Brent Kirby’s been called by many of his peers one of Cleveland’s hardest working musicians and his actions prove that. In addition to the 2022 Cleveland Music Awards and Cleveland Scene Awards, he was voted in 2013, the “Best Singer” and also “Best Male Vocal” by the Cleveland Scene, and 2012, he was voted “Best Musician”. When he is not playing solo or with his band, he writes the tunes and fronts the Jack Fords (2007, 2009 Best Rock Band Cleveland Scene), leads the monthly revival of Gram Parsons with his band The New Soft Shoe, and plays drums for the talented Cleveland holiday band, the Ohio City Singers. Brent plays original music and also can mix in cover material.
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Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 180 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Event Insurance
Unions: AFM
Brent Kirby can deliver and intimate songwriter performance with stories about the songs, or can find the layer in an social event where music belongs and create a soothing, relaxing vibe.
In Brent Kirby, a lot of hope, faith, truth and music is traversed. A true believer.
-Holly Gleason, No Depression
“Pop songs with catchy hooks, incredible
instrumentation, and lyrics with soul”
- Jason Burcharski, 52 Weeks in Cleveland
Brent Kirby’s music has been called "Main Character" music, which is reflective of the personal emotion and collective perspective he offers in his songs. His performances are reflective in nature, with the listeners often finding themselves as a catalyst in the song. Kirby's universal lyrics are on the surface specific and at the same time deeply layered, where the audience can find a common and personal point of relation and entry into the song. His soulful voice is both unique and soothing, colored with weathered age and experience. In 2022, Brent was voted “Best Folk” by the Cleveland Music Awards and nominated for “Best Songwriter” by the Cleveland Scene. Kirby was especially proud of the "Best Folk" award, saying "I try hard to be a good example, and treat people with respect".
In addition to the 2022 Cleveland Music Awards and Cleveland Scene Awards, he was voted in 2013, the “Best Singer” and also “Best Male Vocal” by the Cleveland Scene, and 2012, he was voted “Best Musician”. When he is not playing solo or with his solo band, he writes the tunes and fronts the Jack Fords, leads the monthly revival of Gram Parsons with The New Soft Shoe, and plays drums for Doug McKean and The Stuntmen, and the talented Cleveland holiday band, the Ohio City Singers. His 10 x 3 Songwriter showcase weekly series at the Bop Stop has created an encouraging, vibrant original music scene.
Kirby has shared the stage with Squeeze, Elizabeth Cook, Edwin McCain, Jorma Kakounen, Ellis Paul, Michael Stanley, Will Hoge, John Eddie, Band of Heathens, Southside Johnny, Blind Boys of Alabama, Bottlerockets, Augustana, Devon Allman, The Yayhoos, James Gang, Marah, The Trews, Dave Alvin, Paul Thorn, Elephant Revival, American Aquarium, Bobby Keys, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Raul Malo, The Waco Brothers, Tab Benoit, among many others.
For smaller solo performances, I provide my own PA system that fits the room.
For band performances, I can bring a full PA to reinforce the band.
I'm very aware of volume in social situations and tailor the sound accordingly.
Set list depends on show, but I usually present originals with a mix of covers dependent on the event. I'm good at reading the vibe to a room and reacting accordingly.
Influences are songwriters...Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Wilco, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Gram Parsons, Rolling Stones, Kathleen Edwards
Solo performances are vocals, acoustic or electric guitars, and a foot board. Band performances usually are rhythm and lead guitars, along with bass and drums
Grounded electrical outlets are required.
Singing Guitarist
