On Thursday, Feb. 20, Young Heirlooms will bring their beloved folk-rock music to Northside Tavern. With soul-penetrating melodies and spirit-lifting harmonies, this legendary Cincinnati-based group will move and soothe the hearts of all who attend.
Young Heirlooms formed over a decade ago after a chance meeting at a music festival in Dayton, Ohio. It was there that local musicians and folk-rock enthusiasts Kelly Fine and Chris Robinson struck up a conversation and discovered a mutual love of music. This duo would go on to create a band that would, and still does, set the standard for musical storytelling in Cincinnati.
In 2013, Young Heirlooms released their debut self-titled album, a collection of moving works that are timeless. With the intention of creating their own musical world, Young Heirlooms set about filling the pages of a melodic diary with short stories that speak of love and loss, songs that would resonate with anyone who listens. From the opening song, “Bus Stop,” with its calm and simple sound, to the melancholic string-enhanced ballad, “Father’s Hill,” and finally the closing a.m. radio, vintage record-inspired piece, “There By the Door,” Young Heirlooms gives a veritable master class in folk music storytelling.
Then, in 2017, the band moved their sound further with the release of The Hammer. This album brought a new weight to their sound that gives a nod to bands like Fleetwood Mac and Nickel Creek. “Silverglade” sets the tone of the album with a menacing drone before the song sets in. The electric guitar and harmonica in the centerpiece of the record, “Working Man,” adds a new layer of musicianship to the collection. These songs, and many more, including new ones, will be featured in their set at Northside Tavern.
The Feb. 20 show at Northside Tavern is a celebration, both musically and personally, for the band. It will mark a new era for Young Heirlooms, debuting not only new material but new members of the group as well, with Jaki Howser on drums and vocals, and Noah Simionides on bass. The event also celebrates Robinson, who is turning 40. Robinson is a local music legend who’s worked with bands like Walk the Moon and The Winners Circle and whose incomparable musicianship, from his flawless voice and harmonization skills, to his unique, signature guitar playing, is highly regarded and sought-after.
Joining Young Heirlooms that evening will be two other incredibly talented artists, Mol Sullivan and ANNIE D, both of whom Robinson collaborates with. He will be performing on their sets along with Young Heirlooms.
Young Heirlooms, with Mol Sullivan and ANNIE D, play Northside Tavern on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. More info: northsidetav.com.
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Feb. 19 print edition.
This article appears in Feb 19 – Mar 4, 2025.
