"For what they were doing, they were the guys," says Paul Ross, who plays with the opening act, Kathleen Turner Overdrive. "It was always a party, always a packed house."
The Dogs, whose lineup consisted of singer-guitarist Austin "Walkin' Cane" Charanghat, bassist-singer Tom Prebish, drummer Fred Perez-Stable, and keyboardist Chris Hanna, borrowed their name from Wilson Pickett's nickname for Duane Allman, who was a major influence on their sound. Charanghat, Perez-Stable, and Prebish had been friends since first grade; they're part of a tight musical family that includes roots rockers Rosavelt -- for whom Hanna's brother Keith plays bass -- and fellow bluesman Colin Dussault.
From 1990 to 1994, the Sky Dogs filled the Phantasy and regularly graced rooms such as Peabody's Café (now the Rhythm Room) and Rockin' Richie's (now the Hi-Fi Club). They broke up shortly after the release of their only disc, the 1994 independent release And Then . . .
The reunion is likely to be a one-shot deal, if only for logistical reasons. "We're all dads now, and we're all working full-time schedules," says Perez-Stable. "We've had the idea since January, and July 10 was the first night all four of us had off."
· Cleveland metalcore bruisers 13 Faces are down a face. Drummer Jeff Curenton has left the band to join Seven Witches, an internationally touring power-metal outfit that features ex-Savatage guitarist Jack Frost. Curenton will continue to drum for his other band, old-school Clevo heshers Wretch, alongside bassist Dennis Hayes, who also plays with Witches.
"He left on really good terms," says 13 Faces guitarist John Comprix. "It was just a really good opportunity for him."
Curenton's departure will delay the Faces' second album, which follows 2002's These Bloody Hands. The band is auditioning drummers and writing material, with plans to record this summer.
· Xtreme Radio's The Metal Show Unleashed will welcome Dokken for a live set from the Lava Room Recording studio Wednesday, June 23, at 2 p.m. The first 50 fans to register at www.themetalshow.com see it happen for free.
· Cleveland metallers Disown won the WMMS Rock Off June 13, claiming $1,500 and a van rental to audition for a slot on Ozzfest. "The judges picked a band they felt would fit Ozzfest," says Mark "Munch" Bishop of the Buzzard Morning Show. "They have a sound that's just hypnotic. And their stage show is unbelievable."
· Psychopathic Records affiliates Zug Izland will appear at the Exchange in Parma Heights (6271 Pearl Road, 440-845-0828) from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 1. The pals of Insane Clown Posse will sign copies of their new disc, 3:33, and pass out swag while it lasts.
