On a quiet Wednesday night in downtown Kent, a band stirred the silence with a powerful performance and drew me in to the local tavern, Stone Tavern to be precise. Local art pieces. Vinyl records. Stocked Refrigerators. Tapestries. Beards, Buns, and Beer. These are a few of many secret eclectic ingredients to the whimsical yet right-at-home vibes that the Stone Tavern of Kent, Ohio has to offer. A tavern, record shop, and venue all wrapped in one, Stone Tavern is a second home for townies and students alike. In my recent 21st revolution around the sun, Stone tavern has been a go-to for me as it has the ability to freeze time as you walk through the entry way. Eyes adjusting to the dimness, you are greeted with a lounge laced with rows and rows of multi-tiered stands filled with record delights. Turn left and you're immediately where you need to be: the bar. Once you take a good few minutes mulling over the variety of beers on tap, you order your pint and sit on one of the black cushioned stools that span the length of the bar, where you're presented with a cozy stage that looks like it'll barely permit room for the musicians once they're set up, but it does. And you're surrounded with all of these elements that are the reasoning behind the goofy smile that rests on your face. You're at home.
Fortunately I had the opportunity to catch the opening band, Cherry Cola Champions, during their final song. After I ordered my IPA I took a spot at the bar and let the 3-man group shake the chill from the room that lingered from my entry. Cherry Cola Champions consist of 3 (previously 2) guys with a simple set up and a not so simple sound. Labeling themselves as an alternative rock band, CCC has a unique sound that combines cymbal heavy drumming, lengthy seesaw pitched vocals, and personal lyrics that are as colourful as their self-titled artwork. An intriguing combination, to say the least.
I did get a chance to meet the guys after the show and they were kind enough to spare a sale by donating their album on record format to the VinylholicsAnon inventory since I only caught one song…and realized that plastic is not always a functional pay option in small venues. The trio autographed a beautiful coke brown record that I have spun many a time in the past week. Head over to this post where I give a full review of the self-titled album and encounter with the guys of Cherry Cola Champions.
Following CCC came the headlining band of the night, Magnet School, all the way from Texas. The 4 piece alt/indie rock shared a killer set that sustained the mellow vibes that flooded the venue. Playing a very new single entitled British Monuments, Magnet School managed to grasp anyone and everyone's attention in the room whose attention may have lied elsewhere as their very memorable original swiftly switched up tempo a fraction through the song. The sound was incredible as well as the impression it left as everyone applauded their final performance for the night leaving the crowd exhausted, yet content.
A big thank you to Magnet School for the download card of their new single which you can find here. And a big thank you to Cherry Cola Champions for their random act of kindness and sharing their music with a new fan. Check out Stone Tavern located on 110 East Main Street in Kent, Ohio. The stars, vibes, and IPA's are all aligned. I'll see you there.
Pint o' the night: Victory Vital IPA
Band Below: Magnet School
All photos belong to Vinylholics Anonymous