Fri 12/29 @ 8PM
Hidden histories are always the most fascinating to music obsessives and collectors: locating that obscure record or learning about those forgotten acts that came tantalizingly close to success but then sank back into the sands of time.
One such act was Cleveland’s R&B vocal group the Hesitations, who enjoyed some local success in the ’60s with a handful of mid-charting covers of songs better known in other versions (“The Impossible Dream,” “Born Free,” “A Whiter Shade of Pale”) in 1967 and 1968. But bigger success eluded them, one member was killed and the group broke up in 1968.
A while back, the Hesitations regrouped around singer Art Blakey, the only constant member. With the release of the long-in the-making book Invisible Soul: Uncovering Cleveland’s Underground Soul Scene by Carlo Wolff earlier this year, the story of the Hesitations — and Blakey’s story — resurfaced. Blakey is now fronting an ensemble called The Day Nites, backed by former member of Akron classic soul band Wesley Bright & the Hi-Lites, who were tearing up the local scene with their high-octane shows from 2011-2015.
They’ll be performing at the Beachland Tavern where DJ Mr. Fishtruck — Beachland co-owner Mark Leddy — will be spinning classic R&B. Go here for tickets.
Cleveland, OH 44110