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Tracey Thomas, an iconic voice of the “Akron Sound,” is set to release her highly anticipated new album, Words Can't Save Us Now, alongside her first memoir, Little Miss Akron, on Friday, January 31, 2025. This dual release marks a significant milestone in Thomas' illustrious career, showcasing her continued growth as an artist and storyteller after a 40+ year career in music.

Thomas will host a release party on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Weathervane Playhouse in Akron, Ohio, presented by The Summit FM.

This unforgettable evening will feature Tracey performing her new album in its entirety with a talented six-piece acoustic ensemble, including members of The Shootouts and 15-60-75 The Numbers Band. With a career spanning over eight albums of original music, Tracey will also treat the audience to a selection of fan-favorite songs. The night will kick off with an energetic opening set by The Shootouts, known for their thrilling guitar work and airtight harmonies.

CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS HERE

Words Can't Save Us Now is Thomas' first album since 2020 and her first collaboration with her longtime producer and collaborator Ryan Humbert (of The Shootouts) since her 2012 release, Queen of Nothing. Recorded to 2-inch tape at Son of Moondog studios in Kent, Ohio, the album features an impressive lineup of talented musicians, including Brian Poston, Emily Bates, Tim Longfellow, Bill Watson, and Christine Petersilge.

The album fulfills a dream Thomas and Humbert set nearly 20 years ago: to create an all-acoustic collection of songs. Featuring five new original songs co-written by Thomas and Humbert, the album also pays homage to her influences with covers of tracks by The Waterboys, U2, and Taylor Swift, plus a song by Akron songwriter Jim Ballard.

In conjunction with the album, Tracey’s memoir, Little Miss Akron, offers an intimate look into her life. From her beginnings on the pageant stage to her time on the concert stage as the lead singer of legendary Akron band Unit 5, Little Miss Akron reflects on a music career spanning over four decades. The book is infused with Thomas’ signature humor, grit, and heartfelt honesty.

Words Can't Save Us Now and Little Miss Akron are available for preorder at Tracey's new website, traceythomasmusic.com.

By Dave Swanson, Summit Now Contributor

We recently lost one of the greatest filmmakers ever with the passing of David Lynch. His ability to create this surreal world that meshed priceless beauty, and fearless terror was utterly unique. Lynch could transform the most serene, traditional setting into the creepiest evil ever known. He was able to do so without cliches and without fanfare. A quiet stroll in the park could turn into a twisted nightmare in the blink of a surrealist eye. He was always very aware of setting the mood and then bending it to fit the narrative. One of his favorite tools was the use of music.

From his 1977 debut film, 'Eraserhead,’ throughout his entire library, he always placed the music in equal billing with the action on screen. So many of his films have those moments viewers recall that are tied to the music playing in the scene, be it the use of Roy Orbison's 'In Dreams' in 'Blue Velvet' or the dream pop of Julie Cruise throughout 'Twin Peaks.' 'Eraserhead' used vintage tunes from jazz pioneer Fats Waller to great effect and the sweet and innocent 'I've Told Every Little Star' by Linda Scott from Mulholland Drive. He was the master of marrying these harmless melodies with dark dreams.

He was also a songwriter himself. His early stab produced the now classic 'In Heaven, Everything Is Fine,' the unofficial theme song from 'Eraserhead' that no one who ever saw the film can forget. It was covered years later by the Pixies as well as Devo. His work with composer Angelo Badalamenti is legendary. He made albums that featured guests such as Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and one of his last projects was the incredible song he produced, the audio and video, for his longtime friend Donovan. He and the folk-rock icon were linked by their mutual interest and dedication to transcendental meditation. Lynch produced Donovan's 2021 single 'I Am The Shaman,' which is simply stunning, with Lynch's fingerprints all over it. I wished they had done more music together.

In an interview about seeing the Beatles and his own love for rock and roll, he made the perfect statement about music. "Music is one of the most fantastic things! Almost like fire and water and air, it's like a thing," he said while recalling his initial love for Elvis Presley, then seeing the Beatles early on at a boxing ring in Virginia. "It does so much. It does a thing for the intellect, it does a thing for the emotions, and a certain kind of music can swell the heart till it almost bursts! Tears of happiness flow out of your eyes. You can't believe the beauty that comes!"

So let's flip on our David Lynch Jukebox and let it play a variety of songs used in his cinematic adventures that we are lucky enough to have been witness to.

Peter Ivers –‘In Heaven, Everything Is Fine’  

Co-written by Lynch and Peter Ivers, Los Angeles artist and personality, who also sang the song. A haunting piece of all that is Eraserhead.

Roy Orbison - In Dreams   

Lynch pulled this Top 10 hit from 1963 out of the ether and put it front and center in the spotlight in the 1986 film, 'Blue Velvet.'

While Orbison initially had no knowledge of the song having been green lighted for use in the film, once seeing the movie, he gave the use the thumbs up. It was a turning point for Orbison, putting him back on the map and leading to the end of life resurgence of a rock and roll giant.

Julee Cruise – ‘Falling’  

Twin Peaks was a television phenomenon unlike any other. Prime time surrealism at it's finest. Water cooler conversations would ensue about the intricacies and odd happening in this little town in the pacific Northwest.

The show’s theme was an instrumental written by Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch simply called 'Twin Peaks Theme,' but the same track with vocals from singer Julie Cruise was a song called 'Falling,' that featured on her debut album, 'Floating Into The Night.'

With or without vocals, it is a truly haunting slice of dream pop.

Jimmy Scott – ‘Under The Sycamore Tree’

Another modern day classic from Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch, 'Sycamore Trees' is as close to a jazz standard as you could want to create.

It features the distinctly chilling vocals of singer Jimmy Scott. Scott was born in 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio and had a moderately successful career as a jazz singer, recording for such labels as Savoy and Atlantic from the mid 1950s through into the early 70s. Time moved on and Scott returned to Cleveland and a normal life, holding down mundane employment until making an appearance singing at the funeral service for songwriter Doc Pomus.

Soon after, Sire Records head Seymour Stein came calling, offering him a record deal, followed by contact from David Lynch who asked him to record a song he had written for the second season of Twin Peaks. All this led to a late in life career boost for the unique vocalist.  

David Lynch w/ Karen O - 'Pinky's Dream'

In 2001, Lynch released his first proper solo album of self-penned material titled 'BlueBOB,' al album he referred to as "industrial blues.' It would be another ten years before he issued a follow-up with 'Crazy Clown Time,' All songs co-written with songwriter Dean Hurly, someone he had worked with during the Twin Peaks years. Lynch called the music "modern blues" as it mixed blues, rock, pop, avant garde and noise into one Lynchian stew.

Though David would handle most of the vocal tracks, he invited Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for guest on the lead track, 'Pinkey's Dream,' making it a highlight of the batch.

David Bowie - 'I'm Deranged'

David Bowie was a Lynch fan, even appearing in the film Fire Walk With Me, so it's no surprise his music would find a home in Lynchland. Written by David Bowie and Brian Eno, 'I'm Deranged' initially appeared on the 1995 album 'Outside' but was later remixed for inclusion on the soundtrack for 'Lost Highway.' 

Julee Cruise - 'Rockin' Back Inside My Heart'

Another key track from the Julie Cruise 'Floating Into The Night' album, it also featured significantly in Twin Peaks as another example of her take on innocent 50s pop.

Linda Scott - 'I've Told Every Little Star'

Featured in the film 'Mulholland Drive,' 'I've Told Every Little Star' was a major pop hit for Linda Scott back in 1961, reaching number 3 on the Billboard charts. The song was written in 1932, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

Angelo Badalamenti - 'Audrey's Dance'    

Aside from the actual theme song of the show, 'Audrey’s Dance' is probably the most identifiable piece of music from the Twin Peaks soundtrack.

The Audrey in question –one Audrey Horner– was the daughter of Benjamin Horne, owner of Horne's department store, one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world of Twin Peaks, played perfectly by Richard Beymer, previously best known for his role in the film 'West Side Story.'

Meanwhile, daughter Audrey had quickly become one of the show's lost loved characters, played by the beautiful Sherilyn Fenn who managed to embody all the innocence as well as heat the character called for. She would, on occasion, dance. This was her theme.

Donovan - 'I Am The Shaman'

Rock/folk icon Donovan and David Lynch shared a deep love for transcendental meditation. They worked together on many projects revolving around the David Lynch Foundation, a home for all things TM.

Donovan occasionally performed and or spoke at Lynch events, and the two grew very close over the years. In 2021, Lynch worked with Donovan on a new song he had written titled 'I Am The Shaman.' The song featured simply Donovan on vocal and guitar, with Lynch producing the video and the music. It is a match made in heaven. Lynch's prints are all over the recording and should have signaled a return of the great Donovan, as it was his finest moment in ages.

Fats Waller –‘Stompin The Bug’

Fats Waller's 1927 'swing pipe organ' tune 'Stompin’ the Bug' was an unassuming yet significant addition to the 'Eraserhead' soundtrack, adding a surreal glaze to an already surreal world.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

The underground music world of the early 1980s was a treasure trove of styles, ideas, poses, and sonic assaults, each with a tale to tell. 

From the urgent pop of bands like the dB's and the Bongos to the garage party vibe of the Fleshtones and the Last, to the roots-meets-punk energy of X and the hardcore adrenaline of Minor Threat, it was a broad landscape filled with intriguing alternatives to the mainstream pit of processed pop and corporate rock churned out by the assembly line. Not only were all these upstarts recording and releasing their own records, but they were also hitting the road to spread their own gospel.

Straight out of Minneapolis, Husker Du formed as the new decade was dawning. They channeled their aggression and adrenaline into their own version of punk, which often had a more dissonant tone than the average ‘Ramones at 78 speed' approach so many had opted for. The band released their debut single, 'Statues,' in January 1981, and it was instantly recognized as not your average punk outing. The band took cues from the post-punk scene as well as the originals. 

From that point forward, it was a free-for-all as to what the band was up to with each release. Their first two releases were chaos on vinyl via the intense live debut of 'Land Speed Record' followed by the first studio offering, 'Everything Falls Apart,' a blast of urgent speed-fueled bursts of what could barely be called songs, the longest clocking in at just over 2 minutes and the entire 12 song LP registering a whopping 19 minutes. 

The band gained a reputation as an intense live band. Another thing they were becoming known for was always looking one step ahead. When touring for their new album, they often played mostly new material that would comprise the next release.

With each release, they seemed to expand their idea of who Husker Du was. In rapid order releasing the EP 'Metal Circus,' which featured the band's most melodic material to that point, courtesy of drummer Grant Hart, 'It's Not That Funny Anymore' and 'Diane' were a long way from the speed-driven frenzy they were initially known for and would set the stage for their path forward.

The band's growth from the live debut through the first studio effort and follow-up EP was impressive, but no one would have guessed where they would land next. As usual, the band was on the road, playing long sets of material not yet released. In the fall of 1983, they entered the studio to record what would become not only an underground classic but also the album that still most often defines the band: Zen Arcade.

Both Bob Mould and Grant Hart had hit the studio armed with new songs that sidestepped the clichés of hardcore, while channeling the energy of punk into waters filled with everything from pop and folk to hints of psychedelia and hard rock all while maintaining the band’s signature. The album opens with the urgent 'Something I Learned Today,' one of Mould's finest tunes, which set the stage for what was to follow over four vinyl sides. 'Never Talking to You Again,' and 'Pink Turns to Blue' are forgotten pop classics from Grant Hart. The album's release was preceded by a single that featured the non-LP track 'Eight Miles High,' a cover of the 1966 Byrds classic. While Husker Du kept much of the song intact, they most definitely put their own stamp on it, transforming it from a dream-like state into a tension-filled bout of anxiety. It was a very crucial companion to the album and helped make people take notice.

Almost instantly, college radio was all over the album, along with respected press like the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and the NME over in the UK, all of which cited the adventurous spirit of the band and the transformation into a truly unique underground force. Coincidentally, SST label mate the Minutemen also released their own double LP, 'Double Nickels on The Dime,' right around the same time, creating a similar situation for them. If that weren't enough, fellow Minnesotans the Replacements were a couple of months away from releasing their much heralded 'Let It Be' album, another that suddenly put them in a different spotlight than people had them pegged before.

Things were happening in the US underground in a massive way, which is why when people reflect back on the 80s music, it depends who you talk to and where they are coming from. For every 'Thriller,' 'Kissing to Be Clever,' or 'Too Fast For Love,' there was a 'Let It Be,' 'Double Nickels on the Dime' or 'Zen Arcade' to balance things out. 

Forty-plus years on, and ‘Zen Arcade’ still sounds like nothing else in the record shop. Their shows were always full of energy, never phoning it in, and the ground covered by the Huskers and many others set the stage for the ‘alternative’ boom in the 90s. 

One other trivial side note, Husker Du had no image whatsoever. Be that a bad or good thing, it was the truth. They looked like three guys who walked off the street and hopped on stage. There are, in fact, many photos of them wearing–wait for it–flannel shirts and ratty jeans. Mixed with the buzz saw guitar, one could be swayed to claim they were ‘proto-grunge’ and you wouldn’t be off base.

It shows that it’s all about timing and presentation. I understand Nirvana's impact, importance, and significance, but Husker Du was there first and, to my ears, did it all much better.

By Sarah Swirsky, MSW, LSW, Summit Wellness Coordinator

As we settle into the heart of winter with freezing temperatures, it’s natural to feel a shift in energy and mood. Tress have shed their leaves, animals hibernate, and the pace of life slows down. Just as nature adapts, we too are wired to embrace this quieter season by resting, reflecting, and conserving our energy. This period, often referred to as "wintering," mirrors the natural world’s cycle of rest and renewal during the colder months.  

However, in a world that often values constant productivity and busyness, resisting these natural cycles can leave us feeling out of sync. Pushing ourselves to maintain the same energy levels as in spring or summer can lead to frustration, burnout, and even a deeper sense of disconnection. Fighting against this slower rhythm denies us the opportunity to recharge, which can amplify feelings of sadness or stress. 

Instead of resisting, wintering invites us to lean into this season of stillness, allowing ourselves to rest and recover. By honoring this natural rhythm, we can emerge from winter feeling renewed and ready for growth when the warmer months return. 

It’s important, however, to distinguish between natural wintering and clinical depression. Natural wintering is a temporary, reflective state that aligns with the seasonal ebb and flow, often marked by a need for rest, quiet, and reduced activity. This state doesn’t disrupt your ability to function or find moments of joy, and it tends to ease as the seasons change. 

Clinical depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), goes beyond the normal winter blues. It can manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or fatigue that interfere with daily life. You may struggle to enjoy things you typically love, have difficulty concentrating, or even experience changes in appetite and sleep. If these symptoms persist or intensify, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional. Depression is treatable, and support is available. 

Understanding the rhythms of wintering and recognizing the difference between natural rest and clinical depression can help you navigate this season with self-compassion. If you find that your low energy or mood persists and interferes with your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek support. 

If you need assistance in finding professional mental health care, reach out to your local ADM Board for resources. And if you’re in crisis, help is just a call away—dial 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. You don’t have to face this alone. Support is always available.  

Thank you to the Summit County ADM Board for supporting Summit Wellness. Visit admboard.org for more info.  

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Tom Petty's decision to 'go solo' always seemed a bit off, since Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were, well obviously, his band. But in 1989, Petty did just that with mega hit, 'Full Moon Fever,' an album which could have easily been a Heartbreakers LP, but this go-round, Petty worked as a solo act, bringing in Jeff Lynne (of ELO fame) to act as producer, sounding board, co-writer, and musical companion. Whatever the exact recipe, it worked amazingly, giving Petty a multi-platinum hit that scaled the charts just shy of the top. Heartbreaker Mike Campbell also occupied a major role, and guest appearances from fellow band members Benmont Tench and Howie Epstein made sure it wasn't too far removed from a Heartbreakers outing. The freedom it allowed Petty to bring in guests like George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Del Shannon, Jim Keltner, and others, gave the music a slightly different vibe from the Heartbreakers, though not miles apart.

With that milestone under his belt, he teamed back up with Lynne for round two for the follow-up. 'Into The Great Wide Open' was released in the summer of 1991, and though sonically it followed the path of its predecessor, it failed to connect at the cash register in the same manner. Not that one would ever call it a failure! It is packed full of Petty classics like 'Learning To Fly' and the title track, both released as singles, which became genuine hits and mainstays in the Petty catalog and live shows. Elsewhere tracks like 'Makin' Some Noise', 'Two Gunslingers,' 'Too Good To Be True', and 'King's Highway,' are all rock solid entries into the Petty catalog.

Though Petty was never far sonically, or mentally, from his beloved Heartbreakers, there was, at the time, a sense that this was something he needed to do. Guitarist Mike Campbell noted as much in an interview with Rolling Stone from that year. "Right from day one, it's a miracle that this band stayed together for two weeks," Campbell said. "I don't really know why we're still together. There must be a bond that even we're not aware of." Sales of the previous Heartbreakers album, 'Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)' were not what they had been before, so with 'Full Moon Fever,' it seemed like a good time to make that temporary break.

The next album, 'Wildflowers,' would arrive in 1994 also emblazoned with the sole credit to Petty, no Heartbreakers. He would, of course, regroup with them till his last days, but would also leave the door open to 'go solo' or work with Lynne, or anyone else he crossed paths with. Petty brought up an interesting point in that 1991 interview, one that could easily apply today, as well as countless times over the decades.

"Things got real phony-sounding for a while," he stated. "It got to the point where even the guys in the denim jackets were sounding phony. I started thinking maybe I should just get drunk. Maybe I should just f**king forget all these songs. I hate to sound like a grouchy old-timer, but the reason rock isn't as big as it once was, is probably that it isn't as good as it once was. It wouldn't bother me, except this stuff is really important to me. As corny as it sounds, my life has been consumed by rock music. I just loved it right from the beginning."

In giving this one a spin again after so many years, it solidly drives one point home, we miss Tom Petty.

Happy Birthday to The Summit FM's Maestro of Music and Afternoon Host Brad Savage! 

Again this year we're putting together "Brad's SAVAGE Birthday Bash," but this time, it's three nights at three different venues!

FRIDAY - 2/21/25 - at The Rialto Theatre, Akron's Kenmore Neighborhood (Get Tickets)

  • Katy Robinson (solo)
  • Megan Bee
  • JD Eicher (trio)

SATURDAY 2/22/25 - at Westside Bowl, Youngstown (Get Tickets)

  • Ohayo
  • Demos Papadimas
  • MUNNYCAT

SUNDAY 2/23/25 - at Music Box Supper Club, Cleveland (Get Tickets)

  • Kristine Jackson
  • Marc Lee Shannon & My Other Brothers

By Summit FM Contributor Marc Lee Shannon

A few years ago, I wrote a column for the Devil Strip, a monthly local arts and community magazine, about the New Year, which was right around the corner. I pondered what to write about and chose "New Year, New Frames." Little did I know that the next year would have so much dynamic and dramatic change. It was December 2019.  

Fast-forward to today, December 17, 2024. I am looking at the preview of another year through the new calendar pages in the shiny, glossy end-of-year "Thanks for your Business!" calendar that my insurance company sent me. So, as I stand on the threshold of 2025, a pivotal question echoes in my mind: what do I want?  

What. Do. I. Want? 

Let's have a look back at the highlights of my year: 

I released another LP recording of songs with a group of guys called My Other Brothers, and it's a good record. Still, like most locally produced independent records, it was well received but quickly forgotten to make room for someone else's local independent record, and then the next, and the next, and so on.  

Sigh.  

I got married, and my wife and I, Kimina, found a later-in-life love that has a warm, special glow. Just when I thought I would be happy spending the rest of my days in my tiny house in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, the universe or God or whatever is driving this blue and green orb-shaped bus surprised us with a kind of happiness that we thought was beyond reach. This unexpected love story is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to find happiness. Whenever I see her walk in the door, I am tempted to say: "Are you sure you have the right house?" She's tall, blonde, and definitely Italian. She laughs uniquely and frequently, smiling and shaking her head at me with her arms akimbo. I love her so much.  

It was also a year of loss. Some friendships moved on (and some were rocky but salvaged). My wife lost both of her senior dogs in quick succession. The house we live in seems too quiet some days, even with three adults in a tiny late 50 Heslop home intended for a post-war mom and dad with 2.5 kids as a starter home.  

My mom finally and mercifully was released from the grips of dementia two months after my older sister Marta fell asleep on her easy chair and did not wake up. The cancer in her lungs was no match for this tough ex-Youngstown native, and she fought a brave and good fight. It hurts, and I miss them both.  

Some days, I catch myself wishing for those five more minutes when we all want to say the things and ask the questions we remember when it's too late.  

Looking back on '24, other things were sudden and surprising. I broke the fourth Metacarpal bone in my left hand, a disaster for a right-handed guitar player, and had surgery. Not playing or working out, swinging a 60-lb kettlebell for two months, made me an entertaining guy to be around—just ask my wife. 

Still, I feel lucky after all the loss, injury, and ups and downs. I am, for the most part, able-bodied. I can walk when and where I want, see clearly, breathe deeply, and do what I please. It's not lost on me that these simple things are unavailable to some who would remind me to be grateful. I am mostly solvent, and like most semi-successful working artists these days, I made a little bit of money on a lot of different things. I got by just fine.  

I have food to eat, a car to get around, clean clothes to wear, and a warm house in the chill of the Ohio winter. I have friends to call when I need help. After celebrating 10 years of recovery from alcohol use disorder, I am now more able to say, "Please, help me."  I have the life I always wanted.  

So, what do I want for the new year of 2025? Well, this time of year, when we are drawn to traditions and memories of holidays in the past, I am filled with the memories of kitchen smells, holiday twinkle sights, and whispers and sounds of the people who are no longer walking this earth. Humans I loved and cherished. So, it's straightforward for me. What I want more than anything in the new year is: 

I want the people I love to stay.  

Stay with me on this earth; stay with me for another moment, month, or year so that I can wrap my arms around what matters more than anything this material world can offer: love, family, and friends.  

Just stay a little longer, please—five more minutes. I promise to remember to say how I feel and ask that question I might forget. 

Happy New Year to one and all.  Stay Standing and Steady On.  

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Throughout the years, contemporary artists of whatever genre have tossed their Santa hat in the ring, trying to create a classic Christmas album. Countless takes of holiday standards mixed with self-penned songs of the season would become standard, while at other times, artists would issue special 'fan club only' releases featuring a special Christmas jam for the most die-hard fans.

From the classic Elvis Christmas songs to the legendary Beatles fan club messages to chart-topping pop acts, it's always a seasonal go-to. The Ventures Christmas Album, issued in 1965, is one of the most perfectly executed holiday albums, while albums by James Brown, Booker T & the MGs, and others also hold a special place. We can throw another one on the pile, courtesy of Americana/roots rocker J.D. McPherson, with his album Socks.

Issued in 2018 on the New West label, it is, in some ways, a Christmas 'concept' album, with songs dealing with some of the more trivial aspects of the holiday while maintaining a warmth and heart bursting at the seams with holiday cheer and goodness! Over the platter of 11 songs, we get such modern-day classics as “Ugly Sweater Blues,” “Bad Kid,” “Santa's Got A Mean Machine,” “Hey Skinny Santa’” and the classic title track about the dreaded gift of socks. There are no renditions of traditional material, but rather, all McPherson originals, each with a seasonal vibe not only in the lyrics but in the arrangement as well.

The other thing at play here is that you really have no idea what year this album sprang from. It is so authentic in its vintage vibe that you wouldn't be alone in questioning the 2018 release date, as it could have just as arguably been born 60 years earlier! That doesn't mean it sounds like a novelty or kitsch offering, but it rings so true with performances and a sonic blast that transcends time. Whether it is a long-lost artifact from the early years of rock and roll or a 21st-century adaptation of hip, it totally works. Unsurprisingly, he has spent time in the backing band for Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

McPherson delivers in full throughout, while his cracker-jack band gives it an edge that saves it from cliché and parody. It’s full of smiles and the humor surrounding the season, guaranteed to set a festive mood. It's a modern-day Christmas classic, without question!

By Summit Music Director Chad Miller

One of the more nerdy and, I suppose, intense things about me when it comes to attending concerts has always been going for the setlist after the show. We've all been to concerts that leave lasting memories for us in the moment and in the time that follows, but as the years go by, some of those memories certainly fade. Having the setlist can really take you back instantly to remember quite literally exactly what songs were played that night. Plus, it's a real tangible memory of that specific moment in time and the music you heard. It's almost sort of a living, breathing history in a sense.

Thanks to all the venues near and far that host such important and outstanding musicians every night around the area. These are the setlists I was able to acquire throughout my concert-going experiences in 2024.

Torres
January 17, 2024
Grog Shop
Cleveland Heights, OH

Joseph
January 27, 2024
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH

The Record Company
February 3, 2024
Grog Shop
Cleveland Heights, OH

Band of Horses
February 12, 2024
Roxian Theater
Pittsburgh, PA

The Kills
February 18
Newport Music Hall
Columbus, OH

Sleater-Kinney
March 20, 2024
Newport Music Hall
Columbus, OH

Nation of Language
April 1, 2024
Cambridge Room at House of Blues
Cleveland, OH

Real Estate
April 12, 2024
The Roxy at Mahall's
Lakewood, OH

Alvvays
April 18, 2024
Agora Theater
Cleveland, OH

Bully
April 27, 2024
Federal Frenzy Music Festival 2024
Youngstown, OH

Gary Clark Jr.
May 24, 2024
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH

Noah Kahan
May 28, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Maggie Rose
May 30, 2024
Beachland Ballroom
Cleveland, OH

Band of Horses
June 17, 2024
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH

Jamie Wyatt
June 27, 2024
Beachland Ballroom
Cleveland, OH

Detention / Off-Leash
June 29, 2024
Musica
Akron, OH

Lake Street Dive
July 9, 2024
TempleLive Masonic
Cleveland, OH

Norah Jones
July 11, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Maggie Rose
July 25, 2024
Musica
Akron, OH

All setlists from the above photo are from the Nelsonville Music Festival, in Nelsonville, OH


Amyl & the Sniffers
July 26, 2024

The Nude Party
July 27, 2024

Indigo De Souza
July 27, 2024

Courtney Barnett
July 27, 2024

The Heavy Heavy
July 28, 2024

John Vincent III
July 28, 2024

Thee Sacred Souls
July 28, 2024



Hozier
August 6, 2024
Blossom Musci Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Stephen Sanchez
August 7, 2024
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH

Iron & Wine
August 20, 2024
Agora Theater
Cleveland, OH

Waxahatchee
August 26, 2024
Carnegie Music Hall
Pittsburgh, PA

Stephen Wilson Jr.
September 5, 2024
Grog Shop
Cleveland Heights, OH

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
September 10, 2024
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH

The Hives
September 17, 2024
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH

Vampire Weekend
September 19, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Joe P
September 20, 2024
Grog Shop
Cleveland Heights, OH

The War on Drugs
September 21, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

The National
September 21, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Lake Street Dive
September 30, 2024
Kemba Live
Columbus, OH

Yard Act
October 5, 2024
Grog Shop
Cleveland Heights, OH

Hinds
October 22, 2024
Grog Shop
Cleveland Heights, OH

Bully (opening for Suki Waterhouse)
December 6, 2024
Agora Theater
Cleveland, OH

I've been going to concerts for over two decades now, and one of the aspects of the concert-going experience that's always struck me is getting to the merch table upon arriving to see what's available to purchase. I'll usually buy myself a band t-shirt with the actual tour dates on the back as a way of supporting the artists and also to show off a bit via my wardrobe of these bands I like. But the one thing I always look out for and get excited about is the super cool artwork of the concert posters some bands have available with even some of them in limited numbered quantities. The culture of concert posters goes way back to the late '60s, and while it diminished for a bit in the '80s, there was quite a resurgence that took place in the late '90s going forward. There's some truly amazing art being created by these extremely talented poster artists. With the rare amount of some of these that get produced, they go VERY fast at the venue, making them highly collectible. Many bands are even known for having a reputation as having unique concert posters available for each date on their respective tours as well. I have many of my own professionally framed and displayed in my home and office where they really stand out as the pop art pieces that they are but also proudly tell a story of a moment in time of that concert I was at, documenting all those memories along the way.

Thanks to all the many concert poster artists who create such vibrant, mind expanding, and just flat out really cool designs with their work.. These are the concert posters I was able to acquire throughout my concert-going experiences in 2024…

1.) Band of Horses
February 12, 2024 (tour poster)
Roxian Theater
Pittsburgh, PA
ARTIST: unknown

2.) 330 Day concert
March, 30, 2024
Kent Stage
Kent, OH
ARTIST: Ryan Humbert

3.) Federal Frenzy Music Festival 2024
April 27, 2024
Penguin City Brewing
Youngstown, OH
ARTIST: YSU Penguin Productions

4.) Khruangbin
May 29, 2024
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH
ARTIST: Bjorn Lie

5.) Khruangbin
June 5, 2024
Kemba Live
Columbus, OH
ARTIST: Nadeesha Godamunne

6.) Band of Horses
June 17, 2024 (tour poster)
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH
ARTIST: unknown

7.) Nelsonville Music Festival 2024
July 26-28, 2024
Snow Fork Event Center
Nelsonville, OH
ARTIST: Logan Schmitt

8.) Nelsonville Music Festival 2024
July 26-28, 2024
Snow Fork Event Center
Nelsonville, OH
ARTIST: Just a Jar Design Press

9.) Hozier
August 6, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
ARTIST: unknown

10.) Iron & Wine
August 20, 2024 (tour poster)
Agora Theater
Cleveland, OH
ARTIST: Ambient Inks

11.) King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
August 24, 2024
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH
ARTIST: Jason Galea

12.) Waxahatchee
August 26, 2024
Carnegie Music Hall
Pittsburgh, PA
ARTIST: unknown

13.) Jack White
August 29, 2024
Mr. Smalls Theater
Pittsburgh, PA
ARTIST: Silent Giants

14.) Jack White
August 31, 2024
Newport Music Hall
Columbus, OH
ARTIST: Silent Giants

15.) Mitski
September 3, 2024
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH
ARTIST: Bradley Amorosino

16.) Stephen Wilson Jr.
September 5, 2024
Grog Shop
Cleveland Heights, OH
ARTIST: unknown

17.) Pearl Jam
September 9, 2024
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, PA
ARTIST: Ames Bros

18.) Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
September 10, 2024
Jacobs Pavilion
Cleveland, OH
ARTIST: Camp Nevernice

19.) The Hives
September 17, 2024
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH
ARTIST: We Three Club

20.) The War on Drugs
September 21, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
ARTIST: George Manta

21.) The National
September 21, 2024
Blossom Music Center
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
ARTIST: Robert Beatty

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