An evening at the Old Miner DIner doesn't get more quaint than this! Our friend, John Barr *, sang to a packed house last night. I think that adds up to 10 tables and about 40 people, not counting the folks dining outside on the deck. This restaurant is part of The Ovens Camp Ground, so outside, camp fires filled the air with the lovely smell of burning wood. This is where I was when we saw the sail boat passing by.
All of the performers you see here do gigs of their own, but with John, they wear caps emblazoned with "JB BOB". They kept us guessing until they said it stood for "John Barr Backup Band", some silly, self-deprecating humour! To the right of John is Steve Chapin on guitar. His brother, Harry, was best known for "Cat's in the Cradle" before he died in an accident. The whole family is musical and take turns performing there. Tom Chapin & The Chapin SIsters were at the table next to us, also enjoying the show.
...and so we spent the evening, 3 hours of excellent music with only one break, no cover charge and a delicious dinner! I'd always lived a "Big City" life, but this has become my happiness and my comfort zone!
* John is from Scotland, and besides being a fabulous singer, he's a superb chef (his other job!) He sings without a trace of an accent, but when we chat, I often have the dickens of a time understanding our common language! Makes me think of our 365 friend, Issi Bannerman. (And it gives me another idea for a thread that might be fun...)
Love the picture and the accompanying explanation. Now if we could have the music added to the words! I noticed you were at Thr Ovens where Bob Argabright stayed. What a shame you didn't connect. I know you all would have enjoyed the occasion. Well, as you said, there is always next year!
@allie912 I'd actually written him to ask him to join us here on this evening, and that's when he replied that they'd already left! (The sailboat I posted is also the view from the camp-ground road) If you would like a bit of John's music, just put "Weezilou" into a google-or-Youtube search; a year or two ago I posted a number of John's songs. My ability (and camera choice) have improved since then... In this clip at the Kitchen Party he sings a line or two from the song, "Sonny"... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5EnnMdB66o at 2:25
@photographycrazy The world can ill afford to lose the pipes of wonderful singers/musicians! So glad you recognized the name. His family is keeping the tradition alive, and it's quite amazing to have it so accessible "just in the neighborhood"!