So that’s it for 2009, time to close the barn door on that one. We had some incredible nights that had plenty of witnesses and other nights that only a handful of folks will be able to tell their grandchildren about,but that’s the way it goes most of the time. Hope for the best,expect the worst and drink plenty of fluids. We survived yet another year and we salute all the bands that made the upstairs and downstairs P.A.’s relevant and we’re especially grateful to everyone that strolled through the doors and supported live music here at the Beer Joint/Music Hall.

On a more somber note we have to acknowledge the passing of Vic Chestnutt on Christmas Day. Vic was a consensus favorite artist here (the double bill with Jonathan Richman was magical) and if for some reason you haven’t been paying attention for the last 20 years or so, you missed out on a world class songwriter and a real gentle soul…

American Idol chugs along and Vic shuffles off this mortal coil proving once again that whom ever first uttered the phrase “No one ever said life was fair” hit the nail squarely on the head. A heartfelt thanks to Minnesota Public Radio for helping ease the hurt over the weekend with music and remembrances of Vic.

Never underestimate the healing power of radio.

Let’s see what you’ve got 2010….
-Howard