The 4th Fridays Concert Series at Brothers Lounge – Wine Bar highlights the incredible talents of Cleveland’s own Tracy Marie coupled with a special guest each month.
The series delivers an initial set by host, Tracy Marie, followed by a solo set from her guest performer. The true highlight of the evening comes in the final set, when the two artists join together on stage to collaborate.
Tracy Marie is known for her powerful and soulful voice. She has been a staple in the Cleveland music scene for decades, receiving various accolades and awards over the years. In person, there are no titles needed to let you know she is incredible—just sit back and allow the strength and passion of her voice wash over you.
This past Friday, October 27th, Tracy Marie was joined by Jim Volk – a Cleveland native, currently residing in Columbus. Known for his amazing guitar playing, Volk melds various styles and techniques into intricate adventures of musicianship. Coupled with a velvety, smooth voice he is able to traverse the boundaries of genre and form, creating a one-of-a-kind musical experience each time he performs.
Tracy Marie was already on stage as I arrived on Friday, playing to a packed house. Finding only standing room at the bar, the energy and engagement of the entire audience was palpable and pulled me in immediately. When Tracy Marie leaned back and opened up those pipes of hers, the audience responded with equal enthusiasm—clearly expressing their approval in both whispers of amazement and cheers of encouragement.
When Jim Volk took to the stage he dove straight into his craft with a fervor that could be felt throughout the venue. His performance was clearly anticipated by many in attendance, and he did not disappoint. As the audience threw out requests and suggestions, Volk did not choose which to perform—instead, he blended them together into a unique and engaging patchwork piece of musical art.
As Tracy Marie returned to the stage for their joint set the two artists worked with the audience through various ideas for what to perform. They dove into what Tracy Marie coined the “Wing-It Set,” as they don’t talk about what they are playing ahead of time or create an anticipated set list. They managed to land on a handful of songs that played the power and passion of Tracy Marie’s voice into the fusion of fire driven by Jim Volk’s guitar.
Definitely a night of incredible musicianship and a live performance experience nobody in attendance will forget.
I would highly suggest keeping count of your Fridays in the coming months and making your way over to Brothers Lounge to catch the next round of Tracy Marie’s 4th Friday Concert Series. In November Zach Freidhof will be bringing his messages of peace and love to uplift the evening. Show times are 8pm to 11pm, with approximately an hour devoted to each set.