So Lady L. convinced me that it would be good for me to get out and do something, maybe go check out an open mic or something. I didn’t feel quite ready to perform but I felt like it would be a great idea to go see just what’s been going on in this scene since I’ve been gone. I decided to go back to where it all began, The Red Light Cafe. This is the place where back in 1997 I played for the first time as a solo folksinger/songwriter. So I hopped onto google maps, got directions and off I went.
I have to say that I was a bit nervous and apprehensive about checking it out. It had been 10 years since the last time I had even set foot into that place and my memories of it were fond ones. It was the place I called home for the first two years of my folk music life and the memories are good. In my mind, I kept hearing that old saying about how you can’t go back. Would I be disappointed? Would it be so drastically different that it would tarnish those amazing memories of it that I had in my mind? I was soon to find out.
When I walked in the door, my stomach just dropped and I got clammy hands. It was just like seeing a ghost or something. It was like time had stood still and never moved in that place. Right away I took a seat at a small table against the right wall and it hit me that THIS is exactly where I used to sit EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT for two years with my cronies back then. We’d sit back, drink beers and root each other on as we each went up and played our 3 song set. I sat down and got there just in time for the first act and was pleasantly surprised act after act. The mix of covers from the traditional blues to Warren Zevon and originals was a great mix. Every one had their own style and some I loved, some I thought were “ok” but all in all, it was a great night of music.
One element of the night that was missed extremely was host John Madden who passed away over a year ago. He was the guy that was pretty much our teacher. Every week we were treated to two 3 song sets of his playing during which we just sat and stared in wonder. He was a real talent and had so much heart and soul to his performances. If he really liked you, he would ask to play during your set and I was lucky enough for many times to have John join in on harmony vocals and even slide guitar a couple of times. A few of the performers last night even paid tribute to him by performing a few of his songs which actually gave me goosebumps at times. It was a really great night.
I had a great talk w/ Bill (the owner) who recognized me right away. We basically caught up on about 10 years in 10 minutes. We both talked about how much we missed John and Bill told me that he was really glad to see that I was back and hoped that I would bring my guitar next week. I smiled and agreed, we shook hands and I headed towards my car with a smile on my face. Atlanta has been really crazy for me these last couple of weeks. Overwhelming to say the least and lots to take in but last night, The Red Light Cafe was a little bubble of peacefulness… just as it was for me all those years ago. Who says you can’t go back?
1 Comment
July 18, 2009 at 1:14 am
Hi Don!
Glad you and Lizzi are settled in the big A! I’m excited for you both and at the same time missing seeing you around Peabody.
I was checking out your music on your website and like I told you before…you remind me of a young Bob Dylan.
Don’t know if you have checked this out or not but here is a link to Folk Alley. They have an Open Mic section where you can upload your music. You are as good and even better than a lot of musicians out there. I wish you all the best and I’ll check in from time to time to make sure you are behavin! LOL! Here is the link: http://www.folkalley.com/openmic/