One of the most identifiable beards in Minneapolis – and I'm not talking about the kind you'll see lingering around Pride events this weekend – will vanish as of tonight. At least for the summer. Gabriel Douglas, the woolly faced frontman of the 4onthefloor, is turning his rare use of a razor into what sounds like a mighty fun musical fundraiser early tonight at the Triple Rock (7-9:30 p.m., $10). It's called the Summer Shave-Off, and it will also feature other bearded Twin Cities musicmakers such as Dave Simonett and Ryan Young (Trampled by Turtles, Dead Man Winter), Martin Devaney, Brian DeRemer and 4otf bassist Chris Holm. They're all promising to trim their faces for the cause. I guess this is one event where you can't complain about a lack of female musicians.
Proceeds benefit the Children's Hospital of Minnesota and their Cancer Research Fund. Douglas contributed a rowdy song based on his Lon Chaney-esque look, "Shake for the Wolfman," to last year's great Children's benefit CD, "MN Music 4 MN Kids." He said he hopes to make tonight's gig an annual event. Maybe Jordan Gatesmith of Howler can make up his verbal bashing of 4onthefloor and take part next year, if he's old enough to grow facial hair by then.
Coincidentally or not, the oft-bearded Charlie Parr is performing just up the street from the Triple Rock tonight to kick off the Cedar Cultural Center's free outdoor patio series at 7 p.m. Maybe he's in the mood for a summer trim, too?
