The Beale Street Bar and Grill is one of the coolest venues I’ve been to in a while, mostly because of it’s location and it’s atmosphere. Nestled in the middle of skyscraper after bay area skyscraper you might get lucky enough to just stumble onto this small 2 story bar with the great vibe and the delicious food. By 6 PM this place was hopping as people stopped in to avoid battling traffic home during rush hour. By 11 PM, headliner Kevin Burdick was center stage.
When we pulled into San Francisco this last weekend, I hadn’t even spoken with my local band. Ken Gray had posted a couple ads on Craigslist and had interviewed a number of candidates before hand selecting these guys. We had a quick 3-hour rehearsal on Tuesday and the guys came prepared (we had sent them out rehearsal packets a week before) – Max Macveety, a magically delicious drummer; Dave Hicks, a super-steady bassist; and Ken Seely, an old-school guitarist who can plain out shred. I could tell it was going to be something special after just an hour of rehearsal. We just really gelled, even though musically we were all so different. Max is a hip-hop drummer, but more to the point, he his robot of percussion – the guy can flat out play and is tight. Dave is an accomplished bassist who, I get the feeling, used to gig all of the time – he’s now a facial reconstruction surgeon, but he still loves to get out and rock the bass every now and again. Ken’s resume was deep – the guy has played guitar with and for some of the absolute greats over the years and so it was pretty cool to add my name to that list.
On the night of the show, we all arrived pretty early. We were given the wrong call time and so everyone was there by 8 PM. There were 3 opening acts kicking off the night and then I was the guy coming in at clean-up. For the most part I really enjoyed the bands playing before me. Actor/Comedian Robin Williams even made an appearance during the night, but he didn’t stay for much of my performance – still, it was cool to have somebody rediculously famous in the venue. Ken Gray actually hung out at the bar with Mr. Williams for while – editted transcripts of their conversation went something like this:
Ken orders a water from the bartender. “Just a water?” says Mr. Williams holding an iced tea at the end of the bar. “I need to hydrate… So is it Boston or L.A.?” Ken asks pointing to the TV. “Neither, San Francisco.” “I mean in the NBA playoffs.” “Oh, Boston I guess. I’m an idiot.” “Yeah, Garnet needs a ring… Would you like some gum?” “What kind is it? I only chew Dentine.” Smiles. “Eclipse Polar Ice.” “Aw what the hell.” Mr. Williams takes a piece of gum. A few minutes later Ken orders another water. “More water?” says Mr. Williams. “I told you man, I gotta hydrate.” Adjusts hat goofily. “You are a character, aren’t you.” “You shut up…” Ken says with a smile. Robin Williams laughs and the two begin to discuss the coolest venues in San Francisco. End transcipt.
The show went great and the highlight was probably the improv song “Invisible Pants.” That was a pretty cool suggestion from the audience and I was happy to oblige with one of my silly and rediculous make-up songs.
Well, having a great time on the road! Wish you were here!! Beale Street Improv Song, “Invisible Pants:” [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9PSP_-hFq4]