Whitney Was There Catwalk Blue Written and photographed by Whitney Spaner
	Whitney Spaner Greg Garwood

It’s true, absence can make the heart grow fonder. Whether it’s a relationship or a place you’ve left, the only memories that stay clear are the good ones. This explains why, even though all my life I dreamed of escaping the doldrums of Ohio to live in New York City, now that I live here, I can’t wait to tell everyone I meet about the wonderful place I left behind.

So this is why I simply had to check out the band Catwalk Blue when they played the Mercury Lounge on the Lower East Side. This bluesy rock band is straight out of the Buckeye State, and whether it’s watching the Ohio State versus Michigan game or checking out an Ohio-based band, I am always there to support my team.

Listening to Catwalk Blue will become one of those memories about Ohio that won’t be altered for the better with time. There just wasn’t any room for improvement! I have always been proud to call Ohio my home (except this past November) and this warm Friday night in March was no exception. Those guys rocked, they were fired up and played some very soulful tunes. I was especially impressed by their lead vocalist and keyboard player, Eric Selner. He had a voice that doesn’t quit and he did some impressive ass-shaking as well! He sure doesn't move like the other white twenty-something guys I know!

As I listened, I thought of their style as a cross between Rusted Root and The Dave Matthews Band, complete with a Bob Marley look-alike drummer. They have the same variety of instruments that those bands have and the lyrical vocals that sends shivers down your spine.

After the show, we hung out and I drank Stella’s and chatted up co-founder of Catwalk Blue, Matt Miller. In 2002, Matt and his high school pal Greg Garwood started the band in their hometown of Hudson, Ohio, about thirty miles south of Cleveland, the heart of Rock and Roll. I asked him why the strange name for his band? He said because it just sounds smooth.“You know musicians call each other ‘cats.’" Well maybe, in a jazz club circa the 1940's, but it is a great name and definitely gives you a feel for the type of music they play (and their way with the ladies! - hey, what girl isn’t a sucker for a guy with a guitar?).

Catwalk Blue

Although the guys have only been playing together for about three years, they have made huge strides toward fame. Currently they can be found rocking at the Gund Arena during the Cleveland Cavs games. They also play about fifteen shows a month in cities such as Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York (they’ve played CBGB’s!) and of course all over Ohio. They also have two CD’s out: a self titled five song EP and a live album from their show at CBGB’s. Right after the Mercury Lounge show, keyboardist Eric Selner and saxophonist Keith McKelly headed back to Cleveland to play back-up for The O’Jays, the legendary soul singers of the 60’s and 70’s (also from Ohio). They backed up The O’Jays on Love Train during The O’Jays’s induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Whew, talk about a busy bunch! Catwalk Blue will be back in NYC on April 16th at Club Rare in the Meatpacking District, so check them out and you’ll see there’s more to Ohio than Republicans and corn!