Everyone likes to be first and playing the opening gig at the Bristol, VA Mellow Mushroom last Saturday is another one for my own dubious list.
The ‘Shroom moved into Johnson City a couple of years ago and the pizza eatery with a cosmic reference has become a popular venue for great food, exotic ales and live music.
They recently opened another location here in the Tri-Cities on the Lee Highway at Exit 7 off Interstate 81 in Bristol, VA.
The new store had a sneak-peek opening for friends and family this past weekend and they invited my friends and I with Wise Old River to provide the entertainment – the first night for live music and did I say it was cold?
Don’t misunderstand me, this place is gonna be great!
Kenny was there to meet us as we were setting up on the outdoor patio. It’s spacious and will be a lively place once the temperatures warm up a bit. Tonight, they had a vinyl tarp around the walls and four large heaters overhead, but this was the first night into the twenties and that was a bit difficult to warm. Besides – it is December…
Jamen, Jeanne and Jim set the band up outside and very few people (except the smokers), made their way outdoors.
To our benefit thought, we had three personal waitresses who provided us with as much attention as they could stand. They politely applauded throughout the night as we worked a three–hour set of eclectic Americana music – with our coats on.
The food was great. Those pizzas are certainly something to brag about and Jim mentioned a couple of good dark ales he tried during our set breaks. I opted for a glass of Gabianno Chianti which was priced about $6.00 a glass, but the brownie at the end made it all that more memorable. Be sure and try the chocolate brownies at the ‘Shroom – you won’t be disappointed.
The restaurant is gorgeous inside too with an exciting bar with screens all around. I checked into FourSquare through the night and made my mark on the Mellow Mushroom. Brian Hullette with VIP Scene Magazine was in the house too – lookin’ sharp as usual with his gray suit and Nikon over his shoulder.
There’s no doubt this venue be a favorite as the weather warms. They are located in one of the region’s busiest retail districts in Bristol. Since they’re so close to the road, I imagine they’ll pull down that tarp and draw attention from everyone who pause at the red light nearby. It’s also one of the few venues to promote live music on this side of town too – so bring on the warmer temps!
It was great playing with Denton’s again and we’re just now starting to share some new ideas for upcoming performances. I missed Stephen Marshall tonight on bass, but we seem to do a good job with the improv despite the missing foundation.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the music (we placed our speakers indoors) through the night and when it was all over, I could watch Jamen’s frosty breathe as he bid everyone good night and we tried to shake off the cold.
This Friday nite, we’ll return the Wise Old River to The State Line Bar and Grill and the good news – it’s an inside job!