5th Put-in-Palooza is warmup for summer

3/19/2004

Put-in-Bay party lovers can spend the first night of spring at the Put-in-Palooza, a party starring three of the island's favorite entertainers.

Tomorrow night's fest, the fifth annual, is on the mainland at Nick's Roadhouse in Port Clinton, and begins at 9 p.m. The 700-seat roadhouse is expected to fill.

The three troubadours are longtime summer performers at the Round House Bar at Put-in-Bay.

Bob Gatewood and his band, Calabash, will play dance music and original tunes, "somewhere east of John Couger and somewhere west of Bruce Springsteen," says Gatewood, who lives in Cleveland and has played 18 summers on the island. Gatewood, 43, who recorded his most recent album in Nashville, plays several instruments and is backed by musicians on guitars, drums, and keyboards.

He's joined by Mike "Mad Dog" Adams, who will begin his 25th season at the Round House Bar this summer, and the comedic Ray Fogg, joined by his band the all-male Swingin' Lesbian Frogs, for tomorrow's show. Raunchy, beer-swillin', politically-incorrect ballads are guaranteed.

The fifth annual Put-in-Palooza takes place tomorrow night at Nick's Roadhouse, 124 Buckeye Blvd., Port Clinton. Doors open at 7 and music begins at 9. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Information: 1-800-743-6014 or www.nicksroadhouse.com.