As mentioned in my previous blog about the drum guy at the Tribe game, I was very excited to meet him. As a matter of fact, my brother and I were checking out the drum and get grabbed this photo.
Almost everyone in the city knows who this guy is, but how many people can say they met him or held his drumsticks. Stellar!
There is a tradition in the city of Cleveland that I always thought was very cool. There is a man who goes to pretty much every tribe game with him drum. He has been attending games with his drum since Aug. 24, 1973.
At a recent game, the attendance was so low, that my brother and I were able to get up in the stands and talk with him. He is a very cool guy and I snapped this picture of him in his perch in the outfield bleachers.
My brother and I were able to play the drum and hold the drumsticks. I am thoroughly convinced that when they started charging him for a season ticket for his drum, it might have cursed the Indians.
Maybe if we figure out a way to pay for his ticket and for the drum, the curse might be broken.
Thoughts?
One of the best placed in the United States, if the not planet, is New Orleans. What most people think of when they think New Orleans, is the French Quarter.
There are so many great bars and restaurants. Fortunately, a vast majority of these places were not damaged by Hurrican Katrina, so a lot of tradition survived.
Speaking of tradition, in New Orleans, the Hurricane drink is a big tradition. They are delicious and pack a punch. One of the best places to get one is Pat O's . . not only because they are yummy, but the courtyard with the flaming fountain at night is a great scene.
Besides, who could resist a drink that comes in a glass with "Have Fun" on it. BTW- they trademarked the term.
One of my favorite cities in Ireland is Galway. Even though it is a relatively compact city, I find myself always exploring new streets and walking the strand along the sea like it is the first time I was there.
On my recent trip to Ireland in July, the weather was less than wonderful, but it didn't take anything away from the experience of Galway. On my first day in the city, I fought the blustery weather and walked to Salt Hill along the bay. I snapped this photo of a few boats in the harbor on my journey.
It would have been a rough day at sea, and in the harbor with a pint of Guinness was a much better place to be.
During my trip to Ireland, I stopped at the Cobblestone to hear a session of local musicians play traditional Irish music. The music was incredible. Mick also sang a couple songs and has an incredible voice.
It is interesting that the Cobblestone almost met with distruction because the area, Smithfield Village, has gotten so built up. Ironically, when the Celtic Tiger started to collapse, the owner of the building was not able to sell, and the Cobblestone was saved.
There are not very many places in Dublin that you can find traditional music that isn't played for the tourists. This session is played for Irish people who want to keep the tradition and the old songs alive.
This past weekend, I was in Pittsburgh for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. I had the good fortune to see Big Sam's Funky Nation.
Big Sam is from New Orleans and I remember seeing him last year the Blue Nile. His energy exhausted me then, and he did it again.
Somehow, Big Sam managed to start a second line and have it follow him all around the Rex Theatre.
Nothing like great music . . . an definitely nothing like great brass!!
When I was out in Tremont on Friday, I stopped into Lolita. My friends and I lucked into some seats at the bar. The perfect place for people watching.
As fate would have it, this 'cool' guy was sitting at the corner of the bar. He is one of my favorite people to watch. Although you could make fun of this dude, (actually, I said that he looks like he just emerged for the casion scene in Reno)you have to love him.
He is living the dream. He is dressed in some groovy threads and out with some friends (it might have been his daughter) as a cool joint in Tremont.
This is not a guy ready for the retirement village.
The thing that caught my attention were the shades, but the leather jacket with the zippers kept my attention. I just wish the lighting was better so the picture would have been clearer.
