Michael Stanley Birthday Celebration

Starting at age 13, he worked on his father Herman’s Upbeat TV show holding cue cards and later serving as ‘Talent Coordinator.’ Upbeat was seen in over 100 cities between 1964 and 1971. He has since produced four Upbeat Live shows on Cleveland television garnering 3 Emmy nominations.

A radio career started in 1968 at WXEN-FM in Cleveland. Stints at WNCR, WMMS, M105 and WNCX helped establish him as a top disc jockey in the then new and emerging field of FM radio.

Hanging around with recording stars evolved into a career in artist management. David Spero Management was formed in 1973 steering the career of local icon Michael Stanley and producer Bill Szymczyk (Eagles, Who, Bob Seger etc).

David took a thirteen year break from Rock and Roll when he accepted a job as Managing Director/Midwest for Columbia/Tri Star Pictures. He coordinated the regional releases of such pictures as Ghostbusters, The Natural, Tootsie, and Gandhi during his tenure.

But Rock and Roll came calling again in 1990 when Eagle Joe Walsh asked Spero to manage his career. He added other artists such as Harry Nilsson, Vanilla Ice, Eric Carmen and Ian Hunter. Spero produced ‘The Joe Walsh/Glenn Frey Tour’ which was the precursor to ‘The Eagles: Hell Freezes Over Tour.’

The rigors of touring took their toll and in 2000, Spero ‘retired’ and accepted the position of Vice President of Programming and Education at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In this poison, Spero produced the successful MTV show Live At The Rock Hall which aired for two seasons and featured such artists as Linkin Park, John Meyer, Godsmack, Avril Lavigne and Alicia Keyes.

But again, antsy for that Rock and Roll lifestyle, David Spero Management was back in business in 2003 representing the careers of Billy Bob Thornton, Hall of Famer Dickey Betts, Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens, Survivor, Nelson, Don Felder, JD Souther and The Funk Brothers. Later additions include Bad Company, Petula Clark, Paul Rodgers and Patty Smyth.

David, 74, is currently a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Board of Directors and was recently inducted into the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Last year, David was inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. His memoir, A Life In The Wings, has been very successful. A documentary on his life has started screening nationwide.
 

Austin Walkin’ Cane is not your typical bluesman-he’s a storytelling troubadour with a guitar in one hand and a slide in the other, roaming the backroads of the blues with a style that’s as gritty as it is soulful. Austin’s music is steeped in the traditions of Delta blues, but it’s his life experiences that really give his sound its unique edge. Whether he’s playing a resonator guitar that echoes the ghosts of blues legends or belting out lyrics that cut straight to the bone, Austin brings an authenticity to his performances that can only come from living the blues.

With a voice like gravel dipped in honey, Austin has toured the world, sharing stages with icons like Buddy Guy and Robert Lockwood Jr. But it’s his solo shows, where the intimacy of his performance pulls the audience into the heart of the blues, that truly showcase his artistry. Austin Walkin’ Cane is more than a musician; he’s a bluesman in the truest sense of the word with a sound and style that are all his own.
 

Mikey Silas is a Cleveland-based singer-songwriter and frontman of Apostle Jones, a 9 person rock’n’soul band. A Columbia College Chicago graduate with roots in theater and film, he brings a dynamic stage presence to every performance. In addition to leading his band, Mikey is deeply committed to building and celebrating community through music. He produces annual shows celebrating the diverse talent in the Northeast Ohio Apostle Jones just released a full-length album called Second Chances Don’t Come Easy.
 

Guy Snowdon is a British-born singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer originally from Birmingham, UK, now based in Cleveland, Ohio. The creative force behind Guy Snowdon & The Citizens, he writes, arranges, produces, and performs the band’s material while fronting the group on vocals and bass. Influenced by artists ranging from Tears for Fears and Buddy Rich to The Beatles and Queen, Snowdon blends anthemic guitars, soaring rock vocals, and Brit pop sensibilities into a dynamic, globally resonant sound. A seasoned performer since his teens, he has played iconic venues including The Cavern Club and continues to build an international following through his original releases and live performances.
 

Kristine Jackson has performed roots-based music for over 20 years. Honoring the greats who paved the way, she brings her own original twist to classics while maintaining a large catalog of her own original songs. A multi‑instrumentalist, Kristine creates rich, soulful vibes using guitars, ukulele, voice and more. An award‑winning musician and songwriter, KJ states she’s “proud to be part of Cleveland’s vibrant music scene.”