Port Townsend Has a Great Open Mic

Rollin' Waters played in Port Townsend at the Upstage Open Mic last night for the first time. Great venue with a sunken stage, balcony, good food and lots of musicians, including Andy Mackie and Paul Kell. Both have played at the Junction in Port Angeles with us a few times. After doing a song/poem with Jess, who is a gifted poet and pianist, we sang "I Shall Be Released," "Deep River Blues," and "Stormy Monday." The crowd was enthusiastic, especially when Stephanie sang "Stormy Monday," and it was a fun night. Looking forward to doing it again soon. Port Townsend has lots of music clubs and events going on throughout the year.

Not Too Warm for Hats in Port Angeles

Sunglasses and summer go together pretty well, but when the sun finally fades around nine or so in the evening the word was passed at the Junction that it was ok to remove them for the rest of the evening. What great sports we have on Sunday nights these days! We'll see what creative kinds of hats show up next Sunday, it being "hat-night" and all. Some consideration will be given to making the Sunday after that "Sin Night" where the recommended "dress code" is the wearing of something "sinful." After all, one would have the remaining six days of the new week to repent.

Lots of fun at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock last Saturday with Rudy and Bill although that stage is really too small for anything larger than a duet. The food is still awesome (try the halibut), and, for some reason, lots of people followed suggestions to try the excellent dessert. Maybe the powers of suggestion are returning! So, the Pink Door in Seattle, even with their good live music and similarly small stage, has got nothing on the Ajax, at least when it comes to good food.

On another note, it shouldn't take a hit record (are there such things any more?) to get a popular touring band a gig on the peninsula, especially when they aren't demanding top dollar, for crying out loud. The Lonely H, a local rock band now relocated to Seattle when they aren't playing festivals like SXSW in Austin or touring the country are here in Port Angeles this month and you'd think the local club owners would jump at the opportunity, but alas...still the effort will continue and at least, they and #2 son's band Doctor Doctor, also from Seattle, can host a Sunday night with me at the Junction.

Guitar Lesson Tip #26: If you're a finger-picker, drink lots of orange juice--steels strings will rip the bejesus out of weak nail tissue.