Big blues show appropriate at tax time
By Charles Cassady
happenings
Published April 13, 2005

It's tax time again, and chances are that most readers, feeling like the victims of a federal mugging, will not be in the mood for lavish spending.

The blues go hand-in-hand with the idea of being poor/broke and disempowered. Therefore Mojo Whitey are doing a public service (perhaps even a deductible one!) in putting on a free show tonight at the Savannah in Westlake, home of the blues on the West Side of Cuyahoga County, and where there is seldom an admission or cover charge.

Mojo Whitey play all over northeast Ohio, and they have just issued a CD called "57 Miles," consisting of original blues tunes is a trio fronted by John Walsh, who also masterminded the weird local arts/entertainment Web site called Clevelandweirdness.com - which is weirdly not linked to the band's site, www.mojowhitey.com.

Walsh and his bandmates Dane and Randy play the Savannah tonight beginning at 8 p.m. The Savannah is located at 30676 Detroit road in Westlake; phone 892-2266.

Maybe paying taxes make you feel angry instead. Punk rock comes to the rescue at the Hi Fi Club in Lakewood, as Thursday night at 8 p.m. sees a gig by the Youngstown-based Johnie 3, which is a quartet, oddly enough. Johnie 3, which has been around one form or another since 2000, have released their first CD, "Sit on It." In addition they recorded a split 7-inch with the Dallas-based skateboard/punk performer Christy Brigitte Darlington (who is a guy, go figure), and the Hi Fi Playdate markes the first round in a 10-day regional tour with Darlington that will take them all the way to the famed CBGBs in New York City.

"If you're into Ramonesy/ Queers/Screeching Weasel/Riverdales kinda punk this is your show!" say Johnie 3. "If you're undecided, go anyways, it's FREEEEEEEEE!"

Also free at the Hi Fi, on Monday night, April 18, is Squeaky Fromme. No, the Manson family member Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme isn't free; she's still serving a life sentence for trying to assassinate President Gerald Ford. But the Squeaky Fromme concert is; this is a New York City-based rock quartet with a classic-rock sound.

Frontman Damien Pratt started recording music at age 15 while still in high school. In a band called The Damien Pratt, he released three albums that, according to his Web site, sold about 500 copies in Japan. After Pratt's reuniting with some old buddies, the ensemble became The Squeaky Fromme and have just released their first EP recording, "Photography," to upbeat critical notices. Their 18-and-over show at the Hi Fi begins with the doors opening at 7 p.m.

The Hi Fi Club is located at 11729 Detroit Road. in Lakewood; phone (216) 521-8878.

TO GIVE IS BETTER THAN TO RECEDE: Finally, even at tax time some people still find it within themselves to give even more. Meaning, of course, state and municipal taxes.

So if you're feeling especially bled white this year, know that April 15 is also the traditional date of the Blood Suckers Buffet annual American Red Cross blood drive at the Odeon Concert Club in Cleveland's Flats.

That Friday, from 7:30 a.m., for the pre-work crowd, to 1:30 p.m. for the lunch bunch, the American Red Cross bloodmobile will be at the Odeon to receive donations, in a party atmosphere with free movies showing, music and complimentary oil changes for your vehicle. The event is open to those 17 and older, and donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, possess a valid photo ID and be in good health. For more information: www.theodeon.com. The Odeon is located on the East Bank of the Flats at 1295 Old River Road; phone (216) 574-2525.

But what if one weighs less than 110 lbs., is deathly pale and can prove no identity, aside from a name like Thanatos Vampiros Mauslos or Rotwurm the Gravedigger? Then the best place for you to be on April 15 is at the Chamber, the area's premiere gothic/darkwave-music dance club. That night there will be an "unhappy" birthday bash for for resident DJ DV8, who turns 25. "Come mourn the passing of the first quarter-century of DJ DV8's unlife," goes the invite. It's an 18 and over event, and the black doors open at 10 p.m.

The Chamber is located at 11814 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood; phone (216) 226-9801.