Local artist Rob Geer’s last show at Grog Shop signals beginning of new life out West

Written by Priscilla Tasker

Photo courtesy of
Kathleen Grace Kazsmer  

Rob Geer made his final Grog Shop appearance as The Conductor and The Creator Sunday, September 18, before he traverses the nation to settle in Denver, Co., in October. Ever-loyal friends and fans appropriately gathered for a send-off show, which featured Humble Home, who organized the event, and The Lighthouse and The Whaler. 

The indie-folk-inspired rock lineup showcased distinctive talents while keeping with a style of music compatible to the tone Geer set for the evening.

"I loved every second of it. It was a good set of bands. There's always an oddball in the line up but not tonight," Geer told Humble Home's Nick Wise in post-show conversation.

Geer led the night with a six-song set. Waiting in line to enter the venue, I heard the bass and guitars signal the start of the band’s first song – a sound which incited an anxious desire to cut the 10 to 15 people in front of me. I waited patiently. Yet, as if he read my mind, the man ahead of me offered reprieve by holding the door and saying, “You can go ahead.”

Grateful chivalry lives on, I made my way to the stage. Geer’s vocals enveloped the space. Seemingly effortless projection is a talent Geer has honed well – and one of the artistic traits that caught my attention the first time I’d heard him play at Nemeth’s Lounge in Painesville, Ohio, earlier this year. 

Geer was backed by his “Conductor” counterparts, whose soulful flavor enlivens the singer-songwriter's sound. [Watch this video from February 5, 2011 for an extraordinary example of the band's abilities.] Lead guitarist Matthew Augusta and bassist Dan Thompson played a bluesy, soft jazz teaser leading into "It Might Be" and an R&B interlude before "Under Devil's Skin." 

As the band tuned up for its fifth song, Geer took a moment to thank everybody at the venue for coming out to the show, saying, "It's my last show in Cleveland for a while." The statement, of course, was met with the usual banter from Geer’s regular audience members – although, it was slightly subdued. After the show, a friend told Geer he’d held back a “Thank God we don’t have to hear that shit anymore,” to which Geer and pals snickered. 

"There wasn't too much heckling," Geer laughed. "But it's always fun making fun of Jamie [Epperson, roommate] for looking like Christopher Robbin."

Timothy Depasquale held it down on drums throughout the set but, for Geer's final song of the night, Humble Home's Anthony Foti stepped in for a guest spot. Geer closed with his cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love," showing off his impressive command of the falsetto and modal vocal ranges. As the band wrapped and began to tear down its set, Foti addressed the crowd. 

"Why don't we give Rob another hand,” Foti said, continuing, “He's a good friend of ours. We're sad to see him go, but we look forward to his return.”

I asked several people at the Grog Shop what their thoughts were on Rob’s departure from Ohio and the venue, which has become his home base for some time. The question evoked several witticisms from friends, whose wisecracks from the crowd are common features of Geer’s sets. Grog Shop sound man James Kananen uttered, with well-intended sarcasm, "It's heart-wrenching."

However, a few individuals gave Geer his due and wished him the well in his endeavors. Augusta said he thought Rob’s performance was “the best he’s ever played.” Kathleen Grace Kazsmer said she’s happy to see him pursue a life outside of Ohio and hopes he’s able to make use of his musical talents.

"I'm very happy. This show was a great group of people – and the fans. I think this was a good way to go out," Geer said, adding that he’s moving to Denver for a fresh scene and to focus on his art. 

"I'm going to have a lot of time – time to do what I want to do. I'm not inspired out here," he confessed.

Editor's commentary

My first Rhythm Report article on Geer was published on March 1, 2011, after his Grog Shop show on February 26. Since then, he's earned my respect as an artist. However, I'm not convinced he's given himself the full credit he deserves. So Rob, here's my message to you as you move on to pursue whatever dream you're chasing out West: Don't hold back! There is nothing stopping you from achieving what you desire. Have fun but take it seriously. Cleveland's losing a great musician and a staple of its local scene. Don't let it be for naught. Show Denver what its gaining. Best of luck!

Watch videos of Rob Geer perform solo and as The Conductor and The Creator on The Rhythm Report's YouTube channel.