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The Rebel Set/Sam at Eleven/Mavis Pearly Are Going to ‘Kick Cancer’ with Benefit Show

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When cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control, they grow and form new, irregular cells.  These cells can also grow onto other tissues.  There is DNA in every cell and it directs all the cell’s actions. In a normal cell, when DNA gets damaged the cell either repairs the damage or the cell dies. In the irregular cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired, and the cell doesn’t die like it should. Instead, the cell goes on making new cells that the body doesn’t need. These cells all have the same abnormal DNA as the first cell does.  This is what is considered cancer.  The American Cancer Society also has released these staggering facts:

  • About 1,660,290 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2013.
  • The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 13.7 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive on January 1, 2012.
  • 580,350 Americans are expected to die of cancer this year, with almost 1,600 people per day.

Cancer is a crippling disease.  It’s a disease that has affected most of us in a many ways.  Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and many others.  Luckily many cancer researchers and organizations like Livestrong continue to work day and night, looking to help eliminate the deadly illness.  Lead singer of the local band The Rebel Set, Tom Gilliam, is also on the crusade to defeat cancer.  And he has a team behind him along the way.

Gilliam is the Online Chairman and also does publicity for his team in the group Relay For Life of Greene County.  This Saturday night at Blind Bob’s Bar in the Oregon District, Gilliam’s band, along with bands Sam at Eleven and Mavis Pearly will taking part in the Kick Cancer’s Ass Benefit Show.  Last year’s show raised $1057, which helped with cancer research, helped patients get to their treatments, etc.  This year the proceeds will go to help enroll people into CPS-3, a long-term study that will help researchers better identify the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. And you can be a part of this historic research effort by enrolling and encouraging others to enroll.

For those who still haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Gilliam and his merry group, this Saturday will be one of the best nights to see them.  The band got their start in early 2006.  Gilliam and his dear friend Gavin Spencer (vocals/bass/harmonica/accordion) realized that after years of playing in numerous bands that they needed to join together and develop their own group.  They enlisted Jason Johantges (rhythm guitar), Adam Kempf (drums/trumpet) and Ken Hall (keyboards/trombone).

(The Rebel Set)

In September of 2007, the band released their first album Ghost Town Silence.  The engineer/producer Patrick Himes helped the band record the album.  Ghost Town Silence offers listeners a look at how the band’s live shows go-a raucous, loose vibe with a strong emphasis on guitar play; with the lyrics talk speak about life in the Midwest.  Almost a hybrid of rockabilly and roots.  The follow-up to the group’s 2007 debut, Across The Relentless Sea was released in 2009.  With Steve Falearos producing the album from Babblefish Recording Studios in Franklin, Across The Relentless Sea shows the band going into a different direction.  The band brought in additional instruments, including organs and horns.  The band also had overdubs that added more kick to the band’s sound.  Listening to both albums, you notice that band’s influences.  “We are heavily influenced by The Black Crowes and Rolling Stones”, Gilliam says.  “Those bands have always been favorites of ours.”  The Rebel Set is now in the starting stages of a follow-up to Across The Relentless Sea.  However, due to scheduling conflicts and growing families, the band hasn’t been able to have the time to really the ball rolling like they want.  “It’s frustrating for sure”, Gilliam mentions.  “However, family comes first.  We will get in the studio soon.  I’m ready.”

This year will be the second outing for the Kick Cancer’s Ass Benefit show.  With the success of the show that was held last year, Gilliam realized that it was a no-brainer to set up again.  “We noticed how well the show went last year, and the amount that we raised.  So we know that having the show again had to happen.  We get to play live and raise some money.  It’s a win-win for everybody”.

(Sam at Eleven)

As stated earlier, Sam at Eleven will also be taking the stage at Blind Bob’s during the benefit show.  Sam at Eleven is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Jeff Rudolf, bassist Adam Bryant, and drummer Brad Gilbert.  The band, who got their name from the classic 80s show ‘Cheers’, released their album The Year We Won in 2011, and now are currently working on the follow-up.  Sam at Eleven offers catchy hooks to their songs, with punk-infused riffs.  They have imprinted their name in the lists of top bands to check out when they perform.  The energy is electrifying and frenetic.  The band has some of the catchiest choruses to their songs.  You will catch yourself singing parts of the bands songs days after their show.  “They are so supportive of us and I am excited to have them back for another year”, Gilliam says about the band.  The other band, Mavis Pearly will be bringing their unique blend of all different genres.  From rock to alternative to party music to some originals, Mavis Pearly are sure to give the people at the tavern just another reason to sit back, relax, and have a good night.

To most, the Kick Cancer’s Ass Benefit Show is nothing more than a fantastic evening with great live music lined up.  To the people that are going to be inheritors of the proceeds that will be come from the show will give them more than we could ever imagine-a chance to beat a disease that some don’t get a chance to.  The evening is truly for a great cause, and it will be another night that will undoubtedly show people that the folks in Dayton care about their neighbors.  The show starts at 10.  Cover charge is $5.  Come out and help kick cancer’s ass once and for all…

Show Review: Todd the Fox, Anatomy of Frank, Sam at Eleven at South Park Tavern-May 19th

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Todd the Fox and Lisa Bunny (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

On Wayne Avenue, just about a couple of miles away from the Oregon District lays South Park Tavern.  The tavern was introduced to me when I first started to becoming a Dayton native.  The selection of beer and micros that South Park offers is incredible.  The taps are always in rotation, which can always make any avid beer fan come back time and time again.  Also, the establishment has been labeled by many to have some of the best pizza in the entire Dayton area.  What makes South Park so charming, however, is the atmosphere.  The people who work there are engaging, and nice.  Its no shock to anyone that the people who visit soon become good friends with the staff.  Patrons also become friends with each other.  They share their thoughts of the beer being served, their world views, and stories about their journey thru life among other topics.

South Park Tavern also hosts music on a regular basis.  On May 19th, the tavern hosted two local acts, Todd the Fox, and Sam at Eleven.  Anatomy of Frank, originating from the state of Virginia, also performed this night.

First up was Todd the Fox.  Alongside Todd during the set was Lisa Bunny, who played on a washboard.  Yes-a washboard.  The crowd wasn’t sure what to think when they saw Todd, dressed in all black (vest, shirt, pants) and Lisa, holding a washboard that looked like it was well broken in.  And that’s exactly how they wanted it.

The minute Todd strung the first chord on his guitar, you felt like the tavern became an intimate venue for bluegrass and folk.  Todd’s southern voice was textbook blues and soul.  Lisa strummed on the washboard as flawless as you can get.  Both played fast, and played loud.  Their chemistry was impeccable.  Both fed of each other’s emotions.  Todd and Lisa played some of his original work, including one that I’m thinking about titled ‘I’m Feeling Fine’.  The duo also added some blues-injected covers of The White Stripes ‘Seven Nation Army’ and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s  ‘Pride Joy’.  You just could see and sense the two were just having the time of their lives.  Both playing in front of packed establishment.  Both realizing that we were in the palm of their hands.  At the beginning of the night, Todd and Lisa came in with just a guitar, and washboard.  At the end of their set, they left with their two instruments, along with everyone’s appreciation and attention.

Anatomy of Frank (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

The second act of the evening was Anatomy of Frank.  The band, as mentioned earlier, hailed from the state of Virginia.  As the lights turned to a very low dim, the band came out to having a festive display of lights on their fingers.  Anatomy of Frank goes outside of the box when it comes to their sound. Their show was jam-packed with experimental sounds, with the banjo, and synthesizers overlapping each other so perfectly.  Their possibilities were endless with their play. The band took the audience into a fantasy.  All of us in the crowd and jumped onto clouds and took a flight into the sky.  Their songs were catchy.  ‘Saturday Morning’ is still tossing around in my head to this day.  The finale of their set was wild and free.  The lead singer started to climb over the
tables and chairs.  Another member of the band grabbed a drum and started wailing on it.  Wild display of freedom.  Dayton showed them the love they deserved.

Sam at Eleven (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

Last act to hit the stage at the tavern was Sam at Eleven.  In April, I saw these guys play at Blind Bob’s for a benefit show.  It was their first live in over a year, and they had no signs of rust.  And this night didn’t differ from that night in April.  Sam at Eleven plays effortlessly. Their music has such a way of grabbing you and not letting you go.  The band’s broad punk feel has you almost convinced that they listened to the band’s before them (Iggy Pop, Alkaline Trio), and perfected their spin of the sound.  One thing I have noticed from watching two of their sets is just how raw they are.  The emotion coming from them when they playing each song are hard to touch.  Their songs, which are about their lives, their families, are some oft he most catchiest I have ever heard in a local band.  They are simply just cool guys that love playing music together.

South Park Tavern had three amazing bands take their stage, and took the crowd on a journey thru all kinds of different types of music.  From bluegrass to punk, the night seemed to blend together beautifully.  The three acts gave praise to one another, and admired what they witnessed.  Overall, the night was awe-inspiring.  Truly, the night was one of those nights that had Dayton’s best foot forward.

Shrug, The Rebel Set & Sam at Eleven Play Cancer Benefit on Saturday

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The Rebel Set performing at Blind Bob's

One of the things that makes the Dayton music scene great is a willingness on the part of so many bands to play shows that help out the larger community (in addition to keeping us all entertained.  One such show is happening this Saturday (April 14th at Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District.  Shrug, The Rebel Set and Sam at Eleven will perform an evening of music for a mere $5 at the door.  That money will go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Greene County. More details are available at the Dayton Most Metro Events Calendar.

Sam at Eleven plays debut show with The Rebel Set

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This Saturday night is your first chance to check out a new local band made up of some familiar faces.  Jeff Rudolf, Brad Gilbert and Adam Bryant were three of the members of HQAX.  Back in March the trio formed a new group called Sam at Eleven.  They’ll be playing their debut show on Saturday, July 17th at the Oregon Express.  Sam at Eleven will get the evening started around 10pm, and the Rebel Set will round out the 21+ show.  Admission is $5.