Billed as a 419 Friday,Th's show was an outlet to showcase local ( Northwest Ohio,Southeastern Michigan )talent. Young bands to be exposed to a possible older crowd mixed in with their younger followers,and all ages show on a Friday night. The place did get a good sized crowd who for the most part, were there for all three acts. Not too many of the 21 and up crowd though, so the 419 shows may continue but they'll be moving them to a weeknight during the summer.

Static Ego is young band from Michigan and was booked as a two piece but arrived as three piece. I was informed that the bass player joined the band just the day before the show. Not being familiar enough with the band to know their songs going into the show or even know what to expect I was surprised to here somewhat complex song structures especially vocally. You don't this often from punk bands, and even less often from young, and I mean young by still high school age. Aggressiveness-check, stage presence-check, good songs -check these are the things Static Ego has going for them in bunches as this stage in their budding career choice. Some things they need to constructively work on is upgrading equipment so they come across with the power their songs deserve. Working the bass player into the set before hitting the stage with.Although he had great enthusiasm and form the sound of it can play the sound was not gelling an it hurt the bands live sound. Last bit,and this comes from an old codger,I know you like The Clash, for that very reason take the Clash song out of the set,retire it. No one but no one I can think of can pull off doing a Clash song and doing it justice.Ive always wanted to do one but the little Strummer on my shoulder said "really man" Lots of good things are ahead for this band if they keep at it,and take their rehearsing seriously because the songs are good they just need time and polish.

Toledo City Paper awarded The Shame Game best new band for 2010 a few weeks back and I cant argue their choice.Ive said it before that they possess the live energy and vibe that only a young hungry band can possess. I had just seen the band live a couple months ago and just a few weeks has made difference for the better. Songs like I "Don't Wanna Be on MTV"," Pants' and 'Protest Song" continue to progress as the band refines the chops with each gig. Aspiring young punks can take some advise from The Shame Game's sound. Healthy respect for old school, and original incorporation of the new school. Punk and it sub genres can be very formula orientated and trap a band, So far the Shame Game are avoiding that thanks in large part to the stage command the group has.cant wait to hear them again in another couple of months.If I was a producer I would be frothing at the mouth to record and help shape these kids. Great show!

The Grubs also from Toledo were the old men of the night punching thier clocks in their early 20's . If your not familiar with The Grubs they look em up cause you should be. Their live show right now pretty much outlines what we can expect to hear on the full length CD they are working on for an April release. I cant imagine how they will capture the magic they generate live. No where will you find a band that these days that combines punk energy,chili pepper vocals,ska-downbeat style guitar, with G Clinton type bass and I know it sounds twisted but live there is nothing like them anywhere. Tonight was no exception and I have yet to see them put on a bad show. Gotta love a band where the vocalist uses a bugle and a diggeriedoo on the same song let along the same set. Mom my tell you to shut up and eat your Grubs, but I recommend you see them and listen to them first.