Fri 4/1 & Sat 4/2 @ 7:30PM
It’s been more than 40 years since the Akron quartet known as the Walking Clampetts first hit a stage.
Fronted by vocalist/guitarist Johnny Teagle, the band was one of the earliest in this area digging up retro sounds like rockabilly and surf and giving it a jolt of punk rock spirit. Now the four members are living in four different states: Teagle in New York, drummer Mikey Hammer in Georgia, guitarist Mike Purkhiser in California and bassist Bob Basone holding down the home fort here in Ohio.
For many years, they played annual reunion shows at the now-shuttered Tangier, but they haven’t played now since Thanksgiving 2018. Now they’re back at a new venue in Akron: Jilly’s Music Room.
“The band looks forward to seeing friends and fans from the ’80s, ’90s and 21st century, playing loud and proud, putting out those crazy rhythms that won’t let you sit down!,” they say. “The boys promise to work up a sweat and hope you will as well (your presence on the dance floor is requested but not mandatory).”
They’re also hinting that there will be some special guests on hand to sing a song or play a solo. And they’re promising to unearth some old tunes and play some new ones as well. Each night, they say, will feature an opening set with a completely different set list each night; they’ll play all the old faves in the closing set.
It’s $20 for the general admission show. Proof of vaccination is required.