Gypsy Jazz at Liam Flynn's Ale House

Last night Nancy and I braved the frigid night air to attend the Gypsy Jazz session at Liam Flynn's Ale House on 22 W. North Street in Baltimore. It was well worth the effort! The food was phenomenal. Sadly, I got the smaller serving of smoked salmon main. Next time, and there will be a next time very soon, I'll request the super size! The salmon was fabulous and the Waldorf Salad, surprisingly made from kale, was scrumptious. The sauce served with the salmon had me levitating! I have no idea what was going on back in the kitchen, but someone was working magic. And it is rare when I go to a pup and actually feel that I've had something healthy instead of the usual 'everything tastes like everything else" fried and over salted fare. The meal alone would have had me complacent for the rest of the evening, but things were about to get better. A lot better!

When I read the blurb describing the event, there was an invitation for other musicians to join the two guitarists leading the group, so i imagined it might be an open mic type event. Granted, I've been to numerous open mic nights featuring superlative talent, but always mixed with a few musicians. like myself, who are not ready to take the stage.

Everyone who joined the group - there were five by the end of the evening - was a virtuoso. Keep in mind there was no cover charge though they did pass the hat. I do hope everyone was generous! The tab at the end of evening was surprising low - all the more reason to give generously to the musicians. 

Note: Nancy and I had been warned about the area which continues to have a reputation in spite of what I have been assured is no longer founded. Everyone was friendly and approachable, We met Jason, a charming young man, along the way to was heading to Flynn's as well. At the end of the evening he offered to walk us back to the car. Have I mentioned that I LOVE Baltimore?

Nancy and Jason, our guardian angel! And the lion? I don't know his name . . .