Cincinnati Music Guide

Cincinnatians are proud of their Ohio River port city for being the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.

Wait a minute, you say, Cincinnati is the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll? What about Cleveland, home of the Rock Hall and vociferous deejay Alan Freed? Or Memphis, New Orleans or New York – all celebrated and identified far more than Cincinnati as the cradle of rock.

Granted, this is a revisionist argument, but it’s one that has taken on a great deal of momentum. And it has and continues to energize the local music scene.

Making the Case for Cincy

The case for Cincinnati as a rock-worthy town is fueled by a revival of interest in King Records, a long-defunct indie label that released records by an incredible line-up of blues, R&B and country-music artists, most notably James Brown.

Hometown music hero Bootsy Collins, who as a teenager played bass on some of Brown’s late-1960s recordings, and who later gained fame with Bootsy’s Rubber Band, has been campaigning hard for nationwide King recognition.
 
But at the same time, a new generation of acts is garnering its own acclaim. They include ethereal singer-songwriter Daniel Martin Moore, whose debut album recently came out on Sub Pop Records, The Hiders, led by former Ass Pony Billy Alletzhauser, and The Pomegranates, an art-pop quartet. Perhaps attracting the most national attention these days is Over the Rhine, a melodic husband-and-wife duo that has opened for Bob Dylan and many others.

Northside

Where do Cincinnati acts play when they aren’t on the road? Northside likely is the hottest inner-city ‘hood for checking out live music – and progressive culture. Located near University of Cincinnati, but far enough away to have its own identity, this lively strip boasts coffee houses, chic restaurants, offbeat shops and live-music venues.

The Comet is hipster heaven, from the beer-stocked coolers to the kick-ass jukebox featuring a number of King Records platters. Taking the stage are great alternative acts like the homegrown Buffalo Killers and Atlanta’s Gringo Star. On Sunday nights, catch the amazing house band, Comet Bluegrass All-Stars.

Northside Tavern is a comfy old saloon in the heart of the strip. Though shared with an adjacent restaurant, the open-air patio hums with late-night activity on most summer nights. Primarily a mecca for edgy rock acts like Pearlene, and Jake Speed & the Freddies, the tavern also showcases young talent in a smaller back room.

Across the street from the Northside tavern is one of the city’s best record stores, Shake It. Brothers Jim and Darren Blasé pride themselves on frequent in-store band appearances, an amazing grasp of the local music scene, and managing their very own record label.

Art Damage Lodge doesn’t look like much from the outside or in; it’s a creaky-old meeting hall situated above a post office. But this joint is celebrated as the venue to catch experimental – even confrontational – acts like the homegrown Burning Star Core. Other under-the-radar bands like Mt. Eerie and Julie Doirin play here as well.

All by its lonesome in an otherwise quiet corner of Northside, the Gypsy Hut (4231 Spring Grove Ave., 513-541-0999) kicks up the dust with its lineup of local punk, Goth and soul. The cozy front bar isn’t a bad place to grab a cold beer before or after the show.

Downtown Cincy

Pedestrian-friendly downtown Cincy continues to improve as a live-music destination thanks to the influx of new restaurants and housing. Founded in 1861, the picturesque Arnold’s Bar & Grill is the city’s oldest bar, and it seems as much beloved as the Cincinnati Reds. During the warm months, people congregate in the European-style courtyard to listen to folksy live acts of the blues/boogie-woogie variety.

New owners – including jazz bassist Ed Felson – are breathing new life into the roomy Blue Wisp Jazz Club, long a premier destination for jazz. The big draw here is the 16-piece Blue Wisp Big Band, a Wednesday-night tradition that draws big, contented crowds. You can also catch ensembles from UC’s Conservatory of Music, major touring acts, and local brass greats.

One of the best venues in all of Cincinnati to enjoy live music is downtown’s Fountain Square, an airy plaza that presents free summer concerts. Thousands turn out to see the likes of the roots-rock Ellery, reggae-minded Super-Massive and bluegrassy Rumpke Mountain Boys. Beer can be purchased onsite and a nearby Graeter’s ice cream shop stays busy late serving its famous black raspberry chip.

When Dylan or the Pretenders roll into town, they perform at downtown’s old Taft Theater. The Contemporary Arts Center doesn’t host very much live music, but what it does present is usually top-notch, especially given the avant-guard surroundings.

Photography by Scott Beseler

Rockers who run, Roebling Bridge

James Brown tribute, Madison Theater

The Lions Rampant, Northside Tavern

The Hiders, The Know Theater

Society Jazz Orchestra, Scharwtz Point