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THE FOLLOWING IS A LETTER THAT "OUT 'N ABOUT"
MAGAZINE GRACIOUSLY PUBLISHED IN THEIR OCTOBER ISSUE. IT IS BY NO
MEANS INTENDED TO OFFEND ANYONE. IT'S JUST ONE PERSON'S VIEW
POINT. After 7 years of trying to be a quality restaurant and a small, 1st class music venue we will not be featuring continuous, live music any longer. This was a very difficult decision for me. Being a musician myself for 45 years, I can relate and sympathize to the struggling, stereotypical musician and my heart goes out to all of them who are serious about their craft and in many ways feel I have let them down. It is no longer financially feasible or a viable option. There are many reasons that have led me to this decision such as the economy, not a big enough attraction to the small niche we were trying fill of blues music, or simply my failure to re-invent myself to keep the interest of the people that I so depend upon. But, I am disappointed with the musicians who do not promote themselves, who have lost their passion and are more interested in their food and bar comp than their performance. I feel that as an owner I have always been honorable and never once tried to renegotiate a pre-agreed fee for lackluster attendance. It is also understandable that acts from out of town will not, initially, have a following but can develop one given the time and exposure, providing they give a strong, quality, professional performance. I could never understand the mind set of musicians who have day jobs to help their night jobs of performing, expecting free drinks and food and doing very little to promote themselves. With available tools, for example, Facebook, emails, posters & text messaging, it takes very little effort. They show up to work on time, their employers do not usually buy them cocktails and lunch, but yet they will not start on time and view their time here and elsewhere as a reason to play and party. I have very little respect for these musicians. Without giving you exact figures, I can honestly say that I have spent enough money over past 7 years to send a child to an ivy league university for 10 years! The amount is staggering when I think about it, just so I would not have to charge a cover to help defray my music expenses. I do not view this as a new chapter but merely reverting back to an old chapter, being a restaurant that serves a quality product. We will continue with
rockabilly Thursdays featuring The Bullets with Michael, Bobby and
Walt. Michael Davis, in my opinion, is not only one of the finest
guitarists locally but internationally as well. The Bullets have
performed here for over 6 years, which has to be somewhat of a record.
They have been loyal and have worked with me through the good times and
the lean times and I hope we can continue our relationship. We will
feature a quality blues act that has a strong following on the last
Saturday of every month, again without charging a cover. We are looking
at other forms of entertainment, but not on a regular basis and
hopefully turn it into an occasional event. We have made a lot of
friends over the past 7 years and I sincerely thank each and every one
of you that has supported us. No regrets, move forward and every day
that I wake up and see my family and friends is truly a blessing.
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& IN THE MEANTIME, ENJOY THE BEST ******************* NOW WE HAVE THE
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HAPPY HOUR
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WE'RE THE
BIGGEST PARTY
"Laissez les bon temps rouler!" | |||
SUNDAY BRUNCH
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