Arroyo Grande, CA 08/09/2012
Breakfast in Arroyo Grande, CA. Even I couldn't finish this one! Wow... Now THAT'S how you start the day.
On Thursday evening, I drove just south of San Luis Obispo, CA to the town of Arroyo Grande, CA to play what would be the last of three performances as part of Steve Key’s “Songwriters at Play” showcase series. I performed the featured / closing set at a neat venue just off the 101 called SLO Down Pub. Awesome, pub-style food, a nice little sound system, a cozy stage, and a great vibe filled the space. With an attentive audience in attendance, it was a terrific evening all around. As usual, a handful of some local and touring artists played a few shorter, four song sets before I hit the stage. I was really impressed by the host, Steve Key, the local Pismo Beach, CA resident songwriter who calls himself “Spanky”, and a traveling act from Austin, TX, Mike and the Moonpies. Each act was really different and incredibly talented.
Host of "Songwriters at Play", Steve Key, raising the bar from the get go at SLO Down Pub in Arroyo Grande, CA.
I hit the stage after a really nice introduction from Steve Key and had a phenomenal time playing an extended set for the crowd. Things quieted down as soon as I sang the first note and it was a slightly eerie feeling to have, apparently, silenced the venue. Apparently, they liked me! (Phew!) I played my favorite tunes from my first two releases and then enjoyed hanging with my new friends and fans in the audience afterwards, signing CDs, explaining the history behind the ChiMcClean.com pint glasses, etc. It was a really wonderful night and an awesome way to close out the last of my Central Coast performances this trip.
HUGE thanks to Steve Key (as always) for so generously booking me not once, not twice, but THREE times this tour. Thanks, too, to the gang at SLO Down Pub for hosting me and taking such great care of me throughout the evening. Loved the food, the sound, the stage, the vibe… everything! Also, huge thanks to Loretta for putting me up for the night with a safe, cozy, quiet place to catch some z’s… Great times, Arroyo Grande! Hope to see you again soon.