Local indie darlings Seafair are gearing up for their forthcoming album release at the Grog Shop on 5/23. Their new album, The Querencia, will be the band’s first release on vinyl. We caught up with singer Chayla Hope about the album’s writing process and what’s up next for the sextet. Check it out!

How did the writing process change for your upcoming album, The Querencia? 
Some of our older songs were written before some of our members joined which didn't leave room for potential creativity. On this album however, everyone got their chance to write and create and that makes for something beautiful and unique. I couldn't be happier with the outcome!

Where did the name come from?
We took a very long time to come up with the perfect name for this debut. It had to have a large meaning. We were stuck, when out of nowhere Josh sent us this incredible word with the perfect meaning--querencia. If you look it up, there are plenty of different definitions for this word, but the one that stuck out to me was " the place where you are your most authentic self." Music gives me that.

What influenced your decision to press vinyl?
Some of us are pretty big into collecting. We are all happy to see vinyl making such a big comeback. Take me to a record store and I'm a kid in a candy shop!

You recently competed for a spot at Bonnaroo. How was that experience?
We may not have won, but it still felt like we did. The support we had throughout the competition was pretty moving. To see that many people believing in us and pushing for us to be heard by others was breathtaking.  

What is up next for Seafair outside of Cleveland?
We are playing a few shows out of town this month. 
Getting out and experiencing new places is a blast.

What do you think makes the Cleveland music community special?
There are so many stellar artists who come out and support one another. Don't even get me started on the talent Cleveland holds! It's insane! Everywhere I go in C-town, I hear a new act that blows my mind and it's growing exponentially!
 
Why did you pick the other two bands that will be playing with you on 5/23?
It wasn't hard. Midnight Passenger has a killer sound that we knew our fans would love. This will be the third time we've played with Regret the Hour. They are coming all the way from New York for this and I promise you, you'll want to go back with them just to hear more!


Seafair has released a New Video since this interview - 
Check Out Inferno

Celebrating Cleveland's Burlesque History, 

Ohio Burlesque presents 
The 5th annual The Roxy Remembered.
May 23rd at The Beachland Ballroom. 

Toni Elling (pictured) now 87 was born May 13th, 1928 in Detroit, MI.

Toni Elling began performing burlesque in the 1960s when very many dancers were giving up their pasties. Elling jump-started her career in Detroit’s The Flame Show Bar dancing for singer Jackie Wilson. In Cleveland, she performed at Sorma's (St Clair and E.26) for about two weeks during the first two years of her performing career. While in Cleveland, another dancer claimed the city was known for enjoying "floor work," but Elling replied, "I hate getting dirty." Instead, Elling preferred evoking classic elegance and refused to be held to the savage standards the then-segregated industry had for performers of color. She never allowed those standards to stop her from pursuing success and she was no stranger to the spotlight, having rubbed elbows with some of the best in the industry. She counted bandleader Duke Ellington, fighter Joe Louis, entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. and Earl "The Fatha" Heinz amongst her friends. 

Elling's second visit to Cleveland was to help Duke Ellington write female jazz beat, which he would later reveal to her as the song "Satin Doll." She recounted his phone call and request she come to Cleveland the week of September 19, 1952, to assist him in the task when we spoke to her over the phone. She took the first plane out and arrived in the rust belt city to be swept up by a car and taken to the hotel to freshen up before headding to Town Casino on East 107th and Euclid. She wove her way through tables to sit at the bar as his final set finished. She sat smoking with a cigarette holder as she kept looking over her shoulder, watching for Duke Ellington to approach her. In later years, she asked Ellington to compose a song for her and it was then that he revealed he already had with "Satin Doll."

Toni Elling was awarded the 2014 Living Legend of the Year Award by the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. She is known for her kindness and willingness to help and 
nurture many of today's performers. 

International Awarded Dancers 
Bella Sin (Cleveland) and Lushes La Moan (Detroit) 
and Local Feature Doll Bambino 
Will be dancing thru the night along with Eliza Sidecar, Daphne Dangerfield, Charlotte "Slim" Pastie and Mahsitti Jade.

Tickets are now On Sale via Beachland Ballroom 
VIP $40 7:00PM Entry with Meet and Greet 
Reserved $30 
GA $17 / Doors $20
VIP and Reserve Ticket Holders will receive an Original 1959 Admission ticket from The Roxy as a keepsake from The Ohio Burlesque Festival collection. A Sign poster along with small gifts. 
This Show is Sponsored by In The 216 Located in Coventry. 

We Hope to see you there to celebrate our past and look forth our future.