A different kind of Murphy’s Law in effect at Southside Johnny’s tonight

\ETOBICOKE\

Most people are familiar with the axiom known as “Murphy’s Law”, which states: “If something can go wrong it will go wrong.”

Regulars at Southside Johnny’s may think they’re already familiar with that catechism after seeing the operating style of a former assistant manager at the club, known colloquially as Murphy Murphy, who is no longer there but was certainly at the centre of more than one mix-up and foofaraw when he was.

But tonight another kind of Murphy’s Law will rule the club as the band of that name, fronted by east TO guitarist and singer Mike Murphy, will take to the stage of the room at 3653 Lakeshore Blvd. West near Brown’s Line.

After knowing the backstory you might be tempted to think that the standard Murphy’s Law rules apply to this gig: the group got booked just yesterday after the guitarist in the band that was supposed to perform, 40 Sons, was hospitalized with a gall bladder inflammation.

But in the case of this Murphy’s Law the old canard is pretty much stood on its head: with super six-string work by Murphy, aided by none other than Still Sunday frontman Jim Cornell (familiar to Southside patrons from his band’s shows) filling in for the injured Gino Scarpelli of Goddo fame (he recently dislocated a hip and is recovering) pretty much anything that can go right will go right.

I saw the pair in action together last weekend when Still Sunday had Murphy as a special guest attraction as part of its outdoor show at Loaded Dog for the club’s participation in the Taste Of Lawrence festival in Scarborough and they worked together even more smoothly than when they did a similar pairing there a year ago.

If you’re a fan of straight-ahead party Rock then this is a law you’ll want to obey by getting out to the club and getting up on the dance floor. If you’re there early you can also enjoy a cold one on the large and nicely furnished patio, which remains open till closing time but doesn’t allow drinks outside after 11. And don’t worry if your tummy starts a rumblin’ after all that heavy dancing: the kitchen stays open late and the food here (and portion size) is superior to what you’ll find in most neighbourhood bars or wing joints.

-Gary 17, www.torontomoon.ca

LISTINGS:

Listings preceded by an asterisk (*) are repeating weekly events. (Double asterisk indicates repeating event with different hosts/guest/etc.). Admission prices followed by a slash and minus (/-) after the amount indicates door charge with availability of cheaper rates for some purchases. /+ indicates stated price is minimum.

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*5-7> Ronnie Hayward Trio @ Castro’s, 2116 Queen St. E.. TO E. ~Blues/Roots

5-8> Nathan Hilts Jazz Ensemble @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~

5:30> Rick & Gailie @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough

6> Second Fridays with Sandi Marie & Under The Bus (Kevin Jeffrey on bass) with special guests Ed Roth and Andrew Smith @ Grossman’s, 379 Spadina Ave., TO ~Roots-Pop

6:30> Sara Dell @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz

8> Drive 4 feat. Stephanie Braganza @ Casino Niagara, 5705 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls ~Rock/R&B

8> Piper Hayes; Philomene Hoffman; Tempting Murphy; Joy Phillips @ Pamenar, 307 Augusta Ave., TO ~songwriters

*8-1> karaoke @ RCL #312, 112 Hunt St., Ajax

8> Whiskey Epihany; Girlfriend Boyfriend @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville ~

8:30> Sam Taylor & The East End Love; Darryl McCarty; DJ Groovemixer @ Cameron House (rear), 408 Queen St. W., TO

8:30> Ben Wood; Dean McKinnon; Self-Medication; Lynne Rafter; Spa Music @ Free Times Café, 320 College St., TO ~songwriters; $5/pwyc

9> Salem Road @ Linsmore Tavern, 1298 Danforth Ave., TO East ~ Rock; $5

9> Adrian Fraser with special guest John Robbie @ Winners, 2818 Lawrence Ave. E., Scaroborough ~Rock

9-1> Denielle Bassels Jazz Band @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Jazz

9> James Clark Institute @ Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth Ave., TO East ~original Pop

9-1> The Government @ Monarchs Pub in Eaton Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St. W., TO ~classic Rock

9-1> Gas Station Cowboys @ Legends On The Queensway, 1184 The Queensway, Etobicoke South ~Country Rock; $5

9> Aaron Tessis @ Blue Goose Tavern, 1 Blue Goose Rd., Etobicoke South

**9-1> Acoustic Affect with Alexander Quail, Carter Benkhe & guests Ariel Rose & Derek Downham @ Lake Affect, 1 Port St., Port Credit

9> Chase N Diesel @ Blarney’s Gate, 1151 Dundas St. W., Mississauga ~Rock

9-1> Robin Hawkins @ Simcoe Blues & Jazz, 926 Simcoe St., Oshawa ~Country Rock/Blues

9> Steel City @ The Corral, 433 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa ~Country

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9:30> Pop Machine @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough

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9:45> The Dirty Martinis feat. Mary Mckay @ Reservoir Lounge, 52 Wellington St. E., TO ~Jazz/Blues

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