Rain, Wine, Music and Cupcakes... The Evening Begins

Went into the city last night, so there's always a little story to be told.

With a real crappy day of weather, there was a chance the drum-mama wouldn't be able to make it down from northwest Jersey. But apparently Mother Nature knows better than to interfere with these Jersey girls on a mission of music.

The ride into the city at rush hour was not great, but not as bad as it could have been. Had to drive way downtown for this show, a venue I hadn't been to before, but one I'll be going to again next week. Found on-street parking a block and a half away and went to grab a bite to eat.

There aren't a lot of places in the area to eat, it's a lot of commercial buildings, so many food joints are breakfast and lunch only. The show venue offered food but not what we were looking for. I had googled restaurants in the area and there was one called Mae Mae Cafe which was very close. Normally it's a breakfast/lunch place but on Wednesday they are open for dinner, with live music and with a liquor license. Perfect.

Basically a storefront restaurant, the walls were lined with bookcases with books. Yes, real books. And artsy, fartsy things and a bar. Limited menu but interesting. The parent company has an organic farm upstate so the meals have many home-grown ingredients. A delicious glass of wine was a good way to begin the evening.

A two piece band started to set up. A little live jazz before a night of rock & roll. It was an unexpected treat to hear these two musicians, and I can't remember their names, play their hearts out for a tiny audience. There were probably less than twenty people in the place... it's that small.

As we were about to leave, a fancy lady with a big red hat told us we couldn't leave yet. It was her sister's birthday and we had to stay and have cupcakes with them. In New York City, strangers inviting us to share in their birthday celebration... nice. Now I'm a cupcake girl from way back and they looked quite tasty, but it was time to head up the block to see the show. My waistline and cholesterol count are all the better for it.

The City Winery is a decent sized venue, open, with crowded tables. Sat down, ordered a glass of wine and waited for the show to begin. We were seeing an artist I interviewed on Monday, and both the interview and a review of the show are on their way.

The rain held off, my car was still parked where I left it... always a good thing in the City, and the show was wonderful.

I think I'll do it again next week.

The show we were seeing was Marshall Crenshaw. Review to come, but have a look at my interview with him here: Marshall Crenshaw Interview
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