The Misery Jackals hailing from Akron Ohio formed early in 2008, and have since performed numerous shows across Northeast Ohio, opening for acts such as The Pine Box Boys (San Fransisco, CA), and Uncle Scratch’s Gospel Revival (Cleveland, OH). The Misery Jackals have a sound like no other, blending Punk and Bluegrass, with elements of Gypsy and Zydeco. Call it what you like, they call it Pillbilly Browngrass. Their live sound is infectious and strikes a chord with fans of multiple genres. You have this traditional bluegrass sound mixed in with so many different elements that it is hard to place. When old punks grow up and mature this is the kind of sound you get.
I am pretty sure the first time I saw The Misery Jackals was in 2009 at the Beachland along with East Cleveland mainstays Heelsplitter. It was that something different I hadn’t heard before that kicked me in the ass to say I need to get out more often. Somewhere shortly thereafter I started this whole 52 Weeks of Cleveland thing. I knew I had to get out more often and discover this world of the Cleveland brand of bluegrass and truly alternative country. In 2010 they toured with some heavy hitters and headlined more than a couple shows including one of the very first Beachland Barn Dance series. They even pulled me into the underbelly of Akron for a show earlier this year to leave my Cleveland post. I think one of my personal favorites was seeing them busking in front of the Grog Shop before the Legendary Shack Shakers show.
Over the last couple years I have witnessed a couple different drummers, a substitute front man, and a very banged up and bruised Pirate lady. Poor Pirate Jenny was banged up in a subway accident a while back and more recently she took a header off a stage at an Akron show. Despite what might come off as a revolving door it really isn’t. The band is comprised of Sweet Willy C. on the Banjo, Pirate Jenny on the Accordion, Doghouse Tim on upright Bass, The Consultant on the skins, and Beaner playing the Guitar. I should point out they all share the vocal duties with Beaner taking most of the honors. Right now with Pirate Jenny out Accordion duties will be taken over by a giant accordion playing cock. No kidding, Ben Shuber dressed as a giant chicken will be playing in place of Pirate Jenny. They have three shows coming up this week. Thursday at Bud & Tooties in New Philadelphia, Friday at the Happy Dog with Scoliosis Jones and Sunday at the Beachland with Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn band. While I am partial to the Friday show please check these guys out. You will not be disappointed.
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