Driving four and a half hours from Cincinnati to Cleveland
can be an exhausting ride up the infamously dull I-71, especially alone.
Accompanied only by an unfamiliar camera, recorder, and my beloved, furry wolf
hat, I questioned my sanity as I resorted to listening to Coldplay, coasting by
countless billboards and rest stops. Although it was a ride full of mediocre
music and wandering thoughts, I was eager to arrive at Cleveland’s Beachland
Ballroom. Here, a much better band, The Werks, would be kicking off their
winter tour.
Although I had heard of The Werks before, it was The Werk
Out 2011 that brought me to musical surrender. Since then, I’ve been to quite a
few of their shows, and I’ve always had a blast. Werkaween in Covington, KY and
Werksgiving in Dayton were awesome, but their New Year’s Eve run at Columbus’s
LC Pavilion absolutely blew my mind. Despite the distance, I had to see how The
Werks would follow it up. Once again, Buckeye Music Magazine’s January Artist
of the Month proved themselves worthy and kicked off a very promising winter
tour.
I arrived at the Beachland Ballroom as the band loaded in,
adjusting lights and setting up for sound check. Greeting the band and taking a
seat, I briefly studied the ballroom’s rural paintings illuminated by a disco
ball. It was definitely mismatched, but the ballroom carried sound well and
offered plenty of room for dancing, so it was no matter.
I had never watched a band do sound check before, and I
earned a whole new respect for the process. When they first started, it seemed,
well, tedious. Jordan Schneider (Audio) was meticulous in his work, especially
with the drums and keyboard. I’d finish my bottle of chai tea before the band
got a little practicing in. In my opinion, this was where the talent really
shined. Members Rob Chafin (Drums, Vocals), Dino Dimitrouleas (Bass, Vocals),
Norm Dimitrouleas (Keys, Vocals), and Chris Houser (Guitar, Vocals) could start
at any point in any one of their songs, synchronize, and just jam right along with
ease.
After some down time, a few beers, and Beachland Ballroom’s
complimentary dinner for the band, I had the opportunity to interview 
the guys.
I can say that I learned a lot, smiled a lot, and got a whole mess of quotes
that I still can’t use. I also learned that Tobasco sauce and beer is a
surprisingly delicious combination (thanks Norm!).
More socializing and a quick trip to the hotel would pass
before the show started. As fans filed in for their funky experience, The Main
Squeeze of Bloomington, IN opened the night. With a mix of R&B, rock and
electronic influence, members Ben Silverstein (Keys), Max Newman (Guitar),
Corey Frye (Vocals), Willie Robinson (Bass), and Reuben Gingrich (Drums)
definitely had something unique to bring to the show. Not to mention that Corey
Frye’s soulful voice simply demanded any music-lover’s attention.
Up next was Cleveland’s own Broccoli Samurai. I knew this
was going to be a good set. These guys tore up their spot at The Werk Out, and
they didn’t disappoint this night either.
Broccoli Samurai only escalated the fiery spirit which The Main Squeeze
had ignited in the growing crowd. With strong bass lines and jamming electronic
elements, Broccoli Samurai kept everyone dancing, especially with their version
of “Axel F”.
Then, another set break before The Werks. This was about the
time that I realized I was supposed to be taking pictures. Instead, I was
dancing and waiting for bar service, unsuccessfully. Not being the most
aggressive girl, I tried my best to wait patiently before walking through a
series of doors and the kitchen to the rumored “other” bar. This, by the way, I
do not recommend, I almost got kicked out by security. There’s a reason why
certain doors say “band members only, no exceptions,” and I didn’t have an
instrument. I did get my beer, though, just in time for The Werks to start.
With artists painting and enthusiastic fans glow-sticking,
they opened with “OG,” one of my new favorites. It kept me swaying and
grinning, continuing to put off my photography. “Guido” and “Beachland Jam”
would pass, and then “Galactic Passport” before I’d finally turn the camera on.
Trying to work while you’re “werking” is a difficult task, and I’m no
photographer. I clicked through the settings of the strange camera, one which
I’d never used before. As you can see from this review’s accompanied photos, I
didn’t do so well.
Regardless, I did my best to capture the show which embodied
everything I missed about the past summer of music festivals. There were hula-hoopers,
gorgeous rage goddesses dancing, painters, and even the members of Ohio band,Aliver Hall. I managed to elbow my way to the front row of the bouncing,
grooving crowd during “Burning Groove,” struggling to get good pictures of the
band. From there, I could see the exchange of grins between the band members as
they played. That’s what I love about The Werks most of all, they actually have
fun on stage. It’s such a positive energy that the audience really responds to.
“Cloud Hopper,” and
“Hard To Find” led into Rob Chafin’s drum solo, then back into “Hard To Find.” Aliver
Hall’s Alex Hall was then welcomed on stage to sit in on “Cruel Stone Blues,”
which was especially exciting. This amped up the crowd with great music,
musical brotherhood, and most importantly, Ohio pride. Yes people, we have so
many talented musicians in the buckeye state.
As “Cruel Stone Blues” came to an end, The Werks teasingly
filed off stage, only to return to please the crowd with an encore of “Better
Half” and “For Today.” Needless to say, everyone danced wildly, beer spilling
and fans nearly slipping on the wet hardwood floors. Yet another crazy Werks
show had ended, and it had been awesome.
The ride home the next day was a little harder, having
nothing to look forward to but sifting through my bad pictures and clipped
videos. This time, however, I didn’t feel the need to listen to music that was
less-than. Instead, I rode home on good vibes after a night of good music.
No matter the trip, just werk it, it’s worth it. It’s going to be an amazing winter tour.
2012 Reviews and Interviews 
