Junip / Thursday, April 21st at The Grog Shop
Junip are a Swedish trio from Gothenburg, led by Argentinian bard Jose Gonzalez. They have been together for more than 11 years, though they've been on hiatus while Gonzalez pursued a solo career; in fact, it has taken close to 10 years to record their first full-length album, Fields. Gonzalez' stirring cover of The Knife’s "Heartbeats" garnered him considerable indie acclaim – and an international following. Last time in town, Gonzalez was flying solo, taking to the Grog Shop stage and delivering a standout performance, his trademark vocals literally set the stage for an intimate evening. Junip's minimalist indie-pop meets psych-folk recalls the finer elements of The Radio Dept. blended with Nick Drake. If Gonzalez' solo gig was any indication (and it was), the Junip show is a don't miss. Openers Acrylics are a Brooklyn lo-fi duo who make breathy acoustic jewels straight out of the '80s.
WATCH: Junip - "Always"
DJ Kishka / Monday, April 25th at The Happy Dog, Parkview Nite Club and Reddstone
Dyngus Day is the name for the Monday after Easter, as it is celebrated in Poland and Eastern Europe. This holiday is observed in a modern fashion with festivities annually in Chicago, Pittsburgh and the largest taking place in Buffalo. Given the large Polish population in Northeast Ohio, it comes as no surprise that the reigning King of Cleveland Polka aka DJ Kishka (Justin Gorski) is the driving force behind Cleveland's own Dyngus Day celebration on April 25. The Kishka-led festivities will revolve around the "Polish Triangle," with The Happy Dog, Parkview Nite Club and Reddstone all wanting to find out "Who Stole the Kishka?" Expect an abundance of Polish pride, food (including the Umami Moto food truck, which will be camped outside the Happy Dog, serving up Polish goodies), live polka bands, multiple sets by DJ Kishka and undoubtedly plenty of beer.
