No one would expect that playing covers in some bar would pay the bills, but many cover bands are disproving the myth that there's no money in play other people's music.

Chicago glam-rockers Hairbanger's Ball, which has played to clubs and bars of more than 800 people, has been doing so well on the road that members no longer have to hold 9-to-5 jobs. The group plays Thursday night at Rick's American Café, 224 Abbott Road.

"We weren't expecting the success at all," said keyboardist and vocalist Jennifer Remis, better known to her audience as Polly Pantz. "But all of a sudden everything just blew up.

"We're making it."

And although some people have accused cover bands of taking away valuable venue time from local original acts, East Lansing artist Jerry Sprague said he doesn't get the same reaction when he performs his own music.

"I get paid a lot of money," he said. "It's a great thing, but it's still a lot of work."

For more on where to hear other people's music checkout the lowdown in Thursday's edition of The State News or www.statenews.com/lowdown.