On November 18th 2011 Scott Preston and Cincy
Groove Magazine celebrated their 4th anniversary at the legendary
Madison Theater in Covington, KY. Scott is a big inspiration and colleague to us
here at Buckeye Music Magazine so we want to first congratulate Scott on four
great years at Cincy Groove and wish him nothing but the best. We also want to
thank Scott for inviting us to this great show with a line-up that was worthy
of the festivities that featured Carole Walker, Hickory Robot, and headlined by
Ekoostik Hookah.
Carole Walker had the task of opening the show. Carole is a
Cincinnati native and may be best known for her work with the group Heavy
Weather. Most recently Carole has embarked on a solo career that features the
many talents of this singer/songwriter. Her angelic and powerful voice filled
the Madison Theater; Carole was the perfect choice to open the event. Hickory
Robot was next to take the stage. The quartet from the Queen City didn’t have
to travel far and yet the band took the theater crowd on a musical tour of
Americana. Hickory Robot combines Folk, Bluegrass, and even a little Jazz for a
unique sound that has made them a Cincy favorite. We look forward to hearing
more from Carole and Hickory Robot in the coming months.
In the days leading up to this event there has been a lot of
talk about the night’s headliners. Ekoostik Hookah has been a Buckeye staple
for the past 20 years yet it seems that some folks on the jam band scene have
written the band off and left them for dead. Rumor has it that promoters are
leery to book the band because attendance numbers have been down from what they
were back in the day. Regardless of what your take is on the subject Hookah
Heads were out in full force for this one. When Hookah took the stage at the
Madison Theater it seemed the Hookah faithful had something to prove. The same
could be said about the band as well. When Hookah took the stage the place
erupted as they began their set with the song “Deal with It.” Perhaps it was a
coincidence or maybe it was the bands way of answering critics, but these guys
came out swinging. Dave Katz and the rest of the band were as relaxed as I have
ever seen them; the guys were having fun and let loose with one of the best
Hookah sets I’ve heard in quite some time.
The first set included the hit “Hookah” “One More Trip
Around the Sun” and one of the best versions of “Thumper” I have ever heard
from the band. It’s no secret that Steve Sweney is a great Guitar player; he
has been a fan favorite since Hookah hit the ground running over 20 years ago,
but on this night Sweney took things to another level. I was six feet from the
action when Steve went into some kind cosmic trance and I felt like I was along
for the ride. I was mesmerized standing there watching when those eyes rolled
back in his head and then ripped into that famous “Thumper” riff. Wow, one of
the most intense sets I’ve seen in awhile. The guys weren’t finished yet; the
second set was just as amazing beginning with “It’s Too Late” and “Three Way
Street” with “Voodoo Stew” and more sandwiched in between. The set also
included “Water Bear/Backwoods Rose/Water Bear” that was freaking absurd. The
show ended with the bands version of “Mama Told Me Not To Come” made famous by
Three Dog Night.
When the dust settled, the crowd at the Madison Theater
witnessed one of the best Hookah shows ever, proving that Ekoostik Hookah is
still alive and well thank you very freaking much. So if you are a promoter and
you have a venue you want to fill, give Hookah a call; then sit back and wait
for a great show with some of the best fans and one of the finest bands in the
business. Buckeye Music Magazine would like to thank Scott Preston from Cincy
Groove once again for a great night of good music and great friends.
Congratulations once again Scott, you’re the best!
2011 Reviews and Interviews 
