National Polka Day

I still have a smile on my face after attending the National Polka Day festivities at the Happy Dog, on Tuesday evening. DJ Kishka hosted the celebration in his usual R-Rated comedic style. Not only is the Host unparalleled, but the establishment is unique in itself.

The bartenders are eclectic, friendly and competent. There is Live Music on the weekends, usually with a $5 cover. The Beer Choices range from most Domestic Beers to a large variety of Local and National Craft Beers. I always have to get Left Hand Brewing Company's Milk Stout whenever I am there. One of the best things that sets this place apart is the Food Menu. This is a Hipster Hot Dog Joint. Yep, that's it....Hot Dogs. No worries to all you Vegan's. They haven't forgotten you. There is a Field Roast Vegetable Vegan Sausage available, just for you. There are over 50 ever-changing Toppings or Sides for your Dog, French Fries or Tater Tots. Examples of a few Toppings are: Marcella's Grape Jelly & Chile Sauce, Spanish Onions, a Sunny Side Up Fried Egg, or Spaghetti O's just to name a few. The sauces, such as: Raspberry Crunch Mustard, Brazillian Chimichurri or Chipotle Hollandaise, can make or break your Dog.

Now on to the festivities. DJ Kishka is quite the Force of Nature. I have seen him DJ a number of times and I always find myself giggling so hard, that I desperately need to re-apply my make-up. He will DJ at the Happy Dog at least once a month on Fridays. I also saw him at Cleveland's First Annual Dyngus Day this year on April 25th. An official Polish Holiday. Where do I start....on this occasion DJ Kishka had his usual white T-shirt with his name, (just in case you forgot who he was....but more than likely for some great photo opportunities). He had his obligatory red suspenders, but this time our wonderful treat were his SHORT red, tight shorts, and of course his beard and hat. Tuesday he had his sidekick "Babcia" who played drums to his tunes, and jokes. She, as well, had a wonderful get-up, including a Babushka, Apron w/Skirt and of course....a beard. Babcia never cracks a smile as she seems to take her drumming job very seriously.

As the night wore on, and the Beers flowed, DJ Kishka became even more entertaining. On this occasion, I switched to the Polish Tyskie Beer for an authentic feel for my evening. The friend that I was with kept commenting that this comedic "schtick" could easily be a Cable Access show. At one point in the evening, Kishka announced that it was the Leichtensteiner Polka Hour of Power. He proceeded to play the same Polka by different artists for the next 5-8 songs. If DJ Kishka was not satisified with the current version of this Polka, he would proclaim his disdain and toss the record across the stage. Kishka has a regular following and by the end of the night, if you have not danced a Polka you are missing out.

Keep a look out for the next Friday that DJ Kishka is at the Happy Dog. You must experience Cleveland in all it's glory...Polka, Hot Dogs and Beer! Hopefully, I'll see you there. Nostrovia!

April Smith & the Great Picture Show

Last night was the best of what life is made of... I went to see April Smith & The Great Picture Show. I stumbled onto this group on Pandora Radio while listening to my Grace Potter & The Nocturnals Station. A friend reminded me that I also heard them on the local Radio Station V107.3, on their new music show.

This concert was all the way out in Elyria at one of my all time favorite venues. Mike's Barn.
This venue makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It is the epitome of Summer. When the artists perform, they have a view from the stage of this rustic barn, the fields beyond and a bonfire outside each barn door. Dogs roam free to greet the guests. All shows are BYOB and you are able to bring something for them to throw on the grill for dinner. This big, beat-up barn, is filled with all sorts of artifacts and discarded musical instruments. The Art on the wall ranges from larger than life oil paintings of local musicians, to nudes, to giant velvet black light posters. Every time I attend a show, I see something new. I think every year it's going to be the last, but thanks to Mike Yates and numerous donations and volunteers, we are still able to enjoy the magic of music at this location!

The 2 opening acts, I have seen on a number of occasions, but always enjoy them. The first was Claudia Schieve. She is the daughter to an extraordinary Blues-woman named Becky Boyd. Where Becky's voice is smoky and bold, Claudia's is bouncy and high with a lilt of some of the greats. Her set was fabulous with many originals that are inspirational for an author of 22 years old.

The next act was Jack Charlton, and if you've seen him once you will remember him. He performs Tom Waits cover tunes. He executes them so well, that you almost think he is Tom. Apparently, April Smith is a big fan of Tom Waits and Jack was very excited that he could do a whole show dedicated to his favorite artist. This is always a special venue in which to see Jack, because last year he got married at Mike's Barn. His wife of one year was there and was beaming as if they had just gotten married last week.

Now, words can't describe how wonderful April Smith and her band The Great Picture Show were, but I will try. April explained that they almost didn't make it to the show. It seems the Van that they had reserved for the trip, was being Sold and the new owner was on his way to pick it up. Luckily, a positive resolution ensued, for this was one show I'm glad I didn't miss. April appeared in a white tutu and red heels and the band all wore hats or caps and ties. After the band was introduced, they were greeted with a barn full of glow sticks.
April introduced each song with a story or description. Most were from their latest album Songs For A Sinking Ship. The song Terrible Things was inspired by the TV show DEXTER. Ironically, this song was picked up by the TV show WEEDS. After a few more songs, April stated that they have played at Lollapalooza, a few other notable venues and that Mike's Barn is now, officially her favorite venue!! The crowd went nuts. To end this wonderful evening, Mike asked April if she would do an acoustic version of the song Colors. I think the band exalted in the fact that the crowd knew all the words.

All in all, another wonderful summer evening. These are the kinds of memories that will keep this Clevelander warm through the drudge of our Mid-West winters.

Theobroma

The definition given by Dogfish Head for this beer is "Food for the Gods". I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It had a nice cloudy appearance. You can taste the slight sweetness of honey and a hint of cocoa. Apparently, this brew is part of the Dogfish Head's Ancient Ales Series. Here is the link to their website that gives a better description of the process in which they came up with this recipe. Apparently, it dates back more than 500 years to 1200 BC.

Dogfish Head - Theobroma

This was an appropriate way to start my evening.

Jacob's Pavillion - The Decemberists

Last night I went to see the Portland, Oregan band The Decemberists with the opening Seattle, Washington Band, The Head and The Heart. What a great show! I can't get enough of the Jacob's Pavillion venue. I love the view of the skyline, bridges and the river. The Architectural design of the Old Powerhouse, the buildings, and the rusty lift bridges in which the stage is nestled, make it cozy. A perfect way to spend a Summer evening.

The opening band was fabulous. I recognized more of the songs than I realized. I couldn't keep my eyes off of Charity Rose Thielen, (violin, vocals). She had a quirky way of approaching her mike and her movement was interesting. Her voice and timing were also intriguing. The talent of this group was limitless. They have a new fan.

The Decemberists did not disappoint. This was the first time that I saw them "LIVE". I just love Colin Meloy's voice. I think that he has a unique sound that you will either love or hate, but you will definitely have an opinion about it. He is an excellent front man. He is funny and keeps the crowd involved. At one point, he made up a quick ditty about Cleveland. "Cleveland Lights and the Cleveland Nights, Oh how the heart of Rock and Roll is still Beating!" Meloy gave a warm mention to Decemberists accordionist Jenny Conlee. She had recently been forced to sit out the band's tour dates since being diagnosed with breast cancer in May. They finished the last set by dedicating Why We Fight to Conlee. At one point, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands, while performing "The Crane Wife". I looked around and everyone was mesmerized. Of course, the encore was very active and not to be missed. You never know what's in store for the crowd.