“What in the name of sanity have you got on your head?”
“It’s a fez. I wear a fez now. Fezzes are cool.”
– Doctor Who
Fezzes are cool, and the Smokin’ Fez Monkeys know what’s up with a nod to this humble haberdashery in their name.
When Scott and I first saw the Smokin’ Fez Monkeys at the 2011 Avon Duct Tape Festival, it was love at first listen.
Their mission is “to do to music what the Wienermobile did to the auto, what M.C. Escher did to the third dimension, what Bugs Bunny did to Elmer Fudd.” And they make good on that promise with plenty of wit, tomfoolery, and jazzy-ragtime-jug band music.
Smoky vocals mix with the sounds of the bass, fiddle, banjo, and Jinglestick — resulting in a show that’s a bit like the Squirrel Nut Zippers.
Now, combine the musical hijinks of the Smokin’ Fez Monkeys with the Tremont treasure that is Prosperity Social Club, and you have the makings of a Christmas miracle.
Smokin’ Fez Monkeys (photo from smokinfezmonkeys.com/sights.html)
The Prosperity Social Club will be swinging from 7 til 9pm this Sunday, December 22 for their fourth annual Smokin’ Fez Monkeys Holiday Show.
The Fez Monkeys will play a selection of holiday jingles along with some originals and fan-favorite classics. Meanwhile, Prosperity’s signature beer signs will be replaced with a tinsel explosion of vintage, holiday decor.
As Bonnie Flinner, Prosperity Social Club’s owner, wrote: “Add in some tasty adult spirits, the whimsy of the Smokin’ Fez Monkeys, and you have yourself one heck of a holiday hoedown!”
So take a break on Sunday night from all the stress of holiday shopping, prepping Christmas dinner, and finalizing your travel plans.
Because nothing says Christmas in Cleveland quite like a jug band, some laughs, and Santa with his can of Schlitz.
The show is free, but reservations are recommended (not required). Call Prosperity Social Club at 216-937-1938 to RSVP and visit the Smokin’ Fez Monkeys Holiday Show page for more information.
Christmas at Prosperity Social Club
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