Shooter McGee's - 4/5/06 - Alexandria, VA

A solo acoustic show, this gig was a first timer at the venue. Shooter McGee's is what my agents call a "menu venue," which pretty much means a restaurant/bar in a strip mall that has live music on certain nights. You set up in your little corner of the bar and play for the folks that are into it. Many times it's almost more of an atmosphere thing than a "show."

While setting up and loading-in my stuff at the gig, I couldn't help but think that it's kind of cool that I get to roam around in the Blue Dragon like a nomad. I get to experience and explore these new places, set up shop somewhere, and then pack it all up until the next place. Sure, a lot of these gigs are far from glamorous, but I try to always remind myself that I get paid to travel around and sing and strum on a piece of wood. Good stuff.

Tuesday nights are always tough. Not many folks go out during the beginning of the work week. However, I did meet and talk with some friendly folks including a lady named Donna and her posse. Plus, the Maryland girls basketball team won the national championship while I was playing, so people were happy about that. Eventually the place cleared out and the manager kindly let me pack up early.