Down on the Farm

Cow-punk pioneer courts a new audience: Volume-lovin' kids!

Jason Ringenberg used to sing about "Broken Whiskey Glass[es]" and the "Shotgun Blues" when he fronted cow-punks Jason & the Scorchers back in the '80s. These days, he sports overalls, wears a goofy hat, and writes songs like "Punk Rock Skunk" and "The Doggie Dance" as Farmer Jason. Still, as far as tot-rockers go, Ringenberg is an amiable fella, retaining most of the 80-miles-an-hour twang he used to play with the Scorchers. His latest CD, Rockin' in the Forest With Farmer Jason, features tunes about tadpoles, butterflies, and other woodland critters. It's fun stuff for kids and grown-ups alike. But Farmer Jason really rocks the barn in concert, where the Nashville singer-songwriter cranks the amps and unleashes G-rated hell. You never knew a song called "The Tractor Goes Chug Chug Chug" could sound so fierce. Farmer Jason plays the Beachland Tavern (15711 Waterloo Road) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10, $8 in advance. Call 216-383-1124 or visit www.beachlandballroom.com for more information.
Sat., Nov. 3, 2 p.m., 2007