Tag Archives: Akron

Akron, Art, Artist, Cleveland, Derek Hess, Good Times, Got Local?, Interview, Photography, Sports, The Awesome

Interview: The Northeast Ohio Rock ‘n’ Roller Girls

18 December, 2009 Brian Mc 4 Comments

It’s been a while since I have done an interview here on BHP but I thought I would make it up all you readers out there by creating a super interview. I have been wanting to do this for a while now and thank the fine women who make up the Northeast Ohio Rock ‘n’ Roller Girls.

Seeing women of all shapes and sizes skate as a pack on a oval track is indeed something that everyone needs to see. With music playing, announcers calling out the match, and the fans cheering their team the bout is just as entertaining as any other sport out there.

Just in case you have no clue what I am talking about, I speak of roller derby. Specifically women’s indoor flat track.

If you have not heard of roller derby you are missing out. Maybe you live under a rock or just don’t get out much but roller derby is a pretty big deal. Don’t agree? Check it out live at least once, I promise you will think differently.

Not only do the girls skate their hearts out all season long but they also get involved with charity and local organizations. Honestly, out of all of the sporting events I have been to in my life I have never seen the wholeheartedness that is seen during a roller derby bout. When you go to a match you are also going to a fundraiser of sorts with the money collected from the raffle tickets and beer sales sold by the roller derby grils during and after the bouts.

Last October I attended a roller derby match at the Summit County Fairgrounds. The bout was between the Northeast Ohio Rock ‘n’ Roller Girls and the Buffalo, NY Assault City Roller Girls. Along with a nice sized crowd, I cheered the home team on to a victory. It was actually the final bout of the season so not only was it a pretty important win for the team but also a start to a well deserved break.

For those of you who do not think roller derby is a sport you really need to reconsider. The girls wear helmets just like football players do, elbow and knee pads like pro skaterboarders wear, and mouth guards (do you see what I am going here?). To top that, their playing grounds are flat concrete surfaces where they compete to score points by pushing, blocking, and shoving the opposing team.

I watched girls fall hard on to the concrete that night only for them to get back up and jump back in the game. A couple of them took falls so hard I don’t think I would have gotten up myself but they were in it to win it and brushed themselves off and jumped back in the game. It was an exciting event with the fans going crazy and both teams trying their hardest for a win. When all was said and done the final whistle was blown and the Rock n Roller Girls finished their final bout of the year with a victory.

So who are these girls? Some are moms and wives, some are students, and many carry successful full time jobs. They are people just like us and they do not hide their secret of roller derby status like they belong in Fight Club. They are good people with families and friends with their own lives outside of the rink.

Regardless of what their day gig is or how they live their lives, they all are part of a sport where practice is mandatory and teamwork is key. When the team comes together they become their own supportive family not only helping one another but also helping the community.

Recently I had the privilege to get some questions answered by a slew of the wonderful girls of the Northeast Ohio Rock & Roller Girls as well as a couple of their referees. Instead of interviewing one team member I decided to interview as many as I could. Be prepared, this is a long read…

Continue reading Interview: The Northeast Ohio Rock ‘n’ Roller Girls →

Babble Blog, Good Eats, Good Times, Photography, Random

Babble Blog: The Weekend TX Invaded OH

9 December, 2009 Brian Mc 3 Comments

The internet is a crazy thing and of course we have Al Gore to thank for it…

Within the last couple months a friendship was created between a guy in Ohio who likes to blog and a girl in TX who found his blog through Twitter. Small talk started and things slowly progressed to the point where phone conversations started. Music taste was shared as well as appreciation for literature, art, and history. It was clear that these two people had a lot in common.

Weeks later a plane ticket was purchased and TX invaded OH.

If you have not figured this out yet, I am OH and TX is my pal Jenn who I am more than thrilled to have started a friendship with. Last weekend she visited me and I thought I would re-cap some of the fun we had.

Friday was one of those work days I wanted to hit fast-forward on until the shift was over. It was a long day because in my mind I was trying to figure out all the things I wanted to show Jenn. As soon as 2:30 hit the clock I was out of the building and off to the Akron / Canton airport to pick up Jenn.

After the initial meeting he hopped on Route 8 and searched for something to eat. I immediately thought of an Akron staple and headed to Luigi’s Pizza where we caught up face to face and lunched on some great food. After lunch we headed to Highland Square as I wanted to show her one of my favorite Akron music stores, Square Records. We checked out some other shops in the area and decided to head back to my pad to hang out as Saturday was going to be a busy day.

Saturday was one of those days that I had been planning in advance for weeks upon hearing Jenn confirm she was going to visit OH. We started the day by heading out to Lakewood to eat an early lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Cleveland, Melt Bat & Grilled. I called the ever cool Matt from Addicted To Vinyl as he agreed to meet up with us to see if he was awake or passed out in a ditch somewhere. Surprisingly he was not only awake but waiting for us to arrive at Melt. He even put his name in for a table and stated we only had to wait 30 minutes!

I actually had something to take care of upon entering the Melt establishment that i had been meaning to do for quite some time. So the moment I walked in and was greeted I rolled up my sleeves looking for a staff member…and showed them my Melt tattoo.

Yes, a Melt tattoo.

Melt Bar & Grilled started a tattoo promotion recently where if a loyal fan of the establishment gets the Melt logo or a variance of it they will receive 25% off their sandwich, FOR LIFE. As a grilled cheese fanatic I could not pass this up so I had my tattoo artist Ronnie Castro tattoo the permanent coupon on my arm in November.

Now that I was standing there in Melt it was time to get into the gang of loyal grilled cheese lovers. After some appreciated compliments, photos, and the ever important “Tattoo Family Member” card I joined Matt and Jenn at a table for some grilled goodness.

Matt the trendsetter ordered a “Mighty Mac Melt”, the sandwich of the month and as a huge fan of mac & cheese I had to order the same. Jenn had to be a rebel and ordered an Italian grilled cheese. The three of us chatted so much that it seemed like only moments passed until we were served our sandwiches. That meal was a highlight of my year! No joke… My sandwich was a giant friend mac & cheese nugget snug in a grilled cheese. My arteries clogged and I only ate half (don’t worry I saved the rest for dinner, as did Jenn) but it was worth it.

After we stuffed ourselves silly Jenn and I said by to Matt and I decided to take Jenn to the park down the street to see the Cleveland skyline. I do not care how cold it is outside, there is something about the Cleveland skyline I think everyone needs to see from Lakewood Park. She really enjoyed it a lot as did I.

Once our fingers turned blue we decided to pack it up and head downtown. I drove up and down the streets and gave Jenn a mobile tour of one of my favorite cities. We really did not make any stops as I wanted to get to Collinwood before it started to get dark so Jenn could see Waterloo during the daylight.

After a couple of laps through the city we hopped back on the highway and headed out to the artsy district of Cleveland also known as Collinwood.

Stopping at Music Saves and Blue Arrow Records were on my agenda while out there but much to my surprise I was informed while at Music Saves that there was a Rock N Roll flea market going on at the Beachland Ballroom. With plenty of time we headed down there and checked out what was good. I really wanted to buy stuff there but money is tight these days on the BHP ranch so I was a good boy and looked with my eyes and kept the $1.27 I had in my wallet.

I plan on checking that out again one day when I have a couple bucks to spend. There was a guy there who’s name escapes me but he had this box full of CDs from local Cleveland bands of the 90’s. There were a few bands in there I remembered hearing about or even seeing live as a young music lover. If I had it my way I would have grabbed a bunch just for the memory. The guy said he had vinyl too but left it at home so I am hoping next time he is there. We shall see.

Merchants were starting to pack up so I headed down to see Pete at Blue Arrow Records to see what was good. I love that store and I had to show it off to Jenn. While there I flipped through endless vinyl and found a Pacific Gas & Electric LP I had been looking for so you could say I was excited.

As we headed back to good ol’ Akron, OH it started to snow ever so slightly. It was a nice end to a long day. Once home we just kicked it and geeked out (relaxed) for the duration of the evening.

Sunday morning I did my best to make a breakfast of sorts and was pleased with the outcome. I cubed up some potatoes and fried them up as well as made eggs and refried beans. I then fried up (with Jenn’s help) some corn tortillas and make tacos. The outcome was an OH take on a Tex-Mex staple breakfast meal and I was thrilled.

I scored major brownie points there. Speaking of brownies, the night before while we were geeking out I snuck in the kitchen and made brownies with chopped up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Yeah, they were amazing. I pride myself on those.

Sunday morning I did not want to do much of anything but relax and Jenn was ok with that. Suddenly I came up with the great idea of taking the pups up to Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls to show Jenn the fun little area as well as the Cuyahoga River. While walking around she took tons of pictures and I just soaked in the beauty of the river and surroundings. I love having that place just down the street from me. The pups had fun dragging me all over the place.

Right before heading back home I noticed that the open light was on at Metropolis Popcorn so we picked up some snacks for afternoon football watching. I got my favorite Chicago style popcorn (cheddar mixed with caramel) and Jenn chose the dill popcorn. Both were amazing.

The rest of Sunday was chill and of course the Browns lost but at this time it does not bother me anymore. There is always next year – and a hopeful first round draft pick.

Monday was departure day. I know Jenn had fun because she thanked me multiple times throughout the morning. I thanked her as well for coming up. Not only was it a pleasure to have met her face to face but it was also awesome just to show her around Cleveland/Akron at the places I love. Had we more time I would have taken her to many more places but I think I did good with what was shown. Still, I wish I would have dropped by Cleveland Hts. and showed her Coventry. Oh well, next time right?

Jenn is back in TX and I am sure she left OH with a good idea of how fun our city is, well at least I hope she did. Upon exiting my car at the airport she reminded me that I was always welcome to visit her in TX and I hope to do that one day very soon.

Akron, Hip Hop, Music, Rap, Review, Rock, The Awesome

Blakroc – Blakroc – CD Review

27 November, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

It’s the day after Thanksgiving and I am still full from an amazing array of good eats and excited. Of course we all know that today is supposed to be the busiest shopping day of the year and there is not one part of me that wishes to engage in that stupid retail disaster. I have no interest in waking up early and saving $20 on a junk TV or getting DVDs for $2. I don’t wish to wait outside in the cold for the chance at getting a deal. I’ll just surf the internet for my shopping needs when the Jesus Day comes a little close.

Black Friday can kiss my ass.

So if I am so bitter at this tragedy of a day what am I so excited about you ask? That’s easy, Blakroc‘s debut self-titled album was released today. What? You have no idea what I am talking about? Well of course I am going to explain a little more about this album that I have been anticipating for quite some time.

Blakroc is a project featuring Akron, Ohio’s blues/rock heroes The Black Keys plus hip-hop artists including Ludacris, Mos Def, the late-great Ol’ Dirty Bastard and other well known artists. The combination of the music of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s provided beats layered with the rap lyrics is just unbelievable. To add to the exhilaration, The Black Key’s frontman Auerbach provides some of his own signing on a couple of tracks making for a truly matchless sound.

So how exactly did The Black Keys get mixed up with hip hop? Well apparently Damon Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records is a huge fan of the Keys and wanted to do something involving the duo and Jim Jones. During that initial session Mos Def interrupted and wound up recording as well and Blakroc was formulated (Black Keys + Roc-A-Fella = Blakroc). In eleven days there were eleven tracks recorded thus creating an album that could be compared to a Gorillaz-like jam sans the electronics and cartoon fantasyland idea.

Finally after hearing about this project for months it the hit shelves today (CD & LP) and I could not resist but grabbing a copy for myself. After all I am a huge fan of The Black Keys and everything they do as well as have a high appreciation for hip hop so it’s easy to say I was excited. Once I put that album on though I was in my own little glory just like the first time I heart the Judgment Night soundtrack. It was something new and something unmarked in it’s own kind. Blues/rock and rap? Nice.

The first track “Coochie” floored me not just because it sounded so great but because my number one favorite rap artist Ol’ Dirty Bastard was rapping in his glory (still can’t believe it’s been five years since his passing). Thanks to ODB being affiliated with Roc-A-Fella Records prior to his death there was some of his work readily available for Damon Dash and he put it to good use. Featuring the ever easy to listen to Ludacris and ODB slinging out rhymes about one of their loves in life, this song set the bar high for my expectations for the rest of the album.

“On The Vista” followed with the same knockout as the first track thanks to the smooth flow of Mos Def and Auerbach’s amazing guitar playing. NOE dominated on “Hard Times” with some nice R&B like back-up singing as well as the Keys doing their thing. “Why Can’t I Forget” was a nice somber R&B turn featuring Nicole Wray.

As soon as Mos Def and Auerbach shared the mic on “Ain’t Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)” I was just astounded. It was my favorite track on the album thanks to the high appeal of hearing Auerbach’s distinguished singing followed by sick flows from Mos Def as well as a few lines by Jim Jones.

“Hope Your Happy” was another highlight on the album to me with Nicole Wray providing more soul signing beside the infamous Q-Tip and Billy Danze. Nicole Wray returns once again with NOE, almost sounding like Jay-Z, on the final track titled “Done Did It”. I am really glad the album included her as she made some of the songs that much better to listen to.

My only complaint with this album was the lack of Mr. Roc-A-Fella himself – Jay-Z. It’s not like he’s never done something like this before (anyone remember Linkin Park/Jay-Z). Based upon what I heard on this album though I would not be shocked in the least bit if another album was already in the works.

You will like this album if you like things done different from the norm but with substance. It’s a fresh new sound that was brought together with near perfection. If you are a fan of hip-hop you will dig this album as well, but I can honestly say if you are only about the music The Black Keys push out on average this may not be your cup of tea. It’s a blues rock experimental album in a sense but more so a hip-hop heavy project that completely did wonders to my ears.

Akron, Babble Blog, Cleveland, Live Shows, Music

Why Is It…

13 October, 2009 Brian Mc 1 Comment

…that so many bands skip Northeast Ohio? I swear out of all the tours I hear about with bands it seems like less than 50% of them stop in Cleveland or Akron. Someone will be talking about a band that is going on tour but when I look at their dates there is no Cleveland or Akron to be found.

Seriously, what gives? Are you too cool for Cleveland? Do we smell?

Don’t get me wrong, a ton of bands have played in Akron/Cleveland this year but there were a few shows (ahem… NIN for example) that never made a stop when they should have. I;m sorry, I am not going to make the drive to another state every time there is an amazing tour that misses us. I just don’t have it in me. I have done it in the past and have had fun but let’s be realistic…Cleveland and Akron both are capable of holding their own tours. We have arenas, clubs, amphitheaters, and they have housed tons of bands for many years now.

For those bands that did stop and perform in Akron/Cleveland, thank you. You have no idea how many music fans appreciate it.

For all you other bands out there I would like to know reasons why you skip Akron/Cleveland. If you can play in Pittsburgh or Detroit, you can play here.

To help your concert promoter throw a stop in Northeastern Ohio next time I decided to help out by compiling a list of good things about Akron/Cleveland…

It’s not that bad of a city…really it’s not.
There are some pretty amazing concert venues in the area that generally have good outcomes no matter what day of the week year round.
Fans will travel in blizzards if they have to just to see the band they love. It’s Ohio, we are used to driving in crappy weather.
Great Lakes Beer is brewed here. Seriously if you have not had one of their beers on tap yet you are missing out.
We are not out of your way. Generally bands drive through Ohio when they travel from Detroit to Pittsburgh, you might as well stop for a night.
We have excellent eatery establishments in the area. There’s Melt in Lakewood, Chili Peppers in Collinwood, Lolita in Tremont, Crave in Akron, and tons all over the place.
We are a music rich area, people love seeing live shows whether it be a small club show or a sold out arena performance.

No Columbus does not count as an Akron/Cleveland stop either. Get your show up here. I am not pointing fingers at anyone specifically but I am sure many can agree with me when I say that Akron/Cleveland is passed up a lot by bands some of us can not afford to travel to see.

Akron, Babble Blog, Cleveland, Funny, Good Times, Live Shows, Music, Personal Entry, Punk

Babble Blog: Weekend + Punk Rock + Friends + Beer = Great Hang

11 October, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

What a weekend… Time to blog about it!

I’m sitting here right now next to my trusty electric radiator as I really need some heat now that the temperatures are dropping here in tropical Ohio. I just finished some hot tea, have the pups cuddled up next to me as I type this, and have the final football game of the evening playing in the background. It’s no surprise the Colts are kicking ass currently and I am still grinning slightly at the Browns’ first win, even if it was pathetic and ugly…

As of late my weekends have been amazing thanks to my gang of pals. It might help that I am putting myself out there finally after all that I had been going through. It would appear that I am moving on in the right direction. Beer helps too. I have been good, so do not worry. I am not in the mood to getting plastered. I have really been appreciating the finer beers in life such as Great Lakes and of course my elixir, Guinness.

My weekend started off a little early this week as some of my punk rock friends and I hit up the Grog Shop to see Strike Anywhere, Polar Bear Club, Crime In Stereo, and Ruiner play. There is nothing quite like a punk rock show on a rainy evening with good friends and huge cans of PBR.

Ruiner started the evening with a hardcore performance that set the level rather high for the night. The way they played without care reminded me that sometimes playing show is all about fun. At times their new drummer missed a couple of beats but the band was quick to laugh it off and start over.

Crime In Stereo was one of the bands I had not heard of before. Let’s just say I will be buying all of their CDs soon. They were freaking awesome with their high energy punk rock as well as emo shifts comparable to Brand New, but it was Polar Bear Club and of course Strike Anywhere that won the night over for me.

Having already heard Polar Bear Club’s recent album Chasing Hamburg I already knew I was going enjoy their show. They sounded amazing and the kids in the pit went nuts singing along and thrashing about. I stood in the back, I am too old for the jumping around and getting close with my fellow concert goers and I am ok with that. With my trusty PBR I was contempt with observing and rocking my head to the beat.

Strike Anywhere took the stage in full force and rocked out until their last song. The political heavy hardcore punk rockers were excited to be back in Cleveland and really put on a great show to all the fans who came out for the night. Dread-locked lead vocalist Thomas Barnett admitted that even though the band has been around for 10 years that they had not done one thing in Cleveland but were able to earlier in the day as they finally made it to the Rock Hall for a tour. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed their performance.

All of the bands are currently on Bridge Nine Records so there was plenty of merch to be sold at the show. Sadly the shirt I wanted was not in my size and I was strapped for cash so there was no indulging in vinyl goodness. Thankfully the internet will be my merch table when I have a few extra bucks to help support those bands. Here are all of the performing bands newest releases if you care so much to check them out:

After the show a couple of friends and I went to Steak N Shake for a late night stack. I felt like we were in a creepy movie with the 3rd shift staff looking a little sketchy but they were pleasant, the onion rings were good, and the milk shake was satisfying.

Friday night after my late shift I met up with my pals at a local bar for some beers. It was not the best choice of bars as I think we could have found something a little more entertaining but it was still nice to sit around at a table and just converse. My one friend had it in his head that he was going to find girls for us but it did not happen and honestly I was ok with that.

Getting home late night I rest my head on the pillow and before I knew it the sun was up and I was starting on what would turn into a crazy busy day.

I took some time in the morning to update my iPods and got ready for my visit with Matt from Addicted To Vinyl. Yes folks, Matt visited me. He drove all the way down to my place with no intention on sitting in my back seat as I escorted him to a festival of sorts. He was coming to hang out and I was excited like…I don’t know, I was just happy for the hang.

We had a early lunch at Mike’s Place in Kent where our waitress cracked us up with her table departing “You’re Welcome” that was clearly fake and practiced ever so hard. After eating mad amounts of tater tots and a delicious veggie reuben we made our way into the beautiful downtown area to visit Spin More Records.

Matt had never been to the shop so I was happy to take him there. We shopped, heckled at an autographed Tesla CD, and did a fair amount of BS’n in the store. Good times. Upon leaving the store Matt handed me a 45 of a promo only copy of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts‘ “Roadrunner (Cleveland)”. Matt explained a lot to me about the song and honestly I value the 45 even more now. As soon as we got back to my house I dropped the needle on it and we listened to it at high levels. Matt pointed out the Cleveland references throughout. Good jam.

Matt had to get going to I slammed the door in his face and did not pay him for The Avett Brother’s I & Love & You LP he so kindly fetched for me from Music Saves (honestly is anyone else as shocked as I am that he is being so nice to me as of late???).

My best buds came over a couple of hours later and we headed to my one friend’s sister’s boyfriend’s housewarming party…phew!

The house was in Akron in a beautiful neighborhood and honestly I was jealous of it. It was a great looking house with a creepy ass third floor that could very well supply the scenes for future horror movies. A lot of cool people showed up and everyone mingled while drinking an array of beers. I stuck with Great Lakes…yum.

After a taco eating contest (I did not take place in it), managing to piss off one of my pal’s sister’s friends, house to garage jumping, a cornhole win, and a chair mysteriously finding it’s way to the garage roof, I found myself sitting around a fire pit with my good friends. It was the perfect way to end the night. There is nothing quite like sitting around a fire bringing up past stories and burning old lead paint coated cabinet doors.

We headed home earlier than we all anticipated but honestly we were all beat from day long activities. Once I got home I just hung out for a bit with the pups and headed to sleepy land.

I woke up and as soon as I got motivated headed to Solon to meet up with my friend and his folks for breakfast. I had a feeling the jerk was not going to wake up in time and even tried calling him to confirm the meal was still on but received his voicemail. I completely forgot that his phone was dead but still tried to call my other friend who did not answer as well.

Right before I got off the freeway my friend called stating he had no left yet and just woke up. I took the opportunity to head to the Borders Books & Music I used to work at to see who was working. I lucked out as one of my longest known friends was working.

After catching up with him I poked around the store and grabbed this:

Laugh all you want…I’ll be prepared for when it happens. What’s your zombie escape plan?

Once my friend finally called me telling me they were almost there I departed the book store and stuffed my face with breakfast. I love me some breakfast, especially when my friend’s dad insists on paying for it.

We all headed back to the parent’s house for a quick digestion/relaxation and I said my goodbyes as one of my friends had to head back home to Cincinnati. See ya next time pal…

I headed to my brother’s to watch the ugly Cleveland Browns game and upon the end of the game left slightly satisfied with their first win.

By the time I got home I wanted nothing more to do than throw a blanket over my body and fall in and out of sleep during the rest of the football games. Instead I played with the boys for a bit, jammed out to some music, and got some work done.

It was a great weekend. I keep mentioning how great my weekends are and I will continue to do so when they are because it’s times like these that I cherish the most. Being with friends and family.

Next weekend I am heading to see the Northeast Ohio Rock ‘N’ Roller Girls do their thing at the the Summit Country Fairgrounds. This will be their last bout of the season so if you have nothing going on head on out and help cheer them on for a win!

Look for an interview with members of the team shortly! I had the privilege to chat with a couple of them and plan on sharing the outcome with you all soon. Until then, be well.