Now that the Jinx has officially celebrated its 10th anniversary, we can start ticking birthday boxes alongside all our favorite cyclical events at the club: Soon enough, patrons of Hip Hop Night, Rock & Roll Bingo, Scaryoke and the Blood Wrestling Competition can blow out candles of their own.
For now, though, it's time to celebrate Tribute Band Night.
According to Jinx bartender, DJ, bingo-meister and all-around utility guy Gilberto Cruz, it was about eight Halloweens ago — not long after the club had risen from the ghostly ashes of the Velvet Elvis — that somebody got the idea to get local musicians to perform as famous bands they loved. Costumes, wigs and makeup optional — it's always been about the music.
This is a Jinx Halloween tradition that has grown exponentially over the years, almost always paired with the annual GAM reunion concert and blood wrestling exposition.
That major blowout happens Friday, Nov. 1 this year, which means that Tribute Band Night — eight bands strong — rules the roost on Halloween proper, Thursday, Oct. 31.
Because there are so many bands this year, the 9 p.m. start time will be (more or less) observed. Four of these bands include at least one Jinx bartender.
And Out Come the Wolves (Rancid). Gil Cruz is the singer, with Niche's Corey Barhorst (keys) and Mike Redmond (bass), guitarist Chris Adams from Dead Yet? and drummer Matt Collette.
Neon Angels (Runaways). The girls from Lovely Locks – Britt, Anna and Crystina – trade their flannel shirt harmonies for black leather and jailbait punk.
10 ½ (Black Flag). Igor Fiksman, pedal steel player for Damon & the Shitkickers, is the improbable driver behind this all-terrain hardcore vehicle. With Mike Walker, Rich and Kevin.
CC Aren't (Creedence Clearwater Revival). Ray Lundy and Mike Walker from Bottles & Cans go out a-chooglin' as John Fogarty and company. With Igor Fiksman and Scott Johanssen, and the incomparable Tony Beasley, aka Whiskey Dick, on guitar and vocals (Tony's another Jinx bartender).
You Fat Bastards (Faith No More). Jinx barkeep Scott Johannsen and several of his hard-rocking friends.
The Dentures (The Ventures). Essentially the surf band Dinosaur Tea Party, formerly Free Candy, with Greg Rettig and Nicole Edge.
Debaserhead (Pixies). A virtual combo pack, with Jim Reed (Magic Rocks), Anna Chandler (Lovely Locks) and a couple of other notables.
The Ramoneagains (Ramones). Also known as Jeff Two-Names and the Born Agains, up-and-coming Savannah punk band.
