Hammer’s pix

Nothing is warmer than a beach party, right? You may remember them from such great movies as From Justin To Kelly: lots of sand, sun and bikini’d women. I don’t know if there’ll be any sun at Birdy’s on Wednesday, but Niswander’s Beach Party will have plenty of sand and music, not to mention a beachwear contest. This January event has become a tradition over the past few years, with the eccentric genius Niswander gathering together an array of local musical talent to play the show. This year’s lineup looks very promising; here’s the schedule: 9:30-9:50 p.m., Mike Martin; 10-10:20 p.m., the excellent Left Foot Moses; 10:30-10:50, Brian Deer; 11-11:20 p.m., the Niswander Band; 11:30-11:50 p.m., Love Dragon; and Film At Eleven will close things down at midnight. Niswander promises tropical drink specials and a limbo contest as well.

These are the days of our midwinter discontent. Luckily, there are some good shows that should, weather permitting, warm things up a bit.

Also on Wednesday, the Melody Inn will hold a special event starting at 5 p.m. A special hardcore show will feature Forever is Forgotten, Ion Dissonance and The Dream Is Dead. Later on that evening, the weekly PBR Night will feature Jethro Easyfields, Kit Malone, Owen Neighbours and The Highway Kind.

Radio Radio, that lovely and sophisticated Fountain Square venue, will welcome the return of Mod Night on Saturday, Jan. 31. Appearing will be Great Big Huge (the local all-star band featuring current/former members of Marmoset, Sardina, Drunko and You Will Die) and the Cincinnati band Viva La Foxx. Also on hand will be DJs Shimmercore and Parma Violet.

The Patio has an interesting week of music coming up: On Wednesday, it’ll be Twista with special guest Hum-V. On Thursday, it’s Pale and Extra Blue Kind. On Friday, Dave and Rae take the stage and on Saturday, the Dave Matthews Cover Band will perform.

Another venue refusing to bow to the weather gods is the Emerson Theater, home of many great acts. On Friday, it’ll be a rock/metal show featuring Melk The G6-49, Small Time Syndicate, Stringent and Stop Motion. On Saturday, it’s The Brilliant Remedy, Archer Avenue, Hero Of The Year and Flowers For Leslie.
On Monday, Feb. 2, the Leisure Kings will host what they call a “Pornaoke Party” at Birdy’s, with the lovable-yet-foulmouthed band No*Star also appearing.

Other than that, there aren’t many major shows going on. But isn’t this enough? Have patience. The spring is coming. Verizon Wireless Music Center will open in approximately 120 days.