Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market
Every Sunday, from 10 'til 2 - June through October
West 168th & Lorain Avenue
Artist Bio's
Links to artists web sites are underlined in blue.
Click Here for Performance Schedule
Click Here to go to the Kamm's Corners Development Corporation Web Page
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Click Here for the Tunes of the Market 2011 Web Page
Here are bios for a few of our bands.
Please check back often for new additions and revisions.
What can be said about this extremely talented Cleveland music icon? A man, a guitar, some lovingly etched songs as much about his native Northen Ohio as the passages and hallways of his own heart. Facile finger-picking - he crewels his melodies in a way that casts webs, sparkling with single note diamonds, and propelled by columns of chords. And anyone who grew up in Cleveland in the 70's will be forever grateful for the much loved local anthem “Skinny Little Boy (From Cleveland, Ohio)”.
But for the people who've never heard Alex Bevan, they are missing a kaleidescope of heroic tales of regular people (the college grad who chases silver buckles in “Rodeo Rider,” the NYC street saxman “Jazzbo”), pure love that we all want (“Carey Come Smiling,” “Grand River Lullabye”), yearning that pulls us (“Silver Wings,” the benediction for local folkie pioneer John Bassette “Welcome Home”) and mirth that comes with a wink and a giggle (“Streamline). It is how songs move at the ends of one's fingers that can cast our own wings to the sky - and this is one unseen troubadour who knows how to help the more eartbound amongst us fly.
Brand New Hat is a popular Northern Ohio trio consisting of band founder Dan McMillan (lead guitar, vocals), Dave Kennard (banjo, guitar, vocals), and John Hansen (bass, vocals) who have been playing together for over 20 years.
The band’s music spans contemporary pop to rock to bluegrass to ballad to folk to classic forties compositions. They bring a fresh style, hot playing, tight vocals, and unique interpretation to familiar songs as well as featuring numerous original compositions.
Equally comfortable playing electric loud or acoustic soft, Brand New Hat is the perfect band for your restaurant, tavern, or business/social event.
Well known as Kamm's Corner's "house band", Brand New Hat has performed at many neighborhood events, including 2002's Kamm Jam, KCDC Wine Tastings, and the Kamm's Corners Farmers Market. They are all local residents. Dan McMillan lives in Lakewood, is a Cleveland school teacher, and is volunteering on the Farm Market committee. Bass player John Hansen lives here in the neighborhood on Alden. Banjo player Dave Kennard lives just off West 25th street in Cleveland.
Cats On Holiday is a well known, hard rockin', swamp poppin' outfit serving up a healthy dose of American influenced roots, country, cajun and blues. They have opened for Leon Russel, Los Lobos, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Buckwheat Zydecko. They have played local venues ranging from The House of Blues to the Rush Inn to Fat Fish Blue to Severance hall and will be playing West Park Station in the fall. They were featured performers at last years Harbor Fest and Ingenuity Festival.
For our farm market, band leader, singer/guitarist Denis Devito (who lived 14 years on Sedalia) and lead guitar player/vocalist Rick Christyson, both Lakewood residents, are performing as the acoustic duo version of the full band and are joined on bass by Denis' son Dillon.
Pete has been a highly respected professional guitarist for close to 40 years. He is no stranger to the local music scene. He has had the honor and privilege to perform with artists as diverse as the late Robert Lockwood Jr., and local legends Anne E. Dechant, Wallace Coleman, Mr. Stress, and Colin Dussault, to name just a few.
In addition to his local work, Pete has been an annual performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention held in Nashville, a showcase of the best solo guitarists from around the world.
Though Pete continues to “sit in” with notable local bands, for the last 20 years he has concentrated on solo guitar, covering everything from Bach to the Beatles.
For our market, Pete has performed solo, as well in accompaniment to vocalist Laura Varcho.
New to the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market this year, Diana Chittester is a welcome addition to our range of music and unique talent. Diana accents every emotion of her intimate lyrics with a voice that showcases her distinctive soulful folk/rock sound and her signature finger-style guitar work. Her mix of blues/alternative vocal styles breathe life to each song she creates making her simply alluring on stage.
Wallace Coleman is widely recognized for his vocal and blues harmonica talents. A self taught musician, Wallace played for 10 years with Robert Jr. Lockwood, including the 1999 Grammy-nominated album “I Got To Find Me A Woman.”
Wallace is critically considered one of the premier harmonica players in the world of Blues. He is now and will be sited as a major influence by ‘harp’ players well into the future. Mr. Coleman commands that ‘magic tone’ that harp players are incessantly searching for. However it is his over-all delivery, his choice and placement of notes, their embellishment and duration that sets Wallace apart from the pack. He gives his music room to breathe allowing his notes to fully bloom, a lost art practiced by very few players today. As an accomplished singer, Wallace’s voice is somewhat deep, mature and authoritative. He has the ability to make you believe what he is telling you and be interested in his stories as well as laugh at his sly humor. Wallace Coleman is a complete entertainer.
In 2005, Wallace was one of only three Ohio artists to be awarded the prestigious Ohio Heritage Fellowship Award. The awards are presented by the Ohio Arts Council exclusively for “individuals whose achievements have had a positive impact on the excellence, vitality, and public appreciation of folk and traditional arts in Ohio.”
In 2002 Wallace was named “Most Outstanding Musician – Harmonica” by Living Blues Magazine and was invited to play as a featured performer at the World Blues Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland. He has also been a featured performer in Belgium, France, and England. In 2008, Wallace will perform at Italy's Piazza Blues Festival.
Wallace left Lockwood in 1997 to become a bandleader himself fronting the Wallace Coleman Band and releasing a CD the same year to high acclaim with ‘Living Blues’ declaring it “one of the year’s finest offerings of classic Chicago Blues”. Building on his success, Mr. Coleman established his own record label, Pinto Blue Music in 2000. It’s first release was Coleman’s classic “Stretch My Money” an impressive and powerful slice of Chicago style Blues. Next was “Live at Joe’s” followed by his latest and highly acclaimed release “The Bad Weather Blues”.
Wallace and his wife, Jody Gotz, an accomplished songwriter in her own right and frequent performer with the band, are long time Kamm's Corners residents.
Jody Getz & Friends (John Lucic and George Lee)
Jody Getz is a talented guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. She and her husband, noted bluesman Wallace Coleman, are long time Kamm’s Corners neighborhood residents. Jody is an International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Finalist (amid 15,000 song entries) who has found her place in performing the styles of music she loves most.
Jody, John, & George have combined their musicality, creativity and love of music to arrange Jody’s originals plus a wide variety of genres.
John Lucic (guitar/vocals) is one-half of Cleveland’s legendary Hollywood Slim Band duo, appearing with brother Greg (vocals/harp) featuring Blues, Standards, Jazz and Swing. John is a natural guitarist with a fine ear and unmatched style.
George Lee is an accomplished electric and upright bass player and vocalist. He is a primary member of the Wallace Coleman Band and other Cleveland area bands and is accomplished in many genres including Jazz, Standards, Rock/Pop, Gospel, Raggae, Country. He has a versatile, fluid, and playful style.
A Cleveland based classic and original contemporary folk rock band, Flipside is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Beth "Flip" Hyland, bass player Brian Baddour, and guitarists Jack Mizenko, Bob "Gib" Gibbons, and Mark Ronan. Beth and Mark are also songwriters of Flipside's original compositions. They have performed throughout the Cleveland area at such well known venues as the Barking Spider Tavern and Eye Candy Gallery for the Tremont Art Fest.
"The Last Original Folk Band is a splash in the face with fresh spring water in a sea of rock'n'roll noise." - Lake County News-Herald, March 31, 1990
You may remember them from the Greater Cleveland music scene of the '70's and '80's when they played at many of the popular clubs in Northern Ohio (Do you remember the likes of Cleveland Crate and Trucking down in the flats, or Tim Ryan's Pub in Cleveland Heights?).
What set them apart from other groups is the range of their repertoire and our original style of playing/interpreting songs that are now classics such as "Puff the Magic Dragon", "If I Had A Hammer", "Blowin' In The Wind", "59th Street Bridge Song", numerous Beatle songs, and old time sing-alongs like "Ain't Got A Barrel Of Money".
Led by West Park’s own Dale Heyink, owner/operator of Puritas Nursery, The Last Original Folk Band is a great addition to the market!
Jeff Sherman provides high caliber, high energy, high tech acoustic music for pubs, clubs, restaurants, corporate receptions, and special events. After many years working as a lead guitarist in a variety of Northeast Ohio bands, Jeff now performs regularly as a solo guitarist and vocalist. Powerful vocal delivery, skilled musicianship, years of experience, and a huge repertoire combine to produce a seasoned performer with the ability to craft shows that appeal to a variety of audiences. Jeff plays vintage pop songs, classic rock anthems, blues/rock standards, easy-listening ballads, country classics, and traditional roots/folk music, all with energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, and style.
Over the last few years Jeff has had longstanding engagements at The Public House in Cleveland's Kamm's Corners neighborhood, Slainte's Pub in Avon Lake, The Station Restaurant in Berea, the Chesterland Tavern, the Riverwood Cafe in Lakewood, Blake's Seafood and Brendan O'Neils in Westlake, and the Jackalope Restaurant and Mutt and Jeff's Tavern in Lorain. Jeff also recently performed an opening concert set for the band Wishbone Ash at the Winchester Tavern in Lakewood.
One of the more unique and interesting aspects of Jeff's work is his use of looping technology. By simultaneously recording and playing back his guitar live and in real time, Jeff performs with the complexity and depth of a small ensemble.
Ah yes, what can be said about The Smokin’ Fez Monkeys? Featuring “Uhhhh, Clem” on bass, Miss Petunia Lee Petalbottom on violin, Gnarly Snag on the percussionnizer, guitar, and vocals, and” Bullfrog” Plunkett on banjo, jug, kazoo, and vocals, they are a cartoon for your ears. Loaded with old favorites and originals that someday might be, and armed with a batch of low tech whizbangs that can barely be classified as instruments, The Smokin Fez Monkeys are a special ops unit in the war against seriousness. But you can just call them a jug band on steroids. You will love hearing these lunatics try like crazy to put the fun back into live music. So be sure to attend the market and give them a listen. And bring your friends, they will thank you!
Jeff Varga’s career has come full circle and we are honored to have this long time Cleveland music veteran in our stable of market performers.
Jeff began performing in coffeehouses and clubs at the age of sixteen. During high school years, Jeff expanded his style and knowledge to include a variety of musical disciplines. Eventually, he moved to New York City to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
He has obtained international status as an artist, touring Europe and Scandinavia with two different Country groups.
Upon returning to Cleveland, Ohio, Jeff found immediate acceptance in the rock-n-roll capitol with his own band.
Now returning to his roots, he is again focusing on his singer, songwriter past and present. Jeff currently has four recordings to his credit.
The Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market is thrilled to have our 2011 music season opened by Jim Schafer. Jim is a singer-songwriter-guitarist based in Lakewood, Ohio. A veteran of concerts, clubs, colleges, radio, television and the recording studio, Schafer is celebrating the release of his studio CD, "TELL A FRIEND" and a new season of live performances. Jim performed on and contributed his time and talents to the mastering of our new “Music of the Market” compilation CD.
Musically, Jim mixes active acoustic guitar work with a voice known for its clarity and sensitivity displaying a style which is uniquely his. An accomplished songwriter, Schafer’s songs are known for their melodic balance, lyrical insight and frequent humor. Jim performed at the market with his talented friends Don Kerr on 2nd guitar and Ron Thomas on electric bass adding instrumental depth and harmony vocals to the mix.
Jim and Rebecca Mileti perform as The Sunrise, a talented Christian rock duo that features acoustic guitar, keyboards, lead and harmony vocals. In addition to their uplifting spiritual roots, they bring an expansive repertoire to the market spanning pop, light rock, and ballads.
Their music is greatly influenced by the "1970's Jesus Music Movement" that was spearheaded by people like Chuck Girard and Love Song, John Fischer, Phil Keaggy, Honeytree, The Resurrection Band, The Sweet Comfort Band, and Larry Norman.
The Sunrise has been played on WHK 1420 AM in Cleveland. Jim was among the Top Five Finalists in the Time Warner Cable "Random Acts Of Music" Songwriting Contest in 2010, which was able to be viewed and voted on by literally millions of people.
The Sunrise has had the opportunity to open for Andy Pratt, (who had the giant 1970's hit "Avenging Annie") at The Winchester Music Hall in Lakewood, Ohio, that is managed by Jim. They have played additional great venues in Cleveland including The Barking Spider, The French Creek Nature Center, The True North Concert Series, and The Root Cafe.
Jim & Marysa Tigue - The Mighty Tigues
The Mighty Tigues, features ever ready musicians Jim Tigue (guitar, vocals), Marysa Tigue (percussion, vocals) and Tim Hamman (guitar, bass, vocals) in a two or three performer combination. The Mighty Tigues formed in 2007, each member bringing with them 20+ years experience from the Cleveland Music Scene. Their combination of harmonies, acoustic guitar, bass and percussion, plugged into Classic Rock, The 90’s, Blues, Country, Folk & music for the ‘wee ones’ (upon request), make for melodic moments at clubs, parties, farmer’s markets, boats and backyards!
Laura Varcho is one of the finest jazz vocalists performing today. Some have called her a throwback to a time when jazz singers knew exactly how to convey the most personal emotions to an audience. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Sarah Vaughan all come to mind when Laura Varcho performs a song, whether it’s a soulful ballad, dizzying in its romantic intensity, or a bright pop standard, every bit as electrifying and energetic as the composer intended. Laura Varcho is someone you who pours all of herself into every song.
Says The Plain Dealer, "Laura Varcho delivers standards such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "Willow Weep for Me" in an effortless gossamer voice."
Laura has opened for several national acts, including Kenny Rankin, Kim Waters and Boney James, and has appeared regularly at Nighttown, widely regarded as the top jazz club between New York and Chicago. Special appearances include the nationally recognized Tri-C Jazz Fest "Women in Jazz" series, Summer Concerts at Cain Park, and the Vintage Ohio wine festivals. In 2004, Laura was invited to perform at Cleveland State University's Sundown Jazz concert series. Numerous television and radio appearances fill out her schedule.
Laura brings all of her charm and talent to the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market accompanied by virtuoso guitarist, Pete Cavano.
Austin “Walkin’ Cane” Charanghat
Original & classic delta blues featuring slide guitar and baritone vocals. A blues gumbo repertoire that blends in jazz, folk, soul & rock 'n' roll. Austin "Walkin' Cane" Charanghat is a blues singer, songwriter and slide guitarist that performs acoustic solo, duo & electric band sets. Walkin' Cane has travelled all over the country from New Orleans, Louisiana to Juneau, Alaska and has acquired various blues/instrumentalist awards over the years. Austin walked for ten years with a cane due to an arterial venous malformation at birth. While performing on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a homeless man called out "Hey Walkin' Cane got some spare change for a brother?" Charanghat took the jibe as his nickname. In 1996, after years of battling the inevitable, his left leg was amputated below the knee. A year after the surgery, he returned to the music scene stronger & without need of a cane. We welcome Walkin’ Cane to the Market!