After 15 years, the Savannah (30676 Detroit Road, Westlake) will host its final weekly blues jam on Thursday, April 29. Becky Boyd will host.
"It pretty much ran its course," says owner Jim DePaul. "Times are tough, and it's hard to make it happen every Thursday. The demographics have changed. Now, when people come out, they want to dance and have a good time, to be entertained."
At jam nights, a rotation of regular hosts sat in with house band the Bad Boys of Blues. The trio is led by Texas import Michael Bay, who's a music teacher by day. His students often graduate to the Savannah stage for their first public performance.
Over the years, the night has spawned blues and rock groups like the Rhythm Syndicate and the Stone Bermudez. Aspiring young musicians like KJ Blues frontwoman Kristine Jackson and Big Brother & the Holding Company singer Mary Bridget Davies got their start at the jam.
"You always remember the first time you play out," says Colin Dussault, a regular host. "That afforded a lot of non-professional players the chance."
The Bad Boys of Blues will continue hosting their Wednesday weekly jam at the Parkview (1261 W. 58th St.). DePaul says the Savannah jam may return as a monthly event. For now, he plans to host live bands on Thursdays.
Aevory Nash release their full-length debut, We Could Be Lovers... Or Friends on Thursday, April 29, at Musica (51 E. Market St., Akron) The Akron-based post-emo quartet recorded its second disc at Akron's Audio Kitchen studio, with a piano and Fender Rhodes keyboard in tow. Guitar ace Neil Zaza produced, engineered, and mastered the album. "Lyrically and musically, we were able to create a really good flow," says lead guitarist Dan Van Matre. State Fair and Dead Horse open. The show starts at 8 p.m.; admission is $8.
Most of late '70s/early '80s Akron punk band Hammer Damage's first lineup (drummer Mike Hammer, guitarist Donnie Damage, guitarist George Cabinass, bassist Scott Winkler) will play the Beachland Tavern (15711 Waterloo Rd.) Friday, April 30. Showtime is 9 p.m.; tickets are $10.
Nemeth's Lounge (40 N. State St., Painesville) will host a benefit for Venomin James drummer Jared Koston from 1-8 p.m. Sunday, May 2. Door donation is $5. Suede Brothers, Forged in Flame, and Ohio Sky headline.
