Band: Blue Lunch (www.bluelunch.com)
Hometown: Cleveland
Sounds like: “1950s jump blues, New Orleans rhythm and blues, and Chicago Blues.”
Fun fact: “Once had Mean Gene Okerlund, longtime announcer for the World Wrestling Federation, sing ‘Tutti Frutti’ with the band at the old Barney Google’s in Richfield, while Andre the Giant and his girlfriend were in the audience.”
Playing: Friday, February 24, at the Beachland Ballroom, with Candye Kane and Michelle Wilson
Why you should see them: “This will be an extravaganza, starting with a swing dance lesson from Get Hep Swing. Blue Lunch, the house band, is playing one set and then backing each artist, followed by a set with everybody onstage.” — Pete London, harmonica and vocals
Band: Slick Ballinger (www.slickballinger.com)
Hometown: Como, Mississippi
Sounds like: “Jumpin’ juke-house blues.”
Fun fact: “Everything is fun with us.”
Playing: Friday, February 24, at Wilbert’s
Why you should see them: “Because we gonna have a party.” — Slick Ballinger, guitar and vocals
Band: The Jack Fords (www.jackfords.com)
Hometown: Cleveland
Sounds like: “Bob Dylan stoned at the corner tavern.”
Fun fact: “Bobby failed his first year of nursery school. Brent has a fake front tooth. Billy ran naked down a country road. Dave played in a band called Human Prey.”
Playing: Saturday, February 25, at the Town Fryer
Why you should see them: “Be a part of the live recording of our debut CD at one of the coolest bars in Cleveland.” — Bobby Latina, guitar
Band: Brent Hopper & Brittany Reilly (www.brenthopper.com)
Hometown: Bay Village
Sounds like: “Reggae/bluegrass-infused, old-tyme-country folk music.”
Fun fact: “Brent’s a member of the Grass Is Dead and Almost Acoustic bands.”
Playing: Thursday, February 23, at Café Limbo
Why you should see them: “For a unique opportunity to experience a night of bluegrass-reggae-acoustic-roots music! No cover, all ages.” — Brent Hopper, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, vocals
This article appears in Feb 22-28, 2006.
