Clazel hosts the Cla-Zels

The Cla-Zels are named after the theater in downtown Bowling Green.

Yes, there is a relationship between the band the Cla-Zels, and the Clazel Theater in Bowling Green.

No, it's not the house band for the newly renovated downtown club where the Cla-Zels are playing tomorrow night - the band is based in Cincinnati - but a strong B.G. connection explains the coincidence.

Fronted by the songwriting and singing tandem of Joan Whittaker and Jason Erickson, both of whom are Bowling Green State University graduates (Whittaker also is a native of the city), the Cla-Zels are indeed named after the theater.

They've described their music as "Fleetwood Mac on steroids" which is pretty accurate. Both share vocals, creating a classic sound that rambles across power pop, folk, and straight-forward rock sensibilities.

The Cla-Zels are touring behind the release of their new disc, "I Own Hawaii," which features 12 songs either written or co-written by Erickson and Whittaker. (See Sounds Page 9 for a review of the disc.)

The latter has performed various times at Bowling Green's Black Swamp Arts Festival, playing children's songs.

She has recorded one children's album, "Miss Joanie's Pottie Party" for which she won a Best of Cincinnati award in 2007.

The band's stage show features a full band - Whittaker and Erickson both play guitar and the group includes a bass player and drummer - and a pair of dancers know as the Hot Tomatoes.

The Cla-Zels will be at the Clazel Theater, 127 North Main St., Bowling Green, tomorrow night, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and music starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 in advance through the Clazel box office or $10 night of the show. Information: clazel.net or 419-353-5000.