The premier guide for live music in Toledo and Northwest Ohio. Including concert listings, live music calendar, local album reviews, and interviews with area artists.
Toledo Music News
Hit & Run Crash: Teen Band Releases Jazzy Sophomore Album
Listening to “Crash Course,” the new full-length LP from Waterville-based band Hit & Run evokes many images of yesteryear. This is music that should b
Michael Klein’s First Solo Show: Switchboard through Chords and Colors
Toledo-based visual artist and tattooist Michael Klein steps into the spotlight with his debut solo exhibition, Switchboard through Chords and Colors,
Listen Hear: Freeman’s Blues Experience Fuses With The Toledo Symphony
Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman no longer plays a musical instrument. But he is instrumental in bringing a fresh style of music to Toledo. “I appre
Music Notes October 2025
Sqwerv Returns to The Golden Road Denver-based psychedelic jam rockers Sqwerv return to Toledo on Sunday, October 5, bringing their high-energy, groov
Listen Hear: Meredith Moon to Perform Tribute Concert for 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald Tragedy
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a Lake Superior storm on November 10, 1975. All 29 hands on board, including seven from Northwest Ohio, were lost
Stringing along: Chloe & the Steel Strings’ second album charts their growth
Chloe and Connor Ward of Chloe & the Steel Strings are the Nicks and Buckingham of Toledo Americana music, without the personal drama. They craft coun
Music Notes September 2025
TUESDAYS Sessions: Live Jazz Lucille’s Jazz Lounge 1447 N. Summit Street, Toledo, OH 43604 Every week Lucille’s Lounge brings an unforgettable live ja
Black Swamp Blues
The biggest free arts festival in Ohio turns 30 this year. The Black Swamp Arts Festival, running September 5 through 7 in downtown Bowling Green, bri
Toledo Native April Varner Opens Lucille’s Jazz Lounge 2025–2026 Season
Lucille’s Jazz Lounge will kick off its 2025–2026 season this Saturday, September 6, with a special homecoming performance by award-winning jazz vocal
Live Music Event Schedule
Toledo Music Archives
Hit & Run Crash: Teen Band Releases Jazzy Sophomore Album
Listening to “Crash Course,” the new full-length LP from Waterville-based band Hit & Run evokes many images of yesteryear. This is
Michael Klein’s First Solo Show: Switchboard through Chords and Colors
Toledo-based visual artist and tattooist Michael Klein steps into the spotlight with his debut solo exhibition, Switchboard through
Listen Hear: Freeman’s Blues Experience Fuses With The Toledo Symphony
Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman no longer plays a musical instrument. But he is instrumental in bringing a fresh style of music
Music Notes October 2025
Sqwerv Returns to The Golden Road Denver-based psychedelic jam rockers Sqwerv return to Toledo on Sunday, October 5, bringing their
Listen Hear: Meredith Moon to Perform Tribute Concert for 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald Tragedy
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a Lake Superior storm on November 10, 1975. All 29 hands on board, including seven from Northw
Stringing along: Chloe & the Steel Strings’ second album charts their growth
Chloe and Connor Ward of Chloe & the Steel Strings are the Nicks and Buckingham of Toledo Americana music, without the personal dra
Music Notes September 2025
TUESDAYS Sessions: Live Jazz Lucille’s Jazz Lounge 1447 N. Summit Street, Toledo, OH 43604 Every week Lucille’s Lounge brings an un
Black Swamp Blues
The biggest free arts festival in Ohio turns 30 this year. The Black Swamp Arts Festival, running September 5 through 7 in downtown
Toledo Native April Varner Opens Lucille’s Jazz Lounge 2025–2026 Season
Lucille’s Jazz Lounge will kick off its 2025–2026 season this Saturday, September 6, with a special homecoming performance by award
Detroit jazz icon to make rare Toledo stop
Toledo takes its jazz music very seriously and Detroit native Harvey Thompson is about as serious as a coronary. For the last 25 ye
Bands for Bulldogs Music Festival Brings Music, Food, and Fun to Rossford
Rossford’s downtown will come alive with music, food, and community spirit this Sunday during the 2025 Bands for Bulldogs Music Fes
Music Notes August 2025
Aug. 1, 19 & 26 SESSIONS: Tuesday Night LIVE Jazz at Lucille’s in August Experience live jazz every Tuesday at Lucille’s Jazz Loung
Listen Hear: Jazz on a Summer’s Day
Jazz looms just as large in the Toledo zeitgeist as Jeep and Tony Packo’s. The upcoming Glass City Jazz Festival salutes this great
Earth, Wind & Fire Bring Legendary Live Show to Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre
If you try to get Verdine White to wax nostalgic or talk about the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire, you won’t get far. “We don’t do i
Music Notes July 2025
Lunch at Levis Celebrate Summer Thursdays with Food, Music & Fun Mark the 20th year of Lunch at Levis, a beloved summer lunchtime t
Listen Hear: Afternoon Delight
Sometimes being first is everything. In this case, the first person in line at the locked door of the Village Idiot in Maumee is Pa
Bands Wanted for $1,000 Showdown at River Raisin Festival
The River Raisin Festival’s popular Battle of the Bands returns for its third year on Saturday, July 12, offering local musicians a
Good Vibes Only: Second annual Family Funktion festival to be held at Poe Road Music Sanctuary
Organizing a music festival is tough work, but the crew in Toledo band the Funk Factory believe they are up to the challenge as the
Classic Meets Contemporary: A2 Theaters Roll Out Must-See Films This Weekend
Ann Arbor has a fresh crop of classic movies showing this weekend that you won’t find screening at the local multiplex. Get thee he
A Punk Rock Legend Comes to T-Town
To certain crowds, Gregg Turner needs no introduction. With his time writing for the legendary rock magazine, CREEM, and his role i
Listen Hear: Techledo Brings Free Electronic Music Festival to Downtown Toledo
On June 21, the Glass City Riverwalk will be filled with two stages, lights, and DJs spinning their original electronic beats, Hous
Porchfest Comes to the Old West End Festival
One of Toledo’s very best traditions, the Old West End Festival, is almost upon us. But, its 52nd iteration is bringing with it ano
The Golden Road hosts inaugural Glass City Jubilee
Chloe Ward, better known as the namesake of Chloe & the Steel Strings, sums up the first ever Glass City Jubilee succinctly: “It’s
Experience Live Jazz in Toledo: Top Venues and Weekly Events
Toledo boasts a vibrant jazz scene with numerous bars and restaurants hosting live performances throughout the week. Whether you’re
Listen Hear: Cat power, Wheelin’ On the Rocks to host 10th anniversary of Cat Fest
Cat Fest is one of May’s best music events but the event marks a tragedy that never should have happened. Cat Fest, on Sunday, May
Music Notes May 2025
Glass City Record Show Explore 65 tables filled with thousands of music items. Discover new and pre-loved LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes,
TSA’s Spinning Pig Records prepares for inaugural release
The halls of Toledo School for the Arts are filled with budding singers and songwriters, many of whom are already recording and rel
Music Notes April 2025
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin TUESDAY, 4.15 STRANAHAN THEATER Celebrate the Queen of Soul at R.E.S.P.E.C.T., an elec
Music Notes March 2025
Saturday March 1 Allen Dennard at Lucille’s Allen Dennard is a trumpeter, composer, recording artist and bandleader from Detroit. P
Listen Hear: Boogie Matrix Mechanism
Toledo City Paper chatted with Boogie Matrix Mechanism frontman Brian David Bell. Bell explained during our interview that the band
Reel Appeal: 63 years of experimenting with film
Visitors flock to Ann Arbor every year for special occasions – move in week, home football games, move out week, the Art Fairs and
10 Northwest Ohio Bands to Watch in 2025
Get ready to rock! These Northwest Ohio bands are bringing fresh sounds and unforgettable performances to the 2025 music scene. Pur
Acoustics For Autism 2025
The coming of spring is brings one of Toledo’s biggest community events. Led by Project iAm, the 18th annual “Acoustics For Autism
Judy Collins: A Timeless Voice Still Shining at 85
Mark Twain once famously said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” It’s an adage fiercely
Listen Hear: Horse Lover Whips Up Catchy Jams for Local Music Scene
The Toledo music scene has a rich tradition of supporting organic, up–and–coming acts through live venues. You can also find local
Music Notes February 2025
Warren Haynes Band Grammy Award winning artist Warren Haynes has been recognized as a cornerstone of the American music landscape a
Listen Hear: Cincinnati’s Catlea
Based in Cincinnati with ties to NW Ohio, singer-songwriter and multi- instrumentalist Catlea’s musical style spans an eclectic spe
Daisy Chain Celebrates New Single “Mind Over Matter” with Sodbuster Release Party
Daisy Chain is a Toledo band regularly playing on weekends at venues booking and spotlighting original music in the area. The band
Jim Morrison Tribute Concert Supports Dyslexia Education in Toledo
For an unforgettable evening of music and community spirit join local restaurateur Phil Barone along with The Cruisers for a Jim Mo
Music Notes January 2025
Ramona Collins: Toledo’s Diva Audiences have known for quite some time this Toledo-based singer is one of the region’s true treasur
Leadfoot Granny’s Album Release Concert at Toledo’s Valentine Theater
Leadfoot Granny, get used to hearing their name! The young and dynamic rock band with an undeniable energy, is gearing up for their
Toledo Opera Seeks Resident Artists for 2025-2026 Season
The Toledo Opera is calling for applications for its 2025-2026 Resident Artist program. Open positions include soprano, mezzo-sopra
Listen Hear: Zak Ward Digs Deeper With Quader Guitars
Music is an artform that takes people on a wondrous journey. Some players tour in bands, while some are collectors who play at hom
Nikki D and The Sisters of Thunder Set to Electrify Duwey’s
Mark your calendars, 419 music fans! On Dec. 22, the Gospel & Blues band Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder will appear on stage at D
Toledo’s Own Dominick Gray Returns to TSA with Telesonic 9000
Dominick Gray returns to the Toledo School for the Arts stage with his solo project, Telesconic 9000. Telesonic 9000 will perform o
Music Notes December 2024
Jacob Sacks and Monroe High Band Monroe High Band joins Jacob Sacks for a special performance, Home for the Holiday on Saturday, De
Listen Hear: Ez Pickenz delivers balanced, tailored shows
Songs for folk, rock, blues and country fans Consisting of Matt Meeker, Mark Elder, Lyle Diefenthaler and Derrick Hudson, EZ Picken
The Spongebob Musical at The Croswell Opera House
Are you ready, kids? The Spongebob Musical takes The Croswell Opera House stage beginning Nov. 22. “Who lives in a pineapple under
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland at The Stranahan Theater
The Stranahan Theater presents A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland on Friday, Nov. 22. Transport yourself to Ireland with this
Jon Hendricks Memorial Scholarship Concert Postponed
The Jon Hendricks Memorial Scholarship Concert, featuring jazz musician Kate McGarry has been postponed to Wednesday, Dec. 4. The
Humanity Against Hurricanes: Local Bands Collect Supplies For Victims
In response to the devastating hurricanes that hit the Southeastern United States this year, local musicians, organizers, and bars
Perrysburg High School, Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorale Host Collaborative Concert
Perrysburg High School Symphony Orchestra, Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra and the Perrysburg Symphony Chorale have paired together f
Cork and Knife Provisions’ November Events
Cork and Knife Provisions has a lineup of fun events throughout the month of November. Enjoy delicious food, delightful ambiance an
Music Calendar November 2024
FRI, Nov. 1 Majestic Oak Winery: Engine 19 (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Zack Fletcher (acoustic) The Village Idiot: Hous
Ramona Collins Celebrates Birthday at Live! At Jazz Alley
Celebrate Ramona Collins’ birthday at Live! At Jazz Alley Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 pm to 9 pm. For over 50 years, Collins has been perf
Toledo Symphony Orchestra Signs 5 Year Agreement with Local 15-286
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra and Local 15-286 of the American Federation of Musicians recently announced the approval of a five-ye
Culture Clash Records Asking For Help
Culture Clash Records is asking for support throughout the end of the year. Toledo’s favorite record store asks for help to pay the
“Young Frankenstein” at The Croswell Opera House
The Croswell Opera House premiers Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein Oct. 19 through Oct. 27. The musical based on the movie will take
Music Calendar October 2024
TUE, Oct. 1 Urban Pine Winery: Abbigale (blues) Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Sessions: Tuesday Night Jazz The Village Idiot: Kyle Smither
Music Notes October 2024
Source at Frankie’s Fun Size Productions presents Source with other special guests at Frankie’s Toledo Wednesday, Oct. 9. Guests in
LIVE! at Jazz Alley presents The Quick Quartet
Live! at Jazz Alley returns to the Glass City Center this September. The Quick Quartet will perform in the first-floor corridor of
Tony Salazar Jr.: Toledo’s “Music Man”
In a music scene filled with incredible talent, one standout has always been singer/guitarist, Tony Salazar Jr. A lifelong Toledoa
School of Rock Presents “Best of 90’s and 2000s”
Calling all Zillennials! School of Rock Perrysburg Presents “Best of the 90’s and 2000s” on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1 pm to 4 pm. H
Music Calendar September 2024
SUN, Sept. 1 Majestic Oak Winery: Kevin Clark (acoustic) Latino’s: Grito Fest (latin) The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic Ottawa T
Sunshine Communities Welcomes Girl Named Tom in Anniversary Concert
Sunshine Communities is hosting a free public concert in uptown Maumee featuring American Folk band Girl Named Tom to celebrate the
Take An Adult Dance Class at DivaDance
Work up a sweat while you groove to the beat at DivaDance. DivaDance is offering fun, empowering adult dance classes in Toledo. Da
Music Notes September 2024
Fleetwood Gold at Maumee Indoor Fleetwood Gold brings the Fleetwood Mac Experience to Maumee on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 pm. Doors
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” In Concert Tour At The Stranahan
Immerse yourself into a concert experience like never before. Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert is coming to Toledo this August
Sixth Annual Oliver Hazard Day Returns to Waterville
The indie folk trio, Oliver Hazard, from Waterville, Ohio will be hosting the sixth annual Oliver Hazard Day Music Festival in thei
Wild for Music: Toledo Zoo Concerts Roundup 2024
Enjoy Music Under the Stars and amongst the animals at the Toledo Zoo. The zoo holds concerts throughout the year inside the Toledo
Stoney Ridge Winery’s 8th Annual Summer Music Fest Set for Next Weekend
Stoney Ridge Winery is gearing up for next weekend’s festivities at the 8th annual summer music festival, Stoney Stock Music Fest.
Quenched & Tempered Celebrates 2nd Anniversary With Block Party
The Quenched & Tempered 2nd Anniversary Collaboration Block Party is next weekend, Aug. 10 from noon to 5pm. Quenched & Tempered Br
Toledo Zoo Presents Music Under the Stars
As the Summer is starting to slow down the Toledo Zoo has a perfect way to spend the rest of those Summer Evenings with a night of
Music Calendar August 2024
THUR, Aug. 1 The Switchboard: Ocean Motion, The Currents, THE KB, & Foxing Day (rock) Walbridge Park Concert Series: Pat Lewandowsk
August Events at Centennial Terrace
Centennial Terrace is one of Northwest Ohio’s premier outdoor event and concert venues. The venue is located in Sylvania and can ho
Music Notes August 2024
Music at the Market The weekly Thursday Perrysburg Farmers Market hosts five live music performances at 7pm during August. On Aug.
Listen Hear: HD The Garage- Toledo’s Video Podcast Covering Music, Culture & Untold Stories
Storytelling is one of the oldest human art forms. Some of the stories and characters of the ages have been passed down while othe
Music Calendar July 2024
MON, July 1 The Village Idiot: Frank May (acoustic) Bar 145: Open Mic with Danny Strange TUE, July 2 Ottawa Tavern: Crossing I’s
30+ Of The Coolest Places In Toledo To Hear Live Music
Eager to enjoy a little nightlife? Music lovers can still enjoy tunes while social-distancing at a variety of local restaurants and
Paddle & Groove: Music on the Maumee
The Black Swamp Conservancy has a great new way for you to enjoy a summer evening in Toledo with a new concert series on the Maumee
Sofia Quintero Celebrating Traditional Latin Folkloric Dance
The Sofia Quintero Center is hosting an exhibition to celebrate and bring the art and history of Latin American dance to the commun
Music Notes July 2024
Paddle & Groove Music on the Maumee Black Swamp Conservancy launches a new concert series ON the Maumee River, on Wednesday, July 2
Toledo Opera Announces 2024-25 Resident Artists
The Toledo Opera has now selected five new people for their resident artists for 2024-2025 that will be working as touring artists.
Swell Magazine Coming This Summer
A new publication called Swell Magazine is coming this summer with a collection of creative art from a multitude of freelance creat
Northview Hosts Dueling Pianos Scholarship Fundraiser
A charitable event, the Northview Dueling Pianos performance will take place on Friday, June 28 from 6 pm to 10 pm. This night of m
Lake Erie Jazz Group: A Chat with Patrick McDonagh
What started out as a trio of friends getting together for jazz jam sessions evolved into a group of five playing together at vario
9th Annual Polish Summer Picnic This Weekend
The Toledo Area Polka Society (TAPS) is hosting its 9th annual Polish Summer Picnic sponsored by Genoa Bank. Polish picnics are a t
Milan’s Lauren Blackford Releases Debut EP
Seated comfortably at The Owl in Milan, Michigan, Lauren Blackford would likely be considered a “regular.” A native of the small to
Jazz on the Terrace Returns June 8
The Great Lakes Jazz Society is hosting Jazz on the Terrace at the Centennial Terrace on June 8 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Centennial Terr
Neil Young and Crazy Horse Perform at Pine Knob
As I’m walking into Pine Knob, it occurs to me that we’ve come full circle with the renaming of the legendary amphitheater in Clark
Music Notes June 2024
Ben Folds performing at the Toledo Symphony Start practicing folding your paper airplanes because Ben Folds brings his Paper Airpla
Live Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert Series Returns to Downtown Main Library
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library has announced the Summer 2024 lineup for the “Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert” serie
Meet The Vindys: An Ohio Band on a Major National Tour
Some artists are synonymous with a city; Detroit has Eminem, Boston–Aerosmith, New Jersey–Springsteen and now, Youngstown, Ohio has
Social Studies May 2024: Holy Toledo Polka Days
Photos by Christine Senack. They danced all weekend at the Holy Toledo Polka Days, which is truly a destination festival. Folks com
Enjoy Showtunes at the 3rd Annual “Lights, Camera, Action!” Broadway Fundraiser
The Perrysburg Chorale 3rd Annual “Light’s, Camera, Action!” Broadway Fundraiser is set for Friday, May 17 from 7 pm to 9 pm at Per
Toledo Opera Announces 2024-2025 Season
Toledo Opera announced that their 2024-2025 season will present two main stage productions, Tosca and South Pacific. Both of these
Music Calendar May 2024
WED, May 1 Sodbuster Bar: Ragtime Rick & His Chefs of Dixieland (jazz) THUR, May 2 Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Hector Mendoza (g
Susan Montgomery Brings People Together Through Music, Children’s Books
Rogers High School and BGSU graduate Susan Montgomery is an artist, author and musician who uses her creativity to cope with chroni