New band BookcluB is a reason for good friends and previous bandmates to get together, have a good time and ‘remain young’ Mikey Hawdon has actually been included his reasonable share of musical tasks. Whether it was as frontman for Fairmounts, drummer for Inner City Surfers, or host of the YouTube channel “Mikey and his Uke,” Hawdon understands his method around a tune or more. Last June, after more than 20 years residing in Toronto, he returned house. “I liked my 20 plus years residing in Toronto, however it was lastly time to move house,” states Hawdon. “I’ve got an incredible household here that I wished to be with and I missed out on all the Northern Ontario advantages that include living in the Sault. It’s simply great to state, ‘I’m headed to camp this weekend’ and not have individuals ask if I’m bringing a camping tent into the woods.” Although he resided in Toronto, Hawdon typically went back to the Sault and never ever totally left it behind. Now securely re-established in the Sault, Hawdon has actually formed a brand-new band called BookcluB with some familiar faces from the music scene. “The ‘who’ is the primary factor for the band,” he states. “One of the other things I missed out on about the Sault was my old bandmates and buddies. 2 of the members of BookcluB, Dave Bahun [lead guitar] and Dustin Jones [bass] remained in the Inner City Surfers with me. Al Watson, our drummer, has actually been a buddy for several years. I just recently put out a re-release of his high school band Room 206’s album on vinyl.” The Room 206 album was the very first release on Hawdon’s record label, SooLebrity Records. “On trumpet, we have another previous bandmate and buddy, Erin Antonello,” he states. “Erin, Al and I all played in a band called Last Band Standing lots of moons back. This brand-new band we’re doing is generally simply a reason to get together with my buddies and play music. We play a wide variety of covers from The Cars, Tom Petty, Robert Palmer, Cheap Trick, Men Without Hats, and Weezer. All of us sort of originated from a punk background, however with this task, were doing something various. The concept is to do things we’ve never ever attempted prior to.” Hawdon states it was likewise a chance to play ‘guilty enjoyment’ tunes, pointing out OMC’s ‘How Bizarre,’ a tune that arrived of the charts in early 1996, as one example. BookcluB has actually currently played 2 programs in the city. Last fall the band debuted at Oktoberfest outside at The Machine Shop. “It was an actually terrific crowd, great huge phase, however bloody cold,” he chuckles. Their 2nd program was a sold-out Christmas occasion at LopLops. “It was a jam-packed home loaded with singing and dancing. It actually seemed like the old days at Foggy’s once again,” states Hawdon. “A definitely excellent night!” The band will be striking the phase at the Festival of Beer 2023 being held at the Bushplane Museum (50 Pim Street) on Saturday, May 6. Hawdon has never ever personally went to the Festival of Beer prior to, he has actually heard rave evaluations from buddies. “I hear it’s one of the very best and most enjoyable occasions the Sault deals,” he states, keeping in mind that they will be carrying out along with pals in the bands Wyld Stallyns and Hollow Heads. “We’re all eagerly anticipating this one,” states Hawdon. When asked his future prepare for BookcluB, he responds to utilizing his hallmark humour. “Sold out back-to-back nights at Madison Square Gardens?” he chuckles. “Shooting a bit high? Truthfully, simply some enjoyable outside gigs within the neighborhood. I keep in mind being a kid going to Cornfest, seeing bands carry out on that phase and wanting one day I ‘d be up there playing. Essentially, what I’m stating is, ‘Cornfest! Revive Cornfest!’ Truthfully, it’s simply a reason to remain young, have a good time, and play music with my buddies.” The Sault Ste. Marie Festival of Beer happens on Saturday, May 6 from 1:00 PM up until 7:00 PM. BookcluB will be liquidating the occasion (the last band on phase). “It’s gon na be an enjoyable afternoon,” he states. Purchase tickets to The Festival of Beer 2023 (consisting of the BookcluB efficiency) here.