Cleve Francis

Cleave & Friends have a great show. Range and of music from country to jazz to rock to funk made for a fun time.

Great performance. Cleve was at his best. Wel'll see him again in a heartbeat! Service was great.

Cleve's annual Birchmere show last night was, as always, great. His backup musicians are talented, clever, and entertaining. We SO enjoyed it! Always a great way to kick off Spring.

Cleve's concerts are always amazing--well-paced, well-rehearsed. Solos always appropriate and entertaning. His musicians are the finest--such a huge band! Wonderful song choices. Altogether, it is so uplifting--I could listen to him for hours. Clearly, he does it for love (annual birthday treat for himself), not money--he practically gives away the CD! The three people seated next to us come from Richmond every year to hear him.

Most enjoyable event. There was music of every variety all well performed. All the band members were featured throughout the performance. The music flowed from pace to type making a very well planned event.

Cleve Francis put on a wonderful show once again! My family and I had seen him last year and some other family members had seen him years before that. Now we won't miss a show! It's already on next year's calendar!! He is so entertaining and down to earth and just very enjoyable to listen to and watch. He has a great voice and a great band!

The fact that 5 days later we are still talking about the venue with friends and family speaks for itself! Simply stated, a great evening with a fantastic artist/entertainer. Cleve Francis ("The Singing Doc") and his 13 member band put on an incredible performance. Together, they showcased a wide variety of songs/music with some magnificent compositions. The combined talent on the stage was awesome with Cleve leading the way! Can't wait for next year's show which will be Cleve's 29th year performing at the Birchmere.

As expected Cleve Francis and his musicians provided a wonderful program! He performed enough of his older songs for fans to take us back to his touring days. His "playlist" was well mixed giving something for everyone. Cleve's mellow voice continues to draw his fans, although he only performs at The Birchmere once a year you can expect a full house and a warm show.

If you like a little jazz, a little soul, a little bluegrass, a little country, a great voice, amazing musicians, you MUST see this concert! A warm, wonderful evening with Cleve and friends.

I've first heard Cleve Francis sing (back when he used to accompany himself on the guitar) in 1968. I've always loved his voice, his phrasing, his range - and he has a unique ability to make the songs he chooses to sing seem as if he wrote them himself. I was a bit surprised when he began to show up on the country charts, but, not really. His singing style has always incorporated aspects of folk, blues, gospel, country, rock and roll, and even the old standards. ("Fly Me to the Moon" was a real surprise, but his rendition was great!). And it was nice to hear him include a Harry Chapin song, because he was singing those back in the Sixties. (Maybe next year he'll drop in a Dylan tune.) At any rate, the concert was fantastic, especially the second set, which was a more "mixed bag" of songs for showing off his diverse vocal talents, as well as the instrumental capabilities of his absolutely superb 12-member backing band. And I'm very much looking forward to attending Cleve's annual day-before-Easter concert at the Birchmere next year! (I'll just have figure how to get from MD to VA without going through the mob on the mall!

It was a fantastic show with 11 musicians, two backup singers and Cleve. He does a variety of music so there is something for everyone. Love the song "Love Light". Will attend again next year.

The show was full with great new and old songs Cleve never lets his fans leave without a great show. His voice is amazing . His band just adds to the total experience A must see show for everyone

Once again, Cleve and Friends provided a magical evening. So many awesome moments, spotlighting individual musicians and their talents. This show is a gem\u2014wish it happened more than once a year!

What an amazing great professional awesome attitude love the show love the event.

From Louisiana Gospel roots to 60's, 70's folk rock to jazz, Cleve again has re-invented his playlist, and displayed the many talents of his band. Great evening, planning on it again next year.

WoW!!! What a show Cleve Francis gave his audience. It's like nothing else that I've seen in this area. It was more than three hours long, he has a voice that's unbelievably great, and is entertaining even when he's not singing. His band is incredibly talented and so versatile. I've never seen such a variety of instruments, talent, and songs in any one event. I'm looking forward to his next show; I'll definitely be there. Oh, and, he's also a darn good cardiologist!! :)

The entire show was entertaining and a treat. Each band member is talented in his/her own right and contributes so much to the overall performance. It is a shame that the show is only yearly. The Birchmere was full of fans and all remained engaged throughout.

Cleve is a genius. Loved his mellow voice, his perfect song choices, and his huge accompanying artists--more than a dozen talented musicians and backup singers.

Cleve was wonderful and each and every band member is so talented. Always a great show

This man is much more than a country singer. He has evolved into a crooner with a varied reproitoire. What's so amazing is his ability to be comfortable with and satisfy the audience with the likes of Mr Bo Jangles in one song and Hallelujah in the next. He has exquisite range. The twelve piece band that appears with Cleve is repleat with talent; all extraordinary musicians who are allowed to showcase their expertise. This show is one my favorite in the area and I wish Cleve could perform more frequently but I guess it's more important to save lives through his practice of cardiology.

I wanted my son to get the opportunity to see some real musicians and to witness that his dreams of becoming one someday was very obtainable. He got to see his Uncle Cleve perform for the first time. The whole ride back home he couldn't stop talking about how good the band was (and the lead singer...lol). We really enjoyed ourselves and he's already looking forward to next year !!!

We saw "Cleve Francis" last night. He and his band gave a stellar performance that was worth more than $35.00. My husband has been telling me about him and I am so glad that I went. They sang and played songs from most genres. He is very cool, calm and collected and his performance ranks at the top of the charts. Although he performs only once a year at the Birchmere I will spread the word to go see this ""Wonderful Performance!". Thank You, once again for a great performance.

Twelve musicians and Cleve took the stage Saturday night and hit it out of the ballpark. They played everything from jazz, country and western and gospel. The band cooked on a high speed adrenaline fueled Elanore Rigby that brought the house down. Each musician is top notch and Cleve gives each member a chance to shine and show their stuff. The biggest reason this is so much fun is that everyone on stage looks as though they are having the absolute BEST time ever!

I have been going to see Cleve Francis & Friends at the Birchmere for over ten years now. I can honestly say: this was his very best concert to date.

I hadn't heard Cleve before and bought tix because a friend of mine was playing in the band. I am very glad I did. Cleve puts on a great show with a interesting mix of great songs from rock, country, blues, and jazz. His voice is smooth and lovely. And the band was terrific! About to say especially the harmonica and electric violin (I think that's what he was playing!) but really every single musician was excellent. Plan to go when he plays at the Birchmere again -- a great evening of music.

Cleve and his 12 piece band were great. Very entertaining 3 hours. Will go back again next year. Venue lets you get up close.

Cleve Francis is a consummate entertainer. He really knows and feels the audience then dElivers entertainment that keeps them singing, finger popping, clapping to the music all night. His can sing ALL kinds of music. He interacts with the band and the audience and has everybody laughing the whole time. His band is a cohesive super-professional group.

Every show is different and I love everyone of them. Francis never leaves me wanting, he gives it all he has. Wish he would appear more than once a year. I always look forward to the concert

Wasn't his best show but Cleve still delights his audience. This year he didn't show the range that he demonstrated last year when he sang a lot of blues and jazz. This year seemed a bit low energy as well. Nevertheless, it is always a good show, well worth the $$ as the stage is packed with 13 talented musicians. Seats were good cuz we sent someone there at 5pm.Birchmere has a crazy way of letting people take their seats using some sort of number you get when you check in; a process which starts at 5pm. It is very outdated and should be better organized and expedited. PS their food sucks.

Cleve Francis is a super performer & the band he assembles for this event is just wonderful.

Cleve and his fellow artists have spread from country and gospel roots to folk rock, jazz, blues and soul. The experience is like being at multiple concerts in one evening. Way beyond recommended.

3-26-2016 This man put on one excellent show. He keeps getting better every year. Looking forward to next year. The band was outstanding. Go see Cleve Francis you won't be disappointed.

Dr.Cleveland Francis and His band performed great tonight . The music was funky, country western great performance awesome group. Wish they played more

Truly enjoyed the show. The Birchmere is a wonderful place. Cleve Francis's performance was very good! He is an excellent entertainer. Will visit again next year. Very nice guy!

Cleve Francis has a beautiful voice and a pleasant way of engaging the audience in between songs. His band is fantastic! I think I counted at least 12 members, each of whom was featured individually during musical numbers, as well as a background singer who harmonized beautifully with Mr. Francis. I'll be back next year.

Loved the show! The variety of music & musicians was wonderful.

More than country band. Vesitile! Francis is amazing. Kept the audience engaged.

I went to see my doctor, expecting that I wouldn't really enjoy the music. Totally surprised with a fabulous performance that was eclectic, interesting and showed a lot of talent!!!!!

He is a cardiologist, as most probably know. Each year, he assembles great musicians and puts on an incredible show at the Birchmere. Anyone should be so lucky as to get to hear them.

We totally enjoyed listening to C. Francis and his band. The music selection was fantastic since it was a mixture of great country & blues classics. The selections were both easy listening & romantic. We are looking forward to attending his next concert. This was my first time at the Birchmere and did not mind the open/general seating process. This venue is refreshing since it is not coliseum style and quite intimate. Highly recommend arriving at 5 pm to get your entry number if you want a seat close to the stage. All of the views appear to be great. They should put a little more room between the tables for easier movement through the isles. We ordered the catfish dinner and it was really delicious. My red beans & rice was not as hot as the fresh hot catfish but it was still very good and I would order it again. Our service provider was organized and attentive to all of her tables. Great overall evening with Cleve Francis, food & venue.

Had his huge band with him (12 musicians). los of music up on the stage. My fiddle player in my band plays with Cleve there once a year.

What a fabulous evening with a great entertainer. The musicians were also very talented and added a lot to the enjoyment of the show. Cleve puts his heart into his music and really delivers for the audience.

Such a talented man and the band is amazing. They all just do such a good job that I look forward to them every year. The BIrchmere is a great venue-I don't believe there is a bad seat in the house.

Cleve Francis is a rare treasure. His voice is just amazing. He interacts very personally with the audience. I would have liked to hear Cleve sing acapello or maybe just with a soft piano or a guitar. His voice is so beautiful, and sometimes the band was very loud and it drowned out that lovely voice. It would be wonderful if he could come to the Birchmere much more often, so more people would have the opportunity to hear him sing.

I went to this concert on the advice of a friend. I had no idea what to expect or what the music would be like. I was amazed. Country, Jazz, even a John Legend song thrown in for good measure. The musical talent on that stage was simply unbelievable. 12 musicians, all very excellent in their own right, all very enthusiastic and energetic and all looking as though they are having the time of their life. I went this year because I was asked, without really putting much thought into it. I will be buying tickets to return next year because the music is outstanding and I don't want to miss out.

Cleve out did himself. The band, the music, and Cleve deplayed their talents. From country to jazz, with some ragee amazing show.

Cleve and his band put on a fantastic, hand clapping, foot tapping show! What a wonderful group of talented people. We will book him again. His style is and range is so broad that he can do anything from country to soul to R&B! You just come away feel good all over.

Attending Cleve's concert every year is such a treat for our famiy. He makes the experience so pleasurable. We look forward to next year.

Great concert. Have seen him 15 times...always a great show. And the Birchmere is great intimate venue.

The message of the music is America's future. It reflects the sweep of America's diversity of population.

Cleve has a wonderful voice and such a comfortable way with the audience, his band has so many talented musicians and each one is featured at some point in the show-my favorite has to be the harmonica-a show worth seeing.

Cleve brings excellent musicians to the stage with him each year and his singing is terrific. They play country, jazz, reggae - a terrific variety. I've been going for over 10 years; it is a fun, uplifting concert always with a new twist.

This is the first time I have heard Cleve live. I have always enjoyed his country albums and was disappointed when he hung it up. Great performance!!!!

Cleve Francis and his band were exceptional. They said they prepared 3 months for the performance and it showed. Cleve and all of his band members gave polished performances.

Cleve was amazing! What a talented and versatile artist. I will definitely put this on my calendar for next year. I only wish I didn't have to wait so long!

Cleve Francis was unbelievable!! By far, it was the best show I have ever been to. I drove to Alexandria from San Antonio with my Mom, just to see the show. Cleve Francis was the highlight of our trip! His performance was everything we had dreamed of and so much more. His band was also filled with talented musicians. The show was priceless!

Cleve Francis' show was good medicine for the soul. Of coourse my play on words refer to Dr. Cleve Francis, the cardiologist by day, His musical vocals remind me of James Taylor and Charlie Pride. And his band is an ensemble of the super talented. It was a great evening of good music, meaningful and funny songs and an appreciative audience.

I have wanted to see local doc/recording artist Cleve Francis for several years. He did not disappoint. Supported by a talented group of musicians, Francis performed a delightful playlist and clearly enjoyed every moment. We will make his annual show a family tradition.

Excellent performance. Each member brings a talent that far exceeds any performance that I have ever seen. We look forward to the next time.

I heard Cleve sing years ago and always wanted to again-now that I have I plan to go to this event every year-they were all wonderful!!

Cleve's annual concert is a gift to all of us who are privilged to hear him. He and his talented 12-piece band give 200%. Every song is a delight, and the choices are all ubeat and /or inspiring songs--nostalgia. love, road travelled--those kind of themes. We look forward to his annual Birthday Concet every year. It's the kind of music your grandmother would enjoy as well as your son. Everything from Bojangles, t Lyle Lovett, to classic folk and bluegrass favorites.

Great variety and superb instrumentalists; Cleve never dissappoints us with his blues and country mixture of music. Would love to see more performances throughout the year. Keeping him coming back and you will continue to see me there!

Another wonderful performance. We will be back next year, and hope Cleve releases a new CD to add to our collection!

The singing doctor pleased young and old alike with his beautiful voice, fine musicians, and laughs along the way. A lovely evening.