Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The PoHo... Inside and Out

Several music venues surprise me with the variety of their activities.

The Pour House is a good example.

Not just great musicians, like the Lee Boys, but the actual facility itself.

There's a huge deck out back that pleases the smokers who can drink and cough, er, I mean light up, as they enjoy live music.

Of course there's a second bar out there too.

In front, facing Maybank Highway, there's a small deck for El Bohio dining that's been added.

Recently the owners Alex and Vanessa Harris offered the outside walls of the place for a music mural competition.

I remember the tiny bar-with-jam-bands they had on Highway 17.

It was about half-filled with several pool tables.

They've come a long way.

And the Charleston music scene has benefited greatly.

The PoHo is packed each year when Leon Russell comes to town.

The North Mississippi All-Stars draw a full house as they rock the rafters.

Taj Mahal was a surprise booking recently. Last time in town he played the Charleston Music Hall.

Nice call Alex.

The deck often features local musicians who really enjoy the raucous welcome they receive when they hop onstage.

The sound system outside is just as fine as the famed one inside.

And, don't kid yourself...these hometown bands also have a loyal following.

That's a smart way to build business - and a great way to thank the music fans.

Of course, most of the crowd heads inside when the main act starts.

Or if it starts to rain.


(Yes, clicking on the picture - twice - makes it bigger. Lots of details.) Thanks for stopping by on this nice Fall day. Hopefully hot and humid is over for the year and there's more deck time. Come sit outside with me.

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Sunday, February 18, 2007

Honor Thy Father....

The 17th Annual Charleston Blues Bash is winding down and, as I look back, I see I kept active: my printed programs shows I enjoyed 17 of the 43 performers offered.

The son of Muddy Waters - Big Bill Morganfield - qualifies as the person with the most colorful message added to a stringed musical instrument.

It was a show of fatherly pride as he channeled his daddy keeping the Robert Johnson blues tradition message alive.

My enjoyment of the Bash was briefly interrupted with a trip up to Columbia midweek to catch Billy Joel who's a legend in his own musical field. The hall was packed yet included a few "young" people ... probably grandchildren. And, Yes, he finished the 2 1/2 hour concert with Piano Man.

Back in Charleston, another sold out crowd pleaser was Leon Russell at the Pour House on Maybank Highway.

Last seen here at the "old" Cumberlands, his long white hair and beard looked the same and that gravely, twangy Okie sound was still strong. And we all still needed subtitles.

By spreading the Blues Bash around to 17 venues, many people were introduced to new places as well as old favorites. Home Team BBQ is a newcomer and enjoyed some good crowds as did Sesame in North Charleston.

The Med deli - Med Bistro had steady business when I stopped by several times and Mimi's on James Island charmed a lot of people with its creekside setting.

The 3 Lions Pub at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island paired local favorite Smoky Weiner and The Hot Links with a Blues Doctor from Paris, France. In an upscale British Pub.

I'll relax tonight by going to the Music Farm for Robert Randolph and the Family Band. This is one of my favorite groups. Maybe I'll see you there?

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