Special Double Bill featuring stars from the 80s – The Flecks and Generra Pantera

Two Toledo stand-outs from the late 80s/early 90s music scene unite for a special double bill on Saturday October 13 at the relocated Club Bijou. The bands will alternate equal length 45 minute sets (two sets each) capped by all-hands-on-deck encore.

Both bands were main-stays at the former Pub University and Ottawa Tavern, and were responsible for introducing MTV-era modern rock to the area club scene. Each act appeared before tens of thousands of people, opening for multiple national artists such as 10,000 Maniacs and Peter Frampton (The Flecks) and R.E.O. Speedwagon (Generra Pantera.)

While The Flecks focused more on the edgy guitar rock of U2 and The Police, Generra Pantera leaned towards the layered sounds of Peter Gabriel and Duran Duran. Combined together, their contrasting styles promise to deliver a complete throw-back to the dawn of alternative rock, when the phrase (and the bands) stood as a true alternative to the tried and true classic rock scene of the day.

After disbanding, these acts spawned two of the area's best known current full-time musicians. Jeff Stewart, from The Flecks, works as a solo singer/songwriter, and was voted Best Singer in the 2007 Toledo City Paper poll. The band's line-up also includes Dave Johnson, Vince Lyons and brothers Ron and Rob Morrin. Jim Filipiak, from Generra Pantera, fronts The Bridges, which was voted Best Cover Band in multiple Toledo City Paper polls. Generra Pantera also features Lee Valasek, Doug Picott, and Greg Mattice.

Given the night's special status as the first reunion show for Generra Pantera since 1994, and only The Flecks' second show in 12 years, neither band wanted to present themselves in standard bar band fashion. Playing the 1,000 capacity Club Bijou, with its new interior and sound system, lends itself to a concert-style experience. Based upon The Flecks' sell-out of a 400 seat venue in April, a full house is expected for this combined double bill.

The Club Bijou is located at 135 S. Byrne Road. The venue phone is 419-536-2582. Music will start at 9:00pm, with a $7 cover.