A journey to Cleveland, Ohio to see The English Beat

The Adventure
The first documented AdventureMusicLife blog adventure….. a journey to Cleveland’s new Music Box Supper Club in the reviving West Bank of the Flats, where I met a friend for dinner and a show.

The Band
Our concert of the night was The English Beat, a band mostly heard in the ’80s, but whose music is very applicable today. Admittedly, I had not listened to the band in quite a while, and during the show I found myself questioning that decision. Many of The English Beat’s songs have since been added to my permanent playlist!

Left: Music Box, A One Stop Shop • Right: Lisa & Nici, Getting Our Adventure On!

The Music
If you haven’t listened to The English Beat lately or are unfamiliar, the quick definition of their style is considered to be 2 Tone Ska Revival (I know, wha??). To me, and for The English Beat in particular, this equates to Reggae + Rock + excellent beat + saxophone. Add song #15 (see below) to your playlist, and you’ll understand what I mean.

This music is the type to play when you want to get out of a funk or at the kickoff of your summer party. It’s nearly impossible to feel down when listening to this upbeat, lively music. Plus, lead singer, Dave Wakeling’s deep, sexy voice really adds to the addictive groovin’ vibe. You might also remember Dave from the band, General Public.

The Concert
On stage, the band jives together so well, you can tell they must be having the time of their lives (or they are fantastic actors, but I doubt it). When a group is highly energized and having so much fun like The English Beat, the audience is bound to follow suit. We, the audience, were fully engaged and swept away by the show, and many were dancing near the stage or in their seats.

One of the best audience observations of the night: I sat next to a very conservative looking couple. A person really shouldn’t be judged by his suit, but I found my brain wondering if perhaps they had heard “ska revival” and accidentally translated it to “church revival?” Anyway, proves what misjudgment will do, because this pair exploded out of their shells by the end of the night. She was dancing in her seat, as he was wildly playing the “air drums” in grand proportions, which is a sight you don’t often see. Air guitar? Yes. Air drums? Not much, but I loved it. Seeing the evolution just added to the evening’s entertainment.

The English Beat Concert!

The Venue
Have you ever eaten dinner, seen a concert, partied like a rock star with rock stars, and stood at a balcony overlooking the water watching barges pass in the night? Well, you will definitely be able to experience this level of fun at the Music Box, a true one-stop shop. Downstairs for a more upscale meal and a band, upstairs for lighter fare in the concert hall, or on the balcony for a gorgeous view of the Cuyahoga River joining Lake Erie. This venue has definitely made my “Must Visit Again” list.

The People-Venture
When the show ended, I didn’t want the evening’s enjoyment to conclude just yet. Thankfully, several of the band members emerged from backstage to greet the remaining audience members (the true fun junkies), and to share a few laughs and drinks, bringing full closure to the vitality and adventure of the night. We were able to have fun conversations with Saxophonist Matt Morrish as well as Toaster King Schascha, who adds a rhythmic speaking / rapper-like vocal quality to the performance.

We learned that a new album will be released in the near future, so I’m hoping this means another tour. You definitely do not want to miss the tour next time around!

But, wait, there’s more! Make sure to check out Catching up with Matt Morrish! (Coming Soon!)

Left: Lisa, Saxophonist Matt Morrish, and Nici  •  Nici, Toaster King Schascha, Lisa

The Set List!

1. Rough Rider
2. Tears of a Clown
3. Twist & Crawl
4. Hands Off She’s Mine
5. The Love You Give Lasts Forever
6. Click Click
7. Save It for Later   (I had this in my head for a week, and that’s not a bad thing!)
8. Whine and Grine
9. I’ll Take You There   (General Public)
10. Too Nice to Talk To
11. Best Friend
12. Sole Salvation
13. Tenderness   (General Public)
14. Ranking Full Stop
15. Mirror in the Bathroom