The following email was sent to me by my friend Harry who was concerned about the communities knowledge or lack thereof when it came to enjoying good music downtown. Harry himself is a well versed musician who regularly contributes to “Open Jam” sessions at the local Blind Pig Pub. He can play a mean harmonica (because of Harry I now know that there are different harmonicas for different chords), as well as the keyboard. There seems to be no limit to his Yoda – like knowledge of music.
There has been a lot of negatives noted lately about the night life of DeLand. I think that people should know that this little town has a lot of good quality entertainment to offer. It is a shame that a few unfortunate situations caused by a few inconsiderate and thoughtless individuals could tarnish people’s opinions. I can only hope that readers of this blog unite to inform others of this musical treasure, and open a floodgate of local outreach and support so that institutions like this and others can continue pumping out good quality entertainment for years to come.
So enjoy Harry’s email as I did. I would take his advice…this guy knows his stuff.
Will:
I’ve thought about our conversation regarding “Open Jam” night. Here are my thoughts.
The open mike/jam night at the Blind Pig Pub is probably one of the best kept secrets in DeLand.
It’s pretty interesting that week in and week out the same “core” of musicians come to express themselves through music.
It’s also interesting that the regular customers know when to come to hear music too. Think about it, most nights the full core is assembled until about 10:30PM. And it’s about this time that anybody that knows about the music that will be played has shown up.
What a cast of characters.
Ed on the keyboard. He’s the driving force. He runs the jam session. He’s an amazing talent, he sings, plays keyboard, guitar and drums. Not only does he do “cover songs”, he regularly plays his own “originals”. Very intense musician who feels like a failure if no one shows up to hear the music.
Scott on the drums. He’s a cool customer. If Scott is playing then the rhythm and timing is sure to be dead-on!! One of the best/most versatile drummers I’ve ever heard or played music with!!
Bob on the rhythm guitar. Father time!! Bob is an old hat…he his always there playing music, and loving it!!! When Bob plays he anchors the song, keeps it on the tracks. I can’t tell you how many times his solid playing style has prevented major “train wrecks”!!! He’s one of the best!!
Dale on the bass guitar. If you look at Dale you wouldn’t think he has a lick of rhythm, but when you hear him play you change your mind. He’s pretty amazing. He’s versatile, and like Scott, provides an anchor for everyone.
Mad Willy on harmonicas. I’ve heard a lot of “harp” players. Mad Willy is really, really, good! What makes him so special is soft, smooth rhythmic style. He will never overpower anyone, and he will never appear emotional when he plays, but he’s into it, big time!! Mad Willy is another very versatile musician who cal play just about any genre of music he chooses.
Harry.. just loves to play music. Very emotional player. Feels honored to have the chance to play music with these guys!!
There are many other people who come to play at the Pig. Some more often than others, but the reason is the same, they want to play music, and know the PIG provides a great environment to express themselves.
There are some nights when everyone is on the same page and musical magic is made at the Pig. What’s sad is that it is never recorded. I can’t say it enough, and I don’t care what other music critics think, the music played at the Pig is REALLY GOOD! Take the guest appearance the other night of the old piano player named, “Flip”. He knows Ed, Bob, and Mad Willy, from playing gigs over the years. When someone of his experience comes to an “open” jam night in DeLand, Florida, what’s that tell you about the quality of music!!
Thanks for caring!!
I hope this helps.
Harry Price
Tags: blind pig, deland, entertainment, live, music
I can assure you, from personal observation, that “the old piano player named Flip” is indeed quite good. I can also say that often DeLand makes life difficult for folks who like music because they have to choose between the various offerings.
Just a passing note. Last Thursday evening marked an end, at least for this summer, of Open Jam night at the Blind Pig Pub. The music was great, and after Ed made the announcement, the music became really, really deep. It wasn’t the first time, and hopefully it won’t be the last time, but we had people dancing and crying! It was very nice to have the opportunity to play a song or two with Jeff Shepherd. He added an extra dimension to the sound!! I hope we have the chance to play again. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest thanks to all the musicians that I have played with during these jam sessions. It was truly an honor. Hope to play again somewhere soon.
HP
Just to make sure folks understand, Open Mic (Tues) and Open Jam (Thurs) are not gone from the Blind Pig Pub. When Stetson breaks for summer, Open Mic is usually suspended due to lack of audience. I have to make enough sales to pay the MC, my staff, utilities, etc. Open Jam was suspended for health reasons, and we haven’t found a replacement MC that we like who can consistently commit the time or who will accept the meager pay we offer the MC.
As for us being “a secret,” formal advertising is beyond the means of the Blind Pig Pub. Informal advertising, like fliers on campus, generate a lot of attention from Stetson’s Administration and Legal Department. Posting notices on power poles, street signs, buildings, and lamp posts is illegal. Using a sandwich board is okay if you can prevent it from being stolen. However, placement of a board on a sidewalk such that it blocks pedestrian traffic, or placement on a sidewalk less than 6-feet wide (like the Pig’s sidewalk), will generate a notice from Code Enforcement or Public Works. Rather, the Blind Pig Pub relies on word-of-mouth and the efforts of performing musicians. Word-of-mouth, of course, has its draw backs. We were recently visited by a former employee and infrequent regular who was surprised to discover we were on our summer hours (open at 5PM Mon-Thurs). That means he hadn’t visited the Pig in 5 weeks.
All the downtown establishments need all the support the customers can muster. This economy is taking a toll on the bars and pubs, and we’ll see them closing. Our hard bills are the same whether folks stop in or not. One pub I like to visit is in DeBary. The owner has had to lay off all staff, and is running the place all by herself. Her blue-collar customers, however, keep losing their jobs, and she has nothing left to cut back on. Us other bar and pub owners need to take note of her plight. And so should the customers as their choices will wittle down to the last few bars standing.
Terry Miller
Owner – Blind Pig Pub