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Live downtown | What’s going on where?
A snapshot of the entertainment that was on tap downtown on Feb. 27 and 28:
Cedars Lounge
This bar and restaurant has been the epicenter of the music scene in downtown Youngstown for 25 years. It provides swing dancing every Thursday night in addition to the live acts that perform on the weekends.
Friday, Cedars had Johnny Cash Night in honor of his 78th birthday. Special guest musicians performed.
Saturday, The Robbie Jay Band performed for an 18-and-over crowd. The Robbie Jay Band is an Americana band reminiscent of Limbeck and Tom Petty, with roots in country and southern rock.
Barley’s
This bar rivals Cedars as Youngstown’s current indie haven. Barley’s has open mic nights on Tuesdays and hip-hop with Luck Penny on Thursdays.
It hosted Foursquare Junkies for an 18-and-over crowd. This band describes itself as “emotronic.” Its mix of electronic and power pop makes the group one of Youngstown’s few digital acts.
Saturday, there was a live DJ.
Lemon Grove
This place has an arty ambiance, slightly more cultured and a very narrow shape.
Friday, it had the Bonfrog festival that included:
The Suite D’s – garage funk with soul influence; this band is very new but could potentially gain an untapped fan base.
Braille – a prog-rock, indie sound that has no vocals but is still very driving and persistent.
Panzer Talk – melodic, soft rock with soothing vocals and acoustic progressions. The sound is Neil Young meets Velvet Underground.
Simon Kenneally – a coffeehouse guitar soloist with original work ranging from rock to blues to classical.
Saturday, it was February Funk Fest featuring Billy Johnson and the Old School Band — with Billy Beck of the Ohio Players. Beck is a pianist and songwriter who was born in Youngstown and who graduated from the Dana School of Music. Billy Johnson, a Warren native, is a longtime friend of Beck. He has been playing in Youngstown for four decades, and the band plays covers of such funk acts as Earth, Wind and Fire, Marvin Gaye and Parliament.
