Emerson Hart

Niagara Falls’ Hard Rock Cafe is springing into the season with a new schedule of live shows, the first of which brings former Tonic frontman Emerson Hart. His debut solo album Cigarettes and Gasoline (Manhattan Records) features the kind of songcraft that Tonic was known for with heartfelt melody and lyrics. Still, it’s a departure that reflects Hart’s relocation to Nashville from L.A. after the breakup of Tonic. There’s a certain sense of serenity on the album and a feeling that this is a songwriter who’s reached a comfortable place. Cigarettes and Gasoline was written in Nashville and New Orleans—songs like “Devastation Hands” reflect the locale—and was released in June of 2007. This is his first solo tour in support. The show is on Tuesday (March 11) at 8pm.