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Cystic Fibrosis Band Battle  The Sunday of President’s Day Weekend marks the annual Band Battle To Stomp Out Cystic Fiborsis at Mr. Beerys, which is now known as the “Mother of All Benefits!” Each year literally dozens of bands and hundreds of people raise thousands of dollars to battle this terrible disease.
Each year I try to make what has now become a pilgrimage to Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage to experience this legendary benefit event. Proprietor Steve Beery goes above and beyond to raise money, personally hawking strange items from the stage, and egging the raucous audience to part with their green backs for a good cause!
Turns out Dee Dee and Johnny were moonlighting Crusher’s, Tom Cavanagh and Sean Sanders. So following Commando cmae the “Official Punk Rock Band of Mr. Beery’s” – the Crusher.
I often make this comparison but I still consider Mr. Beerys to be the new CBGBs for New York, but out here on Long Island. While other venues come and go, Mr. Beery’s has consistently presented and supported local live music, and dozens of local charities for what I believe is close to 15 years now. You can learn more about Cystic Fibrosis online at:
you can see more photos in the gallery
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One of my favorite things about this bar (besides the ad revenue!) is that the crowd is diverse as can be, yet there is rarely any conflicts. People enjoy whatever is thrown at them musically. It was an audience that had everything from Blue Collar Joe’s to Bikers to Punk Rockers listening to everything from Motorhead covers to Blues and Classic Rock to Indie and Punk!
I walked in as “Elderhead” was wrapping up their set of Motorhead inspired music. The Electric Dudes who are a regular staple at Mr. Beerys played a set of their covers. These guys put on a great live show and their guitarist has some of the best stage poses. Even deathly ill female singer Sharon nailed an awsesome Joplin. The band plays everything from Neil Young to Space Hog – so there’s something for everyone!
Next up was a rare acoustic performance from the masters of Sludge Rock: Borgo Pass. Normally a full on electric assault of thick metallic rock the guys broke it down acoustically – and did it well! I’ve only seen Borgo Pass play acoustic at the CF Benefit, but should you get the chance to see them like this, you’ll be impressed as well.
The young Jesse Kinch made his first ever live music debut at the CF Benefit as a zygote... well, actually he was a mere 7 years old, playing a guitar bigger than himself solo. Each year he has returned to play, demonstrating a little more growth, a little more depth. These days he leads a three piece hard rocking outfit playing everything from Doors to Nirvana. Opening with Pantera’s “Walk” it was clear the kid was serious depite battling the flu. Mind you, he’s still only 13 years old! If he keeps on this track he’s going to be a monster rocker be the time he’s an adult. Respect indeed!
The high octane ales James behind the bar were serving began to kick in just in time for Commando, a Ramones cover band. Yeah I know, it’s a cover band, but hey – it’s the friggin’ Ramones!!! Unless Joey, Johnny and DeeDee are going to rise from the grave, I got to make do with what’s available. Front man Dave actually looks and sounds like Joey Ramone, just shorter in height. I’ve seen them before and enjoyed them many times. They do a varied and ecletic set of Ramones classics and throw in some not so obvious choices to keep it interesting. Plus, I’m sure they could kick the crap out of any Journey cover band any day! 
Unless you’ve never picked up a copy of Aural Fix before (c’mon – I mean really?!) or have been locked up in some CIA sponsored prison out of the country, you KNOW that The Crusher are the definitive Long Island punk band. At the sake of repeating myself here it goes... blistering guitars, snotty vocals, wacky stage antics. You will not find musicianship of this level in a punk band elsewhere on Long Island. My only critisism is they need some new songs, but right now I am more than happy to sing along!
The last band I caught were the Devilles, who turned out to be another excellent old school styled punk band. A couple of the guys looked familar, so maybe they’ve been veterans of the local punk circuit. Their sound is somewhere along the lines of Social Distortion meets the Dead Boys, a sor tof blend between classic punk and garage, with a bit of rockabilly. an excellent pairing with the Crusher.