Sat 2/7 @ 8PM
Commercial radio is dead. But real music lovers in Cleveland know where to find stuff that’s new, fresh, interesting, obscure or overlooked: college radio.
John Carroll University’s WJCU FM 88.7 has been growing as a force in the region since it first signed on the air 46 years ago. Like fellow radio stations such as Cleveland State’s WCSB and Case Western Reserve’s WRUW, it plays a wide mix of music with student programmers rubbing elbows with community veterans who are well-schooled in particular genres of music.
For those non-commercial stations, the annual radiothon to raise money to keep their operations going is a staple. Listens can call in, pledge and win anything from a T-shirt to the chance to program their favorite show.
WJCU’s 2015 radiothon runs from Fri 2/6 through Sun 2/15. In addition to calling in 216-397-4438 or donating online, metal heads who support programs such as Bill Peters’ long-running Friday evening show Metal on Metal can come out and support the station in person — and get an evening of head-banging music as well.
The WJCU radiothon benefit at the Maple Grove, organized by Peters, will feature the debut of the latest lineup of Cleveland thrash metal stalwarts Destructor (pictured). The band formed in the ’mid 80s and endured the tragedy of bass player Dave Iannicca’s murder just as they were recording their major label debut. Somehow, this band has persevered and are still out there wrecking maximum destruction on audience’s ears. Veteran members guitarist Dave Overkill and drummer Matt Flammable will be joined by “Hammer” on bass and “Annihilator” on guitar.
Also on the bill is another veteran band, ’90s punk rockers Hostile Omish, who came up with the gimmick of dressing like Amish and working a butter churn onstage; the recently formed Sunless Sky, which features veteran vocalist/frontman Juan Riccardo of Attaxe and Dark Arena; and Gatlin, who recently reunited to celebrate their 20th anniversary.
“I’m really excited about this show!” says Peters. “We’ve got a great billing this year. Come early, stay late! Just by stopping out to hear all of this killer music you will be helping our station. Special thanks to Maple Grove owner Nick Summa for donating his club to us. Hope to see you there!”
You heard the man, metal fans. Admission is only $7. So don’t complain about the cost. You’ll have plenty left for beer.
Photo by Lily Peters