..because if it weren't for them and their pubs, I don't know where we would have played in October.
So lot's of news to catch up on. We played our first gig of October at the Starry Plough in Berkeley - I am chalking that one up to a learning experience. I put too many quiet reflective songs in the set and was not ready sing to a roomful of people who weren't listening. Ah, but the next night, at the Plough and Stars in San Francisco, I was ready..We had a great set with some new songs, great crowd, some had come over from Golden Gate Park after Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. We even had our very own "hippy dancer" - you know who I mean, with the flowing skirts and scarves. The David Thom Band followed and then the Waylayers. It was great fun! We even sold some t-shirts. best story of the night though was about parking: as i pulled up to the bar there were cars double-parked all over the place. I told Jonathan Schiele that I had parking luck. Just as he was throwing me a very dubious look, a car moved out of the spot directly in front of the bar.
Last Friday, though, topped that. Pete, the owner of McGrath's Irish Pub in Alameda, told us we would be playing for the annual Halloween Party. So we came dressed up - as a shotgun wedding party, complete with bridal dress and baby bulge, angry hillbilly brothers and a preacher. So, turns out their Halloween party is actually on Halloween. We looked pretty crazy - it was hilarious. Two highlights of the night besides Pete's warm hospitality and a roomful of friends. First, I introduce I Never Will Marry, saying i think it a fitting anthem for my shotgun bride and I sing it. Afterward, Brian says the boys are going to have to go out in the audience and drag up a groom - a guy, obviously a regular at the bar, shouts out, with all sincerity "I"LL MARRY YOU!!" and the entire bar busts up. Thanks, Gary - it's great to be wanted.
The second dramatic moment happened when a woman passed me a note just before we start another song. The notes said: "Sgt John Sporck has just returned home from Iraq, please welcome him home." We thanked Sgt Sporck for his service, he got a standing ovation from the bar, and we all competed to buy his drinks. Welcome home soldier. He and his girlfriend stayed just a little while - I guess they had other things to catch up on ;-).
Here are our songs from October if you are interested:
SET 1
Love Me Or Leave Me Alone Dear
My Walkin' Shoes
Just Like Rain
I Never Will Marry
Big Sandy River
Sara Rose
Blue Ridge Cabin Home
Orphan Girl
When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold
In My Dear Old Southern Home
Rebecca
Drivin' Nails in My Coffin
SET 2
Farewell Blues
My Hearts Own Love
I Walk the Line
Caleb Meyer
Your Love is Like a Flower
Will You Be Loving Another Man
In Spite of Ourselves
Who's That Knockin At My Door
The Last Old Shovel
Your Cheatin' Heart
Lonesome Road Blues
Hit Parade
SET 3
Say You Only Will Be Mine
Pardon Me
Big Sciota
Tennessee Waltz
Live & Let Live
Whose Shoulder Will You Cry On
Can't Let Go
Long Gone Lonesome Blue
Old Slew Foot
If Wishes Were Horses
Black-Eyed Susie
Stay tuned for more news...We plan to work on demo in December. Laurie Lewis is producing us - yay! Nell
