Page 1 of 1

I stumbled

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:18 pm
by Joe Ott
... into the Phoenix Coffee shop this past Monday night. It was interesting.

I've never had an interest in going in there. It seems all I ever see are those liberal looking democrat types going in. You know the kind, wannabe grunge, incense burning wannabe tree hugging hippies, wannabe hip and cool with dreadlocks, hemp this and that, baggy pants... you know the type. Well, I think I was right about all that but was I pleasantly suprised too. (Note to all you overly sensitive liberals out there, I'm just kidding. It's tongue-in-cheek. Relax.)

I walked in and found Lakewood's most famous professional musician playing his banjo, guitars, and other instruments along with some of his buddies. It was of course Gary Rice. Probably one of the nicest, kind and generous people around.

Gary said "hey, your type aren't wanted here". No, actually Gary told me to grab a seat because it's going to get crowded. He was right. It got pretty crowded and seats were filled. I guess you'd say it was standing room only. I guess the word got out I was there? I don't know. It happens a lot to me.

Turns out they show up there almost every Monday night around 7:30 and just play till about 10:00. They played all kinds of music from Dylan, Niel Young, folk, Irish folk (I think), all kinds. They go in a circle. Each person pick/plays a song and the rest join in.

The music and singing was good and it was fun. In fact it was very good. The whole crowd would join in from time to time singing. I recommend dropping by and listening to them. The coffee is good to.

I've wondered what it must have been like in 1961 when a skinny little 20 year old Robert Zimmerman walked into Gerde's Coffee Shop in New York City and started playing his folk music. I suspect it was a lot like the Phoenix Coffee shop. Thankfully though, all the smokers and smoke are outside. I've seen pictures and video and it did look very similar to Phoenix I guess.

I had my D200 with me and snapped a few shots. Didn't have the right lens or anything with me, but these give you an idea what it was like there if you've never been in there.

Anyway, thanks Gary for the entertainment. Thanks too to Tom, Jack, and the other guys who's names I don't remember. Maybe I'll stop in next week. If I do I'll bring a faster lens and so on... maybe not though. Maybe I'll just sit and listen.


Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:26 pm
by Gary Rice
Great shots, Joe!

Thanks for your kind words, as well.

I don't get to drop by there nearly as often as I would like to. One of the great things about that event, is that it is as much a teaching laboratory, as anything else. Unlike some jam sessions that discourage or exclude beginners, this is a true song circle that tries to pull everyone in.

One of the participants, as well as myself, is a retired teacher, and we've discussed how nice it can be for people to learn to apply their musical skills in an affirmative and supportive environment.

The songs that the people choose, run the gamut from traditional to political, to ethnic, to funny, to whatever pops into someones head.

They really are great people down there on Mondays. In a way, it's like that great 1947 book by Alan Jay Lerner- "Brigadoon" where, for a brief while, the Past comes out of the mist, only to disappear with the dawn's first rays.

Like Tommy said in the Brigadoon play:

"Why do people have to lose things to find out what they really mean?"

By the way, who was that great young female vocalist? :D

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:50 am
by David Lay
Great photo essay, Joe!

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:06 am
by David Anderson
My 4.5 year old daughter asked her mom for a "girl’s night out" yesterday. So they went out on the town and left me with the two boys - 2.75 and 1.3 years old - always fun.

My wife asked for suggestions and I mentioned that they consider viewing the murals at the library and Phoenix Coffee for something hot to drink and a snack. Remembering this thread, I also mentioned that folks might be playing music.

Well, they didn't have time for the library this time but did stop in at a close to packed Phoenix. A nice man helped them find two seats. With hot cider and fresh scone in hand my two "girls" sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the guitar and piano playing.

My daughter was quite happy and excited to share her adventure with me upon returning home saying "there were a lot of boys there." Gentlemen and neighbors I would say.

Have a great day, Christmas and holiday season.

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:57 am
by Heidi Hilty
Thanks for sharing this story - this is why we believe in Lakewood and choose to live here. Gentlemen and neighbors indeed.
Merry Christmas!

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 5:03 pm
by Gary Rice
By the way,

I've been informed that, for the next two weeks (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) the Monday Phoenix jam session/song circle will not be meeting.

Hopefully, it will resume in the second week of the new year.

My best to you all, for a restful and joyous holiday season!

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:45 pm
by dl meckes
We need a circle of light and warmth at that time!