The Solidarity Series: Brent Kirby and Jim Ballard

The Solidarity Series7:00pm - 9:00pmSponsored by the Morning Glory Angel and AFM Local 4Brent Kirbys music has been called Main Character music, which is reflective of the personal emotion and collective perspective he offers in his songs. His performances are reflective in nature, with the listeners often finding themselves as a catalyst in the song. Kirbys universal lyrics are on the surface specific and at the same time deeply layered, where the audience can find a common and personal point of relation and entry into the song. His soulful voice is both unique and soothing, colored with weathered age and experience. In 2022, Brent was voted Best Folk by the Cleveland Music Awards and nominated for Best Songwriter by the Cleveland Scene. Kirby was especially proud of the Best Folk award, saying I try hard to be a good example, and treat people with respect. In addition to the 2022 Cleveland Music Awards and Cleveland Scene Awards, he was voted in 2013, the Best Singer and also Best Male Vocal by the Cleveland Scene, and 2012, he was voted Best Musician. When he is not playing solo or with his solo band, he writes the tunes and fronts the Jack Fords, leads the monthly revival of Gram Parsons with The New Soft Shoe, and plays drums for Doug McKean and The Stuntmen, and the talented Cleveland holiday band, the Ohio City Singers. His 10 x 3 Songwriter showcase weekly series at the Bop Stop has created an encouraging, vibrant original music scene. Kirby has shared the stage with Squeeze, Elizabeth Cook, Edwin McCain, Jorma Kakounen, Ellis Paul, Michael Stanley, Will Hoge, John Eddie, Band of Heathens, Southside Johnny, Blind Boys of Alabama, Bottlerockets, Augustana, Devon Allman, The Yayhoos, James Gang, Marah, The Trews, Dave Alvin, Paul Thorn, Elephant Revival, American Aquarium, Bobby Keys, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Raul Malo, The Waco Brothers, Tab Benoit, among many others.