Extra Virgin - 3/31/06 - Arlington, VA

First off, let the reader know that Chris and I actually had to dress up for this gig (this was just an acoustic duo show). I was rocking the khakis, a nice black button up shirt, and some wingtips. Not my typical show attire. That being said, this was probably one of the more upscale places I had ever played. Extra Virgin is a very nice Italian restaurant--there was a waterfall in the window and lots of very cool decor.

One of the nice things about this gig was that a PA was provided. For all of you audio-savvy people, the PA was one of the new Bose pole systems, which I had never used before. Not bad. Plus, the way they had it set up we were piped into the house speaker system throughout the restaurant, including the outdoor patio area. Our action was blasted into the streets of Arlington, and people on the outside of the windows we were sitting next to could hear us. So, it was almost like a weird, one-way intercom system. Chris and I sat on our stools and jammed, and it was very "chill."

At the beginning of the gig I asked for some water and the nice guy who was helping us (Jason) came back and handed me some liquid in what looked like a shampoo bottle or a small time capsule. I had never seen water come in this sort of a container and am almost positive it was the most expensive water that has ever touched my lips. I savored every drop and kept the container. Check it out:

Another note about this particular gig: the large majority of the patrons seemed to be in very good shape. Especially some of the older women. I saw some women in their 40s who had looks that some folks in their 20s and 30s long for. Not a bad scene at all.

The gig went well and after the dinner crowd dispersed, people were ready to party. Folks were dancing, and those who stuck around with us in the bar area seemed to be having a good time. I really enjoy playing with Chris--I think you could sit us anywhere and we'd be having laughs and a good time.

As we were wrapping things up, one of our new fans (Karen) came up and confessed that it wasn't her birthday--after we had announced it several times, sung "Happy Birthday" to her, and after she had undoubtedly collected at least a few free drinks. What a gal, she was fun (and audacious). Her and her friend Maria stuck around and talked with us after the gig as we were packing up. Here's Bell in the money shot:

Maria needed a ride home and since we were packing light tonight with no PA, we were happy to oblige. She lived somewhere off the beltway on the way home, so it was all good. Nice girl. Good night.