Northeast, Ohio ex-pats, The Black Keys are staying busy. According to reports, the duo will begin work on their next album later this month.  Later, in April and May, the band will pair up with The Flaming Lips for a short run of tour dates, including an April 30th gig in Pittsburgh…Sticking with the ex-pat crowd, the Cleveland-born, instrumental rock band, Emeralds, now find themselves down a man as founding member, Mark McGuire, has left the group.

Here’s another reason to get excited about Cleveland music in 2013: The return of the Lottery League. Last staged in 2010, this event combines local musicians of all ages and all genres into one draft pool for the purpose of creating new collaborations. Then, after three months of practice, these new bands all get together for the big show, where each is expected to perform a short set. This year’s draft will take place on February 1st with the showcase following, April 6th, at the Cleveland Agora. More details can be found at the Lottery League Facebook page.

Lastly, on a serious note, Cleveland soul legend, and Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Famer, Bobby Womack announced he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.