Frank Rowe doing solo accoutic

Reeling from the sudden passing of Justine Covault, this shocking turn of events emphasized the importance of getting out more than ever to see live music, as it should to anyone and everyone who knew and loved her and her tireless, relentless crusade to keep this music community vibrant and alive.

So I schlepped over to Midway Cafe on a day that most would spend outside basking in the sun after a week’s cold, dark and sometimes smoky climes and/or grieving for Justine. And it showed with the rather paltry draw, but those who were there certainly got their rock’s worth

Frank Rowe (of the Classic Ruins) kicked off with a solo acoustic set, having at the last minute whipped together after scheduled band Loretta had to bail. He brought his modest but droll persona out with his self-described "jingles" like “The Bra Factory,“ based on an apparently true story of his employment there!

The Ballbusters

The Ballbusters, hailing from Worcester, took the stage afterwards. Fronted by Rick Blaze on lead vocals and guitar, he made good with his surname and blazed with a great mix of swagger and melody, with early ‘70s Stones styled “Solid Rock” and pop infectiousness on “Pretty Messed Up.” Their final number “Far Away Place,” was a great mesh of power pop quirk and Who-style raver, complete with coda from “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Indeed!

Thigh Scrapers

Brian Young acted as emcee for the acts, and, with his band Thigh Scrapers, followed the Ballbreakers with more swaggering, old school rock. Their originals “8 Ball Shifter” and “Radio” is given the Joe Perry style treatment from guitarist J. Christopher James, along with the solid, heavy rhythm section of Al Schmel on bass and returning member Jaco Cornwallis on drums. They dedicated their version of Johnny Thunders’ “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory” to Justine and ably tackled the Stones “Live with Me” and the Stooges “1970.”

Classic Ruins

Headliners The Classic Ruins showed the few spectators who were there this afternoon why they are legends, with Frank Rowe and company ripping through a selection of their classics “Can’t Spell Romance,” “Heart Attack,” and “1+1<2.” Their surf rockin’ style covers of “Please Please Me” (as an instrumental!) and “Bad Boy” were also crowd pleasers.

Carrying on after a huge loss in the community is very difficult , but the way I see it our dearly departed would not want us to stop. And we won’t! Rock goes on!

Flying A-Holes