Jonah and Vanessa Bayer Bring Cleveland Roots to House of Blues

Cleveland’s own Bayer siblings return to House of Blues for a night of laughs, music, and local nostalgia. Here’s why their live podcast matters.

Cleveland gets the limelight once again as Jonah and Vanessa Bayer, the sibling duo behind the hit podcast How Did We Get Weird?, bring their uproarious stories and unmistakable Northeast Ohio flavor to the House of Blues for a very special live taping. For locals who remember Vanessa from SNL or Jonah from his days gigging in punk bands, this is a homecoming packed with nostalgia, music, and genuine hometown pride.

Who Are the Bayers?

These aren’t just any siblings—they’re Orange High School grads who cut their teeth right in the Cleveland suburbs. Vanessa Bayer skyrocketed to fame as a Saturday Night Live cast member, nailing impressions and stealing scenes in film and TV. Jonah Bayer made his name as a therapist and journalist, but true locals might remember him thrashing around venues like Euclid Tavern and Peabody’s Down Under back in the heyday.

Vanessa: Emmy-nominated comedy queen, SNL alum
Jonah: Writer, therapist, music journalist (former Alternative Press editor)
Both: Card-carrying ambassadors for Cleveland’s arts and music scenes

Why a Live Podcast Matters in Cleveland

The Bayers may live elsewhere now, but Cleveland is woven into the DNA of their show. How Did We Get Weird? is famous for its deep dives into childhood quirks, pop-culture oddities, and offbeat family legends—many of which come straight out of their Shaker and Orange memories.

Bringing the show to House of Blues is more than just a tour stop—it’s a love letter to their roots. Locals can expect plenty of shout-outs to:

Classic east side neighborhoods
Old-school Cleveland venues
Those legendary bike rides and family in-jokes only a Clevelander would get

Special Guests: The Local Connection Runs Deep

If you needed more evidence that Cleveland sticks together, indie rocker JD Samson (of Le Tigre and MEN) will join the Bayers for the live taping. Fun fact: JD is another Orange High alum, so this event doubles as a homegrown heroes’ reunion on the Euclid Avenue stage.

Expect candid conversations, musical nostalgia, and a real “back in the day” vibe—plus genuine warmth that makes you wish you grew up in the Bayer household.

When and How to Go

Set your reminders for Friday, Sept. 25, 8 p.m. at the House of Blues Cleveland. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just want to soak up local talent in an iconic venue, here’s what you need to know:

House of Blues Cleveland
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Doors: 7:00 p.m., Show: 8:00 p.m.
Special guest JD Samson

Tickets are expected to move fast, so don’t sleep on this chance to see two of Cleveland’s coolest exports riff about everything from high school antics to punk shows on Coventry.

Homecoming Honors and Nostalgia

As if the live podcast wasn’t special enough, the Bayers are also being inducted into the Orange High School Hall of Fame the day after the taping—proof that you really can go home again, especially if you bring a little wit and a warehouse full of Northeast Ohio in-jokes.

Why Cleveland Fans Should Be There

This isn’t just a celebrity drop-in. The Bayer siblings wear their local history proudly, and their House of Blues takeover will be loaded with the kind of inside jokes, references, and homegrown pride that only a Clevelander can appreciate.

Come for the laughs, stay for the nostalgia, and show some hometown love for two of the city’s most entertaining exports. Get those tickets before they’re gone—and get ready to reminisce about the days when you might have spotted a future SNL star riding her bike down your street.

Don’t miss your chance to witness Cleveland comedy and music royalty in their natural habitat. This is more than just another podcast taping—it’s a true Cleveland celebration, live and unscripted.