We don’t often write about clubs here in Spill It, partly because the majority of bars offering live music exclusively hire cover bands and partly because, well, if we write about one, we gotta write about ‘em all. But when a venue comes along and pledges dedication to the local original music scene, I’m a softy for that kind of shit.
Though I’m a West-Side boy (West Side!) at heart, I never stepped foot in the hallowed halls of Price Hill Rock club The Blue Note. I now have a reason to go, even though it closed last year and after a temporary change of ownership closed again. Starting this Thursday, the club is back as Harvey’s.
The new owners are, right off the bat, showing a dedication to the local, non-cover-band music scene (national touring acts will also play the club). Thursday’s opening night features Blues/ Rock from The Mudpies (pictured). Then on Friday Harvey’s gets weird as the every-genre-in-a-blender band Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar (doing its Jazz/Electronica/Rock/Bluegrass/Folk alchemy) performs, along with pal Wonky Tonk and her playful, mischievous slant on Indie Folk. On Saturday night, Ska/Punk/Pop crew The Frankl Project (a band that actually played the old club) takes over, with an opening set by Post Punk/Indie newcomers Animal Circles.
The venue’s new owners are people who “get it,” Jenn Schenkel-Owens (formerly of The Poison Room) and her husband Chris Owens, member of the great local Hard Rock band Blacklight Barbarian. A few of the cool new features include regular free shows, all-ages events on Sunday (featuring high school musicians) and what appears to be an “18 years old and up” ID policy.
Get details on the shows for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For a full rundown of bookings so far, go to www.harveyson8th.com.
More Local Notes
• Even if you’re not into dressing up like a cowboy or cowgirl anymore, the forthcoming “Old West Festival,” a sort of Renaissance Festival for those interested in the Old West, probably has something fun for you (sarsaparilla, square dancing, gun fight reenactments … though, according to the fest site’s “Frequently Asked Questions,” you must leave your own firearm in your car). And, if you are a fan of the strong Roots music scene in the Cincinnati area, then OWF has you covered. The fest — which runs every weekend through Oct. 11 — kicks off this Saturday and music is to be provided by the harmonizing Folk ensemble Raison D’etre (1:30 p.m.) and Country band Kentucky Myle (4 p.m.); Sunday has Bluegrass with the Rabbit Hash String Band (1:30 p.m.) and more Country from The Dan Varner Band (4:30 p.m.). For full details on the performers and directions to the event (which takes place at a Dodge City recreation near Williamsburg, Ohio), go to www.oldwestfestival.com.
• The successful World Music Fest that began in 2007 and took over the entirety of Newport’s Southgate House is planning a comeback this year. Slated for the whole weekend of Oct. 16-18 and scheduled to take place in six venues in Covington, this coming WMF can’t help but be bigger and better. You can help the organizers out by attending a couple of themed fundraising events at the Essencha Teahouse in Oakley.
This Sunday at 3 p.m., you can enjoy tea, desserts and other grub while listening to French Jazz from Passage featuring guitarist Sylvain Archer and Mike Milliron on percussion. On Sept. 27, return for tea and snacks and listen to Canela, a duo that explores the sounds of Spain and Latin America. Admission is a donation of $20 (or $30 for couples). To keep in the loop on all related events, check out World Music Fest on Facebook and become friends.
CONTACT MIKE BREEN: [email protected]
