Think good time for a good cause…
The powers that be at the Uptown Theater have graciously agreed to donate the venue and services to host a fundraiser tonight for victims of the fiery gas explosion that decimated the 20-plus year-old Plaza area eatery JJ’s.
The eatery opened in the mid ’80s as J.J. Malane’s, named – at least in part – for founder J.J. Quinn who sold out in 1985.
However it’s sword swizzling Jimmy Frantze who’s served mostly as JJ’s front man.
A bold, former rogue, Frantze’s once suited up his serving staff in “Fuck American Century” tee-shirts after being forced from his restaurant rental space in the mutual fund’s building on Main Street just north of the Plaza.Alas, JJ’s today is little more than a charred edifice and three decades of fond .memories.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. benefit and silent auction at the Upttown tonight range from $10 to $500 and are tax deductible.
“There’s 10 bands playing,” says Uptown owner Larry Sells. “They’ll be playing in the theater and in our VIP area, The Valentine room.”
Bands include Megan Birdsall, The Latenight Callers and David George and A Crooked Mile, The Grisly Hand, Patrick Krief (of The Dears), Victor & Penny, Loaded Goat, Allied Saints, Shellac Attack, and DJ Rico.
Contributing restaurants include, Harry’s Bar & Tables, Nara, Houston’s, Louie’s Wine Dive, Cupini’s, Webster House, Remedy Food + Drink, Graham & Dunn, Salt Catering, Moxie Catering, Rye, Cafe Europa, One Block South, Gates Bar-B-Q, Nica’s and Cowtown Cheesecake Company.
Proceeds from the event reportedly will benefit former JJ’s staffers and workers injured in the blast.
