Jonah Koslen: My Life In Cleveland Rock n’ Roll

 
 
 
 

Doors open at 5:00pm, with the storytelling beginning promptly at 7:00pm

• Weekly series combining great food with great stories about Cleveland’s past
• FREE ADMISSION – NO COVER CHARGE
• In addition to our regular menu, a Prix Fixe 3-course dinner special is available for just $25

Story topic this week…

Jonah Koslen: My Life In Cleveland Rock n’ Roll
Cleveland legend Jonah Koslen has graced the industry stages since 1973. As a composer, producer, and performer, Koslen is most widely known for his original role in the Michael Stanley Band! Jonah wrote and recorded many of the band’s beloved songs. Aside from MSB, he produced solo work, formed new bands, moved to LA, and worked and recorded with guitarists from Aerosmith to Guns N’ Roses. Jonah joins us to share wild stories from his life in Rock n’ Roll!
 

Jonah Koslen Bio

Jonah Koslen wrote and recorded some of MSB”s most loved songs, “Waste a Little Time On Me,” “Strike Up The Band,” “Nothings Gonna Change My Mind,” and “Ladies Choice.” Jonah contributed lead guitar, lead vocals and arrangements to the first three MSB albums and numerous compilations. His classic MSB song, “Nothings Gonna Change My Mind” charted nationally in the summer of 1977.

Jonah recorded his first solo project, Back Tracks, in 1978. Later that year Jonah formed the now classic Midwest rock band, Breathless, and recorded two releases for EMI America, which featured fan faves “Takin” It Back,” “Glued to the Radio,” and “Walk Right In” among many others. “Takin” It Back” charted in 1979.

Jonah worked and recorded with one time Aerosmith guitarist Jimmy Crespo, Guns and Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, and appeared on a live television broadcast with Wayne Newton. He composed music for the Skin Diver CD, which appeared in films including Teenage Vampire, The Dangerous, and Lunar Cop. With friend Joe Walsh, Jonah created the ‘morphing’ video that appeared in concert with the Eagles, introducing the encore songs on the “Hell Freezes Over” world tour. In the early ’90s, Jonah reunited with Michael Stanley to help write and produce the Ghost Poets CD.

May of 2024 saw Jonah front and center for a sold-out show at MGM Northfield Park Center Stage, celebrating the 50th anniversary of MSB. Jonah assembled a band which includes some MSB and Resonators alumni, and they performed two sets spanning the long and storied MSB legacy. In August 2024 Jonah opened for Donnie Iris And The Cruisers with an energetic and very well-received acoustic set highlighting his 50 year career.[/expand]  

The goal of the Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is to bring to life some of the fun, interesting stories about Cleveland’s past – from sports, to rock ‘n roll, to Millionaire’s Row, — the series will focus on tidbits from Cleveland’s past that will really thrill the audience. The Music Box is presenting this series in partnership with the Western Reserve Historical Society’s new Cleveland History Center. We think the Cleveland History Center is one of the most important museums in Cleveland. An unknown gem that Clevelanders should know more about, and support. It is the only museum in Cleveland dedicated to preserving and documenting the history of Cleveland. The Cleveland History Center includes two mansions, the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, Research Library, Kidzibits Hands-On Gallery, rotating exhibitions, and the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel.

See all Cleveland Stories dates here.