Meet the Band: Carol Schumacher-Yachanin (bass, vocals), John Kalman (guitar, vocals), Stanton Thatcher (drums), and John Neely (guitar).
Supergroup: All four members of Founding Fathers are seasoned local musicians: Thatcher and Neely played in Tokyo Storm Warning; Kalman was in Roue and is currently a member of Terminal Lovers. Schumacher-Yachanin has done time in several bands, including Tough & Lovely and Reigning Sound. She also backed Mary Weiss of girl-group legends the Shangri-Las when Weiss appeared on Conan O'Brien's late-night show a few years ago.
Window Dressing: Neely – who also works at the Grog Shop, as does Kalman – says that the familiar "Garfield1-2323" jingle that every Clevelander can recite by heart was a musical epiphany for him. It's "the Beatles-on-Sullivan moment of our generation," he quips.
Seriously Good: Despite their occasional goofiness, Founding Fathers are seriously good at what they do. They continue to generate buzz throughout the city that should pick up even more once the debut album they've just completed hits the streets.
Why You Should Hear Them: If you're looking for no-frills, straight-up rock & roll, few in Cleveland do it better than Founding Fathers.
Where You Can Hear Them: myspace.com/foundingfatherscle
Where You Can See Them: At the Grog Shop August 25.– Eddie Fleisher
