Sun 8/31 @ 8PM
Recently we wrote about Cleveland musician Dave Smeltz who formed reggae and I-Tal in the late ’70s. That band was the springboard that catapulted reggae into the consciousness of Cleveland rock & roll fans and spun off First Light who were the area’s best drawing band for over a decade.
Smeltz recently published a book called Clean: From Reggae to Recovery that told the story of the struggle he was having behind the scenes with addiction and his battle to get clean. The proceeds are going to Clean House, a nonprofit he formed to open a sober living space to help men in recovery get their lives back on track. It’s purchased a house on Buckeye Road and is working to raise money to rehab it.
To do that, the group is holding the second annual Clean House benefit at the Beachland Ballroom. I-Tal will play of course, as will Outlaws I&I and Carlos Jones, reggae acts that both feature former I-Tal members. But the bill is varied. It’ll also include bluesman Austin “Walkin Cane” Charanghat, jazz pianist Joe Hunter’s trio, tribal percussion ensemble Primal Rhythm, blues/roots rock quartet the Flavor and classic rock band the Nazz. Expect a big jam session at the end of the evening.
Tickets are $15.