Chicago - August 21-25

[Robert J]

I'm going to be in Chicago with my wife and 2 kids from Sunday Aug 21- Thurs 25. I know that last month dsgtrane posted a similar thread so I don't need club advice so much. I am thrilled to find out that the Barry Harris Trio is performing at the Jazz Showcase that week! Been years since I last saw him in Detroit.

I've got a few specific questions that I need help with. Thanks!

1. Parking. We got a great Priceline deal for the Omni Ambassador East at 1301 North State Parkway and Goethe. (where some of Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" was shot). Location is great, just north of the Mile and near Lincoln Park. But I'm not paying $29 a day to keep my vehicle in the hotel lot!! What are the better options for storing it for a few days? I have a friend who has a business not far from O'Hare. I could drive there and transit back downtown, and get it on Thursday. Some effort but would save over $100 that I'd rather feed back into the clubs.

2. Theatre - any recommendations. Has anyone checked out the Steppenwolf Theatre Company lateley?

3. Sheet Music - I think I know where the Jazz Mart and other CD places are. What about sheet music stores? I'd like to find older material - barrelhouse, boogie, piano blues etc.

4. Beer recommendations! last summer on business I tried the Goose Island beer. Nice stuff. Took home their Oatmeal Stout. What other stuff should I look for on the microbrew beat? Also - I was taken to Binnie's with my friend somewhere in a suburb. Amazing place! I went nuts with the beer there. Is there something similar in the downtown core. Unfortunately Canada Customs only allows 1 case over the border before duty. We'll see.

5. A good book store recommendation - not just Borders.

6. Jam sessions. I'd like to see if I could join in on a blues session. Could be a pipe dream, but what the heck. I see Buddy Guy's has Mondays with Jimmy Burns. Anyone know what the jam session situation is like? (ie. does it suck like most?) Plus $10 jam cover

7. This is directed at the Michigan Board members. We're driving across I94 and I remember seeing some cottage/lake areas that might look like a decent stay. We leave Chicago on Thursday and I'm going to be in Windsor on Saturday for a wedding, so potentially a couple of days in Michigan. My son is into fishing.

Thanks for help on any of these questions!

[Uncle Skid]

Regarding beer -- somewhere between the Jazz Showcase and the Jazz Record Mart, there is a restaurant/brewery that had some decent stuff on tap. Unfortunately, I don't recall the name of it, but maybe Chuck or sheldonm can help me out here...

Are you taking the kids to any jazz shows? The Showcase Sunday matinee is very kid friendly -- my two kids really enjoyed seeing Cedar Walton there this summer.

[Chuck Nessa]

Regarding beer -- somewhere between the Jazz Showcase and the Jazz Record Mart, there is a restaurant/brewery that had some decent stuff on tap.  Unfortunately, I don't recall the name of it, but maybe Chuck or sheldonm can help me out here...

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Don't know the name, it's on Grand Ave at State St.

[Randy Twizzle]

The last time I was in Chicago was 20 yrs ago, but a recent trip to google tells me that the name of the place is The Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery

Edited August 5, 2005 by Randy Twizzle

[Robert J]

Stout and wheat beer - Rock Bottom sounds good to me.

Skid - Sunday when I arrive - James Moody. My kids are 7 and 11. But with 4 nights - I have to be careful. I still want to see Harris - one of my top 5 piano players. Then there's the Mill and Kigston Mines etc. I'll be killed if I don't take my wife to a play.

As for sheet music - any comments on Different Strummer Store or Chicago Music Mart? Again I'd be looking for early blues, ragtime, barrelhouse.

[sheldonm]

The last time I was in Chicago was 20 yrs ago, but a recent trip to google tells me that the name of the place  is The Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery

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Uncle Skid, is it the place we went to after the Von Freeman show? That would be Rock Bottom!

Mark

[Uncle Skid]

The last time I was in Chicago was 20 yrs ago, but a recent trip to google tells me that the name of the place  is The Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery

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Uncle Skid, is it the place we went to after the Von Freeman show? That would be Rock Bottom!

Mark

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Yup. That's the place!

[ejp626]

There is lots of great theatre in Chicago, but it's hard to know what to see or what your tastes are. I find Steppenwolf a bit hit or miss, and I would give the current main stage production a miss. Overall, I like Victory Gardens the best for being challenging but not too challenging. It's probably too hard to get tickets to the Goodman (or Steppenwolf for that matter). Maybe the best option is to check the Chicago Reader on line right before you go and see what catches your fancy. I think the theatre reviews are pretty reasonable (unlike the film reviews which are skewed towards favorable reviews for agitprop films). You can also check out TICKTS to see what the discounted shows are. There are of course some long-running shows like Wicked, but I usually avoid those.

Before my son was born, I went to theatre at least once a month, sometimes more. I definitely miss that about Chicago.

Book stores -- most of the independent bookstores have vanished. Perhaps the best bet is Powells with three locations - Hyde Park, Lakeview and South Loop. They have new and used books. There are a couple of used bookstores in Lincoln Park -- one on Clark and Wellington and one on Broadway near Wellington. There are two bookstores that sort of focus on architectural books -- one is on Wabash about two blocks north of the S. Loop Powells and the other is on Dearborn near Polk.

[Robert J]

There is lots of great theatre in Chicago, but it's hard to know what to see or what your tastes are.  I find Steppenwolf a bit hit or miss, and I would give the current main stage production a miss. 

Thanks for that. It's my wife who is looking a play to see. Apart from classic Greek plays and Shakespeare, I don't really care much for theatre. Probably because I had to deal with theatre types when I was in University - plus I've seen more bad plays in my life than good.

Book stores -- most of the independent bookstores have vanished.  Perhaps the best bet is Powells with three locations - Hyde Park, Lakeview and South Loop.  They have new and used books.  There are a couple of used bookstores in Lincoln Park -- one on Clark and Wellington and one on Broadway near Wellington.  There are two bookstores that sort of focus on architectural books -- one is on Wabash about two blocks north of the S. Loop Powells and the other is on Dearborn near Polk.

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I will check it out for sure.

Looking forward to everything in general. Going to be a sweet vacation. As for Jazz Showcase tix - I know you buy them at the door. Do these get snapped up fast? Say I want to take in the 10pm weekday show?

Bonus question - I know the Ambassador East has a history of famous and infamous guests. I saw one site refer to this hotel as the one Led Zeppelin stayed at in 1977 and trashed - sofa out the 11th floor window. That sort of thing. I thought that occured somewhere else - not Chicago (though they trashed a few hotels in their career).

[mgraham333]

I love Goose Island Honker's Ale. I just had a friend bring some back (along with some Summertime Ale).

[Chuck Nessa]

I love Goose Island Honker's Ale.  I just had a friend bring some back (along with some Summertime Ale).

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It's available in a grocery here.

[GregK]

7. This is directed at the Michigan Board members. We're driving across I94 and I remember seeing some cottage/lake areas that might look like a decent stay. We leave Chicago on Thursday and I'm going to be in Windsor on Saturday for a wedding, so potentially a couple of days in Michigan. My son is into fishing.

Thanks for help on any of these questions!

←

Never been there myself but a few coworkers are from the St Joe's area in SW Michigan, off I-94. The Sand Dunes are a big attraction, close by. Don't know much about fishing but there are small towns in that area, so you can probably find something. About 2-3 hours west of Ann Arbor

[jazzypaul]

1. Parking. We got a great Priceline deal for the Omni Ambassador East at 1301 North State Parkway and Goethe. (where some of Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" was shot). Location is great, just north of the Mile and near Lincoln Park. But I'm not paying $29 a day to keep my vehicle in the hotel lot!! What are the better options for storing it for a few days? I have a friend who has a business not far from O'Hare. I could drive there and transit back downtown, and get it on Thursday. Some effort but would save over $100 that I'd rather feed back into the clubs.

Another option is a little goofy but could work: Park your car at the Cumberland CTA garage. $1.75 for 12 hours, right off the CTA Cumberland stop (blue line). During the winters, I actually do this because parking in my neighborhood is so tough. Take the blue line into downtown, and do whatcha need to do. And remember that public transit and taxis are your friend.

3. Sheet Music - I think I know where the Jazz Mart and other CD places are. What about sheet music stores? I'd like to find older material - barrelhouse, boogie, piano blues etc.

Old Town School of Folk Music. There's a Lincoln Park location that'll be closer to you, but I don't know how well stocked they are. for things like ragtime, boogie and chicago style jazz, you might actually find some stuff.

4. Beer recommendations! last summer on business I tried the Goose Island beer. Nice stuff. Took home their Oatmeal Stout. What other stuff should I look for on the microbrew beat? Also - I was taken to Binnie's with my friend somewhere in a suburb. Amazing place! I went nuts with the beer there. Is there something similar in the downtown core. Unfortunately Canada Customs only allows 1 case over the border before duty. We'll see.

Goose Island has a new beer that I've only seen in bars, but I might be wrong: 312, and that's actually some tasty stuff. And Berghoff always has stuff too. If you're willing to go to the suburbs, there's a place called Lunar Brewing Co. in Villa Park that I've played at a few times, and their beers are top notch.

5. A good book store recommendation - not just Borders.

Myopic in Wicker Park, on Milwaukee Ave. If you go, get ahold of me and we'll get a beer at one of the 6 million clubs around six corners (Milwaukee, Damen & North) as I'm right down the street in Ukranian Village.

6. Jam sessions. I'd like to see if I could join in on a blues session. Could be a pipe dream, but what the heck. I see Buddy Guy's has Mondays with Jimmy Burns. Anyone know what the jam session situation is like? (ie. does it suck like most?) Plus $10 jam cover

Blues jams are few and far between, but there's at least one good jam session every night except saturdays somewhere in town.

Also, if you're at the Ambassador, there's a great club right downstairs from you in the Pump Room. Fridays and Saturdays, Erin MacDougald plays there. If you like vocal jazz, and you like to look at extremely good looking singers, that's the place. And the $13 burger is worth every penny.

[Robert J]

GregK - thanks for that. Looked at St. Joseph / Benton Harbour stuff on the web. The St. Joseph Clarion Hotel even has a nuclear info link on its site Too bad Organissimo isn't playing as I cross Michigan that week

jazzypaul - wow lots of info. I'll PM you later on some details.

Pump room - yeah I know about the entertainment, except that we'll be arriving Sunday leaving Thursday. Maybe a piano I can practice on during off hours.

[ejp626]

Regarding Jazz Showcase at the last minute, I've never been turned away, though I suppose some shows do sell out. Generally, getting in is not a problem but you may not get an ideal seat.

[Robert J]

I love Goose Island Honker's Ale.  I just had a friend bring some back (along with some Summertime Ale).

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It's available in a grocery here.

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Last year on my short working visit to Chicago I had the Honker's Ale, Oatmeal Stout and the Summertime pale ale. I took a 12 of the latter back to Canada. Maybe will try the wheat beer. I see Binny's is downtown. 213 W Grand.

(Note to self, and wife and kids: Got to remember that this trip is not all about me )

[sheldonm]

I'll probably be at the Sunday Moody show as well......PM me if you want!

Mark

[Robert J]

OK - I can give the executive summary now. Been very busy this week back at work. (excuse the length)

What can I say – we had a great time in Chicago. If I could, I would live there.

First, we were there with my 2 kids (7 and 11) so the focus was on them throughout. We did all the sightseeing stuff with our CityPass (it covered 6 attractions). As a consequence I did not get to accomplish all of my (selfish) retail pursuits. In fact I didn’t even get to check out the Jazz Record Mart.

We left Oakville on Sunday morning, came through the border at Port Huron and traveled west across Michigan. I waved to Jim as we passed Lansing. To make sure he felt my presence as I drove by at 90 mph, I put on Larry Young’s “Groove Street”. After some extremely lengthy construction at the Illinois/Indiana border we finally saw the cityscape before us. The kids even looked up from their DVD for a few minutes.

Our hotel in Chicago, the Omni Ambassador East, was on Goethe just north of the Michigan Mile and 3 blocks west of the lake. We arrived Sunday afternoon just as the air show was finishing so the exit to our hotel was closed and we had to take a nice detour up the coast. The hotel was perfect – an older hotel with a glorious past. We had a very large room and we got a small fridge to house my beer – I mean my daughter’s food (as she has various food allergies). The elegant lobby had a slightly out of tune Yamaha grand that I visited regularly – one of the managers told me I should play at the Pump Room around the corner but I had no jacket (shameless reference to the Phil Collins incident).

After we settled in we discovered we were just blocks from Rush Street and the food/bar action. After dinner the sun was setting so we ended up at the Hancock Tower for the great view. Locals told us about a Jewel grocery store on Division and Clark so we grabbed some snacks there for the next day. As well, a 12 of Goose Island Summertime beer for myself - $9.99!

On Monday the only drag for me was ditching our car. I wasn’t paying $35 @day x 4 for parking. So I parked it at a meter on Sunday near the hotel on Clark which was good until 7am Monday. Then – yes this is a little crazy – I got up early Monday and was on the freeway at 6:45am headed to the airport. My friend has his own business in a strip s/w of O’Hare and he said I could park there for free. It took me well over an hour in the rush hour traffic. Then I got a lift to a nearby Holiday Inn and faked being a guest so I could get a shuttle to the airport. From there a Blue Line into the city. Voila – almost 3 hours later the parking problem is solved (until we did the reverse on Thursday).

Back to business here… you don’t need the whole trip report but here’s some highlights and music.

On Monday

Adler planetarium

Shedd Aquarium

Millennium Park

For dinner we got a great outdoor table on Rush Street at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. Had the Goose Island Honker’s ale on draft, and swordfish steak. There was an upright piano at the bar. I befriended the piano player who was playing old time blues while no one in particular was listening.

Late Eve: I went to Buddy Guy’s club to check out the jam hosted by Jimmy Burns. It was packed around 10:30 and I got to hear Lindsey Alexander (who I heard last year at Kingston Mines) and Magic Slim’s second guitarist John McDonald – a monster player who I’ve seen several times with Slim. A great soulful singer came up (I’ve forgotten his name now – a Bluebird recording artist) and others. Eventually I got the “call” at 12:00am to join the jam. I had my name on the list and I was introduced as being from Toronto. Felt right at home.

So I got my dream of playing blues piano in Chicago! It lasted for 3 tunes (keys of A, Bb and E) and I was very happy, naturally. Burns is a great guy and I got to talk with his wife and band mates as well. When I develop my pics I’ll post them. (Another blessing: a pitcher of Goose Island for $6!) In keeping with the niceness of Chicago’s people, the harmonica player, Paul, gave me a lift to my hotel at 2am.

Tuesday –

The Field Museum

Museum of Science and Industry

Eve - My wife and I took in the nearby Steppenwolf Theatre for a fantastic play called “The Pain and the Itch”. Written by a Chicago native, Bruce Norris, it’s a devastating attack on the illusion of middle class liberal bliss.

Though I wanted dearly to keep the night going and head uptown to see the Deep Blue Trio at the Green Mill, I felt I should uphold my parental and partner duties and stay at the hotel at least one night. And so I did. Cold beers in room fridge and the Chicago Reader to entertain.

Wednesday

Art Gallery

Navy Pier

We also took one of the guided architecture tour boats. Very happy we did this. The speaker was animated and knowledgeable and resembled Philip Seymour Hoffman in looks and tone. My kids however, hot and always hungry, wished he’d just shut up. I learned a good deal in that 1 hour tour and I even saw my company’s Chicago office on Wacker from the boat.

For dinner we ate at the Big Bowl at Cedar just east of Rush– sort of hip Asian/Thai fusion. They make a good Thai hot pepper shrimp, and some Asian ribs my daughter could eat. Beer – Goose Island 312 Urban wheat

Later Eve – I bid farewell to my tired family and took the subway downtown to the Jazz Showcase to see Barry Harris. It was getting to 10 and I feared I’d be late for the second set and I’d have a bar seat or some other hindrance. As Mark said in another thead I did not have to worry about being late. Nor did I have to worry about a table. The place was practically empty. Very sad to see this. In actuality I counted 20 people. I was told it was the same for the first set. Man!

I grabbed a Bass Ale (no Goose Island here) and a table upfront so I could see the master’s hands. There were a few student types hanging out, one had his copy of Sidewinder to sign. Another hovered around the piano – and to his credit – Barry the perennial educator, did show him a scale or two.

The small attendance did not dissuade him and his rhythm section (OK I am a total retard – I cannot name the bass and drummer – there was no program, I was tired from a long day and filled with ale. Suffice it to say they were a good match (Aside: when I paid my $20 at the door, the bartender spoke to the owner/promoter: “The bass player wants to pay for his drink on his credit card” “Well tell him we don’t take plastic – cash only”.) What can I say – Barry’s a true pleasure to watch. A real harmonic and melodic master.

The tunes I remember were Tea for Two, Cabash, Dance of the Infidels, Like Someone in Love and All the Things You Are. I may be missing one. It seemed like a quick set (1 hour). At the end he told the audience that if we all bring 20 friends the next few days he’s here, he’ll take requests. After he was done, he also was thinking ahead to the weekend (Charlie Parker’s birthday) and what Parker tunes he knew to play. So he gave us an impromptu recollection of his Parker catalogue on the piano, playing the melody, aided by us shouting out some tune names. All the while the huge Parker poster behind the band looked on.

You can tell he wished for a full club. I can’t see a “work night” being the excuse, but maybe I am wrong. I guess I am thinking it is a crying shame that there was only 20 people to see Barry Harris and yet as I later stumbled back to the hotel there were lines of people trying to get into the clubs on Division on a Wednesday night, and Rush street was filled with people everywhere.

I did get to speak with Barry briefly after. I mentioned that I was from Windsor and last saw him perform in 1988 during the Detroit Jazz Festival. He played with a trio at the Renaissance Centre and I caught the second set. It was an emotional gig with lots of his family, friends and fellow musicians in the audience. The set lasted 3 hours as musicians kept opening up their cases and joining the bandstand. He recalled that night. I also told him that because I stayed out late to watch him and the jam session at Cobo Hall I missed the last tunnel bus back to Canada (I had no car) and had to sleep in a bush near the river. He laughed at that. He also invited me to attend his Jazz Clinic in Toronto in November. I guess I should attend when Barry asks!

As I walked over to the subway stop I hit Rock Bottom, so to speak. The brew pub mentioned by Skid, Mark, Randy et al. It was more of a college vibe but the bartender – sensing I was a Canadian beer nut – let me sample a few. The stout was disappointing so I ended up with the ale. I gulped it down as there was white rap karaoke going on and I felt really old all of a sudden.

Thursday/Friday

We ended up in St. Joseph’s Michigan for a relaxing stay. Great beach for the kids. And for organ fans they had a Band Organ Rally Presented by Carousel Organ Association of America. About a dozen calliope and street organs on display and loudly bellowing their pipes.

Beer – Blue Moon wheat beer, New Holland Zoomer Wit

Saturday – leave the US and head to Windsor for my cousin’s wedding in the eve. On the way stop at Meijer’s in Ann Arbor to buy – what else – ½ case of Sam Adam’s Oktoberfest and ½ case Blue Moon.

Mission accomplished. Thanks for all fellow board members who offered help and suggestions for this trip.

[GregN]

OK - I can give the executive summary now. Been very busy this week back at work. (excuse the length)

What can I say – we had a great time in Chicago. If I could, I would live there.

First, we were there with my 2 kids (7 and 11) so the focus was on them throughout. We did all the sightseeing stuff with our CityPass (it covered 6 attractions). As a consequence I did not get to accomplish all of my (selfish) retail pursuits. In fact I didn’t even get to check out the Jazz Record Mart. 

We left Oakville on Sunday morning, came through the border at Port Huron and traveled west across Michigan. I waved to Jim as we passed Lansing. To make sure he felt my presence as I drove by at 90 mph, I put on Larry Young’s “Groove Street”. After some extremely lengthy construction at the Illinois/Indiana border we finally saw the cityscape before us. The kids even looked up from their DVD for a few minutes.

Our hotel in Chicago, the Omni Ambassador East, was on Goethe just north of the Michigan Mile and 3 blocks west of the lake. We arrived Sunday afternoon just as the air show was finishing so the exit to our hotel was closed and we had to take a nice detour up the coast. The hotel was perfect – an older hotel with a glorious past. We had a very large room and we got a small fridge to house my beer – I mean my daughter’s food (as she has various food allergies). The elegant lobby had a slightly out of tune Yamaha grand that I visited regularly – one of the managers told me I should play at the Pump Room around the corner but I had no jacket (shameless reference to the Phil Collins incident).

After we settled in we discovered we were just blocks from Rush Street and the food/bar action. After dinner the sun was setting so we ended up at the Hancock Tower for the great view. Locals told us about a Jewel grocery store on Division and Clark so we grabbed some snacks there for the next day. As well, a 12 of Goose Island Summertime beer for myself - $9.99! 

On Monday the only drag for me was ditching our car. I wasn’t paying $35 @day x 4 for parking. So I parked it at a meter on Sunday near the hotel on Clark which was good until 7am Monday. Then – yes this is a little crazy – I got up early Monday and was on the freeway at 6:45am headed to the airport. My friend has his own business in a strip s/w of O’Hare and he said I could park there for free. It took me well over an hour in the rush hour traffic. Then I got a lift to a nearby Holiday Inn and faked being a guest so I could get a shuttle to the airport. From there a Blue Line into the city. Voila – almost 3 hours later the parking problem is solved (until we did the reverse on Thursday).

Back to business here… you don’t need the whole trip report but here’s some highlights and music.

On Monday

Adler planetarium

Shedd Aquarium

Millennium Park

For dinner we got a great outdoor table on Rush Street at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. Had the Goose Island Honker’s ale on draft, and swordfish steak. There was an upright piano at the bar. I befriended the piano player who was playing old time blues while no one in particular was listening.

Late Eve: I went to Buddy Guy’s club to check out the jam hosted by Jimmy Burns. It was packed around 10:30 and I got to hear Lindsey Alexander (who I heard last year at Kingston Mines) and Magic Slim’s second guitarist John McDonald – a monster player who I’ve seen several times with Slim. A great soulful singer came up (I’ve forgotten his name now – a Bluebird recording artist) and others. Eventually I got the “call” at 12:00am to join the jam. I had my name on the list and I was introduced as being from Toronto. Felt right at home.

So I got my dream of playing blues piano in Chicago!    It lasted for 3 tunes (keys of A, Bb and E) and I was very happy, naturally. Burns is a great guy and I got to talk with his wife and band mates as well. When I develop my pics I’ll post them. (Another blessing: a pitcher of Goose Island for $6!) In keeping with the niceness of Chicago’s people, the harmonica player, Paul, gave me a lift to my hotel at 2am.

Tuesday –

The Field Museum

Museum of Science and Industry

Eve - My wife and I took in the nearby Steppenwolf Theatre for a fantastic play called “The Pain and the Itch”. Written by a Chicago native, Bruce Norris, it’s a devastating attack on the illusion of middle class liberal bliss.

Though I wanted dearly to keep the night going and head uptown to see the Deep Blue Trio at the Green Mill, I felt I should uphold my parental and partner duties and stay at the hotel at least one night. And so I did. Cold beers in room fridge and the Chicago Reader to entertain. 

Wednesday

Art Gallery

Navy Pier

We also took one of the guided architecture tour boats. Very happy we did this. The speaker was animated and knowledgeable and resembled Philip Seymour Hoffman in looks and tone. My kids however, hot and always hungry, wished he’d just shut up. I learned a good deal in that 1 hour tour and I even saw my company’s Chicago office on Wacker from the boat.

For dinner we ate at the Big Bowl at Cedar just east of Rush– sort of hip Asian/Thai fusion. They make a good Thai hot pepper shrimp, and some Asian ribs my daughter could eat. Beer – Goose Island 312 Urban wheat

Later Eve – I bid farewell to my tired family and took the subway downtown to the Jazz Showcase to see Barry Harris. It was getting to 10 and I feared I’d be late for the second set and I’d have a bar seat or some other hindrance. As Mark said in another thead I did not have to worry about being late. Nor did I have to worry about a table. The place was practically empty. Very sad to see this. In actuality I counted 20 people.    I was told it was the same for the first set. Man!

I grabbed a Bass Ale (no Goose Island here) and a table upfront so I could see the master’s hands. There were a few student types hanging out, one had his copy of Sidewinder to sign. Another hovered around the piano – and to his credit – Barry the perennial educator, did show him a scale or two.

The small attendance did not dissuade him and his rhythm section (OK I am a total retard – I cannot name the bass and drummer – there was no program, I was tired from a long day and filled with ale. Suffice it to say they were a good match (Aside: when I paid my $20 at the door, the bartender spoke to the owner/promoter: “The bass player wants to pay for his drink on his credit card” “Well tell him we don’t take plastic – cash only”.) What can I say – Barry’s a true pleasure to watch. A real harmonic and melodic master.

The tunes I remember were Tea for Two, Cabash, Dance of the Infidels, Like Someone in Love and All the Things You Are. I may be missing one. It seemed like a quick set (1 hour). At the end he told the audience that if we all bring 20 friends the next few days he’s here, he’ll take requests. After he was done, he also was thinking ahead to the weekend (Charlie Parker’s birthday) and what Parker tunes he knew to play. So he gave us an impromptu recollection of his Parker catalogue on the piano, playing the melody, aided by us shouting out some tune names. All the while the huge Parker poster behind the band looked on.

You can tell he wished for a full club. I can’t see a “work night” being the excuse, but maybe I am wrong. I guess I am thinking it is a crying shame that there was only 20 people to see Barry Harris and yet as I later stumbled back to the hotel there were lines of people trying to get into the clubs on Division on a Wednesday night, and Rush street was filled with people everywhere.

I did get to speak with Barry briefly after. I mentioned that I was from Windsor and last saw him perform in 1988 during the Detroit Jazz Festival. He played with a trio at the Renaissance Centre and I caught the second set. It was an emotional gig with lots of his family, friends and fellow musicians in the audience. The set lasted 3 hours as musicians kept opening up their cases and joining the bandstand. He recalled that night. I also told him that because I stayed out late to watch him and the jam session at Cobo Hall I missed the last tunnel bus back to Canada (I had no car) and had to sleep in a bush near the river. He laughed at that. He also invited me to attend his Jazz Clinic in Toronto in November. I guess I should attend when Barry asks! 

As I walked over to the subway stop I hit Rock Bottom, so to speak. The brew pub mentioned by Skid, Mark, Randy et al. It was more of a college vibe but the bartender – sensing I was a Canadian beer nut – let me sample a few. The stout was disappointing so I ended up with the ale. I gulped it down as there was white rap karaoke going on and I felt really old all of a sudden.

Thursday/Friday

We ended up in St. Joseph’s Michigan for a relaxing stay. Great beach for the kids. And for organ fans they had a Band Organ Rally Presented by Carousel Organ Association of America. About a dozen calliope and street organs on display and loudly bellowing their pipes.

Beer – Blue Moon wheat beer, New Holland Zoomer Wit

Saturday – leave the US and head to Windsor for my cousin’s wedding in the eve. On the way stop at Meijer’s in Ann Arbor to buy – what else – ½ case of Sam Adam’s Oktoberfest and ½ case Blue Moon.

Mission accomplished. Thanks for all fellow board members who offered help and suggestions for this trip.

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Sounds like a great vacation!!!