Young Heirlooms Photo: Kelly Fine and Luke Taylor

Cincinnati band Young Heirlooms will celebrate founder Chris Robinson’s upcoming 40th birthday with a show on Feb. 20 at Northside Tavern.

Robinson has a rich history in the Cincinnati music scene, contributing to bands The Winners Circle and Walk the Moon, as well as writing and performing material with his own band, Young Heirlooms.

Kelly Fine, who has been writing and performing alongside Robinson since the band’s inception in 2010, says that Robinson’s “dedication to his craft and the music scene has been something to truly admire,” and that his birthday “feels like the perfect occasion to honor that as much as it does a significant milestone.”

The duo has spent the past 15 years together operating as Young Heirlooms, which in the past has taken inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, such as bluegrass, rock, Americana and indie. However, at this upcoming birthday celebration, the band is excited to unveil new material.

“Our new music showcases even more layers, bringing indie and alternative sounds into the mix while still retaining that familiar Young Heirlooms feel,” says Fine.

Although the band has steered away from bluegrass influences, pop, folk-rock and alternative are new genres the band has incorporated into their style. “We’re not bound by any particular genre,” Fine says. “We’re focused on expressing ourselves authentically the way that feels right in the moment.”

Now a parent, Fine says that has greatly impacted the way she views the world and what she wants to express in her songs. “The lyrical themes are less exclusively about personal reflection and more inclusive of the broader challenges we face as a society,” she says. “Especially for future generations.”

After a four-year hiatus from releasing new music, the band will take the stage once more with new music — and even some new faces. Noah Simionides from The Hot Magnolias will be on bass and Jaki Howser of Madqueen will be on drums and vocals.

On finding new members for a fresh lineup, Fine said the process is always a “tough one.”
Simionides has a jazz background, which Fine says adds an “incredible flavor” to the band’s sound, while Howser brings a “fresh dynamic” to the drums that complements the band’s harmony arrangements.

“The chemistry is just right,” says Fine. “And I feel lucky to be surrounded by such talented individuals.”

Along with Young Heirlooms, local musicians Mol Sullivan and Annie D are scheduled to perform. Robinson will perform with all three acts, which will “bring a dynamic energy to this very special evening,” according to a press release.

Sullivan and Fine have been friends since high school (Mariemont High School, to be exact) and Sullivan was the first person to share a love of music with Fine, who says, “She introduced me to the world of musicianship, and watching her develop her career over the years has been so inspiring.”

As for Ann Driscoll, also known as Annie D, Fine was absolutely struck by her performance at a house show during college, and the two have remained close friends ever since.

“These two women have been such powerful forces in the Cincinnati music scene, and the fact they are also dear friends of mine makes this whole experience even more meaningful.” Fine says.

The night is shaping up to be a wonderful celebration of Robinson’s artistry and the community he’s built as a result of it.

Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the venue. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with live music at 8 p.m. Additional details are provided on the band’s Facebook page.

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This article appears in Feb 5-18, 2025.