Venomin James drummer Jared Koston has been diagnosed with two cancerous brain tumors. A statement from the band says he has started radiation therapy. Jared and his wife Michele have four children, and the family has no insurance. The situation has left both Kostons unemployed.
Koston's wife has organized two spaghetti-dinner fundraisers. The first is from 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 3, at the Stadium Grill (8330 Tyler Blvd., Mentor). The second will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 24, at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant (1388 Hubbard Rd., Madison).
Auburn Records will release the band's second album, Crowe Valley Blues, in May. The stoner-rock band's last show was a benefit for WJCU-FM at the Breakfast Club in February. It was an instrumental set, since singer Jim Meador is an Army MP serving in Afghanistan.
"It was a great show," says Auburn head Bill Peters. "And next thing you know, I'm telling people he's sick in bed. We hope he keeps fighting it and people help the family."
Donations can be sent via PayPal to [email protected], or to the Koston Family at 3060 Princeton Drive, Madison, OH 44057.
Rikets will finally release their long-delayed sophomore album, All American Death Cult, on April 20, on Chicago's Burnhill Union Records. The Cleveland-spawned electro/nü-metal band features former Erase the Grey singer Scott Rose. The latest lineup also includes Nick Quijano, formerly of American Head Charge. On the record, the band covers The Lost Boys soundtrack nugget "Cry Little Sister" with original singer Gerard McMann.
Five Minutes Fast, who haven't gigged since 2003, will reunite for a show at the Symposium (11794 Detroit Ave., Lakewood) on Saturday, April 10. The show features special guests the Gypsy Satellites, with Paranoid Lovesick singer-guitarist Bill Stone, former members of Cats on Holiday and drummer Eric Everett, who also plays in Five Minutes Fast. Doors 7 p.m., admission $10.
Competition has opened for the 14th annual Ernie Ball Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands. Bands can visit battleofthebands.com to win a chance to play a side stage at the Warped Tour this year.
