The Grove is a Cincinnati based rock band that draws from an impressive range of influences to forge their hard-hitting, yet emotive, signature sound.  Built around the songs of lead vocalist/guitarist Adam Forsthoefel, the band has been described as, "The Black Crowes meets The Red Hot Chili Peppers"; careful listeners will also hear shades of everything from Stevie Ray Vaughan to the Killers.  The Grove’s origins were in the band SomeDaze, started by Forsthoefel and drummer Jeff Voegele, who attended high school together in Anderson, Ohio. SomeDaze quickly became one of the hot upcoming bands in Cincinnati, with performances at local clubs and festivals as well as several appearances on Cincinnati’s local news channel Fox 19. While the band’s reputation grew, Forsthoefel became known in his own rite as a local guitar phenomenon. He was regularly invited to open Cincinnati Reds games at the Great American Ball Park with his rendition of the national anthem, and made the rounds doing interviews for local radio stations and NPR.  After High School, Forsthoefel and Voegele moved to Athens, OH to attend Ohio University, where they started playing with local Athens players at venues such as Jackie O’s and The Union. Eventually they joined with members of the band Standing on Friday, and rehearsals began at their house on Grosvenor Street. These rehearsals at “The Grove” started becoming informal shows; it wasn’t long before the band that was born there became a mainstay of the Athens music scene, releasing their debut CD “Procuriosity” in December of 2012. In addition to playing in Athens, The Grove made frequent trips back to Cincinnati, playing local music festivals and at the famed Fountain Square.  When Forsthoefel and Voegele returned to Cincinnati after graduation, they decided to keep The Grove alive and added new members to replace those it had left in Athens-Adam’s brother Matthew Forsthoefel on keyboards, and bassist Matt Holt (Bolt) holding down the low end. They then quickly got to work re-introducing themselves to the Cincinnati scene, playing local buzz rooms like The Northside Tavern, Bogarts, Madison Theater, Stanley's Pub, and The Backstage Café. The band continues to write and record new music while winning new fans with their energetic live show and solid musicianship.

The Noah Wotherspoon Band hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. Wotherspoon has been immersed in the blues and mesmerizing audiences with his soulful guitar playing since he was a teenager. The band, which includes Rob Thaxton on bass and Brian Aylor on drums, formed in 2009. In 2015, Wotherspoon received the Best Guitarist Award at the International Blues Challenge and the band placed 2nd in the Finals. Since the competition, they have been playing festivals and venues around the world, from the Mt. Baker Blues Festival in Washington to the Olsztyn Blues Nights Festival in Poland. The band's debut studio album entitled "Mystic Mud" was also presented a "Jimi Award" for Best Blues/Rock Album of the Year in 2015 by Blues411.

Ben Levin is a pianist/vocalist based in Cincinnati, OH. Ben has released five albums on the Vizztone Label Group and has four Blues Music Award nominations including best piano player of the year (2025).

Brother Smith is a young six piece band, native to the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area. Led by Brothers Wes and Aaron Smith, the group has created a unique blend mixing the heart of Country, the creativity of Funk, and the passion of Soul.  Brother Smith’s humble beginning as two brothers with a passion for music quickly grew into a family with desire and ability to convey that same emotion through a larger sound. This organic and soulful approach breathes life into sounds of the yesteryear.  Brother Smith’s influences range from The Eagles, Boston and Steve Miller Band, to James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Kirk Franklin. Brother Smith has also had opportunities to share stages with Sundy Best, Moon Taxi and many more.

Songwriter - Artist - Storyteller Michael Moeller is a songwriter, artist, and musician from the flatlands east of Cincinnati, Ohio. For the people around there, his music is a unique take on familiar tales. For everyone else, it is a fresh look into a midwestern river city life made into song.   Michael is a seasoned performer with years of solo acoustic shows filling the calendar along with full band shows accompanied by his backing band, The Ohio River Authority. With influences like Chris Ledoux, Guy Clark, Eric Church, and Justin Townes Earl, he pulls aspects of those legends into his unique delivery of original music that is heavily focused on lyrics and story. His songs are grounded in sincerity above all else. The goal is to make sure the audience knows he believes in the words he is singing. Whether performing solo acoustic sets or with The Ohio River Authority, Michael connects deeply with audiences who crave authenticity over polish. His studio efforts have produced 2 EPs and 1 single to date with more in production. In 2014, he debuted the Michael Moeller EP with his first collection of songs to present himself as an artist and songwriter. In 2021, he released the EP Can't See The Stars. On Leap Day of 2024, he released his latest single, Band Aid Boy, for his son who celebrates his birthday on the shy Feb 29th. With more songs in production, there will be release dates announced in 2026 for singles and EPs.

Freak Mythology was formed in 2012 as a psychedelic and funk rock experiment in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their debut self-titled album was released in April of 2017, landing them spots at music festivals (Hippie Fest in Athens, Ohio), song placement of their single “Headed Out” in a French short film, an Album of the Year Award 2017 by UK Rock blog “Pete’s Rock News and Views”, features in The Jamwich Magazine, and numerous large local shows in Cincinnati. Their singles from the first album 'Wake Up', 'Haunting Me’, and ‘House Arrest’ have made it onto numerous college radio stations across the U.S. as well as local stations in Cincinnati. In August of 2017, Freak Mythology placed 1st in the Cincinnati’s Next Big Band Competition, winning a cash prize as well as studio time in one of Cincinnati’s top studios, where they are currently in the process of recording their 2nd album. During this same period, they played heavily in the Cincinnati music scene, opening up for some of the top local acts and making a name for themselves with their tight knit and loyal fanbase. Press and Reviews of Freak Mythology: "Discovering Freak Mythology, a four piece from Cincinnati, is a refreshing breath of Americana-embedded alternative rock and roll." — Charles Frank - The Jamwich Magazine "That’s the great thing about what I do, every once in a while you get to hear that band that just ‘clicks’. Freak Mythology clicks." — Pete Divine - Pete's Rock News and Views “Truly stunning varied selection - current and original yet so evocative of years gone by - a true pleasure to have heard it” - Donald Strachen

Heavy Hinges is a sublime ruckus… a beautiful collision of rock, soul, gospel, and roots music. When Heavy Hinges came about in early 2012, their earliest sessions were taken on with heavy hearts.  Three of the five members had recently suffered heartbreaking and unexpected loss of loved ones and were still very much coping.  While the music they were creating was conceived from a place of sadness, what came forth from them was rather spirited and in a way celebratory… a revival of sorts. Initially, the group gravitated toward playing old traditional numbers, unearthed from field recordings of chain gangs, gospel groups, and fishing boat crews. They found the coarse and rustic nature of the music and the dark, yet hopeful imagery of the lyrics suited them well. While songs from the past proved inspiring and fruitful, it was never their intention to travel down a musical path quite that narrow.  So, they began writing their own story, adding more layers to their evolving style. They frequently referenced the gospel groups, chain gangs, and fishing crews from those old recordings, all the while remaining true to their existing foundation of r&b, blues, and rock & roll… Heavy Hinges have just released the follow-up to their acclaimed albums Mean Old City and Cause a Scene with their latest effort entitled Lonely. The band is currently supporting the newly released EP with live performances and a series of radio interviews and on-air performances. Heavy Hinges is planning a fall/winter tour later this year.

Every Revolution Needs a Soundtrack As a concept band, their music follows a story written by lead singer Frankie Hill which speaks of love, retribution, betrayal and deception. The group originally broke onto the Cincinnati music scene in 2010 with their debut album “Act 1: Stereo Ground”. The Last Troubadour quickly gained notoriety by combining the silky sounds of the saxophone with the raw energy of a rock band. Continuing into “Act 2: A Thousand Wars” their songs are composed of clever lyrics and catchy hooks that keeps the audience immersed and eager for the release of “Act 3”.

Matt Waters is the rock and blues, bringing a sound and a show to crowds all over the country. Starting as a soulful singer-songwriter, Waters has grown into strong frontman who owns the stage and audience with the help of his bandmates. The show is nothing short of a groove that renders chairs useless when venues turn into an all-out dance floor. This is an up and comer to keep your eyes on as the time goes on with the release of his new single “Wild” there is nothing but high expectations for the trajectory of his career.

Ryan Malott of 500 Miles to Memphis

Veronica Grim is not just a name, it’s five-alarm-rock-and-roll-fire. Featuring Veronica Grim (vocal, acoustic guitar), John Campbell (bass), Nathan Hickey (percussion), Daniel Espinoza (lead guitar) and Dick Gross (guitar) the energy of their live performances is Midwestern Legend. Fusing classic rock n roll, shoegaze, punk, psychobilly and Americana, Veronica Grim has a sound all their own. Having lived and performed in New Orleans and Los Angeles, this group of firebrands has settled in Cincinnati, OH as their base of operations. For fans of Blondie, Social Distortion and Heart, this group will make you dance, pump your fist and beg for more. Check out their latest EP “Summer Goth” now streaming on all platforms!  

Hailing from the Cincinnati area, Matt St. George is an all-oringal band that seamlessly blends acoustic rock, traditional rock and alternative music. Having shared the stage with notable acts such as Blessed Union Of Souls, Blues Traveler and Cincinnati's own July for Kings, Matt St. George has proven their ability to command attention and leave a lasting impression. Their energetic and captivating live shows have graced iconic venues like Fountain Square, MOTR Pub, Blind Bobs and The Southgate House Revival.  Named after the charismatic frontman, Matt St. George, their performances showcase a versatility that sets them apart.  In 2016, the band marked a significant milestone with the release of their debut EP, "The Journey Ahead", which quickly found its way onto various music streaming platforms. They recently released their new album called "A Moment In Time" in 2024.    

Alternative, Indie, Grunge, Psychedelic rock from Cincinnati, OH.