The band began as a duo in 1993, with acoustic open-mic shows by Ryan Dawson (guitar) and Dan Heberlein (vocals, harmonica, and guitar).
"Dave Matthews had just started out," recalls Dawson. "We saw Matchbox 20 at the Grog Shop in front of 20 people. Hootie and the Blowfish had been playing colleges for five years. College bands could build a buzz, and record companies would pick up on that buzz."
In a five-year span, Third Wish grew to a septet, drawing high-energy crowds ready to sing along and dance. The group made three albums, which collectively sold 15,000 copies, and toured nationally in 1997. After recording 1997's self-titled LP in front of a crowd of nearly 800 at the Odeon, Dawson left the group for marriage and college. Quick as you can say "Agents of Good Roots," the group's fortunes faded.
"The music scene had changed," recalls Dawson. "I think everybody in the group would give you a different reason why things fizzled out."
Eight of the group's 10 members from different lineups will appear at the show, performing a 25-song set. A limited run of low-priced best-of CDs (all three albums are out of print) will be available at the show.
· State of Being, the dark Cleveland electro-rock outfit, has landed a song on the soundtrack of the upcoming horror-comedy film So You've Downloaded a Demon. The movie stars Xenia Seeberg, of the Sci-Fi Channel's Lexx series.
· Hatecore, Inc. has replaced drummer Stickman with Eric Hilbish, formerly of Akron's Lower G.I.
· 92.3 Xtreme radio's Metal Show Unleashed will host rhythmic hardcore sensation Candiria Wednesday, August 11. On August 9, the show will record an all-stoner-rock lineup at the Hi-Fi Club (11729 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood) featuring Abdullah, Amps II Eleven, and Red Giant.
· Akron modern-rock stalwart Cyde has welcomed two new members: drummer Matt Muckle (ex-Buckcherry, Sinematic) and guitarist Fred Nelson (ex-Too Tall Jones, XXX). "We're really excited about the new lineup," says Cyde frontman Shawn Hackel. "Before, it was a very polished pop-rock act. I think we're getting a little dirtier and sleazier."
· Cleveland's Who Killed Marilyn? has shuffled its lineup, rotating in former Integrity bassist Steve Rauckhorst, former Murder Revolution drummer Greg Haberak, and Mushroomhead keyboardist-sampler Rick Thomas. All three will play on an in-progress disc, though Thomas does not plan to tour with the group. "It's real radio-friendly," says singer-guitarist Christopher Marinin. "Like Alkaline Trio meets Megadeth meets Linkin Park. Tons of melodic breakdowns and sing-alongs." Mushroomhead's workaholic Steve "Skinny" Felton is producing the disc; only time will tell whether you can dance to it.
