One of the few northeast Ohio music venues that operated throughout the pandemic was Oberlin’s Riverdog Barn, a warm-weather semi-outdoor facility that features primarily roots/Americana-type acts.
Actually, the barn itself wasn’t open: they moved music out to their socially distanced meadow. And in 2020, instead of the usual array of touring acts, who mostly weren’t on the road, it featured some of the top local names in folk, blues, roots rock and more.
Now it’s announced its first fully packed summer since 2019, back in the barn, with an array of longtime Riverdog favorites as well as artists they’ve been longing to get for a while. And yes, the schedule still finds slots for great local talent such as Hey Mavis, the David Mayfield Bluegrass Parade and the Jamey Haddad Quartet.
The season opens on Friday May 20 with the Tillers, a fifteen-year-old acoustic string quartet from southern Ohio who play a diverse range of folk-based music with a high-energy approach. You can find the full season schedule here.
Tickets have just gone on sale for the listed shows; go to their website to serve them. (No Ticketmaster fees! No Ticketmaster!) You have the option of choosing seats in the barn, under the tent, under the canopy or in the open area if you feel safer there. They provide tables and chairs in all areas. As usual, they sell no drinks or food; you are welcome to bring your own, including alcoholic beverages.