It smells like stale beer and cigarette smoke. When I walk in carrying a speaker, there is a Gratefull Dead tape playing on the stereo. Joe, my favorite bartender, is working tonightand he gives me a bottle of spring water. I set up the P.A. and picture where thE band members will sit. One by one they all show up.
People hang out there regardless of who is playing.
The owner, Jim, is a real music lover. He is fair and considerate to bands and he's relaxed and casual unlike the previous owner, a high-strung guy prone to last minute cancellations. We start on time, the band is relaxed and sounds good. We don't have a set list. I'll play whatever I think is right early in the night.