Have you ever been to a bar or restaurant that was so good or so much fun that you almost didn’t want to tell anyone about it so that it didn’t get overrun? I knew a place like that in Memphis and now I’ve found one in Pensacola.
Upstairs above The District Steakhouse, there is a lounge. It isn’t a bar or a pub. It is a lounge. There is not a television in sight, but there is a grand piano in the front of the room. Instead of a million seats at the bar and a bunch of high-top tables, all with primo views of the dozen television screens, there are a couple of high-tops near the bar and the room is filled with nice couches and very comfy chairs. There are coffee tables, and end tables. 2024’s version of Muzak isn’t blasting through the room. This place is designed for conversations. This is a place to relax with friends and chat. No checking scores or watching games. You attention is on your friends, though at times your focus, and that of your friends, may be lured to the front of the room.
On Friday evenings during Happy Hour, a guitarist named Big Jim Brown plays. He’s better than good. He is perfect. He knows that he’s playing background music to any number of interesting conversations that pause only to applaud his efforts at the end of each song he plays. No one is listening yet everyone is listening. The music does not dominate the room. It complements the moment. Without him, the place would be incomplete.
Check him out at www.bigjimbrown.com
The drinks are good. Landi and I enjoyed a nice Cabernet last night as we listened to Jim play a really great set list. We chatted and we listened and for a couple of songs, we sang along. The nice people at the table in front of us commented on my singing voice. Landi suggested to me that it was a polite way to ask me to not sing anymore.
Jim plays music from “our time,” music that Big Jim has taken and put in his voice and is sharing with us. He’s really really good. He’s why we came to the lounge last night.
This September in Pensacola, the heat has retreated some. Last night was cool with rain. We almost didn’t leave the house, but we wanted to go hear Jim play again. The way he plays, in that lounge, will remind you of when you were in college and one of your friends would pull out his guitar and play songs that everyone knew and loved. Remember how much fun that was?
So, next Friday afternoon, go to the lounge above The District in Pensacola. Get there no later than 5:30 because Jim only plays until 7. Come prepared to relax, remember and enjoy. He’s that good.
And put something in his tip jar. It’s the right thing to do.
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