Stabatha - A Bunch of Jerks

Arising from my sickbed and pumped up with antibodies, I resumed my club hopping Sunday afternoon back to the source - at Midway Cafe! That unfortunate incident notwithstanding, their weekend matinees have been big highlights in local rock lore for a while now. Longtime rock meister (and my practice space “landlord”) Rich Mirsky put together a winner of a bill!

Johnny Plankton & The Sea Monkeys of Sole

It all started with Johnny Plankton & the Sea Monkeys of Sole (featuring Rich on guitar), they performed a set of ‘70s and ‘80s rock covers, kicking off with Angel City’s “No Secrets”. From there, they kept the crowd regaled with a slightly ragged but spirited version of Men at Work’s “Overkill” then a much tighter program of oldies ranging from Alice Cooper’s “Elected” and David Bowie’s “Queen Bitch” to The Replacements’ “Unsatisfied” and a surprisingly decent, guitar oriented version of ‘80s synth rockers A Flock of Seagull’s “Wishing.” A cool way of setting the tenor for pm rock!

Flying A-Holes

The following band Flying A-Holes might seem like an affronting type of band by its name, but they were far from it! This very approachable five piece band, fronted by guitarist/lead singer Tom Abbott (once of the ‘80s band The Way Outs), boasts some great playing chops and highly melodic, occasionally psychedelic but robust rock songs. Tom’s young son Andrew Abbott (a recent addition) is on bass and proves his mettle quite well with his deft playing and two lead vocal showcases. Their keyboardist Steve Coffill fills their sound with moody Hammond organ, sweet piano fills and sprightly boogie and some spacey mellotron interludes. Their original songs are well constructed and rock out with some jazzy pop flavor sprinkled throughout. My favorites played were “Magic Lantern”, “July is Leaving Town” and their anthemic “Jet City USA.” They finished their set with covers of Edison Lighthouse’s ‘70s bubblegum nugget “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes” and a Fleetwood Mac b-side “Silver Springs.”

Corinne Southern & the Constellations

From this point on the temperature rose considerably! The next two bands raised pulses and brought some X-chromosome chutzpah into the bloodstream. Hailing from Providence, RI, Corinne Southern & the Constellations packed some Sirius heat big time! Their solid bassist Alyssa DiMaio and spirited drummer Alyson Hammond was joined by their new lead guitarist Jeana Delaire and lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Corinne Southern brought on her dynamic charisma, vocals, songs, spirit and tantalizing sexiness to a very delighted crowd. She shook (and flashed!) her derrière to her hilariously racy “Polaroid Picture (of My Ass)” and slayed her hoping for the big time number “Rhode Island Rock Star” and the dark humored swagger of “Raise the Dead.” By the end of their hot set, they had us all sweaty and satisfied! A fair bet they won over some new fans - including me!

A Bunch of Jerks

After that load blowing rouser, the next act should normally have had a really difficult time following up. In addition, the crowd started to dwindle, which would dishearten anyone taking the stage. Not so with A Bunch of Jerks. They had the remaining throngs come up front, getting their mojo’s a-risin’ again, proceeding to rip through a raunchy set of originals with the endearingly kooky, raucous lead vocalist Stabatha LaThrills (or Stabby, to her band) putting her money’s worth of campy rock sass into the big pool. Their songs “Hippies,” “Motherf****r” and “Twisting on the Edge” were rousing, a bit demented and absolutely joyful. The band was tight and solid throughout, and bassist Bat and guitarist Mike (they both only go by their first name) got into the spirit on their last number “Tits” by donning a pair of falsies while Stabby stripped her top off, with her nipples conveniently cross taped to keep it legal and tender! But The Jerks were no mere cheap thrill, they brought the whole package deal with them and capped off this matinee with pure fun and fury.

Take that, Covid!! Onto the next gig!

Rich Mirsky - Johnny Plankton

Tom Abbott - Flying A-Holes