WKSU's Shuffle

Last week, Ideastream News and The Cleveland Museum of Art kicked off a live performance and conversation series from Transformer Station in Ohio City.

Northeast Ohio musician Mike Tolan, who has been quietly releasing his somber post-folk songs as Talons' for over a decade, played a selection from his catalog during the event.

Joined by his wife Sommer Tolan on backing vocals and keys, as well as Jacob Trombetta on pedal steel, the evening's performance and Q&A were recorded for this week's Shuffle. Listen now!

From New Philadelphia to Kent and beyond: Talons’ crafts quiet post-folk soundscapes Mike Tolan, along with musicians Jacob Trombetta and Sommer Tolan, brought his Talons' project to Transformer Station as part of Ideastream and the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Third Thursday music series. The performance and interview were recorded for this Shuffle episode.

Tonight! Our SOLD-OUT event with The Cleveland Museum of Art at Transformer Station features live music and a Q&A with local artist Talons', who you can listen to and support on Bandcamp: https://talons.bandcamp.com/

The recorded event will air on Shuffle next Thursday! Subscribe and follow the podcast so you don't miss it: https://www.ideastream.org/podcast/shuffle

Save the date! Next Thursday, June 20, we're collaborating with The Cleveland Museum of Art for a special evening of live musical performance and conversation in the galleries of Transformer Station.

Shuffle host Amanda Rabinowitz will interview Mike Tolan, who has been writing somber, slow songs as Talons’ — originally a side project of The Six Parts Seven — for over a decade. Talons' will perform an intimate set, accompanied by Sommer Tolan and Jacob Trombetta.

This free event is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. The event will be recorded for the Shuffle podcast and aired in a few weeks!

Reserve your ticket here: https://www.clevelandart.org/events/third-thursdays-transformer-station

Ideastream Partners with the CMA for Third Thursdays Live Music Series Third Thursdays at Transformer Station start this summer and feature music and conversation in an intimate setting.

In 2016, musician Jeff Klemm became a father, got sober then began working as a pre-K teacher. These events led to a pivot in his music career as he began writing and performing children's songs, inspired by his students and growing family.

Mr. Jeff started livestreaming during the early days of the pandemic and has gained thousands of views on his YouTube channel. Now, he's out with his debut children's album and will kick off his Loud in the Library tour June 1.

On this week's Shuffle, Klemm talks about his 13-track release, "Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful," entering the children's music space and working to teach and inspire the next generation through his songs. 🎶

From rocker to children’s entertainer: Jeff Klemm is now Mr. Jeff After a decade of playing in Akron-area rock bands, Jeff Klemm has a new gig making children’s music. He recently released his debut album and is touring local libraries this summer.

Don't miss it Thursday! www.ideastream.org/shuffle!

Had an amazing chat with my friend Amanda Rabinowitz for her wonderful show WKSU's Shuffle on Ideastream News . The story will air on WKSU (89.7 & 104.9 FM) 3 times on Thurs - On Morning Edition at 7:45 a.m., during the Sound of Ideas during the 9 a.m. hour, & on All Things Considered at 4:44 p.m. So excited!!

Jazz saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio performed stripped-down versions of tracks from his latest album, "Stories, Dreams, Inspirations: For My Boy," for Applause Performances. The album features his 11-piece ensemble and is dedicated to his son, Julian.

On this week's Shuffle, the Northeast Ohio jazz legend talks about the inspiration behind his 12th release, the vibrant and collaborative local jazz scene and how his father-son bond pushed his music forward.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and watch the full in-studio performance and Q&A on the PBS app!

Jazz artist Bobby Selvaggio celebrates father-son bond on latest album A music legend when it comes to jazz in Northeast Ohio is out with his 12th album. Saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio talks about how his son inspired his latest music.

TOMORROW: Shuffle is teaming up with Applause Performances for a special in-studio performance and Q&A with popular Northeast Ohio jazz saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio!

Selvaggio is out with his 12th album, inspired by and dedicated to his son Julian. A total of 11 area jazz performers contributed their talents to the release.

Catch Selvaggio's performance Thursday, May 16, on the PBS app, and hear the Shuffle interview at ideastream.org/shuffle or wherever you get your podcasts!

While making music over the last six years, Cleveland pop-rock artist Jack Harris became somewhat of an overnight sensation earlier this year when a clip for his song, "Careful What You Wish For," amassed millions of views on TikTok.

Since then, his following has steadily grown, and he inked a deal with Columbia Records. Harris will also star in an upcoming film about Eddie Cochran. For now, Harris plans to stay rooted in Northeast Ohio.

Hear more about the artist's success — and advice to fellow local musicians for breaking out — on today's Shuffle!

From viral hit to major-label deal, Cleveland’s Jack Harris signs with Columbia Records After several years of building a social media audience for his music, Jack Harris posted a short video that got the attention of a major record label.

Several of the biggest names in jazz from this region have come together to form the Third Law Collective, a "lab" to test new musical ideas, experiment with sound and bring in composers and performers from near and far.

The collective is co-led by a core group of writers, including Dan Bruce Music, Chris Coles, Bryan E. Kennard, Aidan Plank Music, Brad Wagner Music and Howie Smith, and performs the last Thursday of every month at the BOP STOP at The Music Settlement in Cleveland.

On this week's Shuffle, we hear from Plank and Kennard about the origins of the ensemble and what's ahead for the group — including a performance at the Bop Stop on April 27. At the show, the collective will record its first live album, featuring songs they’ve written during the last two years.

Cleveland’s Third Law Collective offers space for jazz experimentation The Third Law Collective was created in 2021 for area jazz composers to present original works for a unique ensemble. The collective aims to serve as a testing ground for new ideas, engaging collaboration and improvisational explorations.

During the pandemic, Jenna Fournier of the Cleveland shoegaze band Niights wrote, recorded and produced a forthcoming solo album as Kid Tigrrr. The dreamy, experimental songs were a journey of self-reflection and healing.

We first spoke with Fournier back in 2019 and caught up with her this week to hear more about her solo project. Listen to the interview wherever you get your podcasts — and check out Kid Tigrrr live at The Happy Dog this Saturday!

Cleveland's Jenna Fournier channels past trauma into experimental songs as Kid Tigrrr Kid Tigrrr is the new project from singer-songwriter and visual artist Jenna Fournier of Cleveland band NIIGHTS. In 2020, Fournier ventured into audio engineering to experiment with home recording and music production, and she will release her debut solo album this spring.

Catch it via the podcast! Follow at ideastream.org/shuffle

Recently I had the honor to share the story behind my upcoming album with Amanda Rabinowitz of WKSU's Shuffle. It goes live tomorrow (Thursday.) She managed to cut a two hour conversation that got raw, gritty, dark, and -dare I say- full of real substance- down into minutes. You have three chances to tune in on air: Morning Edition at 7:45 a.m., during the Sound of Ideas in the 9 a.m. hour, and on All Things Considered at 4:44 p.m. Otherwise, On-demand listening will be available at ideastream.org/shuffle and you can find the podcast on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or most other major podcast platforms. (The podcast will actually be a bit longer than what you hear on-air.) Anyway, I'm very grateful for the opportunity, and gave the green-light to preview some un-released tracks from the album as well, since they truly tie into the story and paint a fuller picture that I believe in my heart is important to share, if for nothing else, solidarity and breaking stigmas of such things.

PAL is a four-piece band described as art punk, weirdo punk or, more aptly, egg punk. This musical sub-genre is defined by irreverent lyrics, danceable rhythms and lightheartedness — a contrast to more aggressive, politically driven punk bands.

PAL wrote, recorded, mixed and mastered their debut album, "PALS," in about a month. The four-piece has been playing shows and gaining acclaim from the national punk community ever since.

Hear from frontwoman Maureen Joyce and guitarist Jake Schott on today's Shuffle!

Cleveland-Akron band PAL makes waves with egg punk sound inspired by DEVO A four-piece band from Cleveland and Akron is embodying the spirit of local legends DEVO and The Waitresses. On Shuffle, we hear from Maureen Joyce and Jake Schott from PAL, who perform "egg punk" songs — a sub-genre of punk rock recognized for its energetic rhythms and funny, sarcastic lyrics.

Dover native Josh Compton has released a new album, "The Big Trail & Other Ballads of the Tuscarawas," which tells the story of the region's earliest settlers. He was inspired by drives through the area's backroads, which are rich with historical significance.

The album was a collaborative project, and Compton brought in other musicians from his hometown to flesh out the album’s sound, including Kodachrome Babies and Coby Hartzler from Coby and The Prisoners.

Performing as Brother Joshua Music, Compton will share his songs at the Dover Library—which added his CD to their collection as a record of historical significance—on May 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Hear more from Compton on this week's Shuffle.

Josh Compton tells the story of Tuscarawas County’s rich history through song Dover musician Josh Compton's folk songs share the struggles and triumphs of some of the Tuscarawas County's earliest settlers. He details the inspiration behind his new, collaborative album and his pride for the region.

Tough to say goodbye to a Northeast Ohio music institution. The Tri-C High School Rock-Off has launched careers and inspired so many young artists. Great reporting by Kabir Bhatia on its farewell:

It's the last Final Exam for the High School Rock Off in Cleveland After 27 years, the competition draws to a close when 12 groups compete at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Cleveland singer-songwriter Charity Evonna will perform at the Brite Winter music festival on Saturday. It's the culmination of a breakout year for the Dallas-born artist — Evonna was chosen as one of three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artists in residence in 2023, and since then her music career has taken off.

She credits her 2019 move to Cleveland as one of the best decisions she's ever made. Evonna has released three albums, with much of her music exploring themes of heartbreak, self-discovery and self-love.

"I'm a fan of old-school, traditional R&B... I want to give them classic sounds," Evonna said. "When people ask, like, ‘Who are you?’ I would just be like, ‘Go listen to the music. You’ll know everything about me through the songs.'"

Hear more from Evonna on today's Shuffle — and catch her this weekend on the Brite Winter stage or at the Rock Hall's free Empow-HER community event on March 23!

Cleveland R&B artist Charity Evonna makes her Brite Winter debut Drawing from the deep roots of the South, Dallas-born Charity Evonna writes and performs songs of hope and empowerment. Now based in Cleveland, the R&B and neo-soul artist is playing bigger stages around the city, including the Brite Winter music festival.

Shuffle is now available to listen on YouTube! ❤🎧😍

Shuffle Shuffle is your backstage pass to Northeast Ohio's independent music scene. Ideastream Public Media’s Amanda Rabinowitz and Brittany Nader speak with perform...

A longtime Akron musician has hundreds of new songs, and he's getting some help from other “big names” in the music scene to play them live. On this week’s Shuffle, we hear from all four members of Dave Rich and His Enablers, who happen to be staples of Northeast Ohio's creative scene for decades.

"Friday Mike" Wilkinson, Dave Rich, Chris Butler and David Giffels will perform next at Buzzbin on Feb. 24 and have new music on the way Feb. 26. Hear the interview at ideastream.org or wherever you get your podcasts!

Dave Rich creates an all-star lineup of Akron musicians with his 'Enablers' Dave Rich, a longtime Akron musician has hundreds of new songs, and he is getting some help from other big names in the music scene to play them live. Chris Butler, David Giffels and "Friday Mike" Wilkinson round out Dave Rich and His Enablers.

Folk musician Alex Bevan has been delighting audiences throughout Northeast Ohio for decades. From his early days playing small stages in the Flats to opening for big-name rock bands, Bevan has stayed true to his roots and role as a "troubadour of the journeyman class."

On this week's Shuffle, Bevan shared some of the songs and stories from his 50-year career. Catch the interview and video of his in-studio Applause performance!

Northeast Ohio folk legend Alex Bevan reflects on his 50-year music career Alex Bevan has been writing and releasing his original folk songs for five decades. The Cleveland native joins Shuffle and Applause Performances for a special in-studio performance and interview.

Shuffle is once again teaming up with Applause Performances for a special in-studio performance and Q&A with Cleveland folk legend Alex Bevan!

The musician rose to popularity in the heyday of rock radio in the 1970s with his song, "Skinny," and has been writing and releasing music ever since.

Catch Bevan's performance tomorrow, Jan. 25, on the PBS app, and hear the Shuffle interview at ideastream.org/shuffle or wherever you get your podcasts!

Wooster native Lee Miller Matsos has used music to work through grief and pain, writing lyrics that express hope and healing.

In late 2023, the singer-songwriter released his EP, “Metamorphosis, Pt. 1,” debuting his evolved artistry. The album represents his journey of struggle and being reborn.

“It plays around with the analogy of how our lives are, like the transition from the caterpillar to the butterfly,” he said. “We focus on the beauty of the butterfly, but we don't often think about what the butterfly had to go through to become that.”

Hear more from Matsos on today's Shuffle — tune in wherever you get your podcasts or at the link below!

Wooster native Lee Miller Matsos transitions from opera to pop with ‘Metamorphosis’ Singer-songwriter Lee Miller Matsos released his debut EP, "Metamorphosis, Pt. 1," in late 2023. It is the first of three albums that chronicle the artist's growth as a musician.

Shuffle returns TOMORROW for our first episode of the new year featuring singer-songwriter Lee Miller Matsos!

The Wooster native was studying to become an opera singer when a series of tragedies in his life set him on a different path. Hear about the journey that led to his debut album, "Metamorphosis, Pt. 1," and finding his voice as a singer-songwriter.

Coming up Thursday!

I’ll be featured on WKSU's Shuffle podcast with Amanda Rabinowitz!

The podcast (10-minute) version will air on the Sound of Ideas during the 9 a.m. hour Thursday (1/11) on WKSU Ideastream News (89.7 and 104.9 FM).

A shorter version (4 minutes) will air on WKSU (89.7 and 104.9 FM) once during Morning Edition at 7:45 a.m. and once during All Things Considered at 4:44 p.m. (Again, on 1/11)

On-demand listening will be available at ideastream.org/shuffle.

The interview will be available to stream/download on-demand in podcast format on Shuffle’s Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as most other major podcast platforms.

Thanks again to Amanda and Ideastream for this amazing opportunity, and thank you for listening!

🙏❤️🦋

ICYMI: Our favorite Northeast Ohio music of the year! Link in the comments 😎

🥁 It's here! Our favorite local albums of 2023, featuring Anya Van Rose, Holden Laurence, Posture, Grumpy Plum, Marcus Smith and many more! 🎧👏🎉

We also put together a Spotify playlist of curated tracks from each artist to give you a taste of the local talent here in Northeast Ohio.

What music did you love this year? Working on something new for 2024? Comment below! 👇

Shuffle’s favorite Northeast Ohio music of 2023 A pair of debut albums from Northeast Ohio bands top the list of this year’s favorites for Ideastream Public Media’s music podcast Shuffle. Hosts Amanda Rabinowitz and Brittany Nader discuss their picks.

It's been an amazing year of local music! We're putting together our annual year-end "best-of" episode highlighting our favorite local albums from 2023 and are reflecting on some of our favorite Shuffle interviews from this year. 💿🎤

From collaborations with Applause Performances to connecting with artists at PorchRokr, and hearing the stories behind the music, we'll have plenty more in store for you next year. 🎙️🎸

Which brings us to our call to action: Northeast Ohio artists (not *just* Cleveland musicians), we want to hear from you! Are you working on new music? Releasing something special in 2024? Send us the details at [email protected] to be considered for a future episode. Share this post to help us spread the word! 🎶📻

Ava Preston has performed at jazz clubs throughout Akron, Cleveland, New York and Nashville and is gaining momentum both in the local music scene and the broader jazz community.

She recently sang some of her music heroes, including Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride and Dianne Reeves, at a Monterey Jazz Festival gala in California.

“The most important thing is: You do it for the music. That's what I learned,” she said. “Everything is for the music. It's not for the ego.”

We teamed up with Applause Performances for an in-studio performance and Q&A session with the young jazz singer. Watch and listen at ideastream.org/shuffle or on-demand through the PBS app!

Northeast Ohio’s Ava Preston is rising the ranks as a jazz singer-songwriter Jazz vocalist Ava Preston learned to pen lyrics and refine her vocals from mentors around Cleveland. Now, she's hitting stages around the country and performing for her music heroes.

Tomorrow on Shuffle, Amanda talks with rising jazz star, Ava Preston. She's incredible... follow the podcast so you don't miss it! http://www.ideastream.org/shuffle

Jéan Pierre Johnson, who performs as Jéan P The MC, says his musical journey started with dreams of becoming a writer. After experiencing loss in his family, the Canton native turned to hip-hop:

“Hip-hop and writing was really all I had as far as keeping me away from things outside of music. In Canton, it was really easy to get caught up in things like trouble and crime and drugs and stuff like that.”

After more than a decade writing, rhyming, recording and releasing music, the rapper is out with his 23rd project, an album titled "Jéan, Not John." Hear more about Johnson's hometown pride and how music changed his life on this week's Shuffle — out today!

Canton hip-hop artist Jéan P the MC talks hometown pride and the rhymes that saved his life Canton rapper Jéan P the MC released his new album Oct. 6. Jéan Pierre Johnson, the writer and emcee behind the moniker, has had a prolific career in Northeast Ohio and says he's ready to reach the next level.

We’ll be kicking off 2024 with Lee! Dont miss it! Ideastream.org/shuffle!

Exciting announcement!

I had the opportunity to chat with the wonderful Amanda Rabinowitz at Ideastream News last Friday!

We had a great conversation about the EP, the twisting journey that brought me to now, and the outlook ahead.

The interview will kickoff the new season of the WKSU's Shuffle podcast on January 11!

More details to come!

I’m so grateful for this opportunity to share this music and my story with the community.



🙏❤️🦋