Formed in 1981 in Western New York, 10,000 Maniacs emerged from the same College Rock scene that had pushed bands like R.E.M. — who they’d tour, collaborate and become friends with — into superstardom.
With a breezy, earthy mix of Folk and Pop, the group’s breakthrough came with their second major-label album, 1987’s In My Tribe, and they’d reached the peak of their popularity in 1992 with Our Time In Eden. The band’s 1993 MTV Unplugged album was also massively successful, but just prior to the release, Natalie Merchant — the face and voice of the band — decided to leave for a solo career.
The remaining members quickly enlisted vocalist (and violinist) Mary Ramsey, who has been a part of 10,000 Maniacs — on and off — ever since. Ramsey and longtime core members Dennis Drew (keyboards), Steven Gustafson (bass), John Lombardo (guitar) and Jerome Augustyniak (drums) have kept the Maniacs alive as a popular touring act, releasing various albums, EPs and live recordings, including 2016’s Playing Favorites.
In 2015 they released Twice Told Tales, an album of traditional British Folk songs.
8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. $35-$65. Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, ludlowgaragecincinnati.com.
