"As a resident drunk and sound tech I figured I could combine those two talents and join the team," says Adrian Bruhm, who began spending his Monday nights hosting band battles at Reflections about five years ago. $Rockin' 4 Dollar$---originally conceived by Craig Hamlin, who's still involved, and Jon Epworth ---launched its weekly open-mic-with-a-prize format back in the summer of 2005. Bruhm, who figures $70,000 has been given to bands over the years, says it's a great way to break in new bands. "New bands don't know how to get a show. So you can email us and get a time and get a show. No Flyers Please is one of our most successful bands, they started there and went on to blow up Gus'." Balloons, cake and Ramones cover band Too Tough to Die are some of the features of this week's birthday party. "We usually have 15-band bills," says Bruhm. "Which is kind of ridiculous on a Monday. It's weird that it works every single week."
Monday August 6, Reflections Cabaret, 5184 Sackville Street, 10pm
