CLEVELAND — On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Backstage Bar in Cleveland's Kamm's Corners neighborhood will host the Thanksgiving Eve All-Star Jam, an event originally founded by the late local music icon known simply as "Peanuts."
The gathering, which began in 1975, is a legendary musical gathering that has deep roots in the city's rock scene. It’s on a Wednesday night, when most musicians have the night off from gigs, so it provides a unique opportunity for performers to come together and play simply for the love of music.
The event was originally created and hosted by Peanuts, who was known as the "Host of the North Coast." For over 40 years, Peanuts curated this musical gathering in various Cleveland locations until 2016. His famous quote, "The imitators were flattering, but it's not the real deal unless Peanuts is there," became legendary among local musicians.
Although Peanuts has since passed away, his spirit lives on through the All-Star Jam.
In the late 1990s, Cy Sulak and Jim Bacha created the Peanuts All-Star Jam Band, which hosted more than half of the Thanksgiving Eve Jam Nights. So it's fitting that the host band will be the All-Star Jam Band led by Sulak (whose credits include Sweetleaf, The Dynasoars, My Old School, Victory Highway, and Michael Stanley Band) and Bacha (Clearlight/Masque, The Killers, BMZ and, Monica Robins & The Ninja Cowboys).
The lineup also currently features two notable Cleveland natives returning home for the holidays:
- Dave Baker, a Nashville-based musician who has played with the Spazmatics in Cleveland, but in Nashville plays with Kelly Pickler and Big & Rich. Currently, he's on tour with Tyler Connti.
- Tom Schlund, a drummer who played with Hammered, SOS, Bronx, and Lash, and currently has multiple projects in Florida.
Other musicians will be added closer to the event, including a few surprises, and the event is free and open to the public. Music starts at 8 p.m. from the bar at 17007 Lorain Ave.
Special instructions for musicians
Guitarists and bassists are asked to bring their own instruments, and drummers should bring their own sticks. A full backline will be provided by the host band after their opening set. Sound and lighting will be managed by Mike Horvath and Audio 1 Productions.
