The Black Keys Live at the Agora

I made the 400 mile drive from New York to my hometown of Cleveland to see The Black Keys (one of my favorite bands) perform at The Agora (one of my favorite venues). Since The Keys are from Akron, the show was super packed. I was fortunate enough to see the performance with the band’s family from the loges at stage right, which was pretty exciting. Also exciting were the 24oz tall boys of Coors Light that the Agora sells for $4.50. Being accustomed to NYC prices, the bartender slams down the beer and says $4.50, to which I retort, “$14.50??” “No! $4.50,” she says as the sheer joy washes over me.

The show was absolutely worthy of the long drive. The Agora is such a great old school venue and I’m glad The Keys choose to perform there as opposed to The House of Blues. Over the past couple of years Cleveland has been losing some of its great venues due to either mismanagement or the increased competition from HoB. I hope that the Agora is able to weather the storm and host great bands for many years to come.