October, it turns out, is more than a great month to watch vice presidential and presidential debates, and prepare for a historic election that each and every person 18 and over must absolutely have to participate in (young people, in particular, because if nothing else you can tell people later in your life that you voted in this election, and they will think you are even cooler than you obviously already are).
October is also a great month to check out Armando's musical lineup. Sadly, my own Very Bad Boys are not back there until December (or is it January? I can't keep track), but oh my goodness there are some spectacular shows lined up this month, and you and yours should be down there, toes ready for tappin'.
Tonight, for country fans, there is a country-tinged open mike, with Martha deWolfe in charge of the evening's events. Now, usually open mikes are great places to bring any and all kinds of music, but this one has a country flavor, so if you go to perform, bear that in mind. Try not to bring your rock ballad or a song you're just making up on the spot, unless it has a country flavor to it. Open mike begins at 8 p.m. You won't see me there, though. My Bad Boys will be rehearsing for our performance tomorrow night at Ferry Street Station, beginning at 9 a.m.
So, moving on. . . Friday night at Armando's is Gary King's Quartet, and this is definitely for those of you with eclectic tastes. Gary is a great singer/songwriter/guitarist, and has a unique twist on what those terms mean. If you're ready for some musical adventure, venture down for this show, which begins at 8 p.m.
Saturday is a must-see show, with Tre' Taylor and the Dangerous Martini Quartet. This is a great mix of cabaret, jazz, and R&B, all dressed up and ready to go out. And tonight the band features Doug Wendt on guitar. Doug is a great guitarist, and performs regularly at Haute Stuff on Thursday nights playing solo classical. If you've ever tried playing classical guitar, you know how much respect these players deserve. If you haven't, try this -- tie both your shoes at the same time while simultaneously making a chocolate souffle. That's a taste of what playing classical guitar is like.
Friday the 10th is Wendy DeWitt. She is one of the Bay Area's best blues piano players, and a joy to watch perform. Wendy regularly plays in San Francisco blues clubs, and it's a rare treat to have her venture out to these parts for a show. This is the value of Armando's, folks. Players like Wendy won't come out for gig at a bar in these parts, but Roy Jeans has created a performance space that is being sought out by major performers from around the Bay Area, so we get to see people like Wendy DeWitt without paying a bridge toll and trying to find a parking place in North Beach on a Friday night. Thanks, Roy. Job well done.
Saturday the 11th is Jimbo Trout, who's show is labeled intriguingly "hillbilly bebop boogie." Now, with that kind of description, I'm tempted to go, and you should be, too. There are a heck of a lot of movies out there that sound a lot less interesting, and cost more.
Oh, Monday the 13th is Blues Jam. I'll be there with Danny White, one of the Very Bad Boys, and we'll host a host of bluesers from around the area. We'd love to play and sing the blues for you, and it's Monday night. What else you got going on Monday night? I thought so. Come on down.
Wednesday the 15th is Super Chicken, a funky collection of Tower of Power and Cold Blood alumni, fronted by a young singer who one day will get the words to the classics he sings correct. Until that time, it's still worthwhile to go check these guys out. The musicians are masters at their field, and it's a funky good time fo sho.
Thursday the 16th it's Mal Sharpe's Big Money in Jazz Band. Mal is the guy who coined the phrase "if you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own." He fronts a fantastic Dixlieland Jazz band, and this is a phenomenal way to spend a Thursday night with your cuddle partner, nursing a brew or a glass of Zin, and taking in the flavor of New Orleans.
On Saturay the 18th, it's George Cole and Vive Le Jazz. This is a group who bases its sound on Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz, but they also sing and perform classic jazz from the Great American Songbook. This will be a night to remember.
There is a lot more music going on, more than I have time or space for here. But do get on the Armando's mailing list, and get yourself down there. It's a great space, full of great music, great people, and a spirit that this city lacked for a long time, until Roy made a space to bring it back.
Until next week, then, dear readers, enjoy yourselves, keep a good beat, and hold out for the very best in all things.
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