Notes on the Kirkland Cafe, Bang Camaro, Brother Cleve, and the Rudds
By JIM SULLIVAN | May 8, 2007
PLAYMATES: Bang Camaro
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When the Rathskeller in Kenmore Square went down, so did a lot of its fixtures. When Somerville’s KIRKLAND CAFÉ closes, after 40 years, there may be a lot of chicken wings flying through the air. See, each wing will cost only 35 cents. The shows on May 26 and 27 have been dubbed the “Kirkland Kiss Off Memorial Meltdown.” The club’s mainstay, the MICKEY BLISS ORGAN COMBO, will be the final band on stage as 1 am nears, Monday May 28. During the celebration/wake, about 45 bands will play, among them Saturday’s headliners, the PRIME MOVERS. Bliss — who booked the club and did sound and other tasks — says owner Ellie Hernon informed him the club was up for sale on Mardi Gras. The deal went down a month later; papers will pass May 31. Bliss doesn’t know the new owners, but he says they intend to keep the space a restaurant/club. He’s not sure what, if any, role he will have. As for the “Meltdown,” he says it should be “pretty festive, but a bit melancholy. I’ve got lots of mixed feelings. I liked all the people here.”
On a happier note: Playgirl will feature Boston boys BANG CAMARO in its September issue. What appealed to managing editor Nicole Caldwell most about the band? “What didn’t? There’s a high demand among women in this world for dozens of sweaty, beautiful men who know how to play rock and roll. Believe me, I get all of these ladies’ letters.” Caldwell saw five Bang Camaro shows and made the call. As for skin, BC manager Ralph Jacodine says no private parts will be involved. Playgirl will host an after-party following the band’s gig in Brooklyn May 18 at Luna Lounge. . . . BROTHER CLEVE has traveled across India, and he loves Mumbai disco and Bollywood. The Dragonfly keyboardist and Dorchester-based DJ is spinning at Venu on May 10 for an “Educate To Empower” benefit whose proceeds will go to better education in rural India. Cleve opens the night at 10; DJ Reaz will follow. . . . With BRETT ROSENBERG off to Nashville, the RUDDS have filled his guitar slot with Rock Bottom’s CHRIS BLUE. They’ll play Tommy Doyle’s in Harvard Square June 23.
Email the author
Jim Sullivan: jimsullivanink@verizon.net
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