Tues 12/31 @ 9PM
Wesley Bright & the Hi-Lites have had a banner year — one of a number northeast Ohio bands so blessed in what’s been an incredible year for the local music scene, with so much to celebrate.
In the case of the Hi-Lites, they are the area’s top-seeded entry in a craze that’s sweeping the country: horn-driven classic soul music, aka “Nothern soul.”
For over two and a half years — they’re still a relatively young band by today’s standards — they’ve been working hard to build a fan base, and they’ve succeeded.
Credit the tight, dazzling musicianship of the band’s three-piece rhythm section and three horn players — a combination of long-time area players and talented young musicians. Credit also frontman Brent Wesley, who roams the stage tirelessly while engaging the audience, even jumping out into the crowd, while belting out his vocals that don’t copy any of the classic ’60s soul shouters but contains echoes of all of them.
Likewise, the band isn’t one of those ubiquitous Motown cover bands who’ve been a staple of the wedding/banquet circuit for decades. The Hi-Lites write new material in their classic style.
The band released their first recording, a vinyl single, “Tell Me,” at a packed Beachland Ballroom. That, apparently, is just a teaser. They’ve been back at Kevin Coral and Jason Tarulli’s Studio Time Recording in Akron laying down more tracks. So their fans can look forward to a good 2014.
They can launch that year at the band’s Soulful New Year’s Eve Party, another sure-to-be-packed show at the Beachland Ballroom. This is no fancy-schmancy slim-your-wallet kind of gig. The band’s charging only $15 for a full evening of great original yet danceable music, which includes the Soulville DJ All-Stars spinning between sets, plus hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight.
facebook.com/WesleyBrightAndTheHiLites
Cleveland, OH 44110