A Solon resident rocked Music on Main Street Thursday, July 31. Jeff Allen, a member of the Radio Flyers, played the hour and a half long set with the classic rock band. One thing stood out on the stage. The beads hanging off Allen’s guitar and mic.

The colorful beads hold a special meaning to Allen. He used to play music with Stevie G, a musician based in Chicago. Stevie G passed away in June of 2008 and Allen wanted a way to commemorate him whenever he played music. Stevie G often wore beads and tied them to his guitar, so Allen decided to take over that tradition. Allen said, “[I wear the beads] to honor him really. He was great and we played together for quite a few years.”

Now Allen plays and continues the bead tradition with the Radio Flyers. The band is made up of four members: Doug Frazier, Mike Murphy, Jim Myers, and Allen. The latter three have played together for two and a half years and Frazier has been a member of the band for a few months.

The band plays many rock hits from the 1950s to the 1980s. They also showcase some of Allen’s original music. Allen has about two albums worth of original music and plans on getting the band together to make some recordings this winter to officially release the music.

The series wraps up Wednesday, August 14 with the Kickin Country Band.