While reunions are typically of the cubed cheese and awkward conversation variety, there's nothing like a liberal dose of rock-supplied adrenaline to kickstart an over-served, holiday-stressed, family-full spirit. On Sunday, December 26, musical friends and family will reunite at Collinwood bastion The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern for the eighth annual "Old Home Night." Home and Garden, Alejando Escovedo & Miss Melvis, the Kidney Brothers with Anton Fier (of the Numbers Band and Golden Palominos) and The Heathers will take the stage, beginning at 8 pm.
The evening of inventive improvisation, cool collaborations and remarkable reunions brings together ex-pat Clevelanders and loyal natives to toast old times (and friends) and create new memories. Stories will be told, drinks will be had, and dancing will occur.
"This is my first year being involved where I too am coming back from out of town, so it'll be nice to see some familiar faces," says Exit Stencil Recordings owner Ryan Weitzel. "Collinwood was a big part of my last couple years before moving, so while I only left about six months ago… it'll still be nice to hang at the tavern and play a show." Weitzel will join Home & Garden on guitar.
Scott Krauss and Tony Maimone have led the Home & Garden charge since 1982, forming in the wake of Pere Ubu's (temporary) breakup. The group has recorded several well-received EPs, singles and a full length LP. Many critics recognize Krauss and Maimone as one of the most influential and under-appreciated rhythm sections for their work on Pere Ubu records such as The Modern Dance and Dub Housing. The band is currently at work writing and recording new material for a projected release next year. "It's also one of the rare Home and Garden shows with Tony Maimone on bass," says Weitzel. [Photo by Bryon Miller / l-r: Tony Maimone, Scott Krauss, Keith Kornajcik, Ryan Weitzel, Angel Mendoza]
The Kidney Brothers (Bob and Jack) have led the avant-blues 15-60-75 (aka The Numbers Band) for more than 30 years, influencing and inspiring untold numbers of Cleveland musicians and fans through classic recordings, including the sensational Jimmy Bell’s Still In Town, which captured one of the siblings' fiery, jaw-dropping live performances – for which they are famous. Legendary drummer Anton Fier, who's worked with a dizzying array of collaborators and as leader of experimental rock supergroup The Golden Palominos (whose membership has included John Zorn, Bill Laswell, John Lydon, Michael Stipe, Matthew Sweet, Jack Bruce, Syd Straw, and Lori Carson), will join the brothers.
Alejandro Escovedo is an Austin, Texas-based singer and songwriter, who prolific career began with early punk band The Nuns, though he is best known for his Americana/alt-country solo records. His most recent full-length Street Songs of Love was released this past summer. Miss Melvis is a Cleveland guitarist known for her shred work in local bands, including Chump and the Flat Can Company. The Heathers have been dishing their noisy blend of CLE-punk since the 1990s.
Despite the stellar bill, the tab will only set you back $10 per ticket. A small price to pay for some laid-back, post-holiday revelry.
LISTEN: Home & Garden - "Big Winter" (Live at Old Home Night)*
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LISTEN: 15.60.75 (aka The Numbers Band) - "Jimmy Bell) (From Jimmy Bell's Still in Town)
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*Courtesy of Exit Stencil Recordings
