Area 51 is back together and performing again, to the delight of their fans, for the fourth time in eleven years. You can catch them tonight (12/30) at Quench Bar & Grill, on New Years Eve at the Clark Bar, and on 1/27 at Cricket's. Better catch one or more of these shows because it's anyone's guess how long they'll last this time!

John McGreevey deserves a special "thank you" for his generous unsolicited donation to this website. John played in area bands in the 70's and has returned home from Toledo to take the stage at the Blues Benefit Reunion Concerts the past three years. In fact, you can listen to him play in videos from those concerts on this site. Although he no longer resides in the Valley, John appreciates this site's support of local live music and asked if he could help with a contribution, which was gratefully accepted. Thanks again, John.

It has been suggested that I put a "Donate" link button, or something similar, on this page to help with the expenses of maintaining this website and related travel costs. I don't use a tip jar when I play, and you probably won't ever see that button here, either. But, just as I don't turn down unsolicited customer tips, I won't refuse site donations. The Sponsors ads in the column to your right have always been my primary plan for offsetting expenses. Unfortunately I haven't made the effort to "pound the pavement" (the current sponsors have all approached me for ads), but I hope to change that situation soon. Meanwhile, if your business, or a friend's business, would like to be seen in 10,000+ page views/month in an ad on this site, please email so we can discuss it. It's cheaper than you can imagine. The details are at the bottom of the Sponsors page. And, dear readers, please tell my sponsors that you saw their ad here.

More original music by local musicians in the MVLiveMusic.com player, thanks to Modern Roots, LJ Fortier, Signature Event, and Frankie Hunkus...

Frankie sent in two songs that demonstrate his diverse talents - acoustic ballad "Shade Tree", and "The Chase", a rockin' instrumental.

Austintown's Signature Event describes their "Context" release, and tunes "6/8" and "The Question", as tracing "various genres and soundscapes; it is a multitextured collection that explores the meaning of existence, 21st century surveillance paranoia, the infinite chambers of the subconscious, and the last echoes of the death of that consciousness."

LJ Fortier submitted his CD collection of vintage recordings of his 70's band Freeman Sound, appropriately titled "LJ's Mix". I have included two tracks here - LJ's "Time Has No Sympathy", and "Wanting To Be Free", penned by bandmate John Harrow. You can also watch videos of John and LJ performing as Freeman Sound at the 2011 Breast Cancer Benefit Reunion.

Modern Roots also graciously mailed their CD "No Apologies". You can hear two cuts here, "Strike" by guitarist Ken Baker and "As If We Knew" by keyboardist Jeff Alviani. Jeff recorded five albums with "Mississippi Magic" Terry Evans, along with Ry Cooder and Jim Keltner, before returning to Ohio and joining Modern Roots. The band will be playing at Fernengels this Saturday, 1/21.

Scroll down through the music player list to hear the new additions without waiting for them in random play. Check out the artists' websites for additional music and information.

Did you notice the new "Link-back Friends" banner? This site has links to over 1,300 band/musician and venue pages. Many return the favor by linking back to MVLiveMusic.com. The banner pays recognition to those who honor us with a link. If you install a link to this site on your web page (or you already have one that I missed), please let me know and I will add your site to the banner.

Fifth Anniversay 2/2007 - 2/2012 ...  It's been fun so far, even considering the last five years have been a struggle for live music in the Valley. The scene is starting to improve and the next five years should be a gas! Mahoning Valley Live Music will continue to keep you informed about the local bands and where they're playing. Meanwhile, here's what we've accomplished so far:

• Over 700 local bands and musicians listed.
• 500+ live music venues listed.
• 1,300 links to band and venue websites.
• 60-120 live music events listed per week (that's 20,000 so far!)
• 89 original songs in the music player.
• 793 band videos uploaded since October 2008.
• Over 10,000 page views per month! (this site - YouTube and Photobucket pages not included in count)

Thanks to all my visitors, the bands, the sponsors, and the bars that have been supporting this site.

Bands wanted for Mustang’s Rockin’ Night Out...
Beth Glancy is seeking bands to perform at the fourth annual Mustang’s Rockin’ Night Out, May 12th, Yankee Lake Ballroom (Bootleggers Saloon). MVLiveMusic attended the last couple and this one will be another great show that you won't want to miss... click here to read more

Guys Without Ties Band Celebrates 20th Anniversary...
Local band Guys Without Ties will celebrate 20 years of music this year, reports Dale Janus, founding member. The band was started in January 1992 by Dale Janus, Bill Hrusovsky and Dr. Tom Abruzzi. They wanted a horn driven rock band that would integrate the power of a brass section with all varieties of rock and pop music... click here to read more