It started with a boxing match between lead singers, but it's led to an all-music, no-fisticuffs Rumble in the Ring for five of Cleveland's top hard-rock bands.
Last month, 92.3 Xtreme radio listeners whittled a field of more than 100 bands down to 6, who earned the chance for an opening slot at the Staind-headlined Xfest that took place June 1. In the contest's finals, the bands' frontmen climbed into the ring to duke it out; Dirt's vocalist pummeled the rest, thus landing the Xfest gig for his gang.
A month after the beatdown, five of the six groups -- including Dirt, Prism Theory (pictured), Bedroom All-Stars, Jaded Era, and Heeere's Johnny -- are meeting for the rock and roll Rumble at the Odeon. "We are driven by heavy riffs and mind-bending grooves," says Prism Theory guitarist and singer Barry Davis. "With us, you never really know what we're going to throw at you next." Hopefully it won't be a fist. Rumble in the Ring is at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Odeon, 1295 Old River Road in the Flats. Admission is $6. Call 216-241-5555 for more information. -- Cris Glaser
Schlock and Load
The Ghoul gets liquorish at the Beachland.
SAT 6/28
The Ghoul promises to "mangle medullas and buzz brain cells" at the Ghoul Power Night of Music, Mayhem & Madness. The chaos will be aired in bits throughout July on the Ghoul's late-night Friday TV show on WBNX Channel 55. "Add to the mix four of my favorite bands, and you come up with an extravaganza that would reduce Marilyn Manson to a fresh-faced cub scout," he says. On the bill are Ghoulworthy rockers Satan's Satellites, Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival, Cult of the Psychic Fetus, and the Paybacks. "At evening's end, when everyone is all liquored up, we will rip off all of our clothes and conga-line into the parking lot, yelling 'Ghoul Power!'" The liquoring starts at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Beachland, 15711 Waterloo Road. Admission is $10; call 216-383-1124. -- Cris Glaser
Billiards 'n' Bunnies
Playboy hosts a Playmate search at Jillian's in the Flats.
7/2 - 7/3
Playboy is looking for its 50th Anniversary Playmate, and she could be one of our own. "Playboy has always represented the girl next door, and what better way to find her than looking from city to city?" says spokesperson Theresa Hennessey. Which is why the men's magazine is publicly auditioning its Miss January 2004 over the next three months. Women are invited to come down and show what they've got; if it's good enough, they'll join finalists from 20 other Jillian's searches for a chance at the top honor. And yes, guys, this is a spectator sport. It takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 2 and 3, at Jillian's (1148 Main Avenue in the Flats); call 877-777-1953. -- Steve Albanese
A Bartender's Dream
SUN 6/29
Grid/Orbit's Darrian is the one-named bartender with a supermodel's dreams. Movin' On Up could take him one step closer: It's a Sunday-night party featuring drag queen Erica Martinez, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction of Banana Republic gear and bar goodies. Proceeds help get Darrian to New York for a national model search next month. Movin' On Up happens at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Grid/Orbit, 1437 St. Clair Avenue. Admission is $20; call 216-623-0113. -- Cris Glaser
