He has George Carlin’s Voice, David Crosby’s looks and a dizzying knowledge of the city’s musicians and clubs. Local music writer Peanuts (who keeps his real name a closely guarded secret) has been a fixture on the local scene for 40-plus years. Thanksgiving Eve 2009 marks the 35th anniversary of the Peanuts All-Star Jam, the annual gathering he organizes for Northeast Ohio bands and music fans. We talked to Peanuts about his name, the jam and his dream lineup. — BM
Why "Peanuts"?
Short form: It came from a drunken guitar player who couldn’t remember my name.
What’s your ideal All-Star lineup?
A couple of the Raspberries guys, a couple of the Michael Stanley & the Resonators guys, [and] pull Trent Reznor back into town.
Any particular year stand out?
Barney Google’s in ’87. The WWF wrestlers were at the Richfield Coliseum, and they were all staying at the hotel. During the sound check, someone came in and said, “Hey, we’re doing a production meeting in the ballroom. Knock off the noise.” I walked down the hallway, and Gorilla Monsoon was there. I explained to him what happened. He said “Oh, that’s OK.” He told me some of the wrestlers play instruments, and I said, “You tell ’em to come sit in.” None of them did.
What’s one thing you want people to know about the event?
It’s sort of like a family reunion, even though at times it turns into the Addams Family reunion.
Peanuts All-Star Jam 2009 is Nov. 25 at the Hi-Fi Club, 11729 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Admission is free.
