We talk with Cleveland Scene music writer Jeff Niesel ahead of this month’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions. He shares his views on the class, Devo’s snub and what he learned from his recent interview with inductees, the Go-Gos.

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Cleveland Scene's Jeff Niesel on the 2021 Rock Hall Class and Chatting with the Go-Go's

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will induct its newest class this month. And while the spotlight will shine on icons from Tina Turner to The Go-Gos, the Rock Hall is sharing the stage with the musicians right outside its doors. We look at the evolving relationship between music’s past and present in Cleveland. Music featured in this episode: Sarah Bailey, Uptight Sugar.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Turns the Spotlight on Cleveland's Music Scene

On Oct. 1, Cleveland indie artist Holden Laurence releases his new EP, 'Floating, Drifting.' The six songs were written and recorded during the pandemic when Laurence was struggling with panic attacks and anxiety. He says finishing the album felt like "a cathartic breakthrough."

Holden Laurence Releases 'Cathartic' New EP

Cleveland trumpeter Theresa May talks about the challenges of navigating a classical music career for Black women, and a new nonprofit she helped create to break down those barriers. The Chromatic Brass Collective (CBC) is a national group of brass musicians that celebrates, performs, mentors and educates to increase the visibility of racially and ethnically underrepresented women and gender non-conforming people throughout the brass world.CBC recently launched $25,000 fundraising campaign to fund a mentor program, provide concerts, commission underrepresented composers and provide educational presentations. Contributions are being accepted through Oct. 4.

How Cleveland Trumpeter Theresa May is Working to Break Down Barriers for Black Women in the Classical World

Amanda Rabinowitz and Brittany Nader each share the new albums and music they're most looking forward to this fall. Featured in this episode: Free Black! Marc Lee Shannon, Jeff Klemm, JD Eicher, Samantha Grace/Big Pop.

Shuffle's Most Anticipated New Releases of Fall 2021

When musicians Ruby Rendrag and Suki Kuehn moved to Akron in August 2020, it marked 15 years since they experienced the devastation of Hurricane Katrina firsthand.

Eclectic Musical Duo Sunflurry Flee New Orleans and Grow New Roots in Akron

Cleveland singer-songwriter Emily Keener grabbed the nation's attention in 2016 as a finalist on The Voice. Now, she's serving with AmeriCorps and keeping the spirit of her music alive during this new adventure. Brittany Nader talked with Keener about her journey, her new album, "I Do Not Have to Be Good," and what's next for the indie-folk artist.

Since 'The Voice' Fame, Cleveland's Emily Keener Shows Independence, Growth with Latest Album

On Aug. 18, more than a dozen venues across Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown announced they would require that attendees show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of entering their doors.We look into how the policy will work, how it's being received and how some other upcoming events in the region are taking a slightly different approach.

Proof of Vaccination is the Ticket to Concerts in Northeast Ohio This Fall

Hear details about Akron's outdoor music festival, PorchRokr, which returns to the Highland Square neighborhood Saturday, Aug. 21. We also go through every hour of the schedule with our must-see picks!

Plan for PorchRokr 2021 with Shuffle’s Picks

A Cleveland artist described as a one-woman choir is out with an album that combines experimental music, guided meditation and breathing exercises. Listen back to our January conversation with Christa Ebert, who performs as Uno Lady. She says she hopes “GROUNDED” will help listeners find peace amid the stresses and anxieties of the pandemic.

'Music is My Medicine': Uno Lady’s Experimental Album Offers Guided Meditations for a Busy Mind

Brittany Nader talks with contributor Larry Gargus, who has been active in the Northeast Ohio music scene for decades, playing in bands like Persistent Aggressor and The Unholy Three. Larry started his own podcast, "Bleachmouth Post Script," during lockdown in 2020 to replicate the conversations he'd have at the bar or after concerts with other music fans. He also reflects on Akron's music scene past and present, and shares some of his local musical influences.

Musician and Podcaster Larry Gargus on Launching 'Bleachmouth Post Script' and His Akron Musical Influences

Children and their parents flocked to Akron’s Hardesty Park to attend a hip-hop “boot camp” this July. The event was hosted by Alien Arts, a new Akron nonprofit founded by Ameer Williamson, who performs as Minus the Alien. Williamson's organization is working with kids in the city to help them experience the four elements of hip-hop culture: DJing, MCing, breakdancing and graffiti art.

Alien Arts Uses Positive Hip-Hop to Inspire Akron Youth

On this week’s Shuffle, we catch up with Cleveland pianist Rob Kovacs. He's also known as 88-bit for his piano arrangements of classic Nintendo video game themes. This past year, he launched a solo career with an album 10 years in the making, 'Let Go.'

Pianist Rob Kovacs Reflects on His Emotional Debut Solo Album 10 Years in the Making

The pandemic brought down the curtain on The Cleveland Orchestra for a year and a half. This month, they finally returned to their summer home at Blossom Music Center. Hear the sounds and reflections from the orchestra’s first rehearsal back from the shutdown, along with a review of their summer schedule and more with ClevelandClassical.com founder and editor, Daniel Hathaway.

Sounds and Reflections from The Cleveland Orchestra's First Rehearsal in 16 Months

We reflect back on our favorite Shuffle episodes of 2020, from how artists adjusted to the pandemic, to a performance piece that speaks to the racial justice movement. We also explore how you can help local musicians recover from a year of lost shows. Artists featured in this episode: Justin Tibbs, ZOD1AC, Quinn Starkey, Mina Aevum.

A 2020 Look Back: The Pandemic, The Racial Justice Movement, and How Best to Support Local Artists

Shuffle is WKSU's weekly spin through Northeast Ohio's music scene. Join Morning Edition host Amanda Rabinowitz every Thursday as she checks with writers who are keeping tabs on what's going on in Rock, Folk, Rap, Classical... you name it. We'll be checking in regularly with the Akron Beacon-Journal, The Devil Strip, Cleveland Scene, Cleveland.com and more. If it's got a beat, you'll get a chance to learn more about it on Shuffle.

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