The issues around health care access have changed over the last four and a half decades — recently, with the stunning success of Obamacare, much for the better. But through all that time, the Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland, located on the edge of University Circle, has been there. In 1970, it served nomadic and anti-materialistic counterculture youth. Later on it served a diverse community of the poor — and the working poor for whom health care coverage was out of reach.
And for many years in the ’80s and ’90s, two of Cleveland’s most popular bands, rock/reggae act First Light and jam band Oroboros joined forces each year for Rock ’N’ Reggae, to benefit the clinic.
The tradition continues. Oroboros vocalist/guitarist Jim Miller now leads the jam-style JiMiller Band. First Light’s Carlos Jones(pictured) is one of the most popular roots reggae performer in the area, fronting his P.L.U.S. Band. They will be playing at the Beachland Ballroom at benefit the Free Clinic. They’ll be joined by another reggae act, Gata’s Gullah Gumbo.
Three younger acts will play in the tavern as part if the event. Akron-based instrumental soul band the Admirables will close the night with two sets. They’ll be preceded by Kent blues rockers Scarlot & the Harlots, and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Istvan Medgyesi who draws on a variety of American traditional music genres.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of show.