The Thrill of a LIVE Time

The Jazz Bus: The Thrill of a Live Time
As a young boy I remember traveling with my parents to the sleepy town of Bay Shore, Long Island where the nearest Sears and Roebuck was located. This journey was probably an appliance shopping trip. Since that time many moons ago my acquaintance with that town was restricted to traveling through it on Montauk Highway, and wondering how that quaint town had changed as drastically as it did. My negative opinion changed the other night.
First up, a friend gave me a copy of the newest cd by Alejandro Escovedo STREET SONGS OF LOVE. I loved it and needless to say it stayed on heavy rotation in my iTunes while becoming a 2011 Top Three pick for me. Then, A few weeks ago the Boulton Center in Bay Shore announced that Escovedo and The Sensitive Boys, his current power three piece ensemble, would be performing. Two quick phone calls and a few e-mail later, WE THREE had first row center, all done with my computer and home printer. Surprisingly each ticket came through with a “$2 off” coupon for a beer joint THE CORTLAND, which was conveniently located next to the theatre. Not wanting to waste the paper it was printed on I felt obligated to invite my compatriots to spend a few more moments in Bay Shore before the show. Almost too good to be true, I thought.
Not having to take the LIRR, we drove on a beautiful Friday evening east on Montauk Highway, all in my new “adult” car and arriving at our destination parked in the well lit municipal lot behind the theatre. A short walk thru a small park like area had us standing on Main Street viewing the hustle and bustle of what is now downtown Bay Shore. Beautifully done. The stores magnificent, the streets spotless and well, not the town I remember as a kid or more recently.
The beer joint was just that, a narrow bar with three tables at the far end. After Bert asked for a “Johnny Walker Black with a twist”, and the barmaid shook her head, I knew I was getting closer to Beer Nirvana. The tap beers were mostly from local micro brews, and served at a perfect temperature. After two, or right maybe three, we left the establishment for the theater.
A spacious extremely clean place with plenty of staff to lead you to your seats, the 8 p.m. show started a few minutes after the appointed hour, and the band rocked for close to two hours performing most of the new collection with some other nuggets (The Rolling Stones MISS YOU,)thrown in for good measure. Live music always pleases me and this one was truly a thrill. The only throwback was what to do after the show as it was only 10 p.m., an ending time to which I am quite unaccustomed. Ah, THE CORTLAND had a TV, the hockey game was on, and our “$2 off” coupon was still in effect. Another perfect way to wind down. jazzbus@gmail.com