Note ; I have to admit, this post might be a little bit biased.
Long ago, when I first started singing karaoke, I went to only two places: Josie's, a little out of the way bar on Rockford Lane, hosted by my friend Mike Walls, and 'R' Place Pub, down on Whipps Mill. Teri French was over there running a show when I first met her. Soon after moving out to the East End, she started KJing at a little hole in the wall called Mr. G's Lounge. In my opinion, that was the start of the FKP Empire.
From this little bar, wedged in the back end of a little strip mall on Shelbyville Road, between a Chinese Restaurant, a Hair Salon, and a Mexican Restaurant (which has karaoke of Fridays, and I will be reviewing soon), a karaoke dynasty began. Even though she started DJing at a different place, by many, this is considered where it started. From Bo, the huge bouncer that sits by the door, keeping the trouble makers out, to the Bartenders; Dave, Tommy, and the lot, every part of this little place is filled with great memories and experiences.
But, I pride myself on my impartiality, so I mush steel myself for the oncoming rush of nostalgia as I walk through the door. It is rather early, as I came in at 9, and the show doesn't start till 10, and then goes on till 2. As I enter, I am greeted from the bar by Dave Przybylek (pronounced Shebuick), one of the bartenders here. He pours me my usual, a coke, with no ice. They know me here. I flag down the cook, one Mike Parker, and order a double cheeseburger. Of all the bar food I have ever had, Mike's is some of the best. The prices are reasonable, and while the kitchen isn't always open late, when it is, it is a treat to behold.
I sit myself down and drink in the ambiance. It was a dark little place when I first new it. The tables that were set up, about half a dozen, faced towards the BIG, big screen TV, and the stage that would hold the singers in the show to come. Teri would perch herself at the edge of the stage, and kibitz with the various singers and patrons who took the stage, while their song selection was in cue. Now that the bar is under new ownership (which happened a scant number of weeks ago), the number of neon alcohol signs has almost tripled, at least to my casual gaze. behind me, as I usually sit at the front table, closest to the stage, is lined up about seven booths, which line the back wall, from the kitchen to the front door.
About half past 9, my burger comes to me, delivered, as with all of the fare, by Mike himself. My mouth waters as he lays down the plate in front of me, and makes a little joke of me having a computer up in a bar. I laugh it off, and start to eat. To the burger's credit, it took me most of the night to finish. So huge was it, that I almost didn't win the siege. A little after 10, Teri was inside and all set up, and the show began. Thursday's aren't known for being super busy here, which suited me just fine. After several repetitions of singers, Teri called me up while someone else was singing. This is usually our time to gab, and catch up on conversation. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to talk to her long, as the bar began to fill, with the knowledge that Teri's tunes were in town.
Luckily for me, a fellow patron, Amanda Mays, was able to give me a lift back home. I left feeling a little better than when I went in. To be honest, I was a little apprehensive about visiting G's since the change over. Was the old place gonna feel the same? Let me tell you, it feels about as it always has. The new owner has kept all the old staff, including Teri, and most of the decor, only removing things for improvement. it feels like I never left. If you're ever on the east end, crusing around on a Thursday, or Saturday, and looking for a great time, come see my favorite little hole in the wall, here on Shelbyville Road. Please, come to G's... they know me there. hahahahahah
That's all for this week children. I will be busy with the State Fair Karaoke Contest for the rest of the month, and then the Gaslite begins. Keep checking back here for the latest info, and in the future, and interview with the Gaslite Festival Karaoke Contest coordinator Jeff Harper, and possibly even an interview with the Queen of Karaoke herself!!
See you on the stage...
The Fuzzy One.
No comments:
Post a Comment