The Blues-Rock Scene In Parma

I would like to thank the Parma Observer readers who came out to see the John Allender Band for our two shows in Parma during November. At Lucky T's on the 25th, we were privileged to have Jim Wall on drums, considered one of the very best drummers from the Cleveland area. Jim is a Parma Heights native and a Berklee School of Music graduate. He plays regularly with Michael Bay & the Bad Boys of Blues, as well as The Jack Fords. In addition, Jim operates Blue Buddha Music Studio at 6631 York Rd. in Parma Hts., a state-of-the-art recording facility where he records artists and teaches. His website is jimwallmusic.com.

Jim added an explosive element to our sound that complimented John Noble on bass and really rocked the house! Thanks again to Theresa and her staff at Lucky T's; we're playing there more and more, and you can expect a good variety of players there in the future. The Blues-Rock scene in the Parma area continues to grow; there's Ted Riser's open-mic night on Tuesdays at the Hive on State Rd. Check out the Blue Line Bar & Grill at 4305 Brookpark Rd., where owner Kevin is doing a great job of helping to keep live musical entertainment going in Parma , giving musicians from the area a place where they can go and share their talents while entertaining all of the fans of good music in the process. Local legend Butch Armstrong has his jam night on Thursday nights at Grillers on State Rd., featuring the Tower City Blues Band.

We are all trying to create an ever-growing Blues-Rock scene in Parma, so if you happen to love or even like the Blues and/or Blues-based Rock 'n Roll, there are plenty of options here around the Parma area. I'm also hosting jam night at Smedley's on Thursday, Dec. 15th. with the Freebyrds featuring Rob Stibbs on guitar, John Noble on bass, and Mike Meheli on drums. Smedley's is a cool, laid- back, safe biker hangout in the heart of Kamm's Corners. So enjoy some good times, and in the words of Bob "the Bear" Hite from Canned Heat, don't forget to boogie!