Photos and words by Genevieve Krejci
Growing up in Cleveland as a music fan was a stroke of luck, and I can proudly say it has long been a city with music at its heart. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, countless live music venues and the newly launched Cuyahoga LIVE!, a county-led initiative aimed at strengthening the local music scene and supporting artists, Northeast Ohio stands out as a premier destination for live entertainment. One beloved venue, the Grog Shop, has been a staple of Cleveland’s West Side since the ’90s, hosting an impressive lineup of artists over the years, from Oasis to Wiz Khalifa. On March 30, the venue kept that legacy alive with Joe Brown Band, Late Arrival and Liam Brock, a surprising powerhouse lineup for a Sunday night.
Liam Brock
Liam Brock kicked off the night with an equally intimate and passionate performance. At just 22, he’s already carved out a name for himself in Cleveland’s music scene, sharing stages with bigger acts like Arcy Drive. The moment he stepped under the warm stage lights, framed by a red curtain, acoustic guitar in hand and a rich, full voice, it was clear that a live show’s energy is the thing that makes him tick.
His music, a fusion of shoegaze and raw indie rock, carried a depth that was impossible to ignore. He played a handful of originals, each with its own distinct energy, woven together by an emotional weight that lingered long after the final note. Some of the standout tracks that caught my ear included “Sit Around” and “Words.”
One moment that has stayed in my mind was when Brock debuted a new song about billionaires’ greed, reminiscent of Cage The Elephant with its moody, textured sound and clever lyrics. As he played, I noticed audience members leaning in, exchanging knowing glances and nods of approval, a clear sign that the song had struck a chord.
What truly set Brock apart was his crowdwork. Between songs, he took moments to share the inspirations behind his lyrics, offering a glimpse into his creative world. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that transforms passive listeners into engaged fans. His performance felt like a shared experience.
Late Arrival
Late Arrival, a four-piece indie rock band out of Columbus, Ohio, played a great show, starting off strong with a dynamic mix of originals like their newest single, “The Drive Home,” and reimagined covers that kept the crowd on its toes. An example of one of these covers? A grunge-infused take on Sabrina Carpenter’s hits, which made me wonder what genre she actually belongs in. The band’s upbeat yet unpolished sound gave familiar tracks a gritty new edge.
Creating a memorable performance isn’t easy, but Late Arrival pulled it off with two moments. First, they handed out pink glasses with custom writing on the lenses, which certainly made me feel inclined to enjoy the set more, and later, lead singer Caleb Triplett grabbed a megaphone mid-song, distorting his voice and bringing up the crowd’s energy, which steered you to stop and listen.
While I personally preferred their covers to their originals, Late Arrival still delivered an impressive live performance, and it would be worth your time to see them.
Joe Brown Band
Now for the main act of the evening: Joe Brown Band. This performance was something to admire for those who appreciate music not just for its sound but for the sheer skill it takes to play it.
Joe Brown, a local musician and artist-in-residence at the Rock Hall, describes his style as “modern music for the vintage soul.” Backed by bassist Quinn Brown, guitarist and backing vocalist Dom Lamarca and drummer Brian Fink, he delivered a set filled with rich, full-bodied songs that seemed to wrap around the audience.
Brown’s smooth, resonant voice paired effortlessly with his masterful guitar work as he moved seamlessly through genres like rock and folk, keeping feet tapping and heads nodding throughout the night. His stage presence was magnetic, and every note carried a sense of passion and ease. The best way I can describe the feeling of listening to the band is the word “light.” Their music felt effortless, immersive and deeply enjoyable. I could have listened to them for hours. In recent years, Brown has released a handful of singles that are perfect for a slow and lazy day.
This show was a fantastic showcase of local talent and a reminder of why supporting independent venues and artists matters. The camaraderie between the musicians, not just on stage, but in the moments between sets, was one of my favorite parts of the entire show. They genuinely celebrated each other’s music, exchanging compliments and recognizing each other’s craft. That kind of mutual support made it easy to root for every artist who performed. Music isn’t just about sound; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that thrives on community, and this show was proof of that.
Polyvox Magazine 
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