How do you measure success? I began my night having dinner at Schuba's Harmony Grill with Patty, a musician friend Mike Trakan and his wife Vicki. He is about to release his 2nd CD this year and we discussed some ideas for trying to market his music and his band. Afterwards I saw what's left of one of my favorite bands, Marah, at Schubas. I know, you've never heard of them. They have released several great CD's in the past ten years. Their live shows will make you a fan instantly if you love all types of rock and roll from the past 4 decades. They play rock and roll as it was meant to be played from heartfelt ballads to sloppy rockers to foot stomping, booty shaking sing-alongs. I stole today's title from their 2005 CD, it's meant as their reply to having a small but loyal following and critical acclaim, but still playing small clubs. The song, "So What If We're Outta Tune (w/ The Rest Of The World)" describes their situation perfectly. The singer Dave Bielanko had most of his band, including his brother quit in early 2008. He decided getting a straight 9-5 job wasn't for him and soldiered on adding band members as he toured Europe. Last night between songs Dave told rock 'n' roll war stories to about 200 hardcore fans who sang along to all of his songs, including a great rendition of "Those Were The Days" (the All In The Family theme song). After the 2+ hour show, Patty took this picture of a sweaty Dave & I on a snowy Belmont Avenue. If you love music, check out Marah's site.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
February 13 If You Didn't Laugh, You'd Cry
How do you measure success? I began my night having dinner at Schuba's Harmony Grill with Patty, a musician friend Mike Trakan and his wife Vicki. He is about to release his 2nd CD this year and we discussed some ideas for trying to market his music and his band. Afterwards I saw what's left of one of my favorite bands, Marah, at Schubas. I know, you've never heard of them. They have released several great CD's in the past ten years. Their live shows will make you a fan instantly if you love all types of rock and roll from the past 4 decades. They play rock and roll as it was meant to be played from heartfelt ballads to sloppy rockers to foot stomping, booty shaking sing-alongs. I stole today's title from their 2005 CD, it's meant as their reply to having a small but loyal following and critical acclaim, but still playing small clubs. The song, "So What If We're Outta Tune (w/ The Rest Of The World)" describes their situation perfectly. The singer Dave Bielanko had most of his band, including his brother quit in early 2008. He decided getting a straight 9-5 job wasn't for him and soldiered on adding band members as he toured Europe. Last night between songs Dave told rock 'n' roll war stories to about 200 hardcore fans who sang along to all of his songs, including a great rendition of "Those Were The Days" (the All In The Family theme song). After the 2+ hour show, Patty took this picture of a sweaty Dave & I on a snowy Belmont Avenue. If you love music, check out Marah's site.
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Gregg... sounds like a good band. We just missed them as they played our favorite venue in Cleveland... the Beachland Tavern. We are off to see another fun band tonight at a place we haven't been. Should be fun.
ReplyDeleteTom, who did you go see? You should check out Marah, I think you'd like them.
ReplyDeleteGregg, I'm seeing them next week! They're playing at a venue in walking distance of my place.
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