NIght Before T'giving
The Hideaway: a neighborhood bar (non-smoking in accordance with state regulations) that is so firmly tucked away inside a standard residential subdivision that only people in the know can visit. Bro and SIL took us for karaoke.
What a blast! All the patrons know each other, the beer is 2.50$ for a pint of Yuenling on tap, the Karaoke Jockey was fun, the physical plant was basic cinderblock and plywood. The big TV screen at one end of the bar broadcast ice hockey, but no one was watching because everyone's eyes were rivited to the other end of the room: the karaoke stage.
The musical talent varied from OK to just plain awful but the applause was tremendous. Everyone was relaxed and friendly even before the alcohol level increased. People danced with partners or by themselves. Songs were primarily country with a few western thrown in for fun and the audience clapped and sang along, just as if it were a Weinfest or Bierfest in Deutschland. It was great!
And OK, I sang, too: All Summer Long (Kid Rock) and Sandra Dee (Grease). SIL sang a very sad ballad in memory of a local family killed in a car crash who were known to most of the patrons, and there were plenty of wet eyes at the end. Then Bro sang Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy to liven things up again, and I sang Sweet Home Alabama (Bro joined in partway through) and the place was rockin'!
A highlight!
Have a good TG....