Out on the lot: Trailer Park Ninjas to invade Toledo Club's annual 'Party'

Cleveland band Trailer Park Ninjas may turn some heads as they headline the 37th annual Party in the Parking Lot at the Toledo Club on Friday.

And Toledo Club executive assistant Christina Westmark knows that the band name might play a big role in that.

“The name (Trailer Park Ninjas) can be a little bit off putting to some people but they have an incredible following,” said Westmark. “They do a very good mix of American music, so we’re trying to appeal to all of the different crowds and tastes.”

Normally an exclusive, private organization, the Toledo Club will open its doors — and ample parking lot — to non-members from 6 p.m. to midnight to raise funds for the club’s 2024 charity, TEAM, which stands for Toledo Elementary Athletics Movement.

“Toledo Public Schools doesn’t have a sports program for grade school-aged children, so this is a non-profit that provides programming, coaching, and the whole nine yards for elementary children,” said Westmark.

In addition to the Trailer Park Ninjas, there will be a variety of musical acts both inside the club and outside in the parking lot.

“We also have a local band, Whitehead Mac,” said Westmark. “They’re pretty well known and they’ve played for us before. They’re a great opener for the Trailer Park Ninjas because they’re not quite as intense but they’re just enough to get you going. Inside the club in the Red Room we have Ramona Collins and Trez Gregory to begin with at 6:30 p.m. Then in the Centennial Room, we have Jeff Kerscher who is just a phenomenal piano player.”

Westmark added that a variety of food offerings will delight those in attendance.

“We have Maybe Cheese Born With It, which is incredible,” said Westmark, referring to the macaroni and cheese food truck owned by drag queen Sugar Vermonte aka David Gedart. “She’s been on television, she’s been [an] award winner the past couple of years. Personality, food — she’s got everything.”

Other food trucks available at the party include Fat Boyz, Uncle Louie’s, Bobe Cakes, and a cotton candy food truck with an unusual name.

“There’s a cotton candy truck called Unicorn Farts — believe it or not,” said Westmark with a laugh.

Throughout the years and decades, Party in the Parking Lot has entertained thousands of people. Westmark said the Toledo Club works hard to let the public know they’re invited to the party.

“We always try to stay up with the times and appeal to the public at large to get people on the property because it’s so exclusive,” said Westmark. “A lot of people don’t even realize we’re here. This party gets people here; they can come inside and walk around and network. We bring all kinds of life to this party.”

Trailer Park Ninjas member Bobby Huffman said the band has been together for four years and it specializes in bringing fun and flavor to crowds of all sizes.

“It really is a mix of everything. We’ll do everything from Eminem to the current country songs to hip hop stuff to Top 40,” said Huffman, a longtime musician who has cycled through several regional bands over the years including Jakob Freely, which he held down with his brother Dave for many years.

Huffman said that there is a through-line that ties together much of the experimentation the cover band does.

“Throughout the course of the night, we’ll dip into all kinds of genres. but the theme of it all is high energy songs that get people moving, dancing, and singing. If that’s a hip hop song, great. If it’s a rock song, fine. If it’s a country song, cool. As long as it hits that vibe that fits our formula,” he said.

More than anything else, Huffman promised attendees a good time at Party in the Parking Lot.

“The most consistent compliment we get is ‘You guys play everything,’” said Huffman. “So we really take people on a journey when we play.”

Tickets are $25 at the door but are avalible for $20 online at givebutter.com/​BM667g .