Summer Music at its Finest
As July unfolds, Cincinnati is buzzing with an exciting lineup of events that promises to have something for everyone. From the soulful melodies of the Cincinnati Music Festival to the performances of iconic rock bands and emerging artists, the city offers a huge range of musical experiences. Highlights include the Foo Fighters' high-energy show at the Great American Ballpark, a night of emo and post-hardcore with Taking Back Sunday at the MegaCorp Pavilion, and a celebration of hip hop featuring legends like MC Lyte and KRS-One at the Andrew J Brady Music Center. Whether you're a fan of rock, hip hop, or indie music, Cincinnati's music scene ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy this month. Read on to discover more about these must-see events and plan your perfect summer nights.
We’ve compiled a list of some fantastic events happening through July along with some highlights we think you’ll love.
Jon Spencer with IdleAires
Date: Thursday, July 18, 2024
Venue: MOTR Pub
Time: 7:30 PM doors / 8:00 PM show
Tickets: Buy Here
Jon Spencer:
He is best known as the frontman of the Blues Explosion, a band that combined elements of punk, blues, and rock into a unique and electrifying sound. With a career spanning over three decades, Jon Spencer has also been involved in other musical projects such as Pussy Galore and Heavy Trash. His live performances are known for their high energy and raw intensity, making him a compelling act to experience.
IdleAires:
IdleAires is an avant-garde band that blends art punk, noise punk, garage rock, and surf music. Known for their experimental approach and eclectic sound, IdleAires create a dynamic and unpredictable live show. Their music often features unconventional structures and raw, unpolished instrumentation, appealing to fans of the underground and alternative music scenes.
Chicago / Earth, Wind & Fire
Date: Friday, July 19, 2024
Venue: Riverbend Music Center
Time: 6:00 PM doors / 7:30 PM show
Tickets: Buy Here
Chicago:
Known for their distinctive fusion of rock and roll with horns, the band has produced numerous hits over their long career, including "25 or 6 to 4," "If You Leave Me Now," and "Saturday in the Park." They are one of the longest-running and best-selling music groups of all time, with over 100 million records sold. The band has undergone several lineup changes but continues to tour with a mix of original and new members, delivering high-energy performances that span their extensive catalog.
Earth, Wind & Fire:
Known for their dynamic and eclectic sound that blends funk, jazz, R&B, soul, and pop music. Founded in 1969 by Maurice White, the band gained massive popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like "September," "Boogie Wonderland," "Shining Star," and "Let's Groove." They are celebrated for their intricate horn arrangements, tight vocal harmonies, and electrifying stage presence. Earth, Wind & Fire has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
That Mexican OT with Maxo Kream
Date: Friday, July 19, 2024
Venue: MegaCorp Pavilion
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: Buy Here
That Mexican OT:
That Mexican OT is an emerging rapper from Texas known for his gritty storytelling and unique blend of Southern rap with Latin influences. His music often reflects his personal experiences and cultural background, delivering hard-hitting lyrics with a distinct Southern flair. Songs like "La Muerte" and "Barrio Hero" have garnered him a growing fanbase and critical acclaim within the underground rap scene. His performances are known for their high energy and raw authenticity, making him a compelling headliner.
Maxo Kream:
Maxo Kream, born Emekwanem Ogugua Biosah Jr., is a prominent rapper and songwriter from Houston, Texas. He gained widespread recognition for his vivid storytelling and gritty depictions of street life, as well as his introspective lyrics about his personal struggles and triumphs. Maxo's breakout mixtape "Maxo 187" and subsequent albums like "Brandon Banks" and "Weight of the World" showcase his ability to blend sharp lyricism with engaging beats. He is known for his powerful stage presence and ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers
Date: Friday, July 19, 2024
Venue: Bogart's
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: Buy Here
Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers:
Hobo Johnson, born Frank Lopes Jr., is an American vocalist and frontman of Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers, a band known for its unique blend of spoken word, hip-hop, and indie rock. Hobo Johnson gained viral fame with his song "Peach Scone," which was part of the Tiny Desk Contest by NPR Music in 2018. His distinctive style combines raw, emotional lyrics with an expressive delivery that often feels more like storytelling than traditional singing or rapping.
Hobo Johnson's music addresses themes such as love, heartbreak, and personal struggles, resonating with a wide range of listeners due to its relatability and authenticity. Albums like "The Rise of Hobo Johnson" and "The Fall of Hobo Johnson" showcase his talent for blending humor and vulnerability, creating a unique listening experience that stands out in the music industry.
Cincinnati Music Festival - A Celebration of Hip Hop
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
Venue: The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Time: 7:30 PM
Lineup: MC Lyte, EPMD, KRS-One, Black Sheep
Tickets: Event Details
Festival Overview:
The Cincinnati Music Festival is one of the most anticipated annual music events in the Midwest, drawing music lovers from across the country to Cincinnati, Ohio. Traditionally focused on R&B and soul, the festival has expanded its lineup to include a diverse range of genres, including hip hop. This year’s celebration of hip hop marks a significant addition to the festival, highlighting the genre’s rich history and cultural impact.
MC Lyte:
MC Lyte, born Lana Michele Moorer, is a pioneering female rapper known for breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Emerging in the late 1980s, she gained fame with her debut album "Lyte as a Rock." MC Lyte is celebrated for her sharp lyricism, impactful storytelling, and hits like "Paper Thin" and "Cha Cha Cha." Her contributions to hip hop have earned her numerous accolades, and she continues to influence new generations of artists.
EPMD:
EPMD, short for Erick and Parrish Making Dollars, is an influential hip hop duo from Brentwood, New York, consisting of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. Known for their laid-back, funk-infused beats and smooth lyrical flow, they debuted in the late 1980s with the classic album "Strictly Business." Hits like "You Gots to Chill" and "Head Banger" helped solidify their place in hip hop history. EPMD is renowned for their innovative production style and significant impact on East Coast hip hop.
KRS-One:
KRS-One, born Lawrence Parker, is a legendary rapper and one of the most respected voices in hip hop. As a member of Boogie Down Productions, he emerged in the mid-1980s with socially conscious lyrics and a distinctive, commanding delivery. Known as "The Teacha," KRS-One has addressed issues like violence, education, and self-empowerment in his music. Iconic tracks such as "Sound of da Police" and "My Philosophy" showcase his deep understanding of hip hop culture and history.
Black Sheep:
Black Sheep is a hip hop duo from Queens, New York, consisting of Andres "Dres" Titus and William "Mista Lawnge" McLean. They are best known for their clever wordplay, witty lyrics, and jazz-influenced beats. Their debut album, "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing," released in 1991, features the hit single "The Choice Is Yours," which remains a staple in hip hop playlists. Black Sheep's unique style and humor have made them a beloved act within the genre.
Foo Fighters with Pretenders and Mammoth WVH
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
Venue: Great American Ballpark
Time: 5:30 PM
Tickets: Event Details
Foo Fighters:
Over the past couple of decade the Foo Fighters have become one of the most successful and enduring rock bands in recent memory. The band's self-titled debut album was recorded entirely by Grohl, who played all the instruments. Over the years, the lineup expanded to include talented musicians such as Taylor Hawkins (drums), Nate Mendel (bass), Pat Smear (guitar), Chris Shiflett (guitar), and Rami Jaffee (keyboards).
The Foo Fighters' music combines elements of hard rock, alternative rock, and post-grunge, with hits like "Everlong," "Learn to Fly," "Best of You," and "The Pretender" becoming staples of modern rock radio. Their live shows are known for their high energy, lengthy setlists, and Grohl's charismatic stage presence. The band's commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience has earned them a dedicated global fanbase.
Pretenders:
Formed in 1978 by lead vocalist Chrissie Hynde. Known for their blend of punk rock, new wave, and pop, the Pretenders have produced numerous hits, including "Brass in Pocket," "Back on the Chain Gang," and "I'll Stand By You." Hynde's distinctive voice and songwriting have been central to the band's enduring appeal. Despite various lineup changes over the years, the Pretenders have remained a significant force in rock music, known for their dynamic performances and influential sound.
Taking Back Sunday with Citizen
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Venue: MegaCorp Pavilion
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: Event Details
Taking Back Sunday:
Taking Back Sunday was formed in 1999 in Amityville, New York. Known for their powerful emo, post-hardcore, and alternative rock sound, the band has been a staple of the emo music scene for over two decades. The band's lineup has seen various changes, but the core members Adam Lazzara (vocals), John Nolan (guitar/vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass), and Mark O'Connell (drums) have remained constant in recent years.
Taking Back Sunday gained mainstream success with their debut album, "Tell All Your Friends," released in 2002. The album featured iconic tracks like "Cute Without the 'E' (Cut from the Team)" and "You're So Last Summer," which quickly became anthems for the emo and alternative rock community. Subsequent albums, such as "Where You Want to Be" and "Louder Now," solidified their place in the rock world, with hits like "MakeDamnSure" and "A Decade Under the Influence."
The band's music is characterized by emotionally charged lyrics, dynamic guitar work, and intense live performances. Their ability to connect with fans through relatable themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggles has made them enduringly popular.
Citizen:
From Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio, Citizen was formed in 2009. The band is known for its blend of emo, post-hardcore, and alternative rock, with influences from punk and grunge. The lineup consists of Mat Kerekes (vocals), Nick Hamm (guitar), Eric Hamm (bass), and Jake Duhaime (drums).
Citizen's debut album, "Youth," released in 2013, received critical acclaim for its raw and emotional sound, featuring standout tracks like "The Summer" and "Sleep." Their subsequent albums, "Everybody Is Going to Heaven" and "As You Please," showcased the band's evolution in sound, incorporating more diverse musical influences while maintaining their core emotional intensity.
Citizen's music is marked by introspective lyrics, powerful vocal delivery, and a mix of melodic and aggressive instrumentation. They have built a dedicated fanbase through their relatable themes and captivating live performances.