Playin' in the band often means playin' in a bar - or cabaret/restaurant/bar kind of place. That usually means booze, french fries, and questionable restrooms. But we faced different dangers last night at Raymond's Bakery in Cazadero. At one point, Drew looked totally glassy-eyed and stated, "I've got to get out of here - I've already eaten a blueberry muffin, a brownie, a big cookie - plus all that pizza!" We all ate pizza, and left with a "Raymond's Gift Box" of sugary goodies. I'm recovering right now, but there's a brownie calling my name in the other room. Musically, we had a fun time since we could play acoustic music and delight the sit-down crowd. Dancing didn't really work in the small space next to the water and condiments area. But, after most of the kitchen traffic subsided, veteran Thugz fans couldn't stand it and up they popped, cavorting in the aisles. What started it all was the kid energy - a crazed bunch of jumping girls (too many brownies?). Grown-ups soon got involved to direct things, and the sedate bakery scene was transformed. "Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad" had everybody flailing about. I love playing music for folks who can cut loose - we had plenty of that. I also had a chance to chat with some interesting customers - Dead Heads, a Vietnam vet with lots to share, a Mill Valley Jerry Garcia friend, several former students from Fort Ross School - even one with a two-week old baby. Come summer, we hope to return to Raymond's outdoor stage and big dancing space under the redwoods. The staff is wonderful - so all we have to do is go for the savory and avoid the sweets to make the gig work. Next week, it's back to the bar scene, but we get to expand our musical bubble all the way to the Novato Hopmonk - more challenges, more fun.
Take care. Love, Sylvia