Sunday with Tomcat Colvin and Tom Ball / Kenny Sultan

[BassHarp <bassharp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sunday, Oct 19, Tomcat Colvin of Manilla was in town on business, and 
Lorraine and I got together with him for a trip to Santa Barbara, CA to 
see Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan at the Cold Spring Tavern. This is an 
experience I wish all could have whenever you come to "town". Cold 
Spring Tavern is high in the mountains NW of Santa Barbara, and was 
originally a stagecoach stop on the old route 154, which is now 
Stagecoach Road. The "new" 154 bypasses the venue via a bridge that 
crosses the canyon just east of Stagecoach Road. So the venue is on a 
very scenic route, with very little traffic. In fact the primary traffic 
is those making their way to the tavern.

I think Tom and Kenny have a steady gig, as they have been playing there 
every Sunday (when they are in town) for 23 years - generally from 1pm 
to 4:30pm! When the weather is inclement, which is almost never, they 
play inside, but their "stage" is usually outside, in front of the 
building, where all can enjoy the food and music. The venue includes a 
gourmet restaurant next door to the tavern, a gift shop, and between the 
buildings is an outdoor grille that serves excellent tri-tip steak 
sandwiches as well as other great food. A very rustic setting. A 
majority of their followers at this venue are motorcycle tourists. But 
in addition, many vacationers and tourists from around the world come to 
have the experience there. Frequently referenced and even featured in 
the LA Times, it is a place not to be missed - especially for fans of 
acoustic blues, and more specifically: Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan. Always 
fun, never roudy, totally friendly and cordial people there - no one 
will feel out of place whether in casual or fine dress.

Check it out at: http://www.bassharp.com/tball-f.htm and stop in to see 
and hear T&K at your next opportunity. Tom Colvin was in heaven, and 
left with some great ideas as to proper microphone/harmonica technique, 
intermixed with vocals, in the acoustic setting.

- - Danny