Buckeye Music Magazine's First Annual Black Friday Celebration

Written by Jimmy Cummings

The day after Thanksgiving is usually set aside for football, shopping, and leftovers. This year Buckeye Music Magazine wanted to make Black Friday a time of celebrating the things we are thankful for, like our fans. Because of you Buckeye Music Magazine has become the voice of Ohio’s music scene; so we decided to throw a party and show our appreciation to our fans and friends. On tap for the festivities; Magic Jackson, Demolition Crew, and the return of Groove Therapy. The event was held at J-Alan’s in downtown Dayton; Phil and his staff were at the top of their game and made certain every glass remained full and cold. Kim and Lisa provided the refreshments for the evening in including some of Lisa’s famous Buckeye’s and Chubby was all geared up to tape the entire event. Things were in place for a great night but I have to say I was freaking out when we got to Dayton. Apparently the downtown area was having a holiday parade and many of the streets were closed for the parade, including Ludlow Street; you guessed it, home of J-Alan’s. But thanks to Dayton’s finest, all the band were able to pull up and unload their gear and eventually things got back to normal and everyone was able to arrive on time. It’s a good thing they did because they sure didn’t want to miss the first band up, Groove Therapy.

When I approached Danny Sauers about booking the event I was excited to hear that Groove Therapy would be available for the show. Groove Therapy has been around the Dayton music scene for a while but band members have since moved on to other projects, yet the band still gets together a couple of times a year, so we were lucky to have them at our first show. With the aid of Chris Coalt on Guitar (Romeo Champagne) and Stan Middleton on Trombone (Demolition Crew), Sauers and Groove Therapy started the show off right with the song “Soul Shakedown Party” and the party was on. The guys laid down some silky grooves but these guys are used to that, they are some of the most talented guys in the business. Danny Sauers (Vocals, Sax, Harmonica), Mikey Dread (Vocals, Guitar), Mark Sisson (Vocals, Bass), Baba Kuti (Drums) make up Groove Therapy; along with Coalt and Middleton these guys got the party started with a set that rocked the house.

Following Groove Therapy was the Reggae/Ska band Demolition Crew. I first discovered the band right here at J-Alan’s and quickly became a fan. These guys take Reggae to a new level with original tunes that rock you to the core and get your body moving. Practically everyone was one their feet as Stan and his Trombone led the Crew into a set that worked the crowd into a frenzy. J-Alan’s was packed out and the spirits were flowing; and since it was a celebration I did partake in a cocktail or two. As my buzz grew so did the energy in the place; it was electric. Cameron "Ciam" Carr (Guitar,Vox), Stephen "Simba" Napper (Keyboards Backing vox), Tony "Silky T" Allen (Bass), Robert "Baba Kuti" Finch (Drums), Stan "Skabone" Middleton (Trombone, Vox, Harmonica) and Danny "TaxiSax" Sauers (Sax, Vox, Harmonica) make up this dynamic, energetic band and the crowd responded as they fed off each other for one intense set of jams. Danny and Stan are always fun to watch on stage; you can tell they have a passion for what they do, which makes for a great show. And I can’t thank them enough for the support they have given Buckeye Music Magazine and the local music scene.

After an amazing show by Demolition Crew it was time for everyone to catch their breath; but only for a moment because next up was Dayton’s Magic Jackson. Magic Jackson has been a big part of Buckeye Music Magazine from the beginning as they were featured in our first issue as June’s Artist of the Month and Nathan Lewis of Magic Jackson was our first interview as well. So there was never a doubt that these guys would be playing our first show. It’s no secret that Magic Jackson is one of my favorite bands and why not; the band combines Funk,Rock, and Soul giving them a sound that seems to attract my eardrums. I have to say I was a little disappointed when I heard John Gentry Jr. wouldn’t be joining the band tonight with NO disrespect to his replacement for the evening Chris Coalt from Romeo Champagne. Luckily for us Chris was available and filled in with one of his finest performances ever; he was SMOKIN! The crowd got right back into the swing of things and filled the dance floor once again as Magic Jackson funked up the place with a high voltage set that still has me rockin. Nathan Lewis (Guitar, Keys, Vocals) was as animated as I have ever seen him and Mike “McNasty” McKewen is as good as it gets on Bass and as usual thumped the hell out that thing while Rob Brockman (Drums, Vocals) makes sure the beat is smooth and steady. And I have to say the addition of Coalt on Guitar gave the band and even more unique sound than ever. I mean his slide work is incredible and it was a pleasure to see Chris let loose and help Magic Jackson blow the roof off the place.

It was a perfect night in my book, being surrounded by friends and family and listening to some of the best music Ohio has to offer. On behalf of Chubby, Kim, Lisa, Russ (who by the way drove down from Tiffin, OH to join us) and myself we would like to thank everyone who made this Black Friday event so special. Our fans are the best and you prove it each month, thank you for your continued support of BMM and the local music scene. Thanks also to Magic Jackson, Demolition Crew, and Groove Therapy for being a part of our first of what we hope to be many more events. I have gotten to know many of you as musicians and most of all friends which made this night that much more special. We can’t thank you enough for letting us be a part of your world of music and the support you have given us; you guys are the best. Big thanks to Phil at J-Alan’s for providing us with a great venue for what turned out to be a GREAT holiday bash. The vibe in that place is what keeps me going back and the staff is one of the best in Dayton. Thanks Phil, you’re the best! And a special shout out to Danny Sauers for helping put this whole thing together. Couldn’t have done it without you brother! The First Annual Buckeye Music Magazine Black Friday Celebration was a HUGE success and we look forward to bringing you the best local music coverage in the Buckeye State for many years to come.

Videos by Chubby Howard