Rib Cook-Off Cleveland - Cleveland, OH Ohio

Lawless LAWLESS

Website: lawlesscountry.com

ACleveland area favorite, and a regular at the Rib Cookoff, Lawless is a high-energy country band whose unique sound is a blend of classic and modern styles. Based in Cleveland Ohio they have developed a reputation as the hardest working, and most popular, country band in the area. Three years of nonstop performances to bigger and bigger audiences earned Lawless an ever-growing group of faithful fans.

The guys in Lawless also have their fair share of fans amongst country’s superstars. Dwight Yoakam, Gretchen Wilson, Neal McCoy, Dierks Bentley, Joe Nichols, and Andy Griggs are just some of the country greats who have shared a stage with Lawless, coming away impressed by the band’s music, professionalism, and onstage energy.

With the release of their first cd Long Gone Lawless shows off their strong musical talent and commitment to country music. All five songs were written and composed by the band and captures their diverse country style.

CLEVELAND's BREAKFAST CLUB

Website: clevelandsbreakfastclub.com

Voted Best Cover Band by Cleveland Scene in 2007, Breakfast Club has more pure talent and experience than pretty much any other cover band you'll find. As Cleveland Scene noted, "You don't want to hear Journey; you want to feel them. And for that, you'll need Breakfast Club, Cleveland's most authentic group of '80s rockers."

Frontman Dave Brooks made his name in the Cleveland area in bands Risque, IV Play, and Gotham City. He moved to LA, and was signed to Priority Records as their first glam-metal act, Slammin' Gladys. The band sold thousands of records and toured with notable acts such as Warrant and Southgang. He has released two solo CDs and produces and engineers recordings for some of the area's top bands.

Guitarist Billy Morris rose from local to international fame with his extensive touring & recording with such greats as Paul Gilbert, (RacerX & Mr. Big), to a recent line-up in the band WARRANT and being a touring guitarist for heavy metal legends Quiot Riot. But the touring and backing up such bands became a bit much so Billy decided to stay home and dedicate his time to writing and recording new music for future release.

Bassist Brian Dossa toured the country with the Doors cover band, Moonlight Drive, and also played with local greats such as the Tony Lang Band and the Mike Farley Band. In the words of Cleveland Scene, "They're workhorses -- you'll find them playing somewhere every weekend night of the year. And their set list is vintage glitter-and-glam -- from Journey to the Outfield, Bon Jovi to the Violent Femmes. Whether you lived the '80s or missed them altogether, the Breakfast Club is your time machine. Don't forget your leggings."

STONE PONY

Website: stoneponyband.com

What else can be said about the Stone Pony Band that hasn't already been said time and again in the 5 short years this group of talented musicians has been together? Hailing from northeast Ohio, this group of 9 veteran musicians honors the music of New Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. From New York to Chicago and all points in-between, Stone Pony has been turning heads, satisfying the hardcore Boss / SSJ fans, and consistently winning over new fans to the awesome music of Springsteen & Southside.

Their sound, energy, and especially their ability to incorporate audiences into every live performance have received rave reviews from their fans, affectionately known as "The Herd." This energy transcends the need for "look-alikes;" the spirit and power of great music is what drives a Stone Pony show, not the often impossible task of looking and sounding just like the original. This band honors Springsteen the Writer, the Lyricist and the Performer. The music truly does do all the talking!

So just who is the Stone Pony Band? Lead singer Kelly Derrick fronts the band with a vocal style and stage presence that is hauntingly like the originals he tributes. Don Day drives the low end on the Bass Guitar and is partnered in crime with "Captain" Kevin Morgan on Drums and vocals - a rhythm section to be reckoned with to be sure. Doug Powell handles all of the guitar duties while his brother Jim "Otis" Powell takes care of laying down the Organ, piano and bells. The newest member, Brent "Flounder" Lane completes the keyboard section with his soulful, tasteful, rockin' piano, organ and strings. The featured part of Stone Pony, The North Coast Horns, is Darrin "The Lone Ho" Clark on the Slide Trombone, "Big" Al Widmer on the trumpet and the incredible sax work of Dave "Dank" Frank.

Come on out to see Stone Pony and you'll understand what Scene Magazine, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The North Coast Voice, and a host of other top media organizations are raving about: A Stone Pony show is not just another bar gig. It is a concert event!

Arrival ARRIVAL

Website: arrivalband.com

ARRIVAL - THE JOURNEY TRIBUTE set out to re-create the music of the legendary rock band Journey and have become the Midwest's Premier Journey tribute rock band! Lead by powerhouse Lead Vocalist Vic Harris, the band members put their heart and soul into every performance and have become a must have-must see band for Fairs and Festivals, Community Concerts, Casinos and Hotels, Larger Concert Clubs and Venues, Private and Corporate Events.

ARRIVAL - THE JOURNEY TRIBUTE will get your blood pumping to Journey classics like Stone in Love, Separate Ways, and Don't Stop Believin! Sing along to the power ballads you never forgot the words to like Faithfully, Lights, and Open Arms!

ARRIVAL - THE JOURNEY TRIBUTE takes you on a live musical roller coaster ride of Journey's timeless hits from the 70's, 80's, 90's & today! The band is made up of five seasoned veterans of the Cleveland rock scene. Each band member has mastered his craft to bring you the most amazing replication of Journey's sensational sound and will surely make you feel like you’re at one of Journey’s live concerts!

Tusk TUSK

Website: tribute-band.com

USK is "The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute. You will not believe your ears and eyes when TUSK takes the stage Consisting of National Touring Musicians, from begining to end They will impress you with their incredible attention to detail and musical Talent.

Tusk is fronted by the amazing vocals of Singer/Songwriter Kathy Phillips. Kathy is a well known and respected New Jersey Musician who has an incredible ability to capture The Essence of Stevie Nicks with stunning vocals and and amazing style.

Kim Williams in the role of Christine McVie has equally strong Vocals and plays incredible keyboards.

Scott McDonald as Lindsey Buckingham does an incredible job singing and playing guitar in a fashion that will make any Fleetwood Mac fan proud!

Tom Nelson as Mick Fleetwood and Randy Artiglere Hold down that classic Fleetwood Mac Rhythm.

Tusk THE CURVE

Website: myspace.com/thecurvecleveland

he Curve are:
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BRITTANY LOBAS - Vocals
JIMMY MALER- Guitar, Vocals
NATHAN HEDGES - Bass, Vocals
MICHAEL GOULD - Drums

Tusk Haywire

Website: haywirerocks.com

i Everybody, We're called HAYWIRE!

Haywire's band members (Dennis, Cathy, Rick and Nick) have been enjoying and playing rockabilly for a long time. Nick is our newest member! He's an excellent drummer who gives our band that extra kick. Cathy writes songs, and is a fine lyricist, too. Her solid rhythm guitar is the engine that drives Haywire's music. Her exceptional harmony singing also adds a lot to our sound! Rick is an all around musician. He plays upright bass (with Haywire), drums, and guitar. His natural feel on the bass is an asset to our music. Dennis (aka Rockin' Denny) is our lead singer and guitarist.

Our influences are: Carl Perkins, Warren Smith, Johnny Cash, Robert Gordon, Buddy Holly, the Rock-n-Roll Trio, Elvis, The Stray Cats, Roy Orbison, Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones.

We’ve been playing all over Northeast Ohio for many years. We’ve played at Bookstores, Bars, Summer Concerts, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Community Events, Cuyahoga County Fair (and many others) and Private events.

We’re a Rockabilly/Roots Rock Band, "...that's fresh, fun, and smoothly rocking"

Band Members:

Dennis Petti- Lead Vocals and Lead guitar, Cathy Petti - Acoustic guitar and Harmony Vocals, Rick Santon - Upright Bass and Back up Vocals, Nick Miraldi - Drums and Back up Vocals.

Cruisin' MY MANIC EPISODE

Website: mymanicepisode.com

My Manic Episode play an eclectic mix of music, spanning generations and genres, including: Bare Naked Ladies, Kings of Leon, The Ramones, Nena, Rick & Buffalo Springfield, The Foo Fighters, Poison, Weezer, The Sex Pistols, Jet, Kid Rock, Journey, The Beatles, Cheap Trick, Ozzy Osborne, Judas Priest, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Clash, Duran Duran, and The Sugar Hill Gang.

In their own words, they are, "Four musicians. United through common experience. Kept in cages as children on the far North side of Cleveland, we met in a support group. Years of therapy has put us now on the right path. We are highly functional, moderately organized, and ready to get off the couch. With the proper support, we'll turn this energy into something positive."

My Manic Episode's high-energy rock, dance, and pop music spans six decades: from AC-DC to the Beastie Boys & Red Hot Chili Peppers... from Willie Nelson to Johnny Cash. A Cafeteria Worker, Engineer, and two Male Nurses, the guys have real day jobs and therefore need to release their frustrations and passion through music.

CRUISIN'

Website: thebandcruisin.com

While being noted primarily for its Motown renditions, the band Cruisin's repertoire by no means stops there. The hits of Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, The O'Jays, Van Morrison, The Temptations, Santanna, and others are consistently performed with a flare and style second only to that of the original artists.

The band Cruisin' is the blood, sweat and tears of Ron Howard, lead singer, sax player, and founder. Currently, Ron arranges music for Cruisin' in addition to acting as their booking agent. His goal, in his over 25 years in the music profession, has been to be the best entertainer possible, and to give the audiences great quality music.

To say the least, this is not your typical "let's put it together and play on weekends" group. This is a dedicated group of professionals with a strong following in a 5-state region who regularly enhance any venue at which they appear, whether it be the club scene, weddings, private parties, or municipal events.

THE CLAYTON BROTHERS

Website: xanga.com/clayton_brothers
Myspace: myspace.com/claytonbrothersband

The Clayton Brothers Band and their style of “primitive rock and roll” have discovered, almost by accident, that they have filled the void of a long neglected audience.

The group was assembled by five musicians that simply wanted to have some fun playing some of the old songs that they enjoyed.

Being “Baby Boomers,” songs from the 50’s and 60’s seemed to be a natural choice.

Rather than follow the usual “oldies dance” formula, the Claytons chose a more “primitive” approach. Selecting lesser known songs along with some big hits and choosing songs which have a little more “attitude,” the band looked toward The Kinks, Animals, Carl Perkins, Yardbirds, Johnny Otis, Zombies, Byrds, Sonics and a number of others to compile their song list.

The band soon discovered that they weren’t alone in their enjoyment of these great songs. One fan said to the band, “we stopped going to hear bands because no one was playing our music…” The audiences have continued to grow each year and their feedback confirms that this era of rock and roll is truly special and still loved by people of all ages. The connection between this music and the audience has become more than even the Claytons could have imagined.

The Brothers, all seasoned players, came together in 2004 to form the band.

Brother Bill’s steady beat punctuates the three guitar sound that has become the “Clayton” trademark. His tastes lean toward the British Invasion and other group songs of the sixties.

Brother Marc, lead guitar and vocalist, provides the guitar riffs which are the signature to so many of the songs of the era. His knowledge and experience are key ingredients to The Clayton Brothers success.

The original Clayton is brother Terry. In addition to bringing a solid rhythm guitar and vocals to the band, he is also a successful country-western songwriter. He helps this rock and roll outfit be “a little bit country.”

The voice most often heard at a Clayton Brothers show is that of brother John. In addition to his rhythm guitar, bass and vocal duties he is also the link between the band and it’s audience. John’s fondness for the British Invasion and his taste for folk rock brings out the gentler side of the band.

The Clayton Brothers Band is one of the few groups which can boast four accomplished vocalists. Brother Rob’s taste for the blues give the band yet another dimension. His vocal interpretations of blues based rock along with his steady bass and soaring harmonica complete the mix.

In performance The Clayton Brothers Band has a very basic goal. Have fun and invite the audience to have fun too.

Appearing for the seventh consecutive year at The Berea National Rib Cook-Off.

The Clayton Brothers Band…Primitive Rock and Roll for the “now” generation.