"B" is a stage musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Y'know, that guy who sang "Cleveland is Your Land."
Just got out of the recording studio, very excited for the year's progress. For my upcoming project, three of my original songs are done! Recorded, mixed, tweaked, and ready to walk out into the world to inspire peace and joy for others.
The titles are "Serenity," "Understanding," and a super-secret one. Also, "Time to Blow" and "Bird Watcher" could be done, except that I'd like to invite some very special guest musicians to contribute their art. More info to come.
This must be what it's like for my fellow musicians who travel. Yesterday, I drove from home in Ohio to the Woodstock reunion in New York, on the hallowed farm where it all began. Unloaded, played the gig, and started back home that night. Made it back to Cleveland in time for a wedding reception.
OMG, how beautiful! This event deserves so many superlatives. Every year, they pull out all the stops. The choir: over 150 voices, a dozen cantors, another dozen co-celebrants with Bishop Perez, lectors and other liturgical ministers, the huge rock stage, the lights (ha, "Be the...?" "Light!"), video screens, pageantry, ... (gasp)! Stay tuned for videos.
And hey, if you didn't attend this year, then please mark your calendar for next year's Fest on 8/4/2019. Whether I'm there or not, it will again be huge.
I'll tell you a secret. I still get a little stage fright under certain circumstances. I've played in front of large groups before, like Cain Park. Meh, no stage fright. The crowd's relaxed, I'm relaxed. But at church, The Guy Upstairs is watching. It's like singing in front of the biggest producer ever.
Well, anxiety aside, The Fest is always an incredibly moving experience -- the way I kinda wish every worship service could be. So many people volunteer and cooperate to make it huge. And by the way, no one checks your "Christian" membership; the full-day festival, including the music is free to all!
I gotta tell you, today was a scorcher! That corner concrete patio seemed to amplify the summer sun. Luckily, the sun cooled down, and the crowd heated up as we brought out songs for every generation.
I get it. You don't like your yearbook and driver's license photos. You don't like making a voice-mail announcement because you don't like how your voice sounds.
The best musicians I know feel the same way. In fact, the better your ear, the higher the standards you set for yourself. Some of us can't stand to listen to our recordings. That's one reason it takes so long to release a CD.
While I'm doling out credit, and dropping names... Turning over my guitar accompaniment to Tom Gorman was one of the smartest things I've done. Thanks also to Lynne Hoffman-Engel at Baldwin Wallace University for some much-needed vocal coaching.
While taking a little break from recording my own stuff, I gave a listen to recent release by Kat McDowell, who I had the pleasure of sitting in with a couple years ago.
No musician ever forgets their first time being played on the radio. That's pretty special.
My first time was in the 1990's, on BGSU's student-hosted radio station, WBGU-fm 88.1, one Sunday night.
The program, called New Horizons, was primarily a New Age show, but stretched that definition to include electronic and acoustic music, occasionally featuring (or even debuting) local recording artists such as Tom Gorman, Odd Girl Out, Tony Pulizzi, and me.
One more moondance
Mon 3/12/2018
I was caught red-handed. With apologies to Will Cheshier,
Antoinette caught me moondancing here
with Acoustic Joyride last night.
The FlipSide reunites
Mon 2/5/2018
Due to some life events, the full FlipSide band hasn't reunited since mid-September. Mark and Jack invite the gang to shake off the winter chill and warm up our chops tonight. B will be there for some of Root Cafe's Mayan Mocha.
Best crowd in a while
Thu 12/28/2017
Wow! It blows my mind that so many people came out to see me at such an informal gig last night.
Big thanks to Bob, Cyndi & Tom, Deb & Joe + Claire, Heidi & Carly, Dan, Ray & Nancy for spending some of your Christmas break with me.
Another FARM in the books
Mon 10/23/2017
The annual Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) conference was another weekend-plus of workshops, showcases, and breaking bread together. (More pics and memories about it on my Facebook page.) It's always intensely inspiring and humbling, even after 10 years of this.
The inspiring part is learning new tricks and tips, about both the music itself and the business of it all, seeing it done before my eyes, and eager to get back home and try them out. The humbling part is seeing insanely talented people and simply feeling unworthy. (I've heard my fellow humble musicians scoff, "I'm just gonna go home and burn my guitar right now.")
Lucky for me, FARM is also a bona fide community of professionals in the folk arts. We're in this together, and we're present for each other. Besides a modest performance in the FolkNet room, my contribution consisted of some work on FARM's web site, and bringing my "radio voice" to emcee one of the two showcases.
Shout out to my traveling companions Heidi Sherer & FolkNet's Charlie Mosbrook, to Heather Styka who's coming to Cleveland for a show on November 11th, and to fellow Ohioan Bob Hofbauer for finishing his five-year term as chapter president with distinction. To old friends like Sandy Andina, Andy Cohen, Sue Fink, and the legendary Chuck Mitchell; and new friends like Mari Black, and Doug Wood; and so many more.
Oh, hey, if you're interested in tagging along next year, it'll be closer to Cleveland than it's been in over 10 years: Grand Rapids, Michigan. Catch you there?
Bittersweet farewell to Paul Hamann
Sun 9/17/2017
My hat is off, my head hung in sorrow. I suspect, somewhere, this legendary Cleveland sound engineer is enjoying the most glorious choir of angels, in a timeless place where recording is no longer necessary. Perfect music is his reward for perfecting so many others'.
If you don't know of Paul, really, you should. His Suma Recording Studio, founded by his father, birthed records for such talent as Wild Cherry ("Play That Funky Music"), Grand Funk Railroad ("We're an American Band," "Loco-Motion"), Black Keys, Lemon Pipers ("Green Tambourine"), Human Beinz ("Nobody but Me (Nono no no)"), Outsiders ("Time Won't Let Me"), Dave Brubeck, Mel Torme, Frankie Yankovic, James Gang, Michael Stanley, PDQ Bach, Alex Bevan, and Pere Ubu. Cleveland.com pays tribute here. I'm glad to have paid tribute while he was still with us.
Yes, this does mean a delay for my second CD, but more than that, I'll miss his mentoring. Thanks for everything, Paul!
More voice lessons
Mon 8/28/2017
I started my latest semester of vocal lessons today. Hey, even musicians take lessons.
'Cos everybody wants to be a "cat." Even Sam here.
Woodstock: wow!
Thu 8/17/2017
Performing with Acoustic Joyride at the 2017 Yasgur Road Reunion (a.k.a., "Woodstock 48") was a fantastic experience.
I posted some photos from the trip here in Facebook. Thanks to Warren for posting a video clip of our experience here, featuring a sit-in by Norman Tischler from our sister band InCahootz.
Summer Jam photos
Sun 7/16/2017
I mentioned below that Acoustic Joyride has invited me along to YRR (whispered: "Woodstock"). Gearing up for that, I've also sat in on a few of their local gigs, including a private party near Cleveland.
Really good times, partly captured in photos here on Facebook.
What Yasgur Road Reunion is and means
Mon 6/5/2017
Yasgur Road Reunion celebrates Woodstock every year on the late Max Yasgur's original homestead. I'll be performing there with Acoustic Joyride this August.
Just discovered this vid of festival hostess Jeryl Abramson reading Max's own letter to the local newspaper's editor after the event. And wow, his first-hand account is as historical as it is relevant today. (The letter-reading segment is 10 minutes.)
The entertainer becomes the entertained
Sun 11/13/2016
Yes, musicians love going to shows too! Sometimes, it's just "market research," other times, it's to support a mentor or contemporary. For me this weekend, it's all of the above.
Friday night, I was honored to "share the stage" in a way with Diana Chittester and Anne E. DeChant in Akron. Saturday, I just had to watch Tom Gorman and Tom DelGreco in Bowling Green while the latter was in-state. Also coming to Cleveland's own Music Box Supper Club tonight (Sunday) is acoustic star Dar Williams, whose most enduring groupies are among my family and friends.
Wow, Cleveland is hot!
Tue 10/25/2016
Cleveland, this is your year... finally! A Cavs championship, a peaceful RNC, and now the Tribe's headed to the World Series!
Not sure whether this is related, but my Cleveland is Your Land video is reporting a bump in popularity, haha.
Goodbye to the Barking Spider, hello to a new family
Fri 9/16/2016
News of the Barking Spider Tavern's closing spread as fast as when Martin passed.
That's normal when it's time for a dearly beloved to become dearly departed, as many cultural musical icons have in 2016. There's no better consolation for that loss than the faith that your loved ones are embarking on an even more glorious life. Much love to the new Kirby family: Brent Kirby, Jenna Juredine, and Baby Kirby!
Playing bass as a sign of intelligence
Fri 8/19/2016
Well, there goes yet another evolutionary distinction between apes and humankind -- well, at least between apes and bass players!
Playing bass guitar for different groups, I endure my share of bassist jokes. As if that weren't enough Koko the Gorilla proves here that jamming on the bass is no great feat. LOL
How to "Find Our Way" as a nation
Sun 7/10/2016
Our country has been torn apart this year. "Folk" musicians are in a unique position to help society work through our differences, to a peaceful condition. My Cleveland is Your Land and Understanding videos aim to do that. Akron-based performer Zach does it constantly.
Today, I saw another video that beautifully offers that kind of healing: Cleveland-based singer Ashley Nemeh's "Find Our Way" says it even better than I ever could.
Fairy god-Mim
Fri 5/20/2016
I'm honored to know Mim Conway. A FlipSide groupie for years, she also has a music ministry of her own. Cleveland's NBC affiliate, WKYC-tv Channel 3, tells that story here.
New songs
Mon 5/9/2016
A couple of you have asked about new stuff I'm working on. This summer, I may focus on songwriting. A couple more are done, and a few more are on their way.
For a sneak peek at the ones that are stage-ready, I'll showcase them at Brent Kirby's 10x3 this Wednesday night.
Jazz kicks
Fri 4/15/2016
I'm playing two shows this month with a fledgling jazz group, the Grindstone Jazz Ensemble. Both have connections to Baldwin Wallace College.
One is a cancer awareness benefit, featuring a well-loved survivor from BW staff. The other is the swing dance club's annual shindig. Details are on the group's website here.
Vaudeville returns to the 'Spider
Wed 4/6/2016
Where I'll be tonight, getting my chortle on: Stephen Lee Rich at the Barking Spider: That Was Vaudeville.
Even at Folk Alliance conferences, Stephen stands out as an musical entertainer among musicians. His dry wit always cracks me up. I'm glad he's making another trip to Ohio to do just that.
Next music video help
Sat 3/5/2016
Anyone know someone around Cleveland who owns a late-model, red Chevy Corvette, who would be willing to lend it to me 2 evenings for use in my next music video?
P.S.: I did get a lead, so thanks everyone!
Saluting Jim Snively
Mon 2/29/2016
The world lost another well-loved musician today, Jim Snively. I haven't seen so many posts about a passing since David Bowie's.
Thing is, Jim "Loose Change" Snively touched so many people, so deeply, not with flamboyance, but with peace, not just with his music, but also by personal contact and support. Jim, may you be as welcomed today as you were welcoming to all of us.
Interviewed by Mike Vial
Sat 2/6/2016
Mike Vial (web, YouTube) is a professional folk musician, with engaging lyrics and some colorful guitar chops, who has showcased at FAI regionals and gigged around the continent.
One of Mike's latest projects is a blog about music conferences. He kindly interviewed me for that blog. The article went live today here. I'm not his first interview, but I'm his last (inside joke) so far.
Stellar first month
Tue 1/26/2016
One month since the release of "Cleveland is Your Land," and YouTube has certified over 11,000 views! Wow.
That leaves me wondering how I can possibly follow that act? :-)
Trending on YouTube, and picked up by commercial radio!
Thu 1/6/2016
Thanks, fans! "Cleveland is Your Land" has been viewed on YouTube more than 2500 times in less than 2 weeks.
If that weren't enough, commercial radio has picked up on it: thanks to Q104 and WMJI! And thanks again to Mr. JEG at WRUW for being the first to play the song when the CD was first released.
Gone viral
Wed 12/30/2015
Wow, YouTube reports that Cleveland is Your Land just passed 1000 views in just the first 5 days!
Guess I'm not the only one who likes this town. Join me in spreading the love: share the video, then strike up a friendly conversation with the next stranger you meet, just because they're a fellow Clevelander.
It's Here!
Sat 12/26/2015
The "Cleveland is Your Land" music video is finally released. Thanks again to everyone who pitched in.
You can see it on YouTube here, or just at ClevelandIsYourLand.com
If you like it, please share it. Let's tell the world about the best location in the nation!
Cleveland Video Pre-release!
Sat 12/12/2015
Right on schedule, my music video for "Cleveland is Your Land" is getting pre-released to media outlets.
Watch for the public release on 12/26. Till then, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc!
More Famous Ohio Musicians
Wed 12/9/2015
I'm so proud to have worked with professional musicians from northern Ohio who have topped the RMR radio charts recently!
Kerry Patrick Clark took #1 last year on the RMR charts for all of 2014 for "In a Perfect World." And this week, Anne E. DeChant started her #1 run on the RMR chart for "Sunday Morning Drive"!
Ohio has produced some seriously skilled songwriters who, I can vouch, have worked their talented tails off for those honors. Congrats!
Cleveland Video Almost Done
Mon 11/23/2015
Just over a month now, until the release of the music video I'm honored to be a part of.
Our editors finished the video's second draft over the weekend. Not coincidentally, the Cudell Rec Center mural has taken a prominent position in the video.
Hint: its message is that Cleveland was built, physically and socially, by people from all walks of life. And that is why I'm proud to call myself a Clevelander.
Folknet at FARM
Sun 10/25/2015
FARM (Folk Alliance Region Midwest) is a regional chapter of a professional folk arts organization. FolkNet is a similarly-minded organization based in Northeast Ohio.
They're both seeing a renaissance this year, and finding each other. I'm really proud to see so many folks from our area represented at the FARM conference.
Salute to Uncle Fred
Sun 9/13/2015
Cleveland lost a folk music champion today. "Uncle Fred" Dolan spun folk tunes on WJCU for more years than I can count.
My hat is somberly off to Uncle Fred and his family. Thanks for the music. The FlipSide will honor him at our show next month. (Obit)
The Cutting Room Floor
Sat 8/22/2015
What happens when you spend a whole summer filming only the most beautiful and fun scenes in Cleveland? Well over 500 video clips -- enough to use a different clip every half-second of the song! And some tough decisions about which to leave on the so-called cutting room floor.
That wealth of Cleveland awesomeness makes this project the most difficult to edit, and yet the easiest. I can't wait to see the finished product. How about you?
Cleveland Video Posse
Thu 8/4/2015
Whew, it's been our longest day of filming: 13 hours! Big shout out to my "Posse" who came to represent the CLE:
Alexandra, Ana, Caitlin, Carla, Lili, Lori, Nicole, Patti, Ralph, Rose, Shawn, and Vida.
Cleveland Video Support
Sat 7/25/2015
One musician can make a mediocre music video. A community can make a great one. I have to spend some bytes to thank many organizations who have kindly thrown their support behind this project (in alphabetical order):
- Lyric subjects: representatives of landmarks and organizations mentioned in the song: Agency for the Performing Arts, Blessed Trinity Parish, Carol & John's Comics, Cathedral of St. John, A Christmas Story House & Museum, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland One World Day, Cleveland World Festival, Fairmount Properties, Lincoln Electric, ODOT, Old Stone Church, Our Lady of Angels Parish, Playhouse Square, University Hospitals
- Neighborhood development organizations: Bellaire Puritas, Burton Bell Carr, Collinwood, Cudell, Gordon Square, Kamm's Corners, Old Brooklyn, Slavic Village, Tremont West, Westown
- Early channels: organizations already helping to spread the love, even before the project is complete: CLE+, Deaf Services of Cleveland, Lolly the Trolley.
Cleveland Video Update
Thu 7/2/2015
Filming has begun! I am so stoked about this project.
After some e-mail/phone discussion, I finally met Streamlab Tech's Tom Cummings (WMMS, Michael Stanley, Donnie Iris, Raspberries, Glass Harp). He arrived with Lehtinen Videography's Rob Lehtinen (Cleveland Clinic, Blame Willie), and we spent the evening taking footage around Voinovich Park.
One thing I didn't expect about filming outdoors, rather than in a studio, is how many people stop to watch the action, and ask about the project. Hmm, maybe I'll plan a day of shooting with a "posse" of groupies!
P.S.: It's on! The posse is happening! Want to be part of the action? E-mail me here.
Blame Willie's New Bassist
Wed 6/3/2015
I'm pleased to announce the next bass guitar player in my rock band, Blame Willie: Pat Mayo.
I'm still involved with the band -- a great bunch of guys. Just needed a break from the time commitments, to focus on the Cleveland music video project.
Pat, previously the band's prodigal electric guitarist, is a serious professional, and a quick learner. He'll slide into the role easily. Meantime, our old sit-in guitarist, and my old day-job co-worker, Dan "Spoon" Witherspoon, will take over lead guitar and lead/backing vocals.
Feel free to join us all at upcoming Blame Willie shows, listed here.
FARMette
Sun 5/3/2015
Yesterday was perfect. FARMette, the Folk Alliance Region Midwest's mid-year mini-conference, enjoyed idyllic weather, amazing talent, and lots of new faces.
I had the honor again to emcee the Official Showcase, in which a dozen musical acts chosen by our jury as the best of the best, entertained us for the price of a family dinner -- which we also enjoyed.
Can't wait to do this again, on a larger scale, in Iowa City this fall.
Spring: in Like a Lion
Fri 4/10/2015
A fun month is here, with B. Ryan B. music for all tastes over the next few consecutive weeks: classic folk rock tomorrow with The FlipSide,
dance rock next weekend, both on Cleveland's west side; new folk the following weekend in BG, and a showcase of the country's best folk performers the
following Saturday; then some acoustic pop the next week.
I'd love to see you out at a show. Details in the calendar here.
I've Got a Secret!
Fri 3/20/2015
Ooh, I'm just dyyying to tell someone. I know which musical acts won the contest to showcase at the "FARMette" conference on May 2, hosted by Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM).
Don't worry, I'll be good, and wait till early April to announce the winners publicly. ... But ooh, they're awesome!
Cleveland Video
Sun 3/8/2015
It's on, folks! I've started working with a professional videographer, and a producer with music video cred, to shoot a music video for "Cleveland is Your Land."
This was one of the projects that didn't get done last year, while I spread myself too thin. This year, I'm refocused and committed.
So, ya wanna be in on it? Got some scenes that I'd be crazy to forget? Drop me a line here.
FARM Showcases
Fri 1/16/2015
Work: it's what you get when you say out loud that you're not busy.
Well, in this case, it's an honor. Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) has appointed me to be not only their Performer Showcase Emcee, but also its judging coordinator.
If the one-day conference in Northwest Ohio this coming May is anything like last October, there will again be some amazing talent, who know how to put on a show. My fellow performers are welcome to apply here. (No bribes necessary! I'm not doing any of the actual judging.) Everyone else, plan on attending Saturday 5/2/2015.
Happy New Year
Sun 12/28/2014
What?! I don't remember the last time my schedule of shows has been so free!
It is that time of year for booking the next year's shows, especially festivals. Or just as well, I could book the solo tour I didn't get around to in 2014, or finish producing the videos I started, or get started on the jazz a cappella CD I conceived years ago.
The new year is always a great time to take inventory, reevaluate, and step up to the next big thing. I'll raise a glass to you all Wednesday night, for whatever is your next big thing. Cheers!
Protest Song
Sat 12/6/2014
For my part in the death of Tamir Rice, I'd like to publicly and sincerely apologize.
History, I predict, will show the root causes of Tamir's death to include his fellow Cleveland resident citizens, like me, for insufficient proactive funding and legislation -- for both police and dispatcher training, and child and parent education -- to prevent disasters like these.
As a resident of the City of Cleveland, and an American citizen, I personally could have done more to prevent this tragedy.
If you could have done more too, please share this Facebook post or this song: "Understanding."
Venues Map
Sun 11/30/2014
Thank you, Google, for the cool free app to map venues where I've played, now embedded on the bottom half of my Calendar page (here). (Wow, that's a lot of places!)
I'm booking now for 2015, so feel free to let me know (e-mail here) where you'd like to see me.
Free App: Timer
Sat 11/8/2014
A timer app I created for FARM is now available for free here: http://BRyanBMusic.com/timer
Folk Festival, Folk Conference
Tue 10/28/2014
I'll be on Lilli Kuzma's Folk Folk Festival radio show on WDCB in Chicago tonight. (Stream it live from the right column of this page.)
The first half of her show, this week and next, recaps the best of the Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) conference I attended in St. Louis. So many amazing acts, plus workshops, DJ's, venue managers -- folks serious about Folk.
Like Hotcakes
Sat 10/4/2014
Wow, thank you so much for your interest in the new album! I'm overwhelmed and touched by everyone's feedback.
There are already over 50 copies out in the wild in just the first week. Got yours yet?
CD Release
Sat 9/27/2014
It's official! The new album is now available. Orders are coming in, and promotional copies are on their way to their way to radio stations and the press. (Land a copy of your very own here.)
For now though, off to The North East Wine Fest to see my long-lost Pennsylvania peeps!
CD's Arrived!
Thu 9/10/2014
It's like Christmas! The CD's have arrived, and officially go on sale Saturday 9/27/2014!
For those who haven't done this before, an "indie's" (independent artist's) work is never done. Next, I'll be sending some CD's to radio stations, coordinating those releases with a late fall tour, while working on the music videos. Whether it all comes together this Fall -- we'll see.
In other news, I'm joining an additional music group -- St. Mark's. When I'm not bouncing around a rock stage some Saturday nights, I'll be doing almost the opposite: solemnly but joyously cantoring (leading song) in this West Park parish.
As in life, there are always great things to come, when the work is done!
CD Progress
Thu 7/24/2014
"I love it when a plan comes together." :-)
My 5th CD, and first solo album, "Transient" has been mastered and sent off for replication! Will Cheshier -- who crafts for the eyes by day, and for the ears by night -- is assembling the CD's visual art.
A two-minute sampler is available here, and a video sampler will be joining it in about a month.
The CD should be available in late August 2014, and officially released at the end of September.
Sing, My Friends!
Wed 7/2/2014
"You learn to sing by singing." -- Garrison Keillor
"I'm my own Walkman" -- Bobby McFerrin
I hereby give everyone permission to sing along at any of my shows. Yes, even you. Sing over the espresso machine. Sing to drown out the others, who are drowning their sorrows all while belaboring them. Sing. Dance. Just because you're alive!
Happiness Is...
Sun 6/29/2014
...finishing the whole gig -- under the beach pergola's new tiki "skirt," loading up the car, and still having exactly 5 minutes left over before the thunderstorm hit! :-) Thanks to my peeps for coming out to see The FlipSide play at Clay's Park again!
Busy Weekend
Sat 5/17/2014
Wow, 6 gigs this weekend?! How did that happen? What was I thinking? :-) I'll either end up especially energized or especially exhausted. In related news, the 10th song on my folky solo CD is done editing!
The Winchester: a 21-Gun Salute
Tue 5/13/2014
I'm numb at the news of The Winchester Music Hall closing. The open mic I cut my teeth on. The stage that made The FlipSide feel like rock stars, as recently as last month.
Still... they went out on the top of their game, and for the noblest of reasons: the well-being of their clientele. B. Ryan B.'s trademark hat is off to Jim and Rebecca.
Now That's Rockin'!
Sat 5/3/2014
Blame Willie rocked so hard tonight, we literally shook paint off the ceiling. It was like confetti at our feet at the end of the night. Good times at Clay's Park Resort in John O's!
What's your name, really?
Sat 4/5/2014
As The FlipSide releases our second CD album tonight, I know I'll be asked that question again. Jethro Tull and also Pink Floyd famously had similar problems with their confusing names.
Friends and close family call me "B. Ryan," or just "B." My apologies for the confusion. And no, I'm not trying to go all "neo-gangsta" on you. Mom really has been calling me "B. Ryan" out loud, for decades.
...although one of my friends this year proposed that I start a rumor that the "B" stands for "Beelze-bubbah." Um, no.
