters) on vocals. Cleveland transplant Hayley Sakkara now calls Cincinnati home and makes her MOTR debut, opening the night with her moody, radio-ready electronic pop. 9 p.m. Jan. 18. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., MOTR Pub Newer indie dream pop band Mall Witch are also set to make an appearance at MOTR Pub this month. e band is a recent addition to the local music scene but features the alreadyestablished local electronic, avant-pop artist sappha (stylized in all lower case letters) on vocals. Cleveland transplant Hayley Sakkara now calls Cincinnati home and makes her MOTR debut, opening the night with her moody, radio-ready electronic pop. 9 p.m. Jan. 18. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com. Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com. Mary Henry, Strobobean, Ted Tyro Mary Henry, Strobobean, Ted Tyro (Louisville) and Devils Cross Country at e Hub e all-female post-punk band Mary Henry returns with a stacked lineup that includes Cincinnati’s Strobobean, the three-piece dynamic, (Louisville) and Devils Cross Country at e Hub e all-female post-punk band Mary Henry returns with a stacked lineup that includes Cincinnati’s Strobobean, the three-piece dynamic, alt-pop band with glam and style to alt-pop band with glam and style to spare, and Louisville’s Ted Tyro, spare, and Louisville’s Ted Tyro, who make punchy post-punk that is equally danceable and interesting. Local act Devils Cross Country, who make punk with an overarching pop sensibility, round out the bill. 9 p.m. Jan. 21. $5. e Hub, 1209 Main St., who make punchy post-punk that is equally danceable and interesting. Local act Devils Cross Country, who make punk with an overarching pop sensibility, round out the bill. 9 p.m. Jan. 21. $5. e Hub, 1209 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, totallythehubotr.com. Over-the-Rhine, totallythehubotr.com CSO Proof: e Right to be Forgot. CSO Proof: e Right to be Forgotten at Cincinnati Music Hall e latest installment in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s CSO Proof series is a study on the e ects of technology on culture and life in a song cycle by singer-songwriter and composer Gabriel Kahane. “Do you remember your brain before the internet? Before you became tethered to a tiny computer that travels on an in nite loop from nightstand to pocket to purse to your hand and back again?” the event description reads in part. e night features ten at Cincinnati Music Hall e latest installment in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s CSO Proof series is a study on the e ects of technology on culture and life in a song cycle by singer-songwriter and composer Gabriel Kahane. “Do you remember your brain before the internet? Before you became tethered to a tiny computer that travels on an in nite loop from nightstand to pocket to purse to your hand and back again?” the event description reads in part. e night features guest musicians and vocalists guest musicians and vocalists accompanying Kahane and accompanying Kahane and the orchestra to explore technology’s impact on life and, ultimately, on independence. 8 p.m. Jan. 25. $24.15. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cinthe orchestra to explore technology’s impact on life and, ultimately, on independence. 8 p.m. Jan. 25. $24.15. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org. cinnatisymphony.org. Fritz Pape, Pete Fosco, Fritz Pape, Pete Fosco, Bailey Miller and Mariel Westermeyer at e Comet Electronic musician Fritz Pape, who makes ambient drone pieces with patched synthesizers and e ects to create contemplative and exploratory sound collages, will perform alongside other local talent at e Comet in late January. Pete Fosco’s improvised guitar noise pieces will complement Pape’s performance. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bailey Miller mixes electronic and folk elements to great e ect. Her album, Still Water, was also one of 2022’s most popular releases. Mariel Westermeyer (Sharp Toys, Slow Glows) just released a solo EP of dreamy and atmospheric guitar work with ethereal vocals titled Guess What. Pick a favorite drink or try something new from the wall of choices in the stu ed beer cooler and let yourself wander along with each expansive performance. More info TBA. e Comet, 4579 Hamilton sound collages, will perform alongside other local talent at e Comet in late January. Pete Fosco’s improvised guitar noise pieces will complement Pape’s performance. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bailey Miller mixes electronic and folk elements to great e ect. Her album, of 2022’s most popular releases. Mariel Westermeyer (Sharp Toys, Slow Glows) just released a solo EP of dreamy and atmospheric guitar work with ethereal vocals titled Guess What or try something new from the wall of choices in the stu ed beer cooler and let yourself wander along with each expansive performance. Bailey Miller and Mariel Westermeyer at e Comet Electronic musician Fritz Pape, who makes ambient drone pieces with patched synthesizers and e ects to create contemplative and exploratory sound collages, will perform alongside other local talent at e Comet in late January. Pete Fosco’s improvised guitar noise pieces will complement Pape’s performance. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bailey Miller mixes electronic and folk elements to great e ect. Her album, Still Water, was also one of 2022’s most popular releases. Mariel Westermeyer (Sharp Toys, Slow Glows) just released a solo EP of dreamy and atmospheric guitar work with ethereal vocals titled Guess What. Pick a favorite drink or try something new from the wall of choices in the stu ed beer cooler and let yourself wander along with each expansive performance. More info TBA. e Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, cometbar.com. Ave., Northside, cometbar.com. e Tillers and e Montvales e Tillers and e Montvales (Knoxville) at Southgate House Revival e Tillers, a longtime Cincinnati Americana band and multitime CityBeat CEA winner, perform across the river at the Southgate House Revival on Jan. 28. e band formed in 2007 and have maintained a steady place in the music scene since, with singer Mike Oberst’s solo work only cementing their status as a local music scene staple. e band appears with Knoxville’s e Montvales, who make country folk with the dual vocal harmony of singers Molly Rochelson and Sally Buice oating over banjo and instrumentation to make timeless, traditional music with a contemporary punch — perfect for the Southgate House Revival stage. 8 p.m. Jan. 28. $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. 6th St., (Knoxville) at Southgate House Revival e Tillers, a longtime Cincinnati Americana band and multitime CityBeat CEA winner, perform across the river at the Southgate House Revival on Jan. 28. e band formed in 2007 and have maintained a steady place in the music scene since, with singer Mike Oberst’s solo work only cementing their status as a local music scene staple. e band appears with Knoxville’s e Montvales, who make country folk with the dual vocal harmony of singers Molly Rochelson and Sally Buice oating over banjo and instrumentation to make timeless, traditional music with a contemporary punch — perfect for the Southgate House Revival stage. 8 p.m. Jan. 28. $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. 6th St., Newport, southgatehouse.com. Newport, southgatehouse.com.
