Lakewood has always been known as a hub of the arts, both locally and nationally. That reputation was on display Feb. 24 at the Winchester Music Tavern during “Blues for Greeny.”
This show highlighted and covered the songs of noted performer and founding Fleetwood Mac member, Peter Green.
The concert was a celebration of his music, with special guests Dude Cervantes and the Panchos performing two sets: one of Peter Green covers and another of Cervantes’ original music.
“I just didn’t expect anyone to do a Peter Green show in Ohio,” attendee Kim Santagata said. “I looked forward to coming here, and I have liked the show so far.”
The concert provided an opportunity for multiple communities to unite. Dude Cervantes and his band traveled from San Diego to perform here in Lakewood.
The group is embarking on a North American tour with stops across the United States and Canada. The Lakewood show was the third date of their 11-legged tour.
These bands provide an outlet for fans of Green, who is often an underappreciated musician. As a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, he helped the band garner traction as a blues act before it became extremely popular with its later pop-rock hits.
“People need an outlet to go out and have fun listening to live music,” said concert worker Cameron Campana. “People need to go out and have a good time with everything that’s going on these days.”
The doors opened at 6 p.m. Feb. 24. Attendees arrived throughout the hour, and the band took the stage at 7 p.m.
After taking the stage and completing a sound check, the band immediately jumped into their performance, a Green song lasting 15 minutes.
The performance was full of the stops you’d expect from a live blues show — intense riffs and body-shaking drums. The band employed a two-guitar system with both guitarists playing in tandem, creating a live sound that is rarely found at concerts these days.
After a set of lengthy Green songs, the band transitioned into its original material, showcasing songs brought all the way from San Diego.
The performance lasted about three hours, and concluded with a bang. The band thanked the audience before departing for their next show in St. Catharines, Ontario. The atmosphere of the tavern turned to that of a restaurant
and bar, and the stage stood empty, waiting for its next show.
These bands foster a community where people can socialize and relieve their stress from the day by listening to music from the past. Fans connect through common musical tastes and shared experiences.
Attendees connect at events like these while supporting up-and-coming artists who are making
a name for themselves.
“I think it’s great for the community. I mean, you look around, and you see packed houses and everyone getting together and fraternizing,” said audio engineer Austin McMakin. “And it’s actually really awesome to sit back here and see shows and see everyone interacting in the crowd while you’re enjoying the band.”
These venues also provide a livelihood for artists and offer an escape from the day-to-day grind of life.
“I think this might be the first time I’ve been in Lakewood,” Santagata said. “I remember driving down the road, and I said, ‘Oh, I hear people talking about this restaurant and that restaurant.’ So I guess I never ventured this far.”
With all these factors in play, these venues don’t just provide an outlet for musicians and fans; they build community, create connections and foster an environment unique to Lakewood—one of good food, family and friends, and perhaps most importantly, good music.
“It brings people together,” Campana said. “It’s fun, people just need to go out and have a good time.”
