Tonight’s adventure has me at the Bop Stop in Cleveland. WINNER of the FOX 8 BUZZ LIST “Nightlife Spots” category as well as the WINNER of Scene Magazine’s “Best of Cleveland: BEST JAZZ CLUB”

This place is really cool and purposely set up for live entertainment. The circular design makes every seat a great view and keeps the sound flowing smoothly throughout the space for excellent acoustics. “Night Terrors” a band from the Cleveland/Akron area takes the stage tonight.

So how did I end up in a jazz bar on a Wednesday night in Cleveland??? Well I know the star of tonight’s show of coarse. Lol
The guitar player Tim Mirth grew up in North East PA and was a year ahead of me in High School. I’ve known the Mirth family for a long time and was able to catch Tim playing in a show a year ago at the Kings Rook Club in Erie. Since I’m one of his fans on Facebook I saw the opportunity to make tonight into a musical adventure.

If you haven’t seen Tim play the guitar before it’s mesmerizing. I would have to say Tim is more of a magician than a musician, when a guitar is in his hands its magical.

Here’s the Bio’s that I found while looking up tonight’s show on these guys, it sums things up quickly so you can get to know them a little bit too.

Tim Mirth(electric guitar) is an Akron, OH musician with a love for everything from jazz to the darkest death metal to the sweet sounds of singer songwriters. Tim began his musical journey at 10 years of age after moving to a new town with no friends. After sneaking up in the attic to play his father’s guitar he instantly became obsessed with the strung instrument and gave up any attempt at other pursuits. The music he created, created him.

Tim has performed music in various ensembles and solo performances ranging from classical guitar recitals, Jazz Metal in his band Red Side Visible, jazz fusion in Paul Stranahan’s various ensembles and modern metal band Ceterum. Tim is a constant creator and can be observed releasing new music on almost a weekly basis on his website (www.timmirth.com) . This music covers a kaleidoscope of musical styles. He has performed extensively in the North East Ohio area along with gigs in NYC, Chicago, Germany and France among others.

Composition and improvisational exploration are Tim’s main interests. He has spent many years studying harmonic and rhythmic theory to understand the noises ringing in his head. His obsession with music gets him up at 5 am every day so he can practice and work out ideas before heading to his day gig as an electrical engineer. Because of this job, Tim is free to explore his inspirations without the ramifications of reality biting at a starving musician. He creates to share his creations.

Tim didn’t put on the show alone. Paul a super nice guy and one hell of a percussionist was the other half of this rocking duo this evening. Below is Paul’s Bio. Check out both these guys and show our amazing local talent some love ❤️.

Paul Stranahan (drums, gong array, marimba, singing bowls, drums) is a percussionist, composer, and drum teacher. He’s led his own groups such as the modern jazz Paul Stranahan Trio, the avant/fusion band PSI-Paul Stranahan’s Insomnia and the experimental group Night Terrors. Abstract Logix, a progressive instrumental magazine, said of Paul , “As a drummer leading an ensemble with self-penned compositions Paul is occupying a mantle that few can approach.” A career highlight for Paul was when his trio and Red Side Visible (an avant/metal group Paul plays drums in and composes for) were two of the four American bands out of hundreds of applicants that were selected to perform in Belfort, France at FIMU (Festival International de Musique Universitaire). He also has a double CD release appropriately called “Gong and Singing Bowl Improvisations” on the Infinite Number of Sounds Label.

http://www.paulstranahan.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/paulstranahan
(I Referenced Bop Stop’s Website for these Bio’s)

More than just a night life music hang out the Bop Stop suports the comunity with kids programs and more. Here is what is what they have posted on their website as their quick over view.

Donated to The Music Settlement in late 2013, BOP STOP is the place to see high-quality up-and-coming and well-established acts on the near-West side. All programming is booked by the staff at The Music Settlement; with a century’s worth of musical expertise, you can be sure that a night out at the BOP STOP is always worthwhile.

 Additionally, when you buy tickets for a BOP STOP show, or buy food and drinks at our venue, your purchase helps to support The Music Settlement and its many programs. Featuring tiered seating and an open floor plan, there’s not a bad seat in the house. We also have a free parking lot adjacent to the building.

We are happy to feature artwork from local artists. BOP STOP at The Music Settlement  also partners with Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen to showcase local chefs and local food. Arrive early for snacks and drinks at the beautiful bar. Food service begins 30 minutes prior to each performances and continues through the evening. 

I look forward to catching some more shows here in the future and posibly writing a more indepth review or even making a dedicated page for the website.

Sean’s Tip – The menu is more snacks and appetizers so if you are hungry get there early and head across the street to the brew pub for some pizza. 

Come join the fun as I explore my tri-state area and beyond. See my adventures in real time on Facebook and Instagram. Feel free to interact and see what I’m up to for the day. Also check out my YouTube channel for more details and information about my adventures. By following along with my Pinterest posts you will see the Ideas I have for future activities as well as pictures and posts from my previous adventures. I’m so glad you are now part of the adventure. Explore the website for more blog posts, ideas and things that are happening .