Sun 11/13 @ 7PM
There is no band in Northeast Ohio that’s been playing original music as long as Kent’s 15-60-75, now known more familiarly as the Numbers Band.
They made their debut in 1970, in the tense summer of following the Kent State shootings and rapidly became an institution in that town. Although they never toured much and their recorded output was limited, their legend spread around the world, thanks to their sui generis sound — forceful blues-based rock shot through with jazz influences and a jittery urgency that foretold punk — and also to their championing by David Thomas of Pere Ubu.
The driving force behind the band from day one has been guitarist/songwriter/ vocalist Robert Kidney with his maniacal intensity, with sax player Terry Hynde also an original member and Kidney’s multi-instrumentalist brother Jack joining shortly after the band’s founding. Those three have formed the nucleus through years of shifting personnel.
This year’s edition of the tribute to local music legends benefit series, organized by musician/comedian Charlie, will honor the music of the Numbers Band. As in the four previous editions — devoted to folksinger Alex Bevan, Put-in-Bay musical template Pat Dailey, Cleveland reggae star Carlos Jones and Michael Stanley — musicians whose paths have crossed with theirs will perform their music, most likely with the honorees coming on stage for a jam if this event follows the pattern established by the others.
This one features an astonishing lineup of legendary northeast Ohio talent, starting with a reunion of one of Cleveland’s original Americana/roots music bands, Tiny Alice, who were around 1967 through the early 70s and released a self-titled album in 1972 that reflected that era’s crunchy eclecticism. Other performers include Chris Butler and Harvey Gold from Akron’s distinctive ’70s new wave band Tin Huey, former Pere Ubu members Tony Maimone, Scott Krauss and Al Dennis, playing with Cleveland-born, NY-Based drummer Joe Tomino and Obnox’s Lamont “Bim” Thomas, Bevan, Jones, former Numbers Band guitarist Michael Stacey, bluesgrass multi-instrumentalist/composer Bill Lestock, folkie Jim Ballard, vocalist Rachel Brown of Americana ensemble Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys, and bluesy singer/guitarist/songwriter Jon Mosey. Expect special guests as well.
Wiener will again serve as master of ceremonies. Tickets are $20 and the proceeds will be split between Purple Heart Homes NEO and Cleveland Rocks; Past, Present and Future.
in-celebration-of-the-numbers-band
Cleveland, OH 44110