by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – It’s been quite a while ago since I came across the music of Mike Carr and for a few years thought he grew up in Loveland so that connection made me keep paying attention to what he was up to. I soon learned he was behind the eclectic promotions of the New Richmond IGA and how the grocery store’s growth is now legendary.
And, learned he is not from the Loveland area at all.
About two months ago I also discovered the quite wonderful track he recorded as a Cincinnati Vampire, “Close my Eyes Forever” featuring artist Macy Addis. That’s when I promised myself I’d see Mike play as soon as I could. I got the fortunate chance when he brought his one man electrical band, OMEB to the Works Pizza on Wednesday, November 23rd.
“The first show (2004) was terrifying because Mike had finished recording the tracks hours before setting up for the first gig! It was peculiar to the venue because they had never seen someone walk in with a desktop computer, 24-inch CRT monitor, guitars and amp and say, “I’m your band tonight”. Shockingly, it worked, and the venue wanted him back!“
“Everyone told him this concept was not going to work, “No one is going to hire a heavy metal guitarist with a computer, they’ll laugh you off the stage.” Oddly enough, OMEB quickly became a household name in the Cincinnati area finding himself the ‘house band’ for the WEBN Dawn Patrol – playing multiple events ranging from their Pregnant Bikini Contest to the main stage for the Labor Fireworks Celebration!“
I’ve used LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV to bring to our pages some short clips of Mike’s performance that night at The Works Pizza and also below is “Close My Eyes Forever” which has gained over 1 million views!
If you read Dr. Carr’s bio I think you will find it quite interesting how Mike does what OMEB does, his background in music, education, and business. Not to name drop, however reading his bio you will recognize an impressive list of performers, venues, and events.
I am fortunate that I got to meet this rather famous musician right across the river In Historic Downtown Loveland.
