MUSIC

Turtledoves perform during the first installment of Joyful Noise on the Green.

PHOTO: CHURCH OF THE ADVENT

Uplifting Music with an Intentional Twist

Joyful Noise on the Green in Walnut Hills presents all-are-welcome, free outdoor concerts featuring local — and regional — bands

As live musical performances gradually make their way back into our post-vaccine world, a new local concert series could become a staple this summer.

Joyful Noise on the Green — which launched at the end of May — takes place roughly every other Saturday through October on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Walnut Hills.

It is the brainchild of church employees Reverend Jason Oden, also known as Espresso Priest on Instagram, and Brianna Kelly, a local musician. The music series is not quite what you might expect from a religious institution, though.

Part of Rev. Oden’s role is to bring new life and ideas to a diminishing congregation. After he took his job at the church last fall, he began meeting with Kelly, whom he knew from

Local artist Lizzy DuQuette designed the set piece behind the stage.

PHOTO: CHURCH OF THE ADVENT

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working together at another parish, to discuss whether she’d want to bring her music leadership skills to Church of the Advent.

“This church has this historic presence, it’s been going on for 175 years, and there’s like 20 people coming,” says Rev. Oden. “Advent has always been open to bringing in artists and cultivating art and giving back to the community and being a place where people can experience community.”

Kelly is now the church’s minister of liturgy, music and arts. And, drawing on her years in the local music scene, she’s brought a fresh perspective to the concept of hosting concerts.

“I was really inspired by the way that people were creative throughout COVID, about being able to gather safely and in spaces that are outside of traditional bars and venues,” she says.

Some people’s personal experiences or conservative upbringings may lead them to believe a church concert is a man with gelled hair emphatically playing major chords on the acoustic guitar. But these shows are nothing like that, Kelly and Rev. Oden say.

“It’s kind of a blank slate here,” Kelly says. “(We realized) we could just submit a budget for creative, fun stuff and see if the ministry approves it, and they have.”

The lineup of artists is rich with talented Cincinnati musicians plus those from nearby states, all offering sounds that extend far beyond cookie-cutter chapel music. Genres include SingerSongwriter, Indie Folk, Pop, Hip Hop and, yes, Christian. Although the shows follow a 5 p.m. service and a 6 p.m. community dinner, there’s not necessarily a connection between the events, and there’s certainly no obligation to participate in the more spiritual aspects.

“The concert is not an extension of the church service,” says Church of the Advent communications director Matt Latchaw. “It’s just another way to love our neighborhood and love artists who...shape the culture and speak to something deeper than just everyday life.”

With its mission to create opportunities for Cincinnati artists to perform and be cared for in a space that is free and open to anyone, Joyful Noise on the Green reflects an intentionality that is missing in some live music settings. Before the pandemic, there were a lot of free shows around the city, but many were centered around alcohol and late hours. Things are a little different with Joyful Noise.

“I know a lot of folks that can’t do shows at like 11 p.m. or would really like to bring their family,” Kelly says. “Or people who are pursuing sobriety and just playing in the same few bars every night, which is hard — especially when part of your payment is having free drinks thrown at you.”

But with Joyful Noise, no portion of artist payment will be dealt in beer. Kelly is emphatic about treating the performers well, and part of the secured budget will allow them to fairly pay musicians. Kelly even has set up a green room inside the church, furnished with plants and vintage orange couches passed down from her family.

“I just want everything to feel really cozy and cared for,” Kelly says. “(To) create a space that feels like we’re here to listen and really absorb art and be elevated by it.”

The first show in the series happened May 29, featuring Indie singersongwriter Cory Pavlinac, performing as Zoo, and husband-and-wife Lo-Fi duo Turtledoves. Despite the unseasonably cool weather, people sat scattered across the lawn on blankets and chairs. The performers played on a cobblestone stage tucked under a tree. A white cascading set piece by local artist Lizzy DuQuette stood behind them. The crowd sat peaceful and enthralled, even as a handful of kids happily galloped around. Latchaw ran sound, Kelly hosted and Rev. Oden made coffee and chatted with the crowd. If the first concert was any indication, Joyful Noise on the Green is manifesting everything it wants to be.

At the moment, Joyful Noise on the Green is booked through the beginning of August, but will ultimately run through the end of October. Music is always 7-9 p.m. on the lawn, or masked and distanced inside if it rains.

Music lovers can ensure seating by registering for free on Eventbrite, and anyone may attend the 6 p.m. dinner provided in partnership with La Soupe ahead of the performances.

The current lineup includes: • A community hymn/song share on June 12; • Brianna Kelly, Chorusing and Small Sur on June 19; • Patterns of Chaos and another band TBD on July 10; • Rae Fisher and Mull Graham on July 24; • and Brooklynn Rae and MichaelAndrew Spalding on Aug. 7.

More acts will be announced soon.

The church hopes to continue the public music program, and it’s currently their main focus.

“I think that the church has a rich history of supporting the arts,” Latchaw says. “I hope that the (concerts are) like a way to support artists again, because again art speaks to a deeper part of the human experience that I think is important.”

On weeks where there isn’t a band scheduled, they say they plan to host other Saturday evening community events, like movies and game nights. Church of the Advent is located at 2366 Kemper Lane, Walnut Hills. For more on Joyful Noise on the Green and to see the rest of the lineup as it’s announced, visit adventcincy.org/joyful-noise.

SPILL IT Touring Roundup: Live Music Truly Is Back, and Here’s Who’s Coming to Cincinnati

BY WILLIAM RIESENBERG AND CITYBEAT STAFF

The opening of two new concert venues in Greater Cincinnati — the Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center in downtown and The PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION in Newport — as well as the multitude of historic music centers around the area have made the Queen City a hot spot for many big-name musicians.

As artists begin to perform live shows once again, Cincinnati’s touring lineup for 2021 and beyond is already strong.

Summer will truly blast into gear when Rock band Foo Fighters kicks off the ICON Music Center’s first-ever outdoor concert. Fresh off the band’s announcement as 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, the Cincinnati show will be Dave Grohl and company’s first confirmed headlining performance since the February release of the Foos’ album Medicine at Midnight.

They’ll perform at the ICON Festival Stage on July 28. More info and tickets: iconmusiccenter.com.

Eclectic and innovative singer/guitarist St. Vincent — aka Annie Clark — is hitting the road in support of her latest album, Daddy’s Home. The sixth release from Clark and a follow-up to her Grammy-winning MASSEDUCTION, Daddy’s Home was called “a mutant strain of retro Pop steeped in New York lore” by Rolling Stone and given a four-star review.

She’ll be stopping by the ICON Music Center on Sept. 7. More info and tickets: iconmusiccenter.com.

Indie Rock icons Modest Mouse are gearing up to release their seventh studio album — The Golden Casket — on June 25. And to support the new material, the band is hitting the road.

On this album, frontman Isaac Brock explores “the degradation of America’s psychic landscape through the glass of the smartphone screen and invisible technology,” says a release. The album also “touches on a new theme in his life, fatherhood.”

Modest Mouse will play the ICON Music Center on Oct. 5 with special guests Future Islands. More info and tickets: iconmusiccenter.com.

Veteran singer-guitarist Bob Mould has just announced a series of “Solo Distortion” electric shows. The jaunt supports Mould’s forthcoming vinyl box, Distortion: Live. The eight-LP set includes live recordings from Mould’s solo career and from his band Sugar. The concert will span Mould’s entire 40-plus year career and include tracks from the Distortion collection and from his former band Husker Dü.

“It’s been a year and a half away from the stage,” says Mould. “I’ve missed the noise, the sweat, and seeing your smiling faces. I’m fully vaccinated, and I hope you are too, because this fall will be a Punk Rock party with the band — and the solo shows will be loud and proud as well. It’s time to make up lost time, reconnect and celebrate together with live music.”

Mould will perform at Memorial

Clockwise from top left: Foo Fighters, St. Vincent, Jonas Brothers, Kings of Leon

PHOTO: DANNY CLINCH, ZACKERY MICHAEL, PROMOTIONAL PHOTO PROVIDED BY MEMI, MATTHEW FOLLOWILL

Hall on Oct. 22. More info and tickets: memorialhallotr.com.

We’ve cherry-picked a few more upcoming shows to look forward to below.

The Black Crowes, Aug. 3, River-

bend Music Center — The delayed 2020 “Shake Your Money Maker” tour is finally set to hit the road. The legendary Rock band will play the entirety of its debut album Shake Your Money Maker in addition to all of its hit songs. Rockers Dirty Honey will open.

Jason Mraz, Aug. 6, ICON Festival Stage at Smale Riverfront Park —

Jason Mraz and his 13-piece Reggae band will make a stop in Cincinnati during the “Look For The Good Live! Summer 2021” tour. The show will include a different take on Mraz’s classics in addition to songs from his newest album, Look for the Good.

Jason Aldean, Aug. 12, River-

bend Music Center — Chart-topping Country artist Jason Aldean is touring with his band for the first time since 2019. The Academy of Country Music “Entertainer of the year” will perform his old-school Country roots. Country upand-comer Lainey Wilson opens.

Kings of Leon, Aug. 31, Riverbend

Music Center — Kings of Leon, the four-time Grammy Award-winning band, will perform songs from the 2021 album When You See Yourself live for the first time, along with hits such as “Use Somebody.” Indie Rockers Cold War Kids will open.

Lady A, Sept. 2, PromoWest Pavil-

ion at OVATION — The Country band consisting of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood will bring its “What a Song Can Do” tour to Newport’s OVATION. The tour includes openers Carly Pearce, Niko Moon and Tenille Arts on different dates.

Dead & Company, Sept. 11, River-

bend Music Center — Despite the loss of frontman Jerry Garcia, Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir have shared the Dead’s legacy by continuing to play the Psychedelic Rock group’s greatest hits around the world. John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti will join Dead & Company onstage.

Bleachers, Sept. 18, PromoWest

Pavilion at OVATION — Bleachers is touring alongside its new LP Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night. The record highlights topics that have been common for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as depression and loss.

The Jonas Brothers, Sept. 21, Riv-

erbend Music Center — From Disney Channel sweethearts to bona fide global superstars, the Jonas Brothers are hitting the road once again for their “Remember This” tour with Country star Kelsea Ballerini. The Jo Bros — Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas — last toured in 2019 behind the album Happiness Begins.

The Lone Bellow, Nov. 10, Taft The-

atre — Americana trio The Lone Bellow is hitting the road in support of 2020 album Half Moon Light, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Album chart.

Ben Folds, Nov. 18, Taft Theatre —

Ben Folds, the Alternative Pop artist best known for his skills as a pianist, will take the stage live for the first time in more than a year. The “In Actual Person Live For Real” tour will feature Folds’ solo piano songs along with orchestral performances. The tour will support his last album that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Classical and Classical Crossover charts.

Justin Bieber, April 19, 2022, Heri-

tage Bank Center — Grammy-winning former teen heartthrob Justin Bieber has added Cincinnati to his newly rescheduled “Justice” world tour and is slated to perform at Heritage Bank Center in 2022. The Queen City is one of seven new locations added to Bieber’s previous tour dates since rescheduling due to COVID-19 restrictions throughout the country. The tour now will feature 52 dates in North America, beginning Feb. 18 in San Diego and wrapping up a few months later in Milwaukee.

For a weekly roundup of recently announced concerts and other music news, visit citybeat.com.