Robert Lockwood Jr.'s All-Star Band is on indefinite hiatus after ending its 20-year run as Fat Fish Blue's Wednesday night band. Bassist Gene Schwartz says the group may reunite for special shows but has no plans to return with a regular engagement.
But Schwartz is back on the scene with brother Glenn. The Schwartz Brothers will play the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd.) the last Friday of every month. Former James Gang/Pacific Gas and Electric guitarist Glenn, legendary for his onstage brimstone-and-hellfire rants, has relaxed in recent months, allowing fans to applaud, smile and even dance. Next show is Friday, January 29. Doors 9 p.m.; cover $5.
After 13 years of talking metal, Classic Metal Show co-host Chris Akin has left the program to focus on a new, Internet-based political-talk show, podcast and website. Says Akin, "Simply, I've done what there is to do with it."
News and views won't be new ground for Akin. He's woven politics into the show over the years, jagging Ministry's Al Jourgensen and badgering S.O.D.'s Billy Milano. The website, alldanews.com, is live now. He's planning to have the talk show up in early March.
Cleveland's Cellar Door Records ends a year-long hiatus with a show at the Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Hts.) on Friday, January 29. The microlabel's, head, Justin Makert, says he plans to release at least four albums this year, including his own singer-songwriter material and a 10-inch vinyl from post-rock group Monolith at Tycho. Monolith at Tycho headline the show, with sets by former This Is Exploding frontman Joshua Jesty, indie rockers Hello Timebomb, singer-songwriter Doug Ivancic and Rob Geer, a songwriter who performs original material and Bon Iver covers. Doors 8 p.m.; cover $7.
The Town Fryer (5000 Euclid Ave.) will host Ali Fest on Saturday, January 30. The show is a benefit for Ali Porter, daughter of owner Susie Porter. Ali — a bartender and mother of a one-year-old — broke her neck in December and has no insurance. Roots rockers the Jack Fords headline. Local artists and businesses have donated items for a raffle. Show starts at 2 p.m.; cover is an optional donation at door.
