Hometown: Akron
Sounds like: "We're a horn-driven ensemble, blending rock and ska into a polished live show sure to entertain."
Fun fact: "The bass player, Anders [Eskesen], is co-founder of the Rubber City Clothing Company, makers of Akron-themed T-shirts."
Playing: Thursday, November 17, at the Lime Spider, Akron
Why you should see them: "We aren't your typical local band -- for a unique sound and experience at a great local club, come see us." -- Neil Keating, guitars and vocals
Band: The Interns
(www.internsrock.com)
Hometown: Garrettsville
Sounds like: "Current underground pop/rock groups like Acceptance, Let Go, or the Format, heavily influenced by older groups like the Gin Blossoms, Pavement, Weezer, and the Replacements."
Fun fact: "The band has been actively touring for three years and has shared the stage with the likes of Brand New, Fall Out Boy, and the Juliana Theory. The Interns have also been working on a full-length album in Tempe, Arizona, with producer Jamie Woolford (Let Go, the Format, and more)."
Playing: Wednesday, November 23, at the Grog Shop
Why you should see them: "It's the last local show we will play in 2005. It'd be great to have everyone come check out a bill featuring all local talent, the kind of bill we rarely get to play. There are also rumors of an iPod giveaway at the door." -- Tony Hartman, bass and vocals
Band: Seventh Plague
(www.myspace.com/viiplague)
Hometown: Streetsboro
Sounds like: "Sick and horrific vocals, with very demented seven-string guitar tones, blast beats, and breakdowns."
Fun fact: "Our drummer breaks more cymbals than drumsticks!"
Playing: Saturday, November 19, at the Hi-Fi Concert Club
Why you should see them: "Because you won't believe our age after we tear the stage apart." -- John Burke, lead guitar
Band: Brennan's Revenge (www.brennansrevenge.com)
Hometown: Cleveland/Eastlake
Sounds like: "Shane MacGowan sits at a bar with Johnny Cash, discussing the brilliance of Hank Williams Sr. and the Clancys, and how they were 'punk' before punk ever was. Then they rejoice at the thought and pass out."
Fun fact: "Most of the people in Brennan's Revenge play several instruments other than the ones onstage. Rick [Sirl, vocals, guitar] is a five-string banjo maniac, and Annie [Libertini, violin, flute, vocals] tears it up on the concertina."
Playing: Sunday, November 20, at Peabody's
Why you should see them: "If you don't, Rick will make you drink a whole bottle of Powers in one sitting. Oh, wait, he'll do that anyway!" -- Alicia Baker, mandolin player
