Diverse local foursome The Cla-Zels release their second full-length album this weekend, Robthebank returns with new LP after decade-plus break, Play It Forward presents a Rock & Roll photo show at The Redmoor and Mark Utley nests in Price Hill with some of his very talented friends.   

If you spend any of this long Memorial Day weekend in downtown Cincinnati, there’s a really good chance you’ll hear some of the best music makers in the area doing their thang. Two festivals will be competing for your ears.   

To anyone who knew late veteran musician/promoter Johnny Schott, it should be no surprise that there will be a huge “Commemorative Concert” in his honor loaded with tons of local performers this Sunday. Schott was not only a kind soul, but he assisted and mentored many local artists.  

Play It Forward was set up to "assist Greater Cincinnati musicians and their families in times of catastrophic need," offering financial support to artists, many of whom have no health insurance. Sunday's show features excellent local Pop Rock bands Chaselounge and Giant Wow as well as a special appearance by pioneering '80s Electro/Synth Pop group Perfect Jewish Couple.  

Play It Forward is the year-old Cincinnati support group that wants to financially help musicians who give us remarkable entertainment in clubs and concert halls on a nightly basis, often at the expense of their financial security and well being. It's the brainchild of Gary Burbank, the veteran humorist, radio personality and former Memphis session drummer who retired from WLW-AM at the end of 2007.