Labor Day Reunion Sunday 8/31/08
 

THE EUCLID TAVERN a part of Cleveland history.
Back in the late 1980's the "Mr Stess Blues Band" dominated the Cleveland blues scene packing the famous Euclid Tavern every Wed. and Sat. nite. At this same time, the other members of the band started playing every Sunday nite at the Euc. calling themselves" The Stress Eliminators". The band consisted of, Don Buchannon on guitar, Alan Greene on guitar, Stutz Bearcat on bass, and Tommy Rich on drums. It was the place to go on Sunday nite! even if people had to get up early on Monday the bar was still crowded at 2am. Soon Tommy Rich left to go on the road and was replaced by Kenny Ruscitto who brought his friend Butch Armstrong along to jam. When Don left, Bob Yost , one of the owners, asked Butch if he would like to join the band. Butch joined on. The bar named the band Butch and the Ramrods. Leon the bartender called it "The church of the Ramrods" because it was like going to church for most people. and you cant miss church! you've got to be there! Within a year Stutz left Mr.Stress and Butch left the band he was with to form The Armstrong Bearcat Band. But Sunday nite stayed the same. For approximately seven years they played host to a wide variety of local and even famous guests like Eric Burdon of the Animals joining them on stage. Some of the highlights of the evening were the spontaneous unrehearsed extended jams consisting of Virtuoso solos of Stutz Bearcat, new member Billy Coakley on drums and the battle of the lead guitars with Alan and Butch. On occasion, Cy Sulak, would join in and fill in for Alan and Butch when one of them couldn't make it. He became the unofficial fifth member. When the Euclid Tavern closed in the mid 90's, it was the end of an era. But the band and the music they created together still lives on as a reunion with Butch Armstrong on guitar, Michael Barrick on bass, Billy Coakley on drums, Alan Greene on guitar, Cy Sulak on guitar and the original guitarist, Don Buchannon! Holiday Sundays at Cebars', the original Euclid Tavern, include: Easter Sunday, Memorial Day Sunday, Labor Day Sunday, and Thanksgiving night. Cebars is located at 595 E. 185th St., Euclid, OH 216-481-9509