Ive been having a great time over at Perks and Corks in Westerly, RI. (Ill be there on Friday, July 11 and Friday August 8!!) The proprietors, Erik and Christina King, are great hosts, they have great coffees along with a selection of over one hundred vintages of wine, and the comfortable yet intimate atmosphere just works. I like it because I can stay acoustic - those who really want to hear the words, and sing along, can gather down in the back while theres room enough for others to talk at the bar and on the couches up front. Theyve got other music in on a regular basis, and the place just deserves a visit sometime.
And speak of neat places to play! On May 31st I did my first, and certainly hope not my last, night at the Centre Coffee Bar in Windsor, CT. (In fact, Ive talked them into having me back on Saturday July 26!!) This place has been open for about four months, serves a scrumptious menu of special panini, soups and salads, along with some desserts to die for. But Im in love with the brick - exposed brick walls that give just enough acoustic support to make singing there a dream. Of course, I had a quiet attentive crowd, and a gem of a server behind the counter who actually waited for me to end a song before cranking up the expresso machine, so it was ideal. This place is great - stop by if youre anywhere in the vicinity.