Mike “Mad Dog” Adams has enjoyed a successful 40-year musical career and, with this year’s 35th anniversary of the Put-in-Bay regular’s show at the Round House, he’s looking for a change of pace.
“Lots of guys put out CDs frequently,” Adams said. “I find working in the studio to be very tedious. I like to get the direct response back from the audience immediately. That’s what I’ve done all my life.”
With his donation of a track to this year’s American Red Cross benefit CD “Red, White & You, Too!” Adams feels he has contributed to something great.
“It’s nice to be able to help out something like Red Cross,” Adams said. “I also donated a guitar to the Red Cross [that was auctioned off in July].”
The $10 benefit CD is available at all area Frisch’s Big Boy and Ralphie’s restaurants.
Adams’ song, “Sundown Friday Evening,” is from an album he released 10 years ago. He said his father, who was a steelworker in Cleveland, inspired the tune.
“I was trying to capture the spirit or feeling of what it’s like for people who are on their way to the island or anywhere when you’re getting away on the weekend,” Adams said. “Leaving work behind, troubles behind, going to the island.”
In the past year, Adams has traveled extensively, going as far away as Ireland to visit a pocket of fans. He also hosts an hour-long radio show once a week for WPCR in Port Clinton.
Looking forward, Adams wants to release another album.
“I do all kinds of things but primarily I’m a performer,” he said. “I’ve done two comedy projects and I’ve done four to five music projects. I don’t do [records] frequently, but I’m due for one.”
Adams said he hopes his fans take the time to appreciate life and not worry about minor inconveniences.
“My philosophy of life: Live. Every day above ground is a good day,” he said.
Adams also wants success to follow this and other charity projects.
“Let’s get some of these local artists from Toledo heard and generate some money for the Red Cross,” Adams said.
