Blue Bayou Club, NC

We pull up in front of the Blue Bayou Club in North Carolina. As we get out a car passes and a guy screams "SMOKIN JOE". That's a cool welcome. Moments later my friend Gabrielle (see photo) comes walking up. I have not seen her in 15 years or so. We were friends in Long Island and California and she wound up marring my business partner. She drove 2.5 hours to see us and i appreciate that immensely. We scope out the club and head for the hotel. The venue put us in great place right nearby. I unpacked and Gabrielle came and got me. We visited for a few hours before load in. It was great to catch up on her life and catch her up on mine. We both have really great spouses and very happy lives. I am glad for that. She dropped me off and i got ready for the gig. Load in and set up in a flash. The crowd started rolling right away. This was the first Sunday night this venue had tried. The turnout was awesome. Joe's booking agent Tina and her husband came to see us and there where many others that seemed to know the band. The show went well and i was totally feeding off the audience. It was great to see Gabi rocking out to the tunes we cranked out. This was the fourth night in a row and i felt really good about how i was playing. I had a really good time... Is that clear yet? Most of the folks stayed to the bitter end. We finished our normal sets and did 2 encores. Did i mention it was fun. I am such a lucky man. I get to play great music with great players in great clubs for great people. YEA! The club fed us some great Mexican food. I had a catfish burrito. It was totally different and tasty. Gabrielle left after we packed up. The next morning she picked me up, we had a great lunch and she dropped me off at Raleigh Durham Airport. Next stop...my sweet baby's arms in San Diego. This was a great trip. Love to be home... can't wait to go out again.