SK NetCafe in Elizabeth

Date: Saturday, January 22, 2005
Location: SK NetCafe located in Elizabeth in Charlotte, NC
Purpose: Band gig
Attendance: A rotating crowd (since this is an Internet Cafe/Bar) that peaked at about 30 people, but changed over about 3 times.

When I pulled into the odd-shaped, overcrowded parking lot behind the SK NetCafe in Uptown Charlotte, I was pleasantly suprised to see Doug, my drummer, and Kazz, my bass player already there. OK, I was a bit late...but they were actually on time. Doug had a skeptical look on his face and said "I dunno how we're gonna put a band in here."

"Why?" I asked.

"There's no room."

I walked into the coffee shop/bar/internet cafe to see a multi-colored bar advertisting coffee and beer, a dozen or so small, round tables, and an assortment of chairs and couches. Sprawling around the room were a about ten academic types in funky wool clothes and caps, most of them in thick-rimmed glasses, crouching over their laptops, books, and coffee. One or two people were on cell phones. In the corner there were a couple of computers.

I took a deep breath of the warm air (a refreshing change from the cold, wet weather outside), and filled my lungs with the smell of hot coffee.

I knew instantly I would like this place. "What are you talking about, man?," I said to Doug..."This place is great! These are my people."

"Yeah," he said, "but there's people on the stage where we need to set up. It's your job to kick 'em out."

As it turns out, the too guys hovering over their thick books and discussing whatever subject they were studying recognized our purpose and hopped up voluntarily as we were bringing in the first of our gear. I gave them a copy of my CD, One-Way Ticket, for their generosity.

"Yep, definitely my people," I mumbled to myself.

The rest of the evening went just as smoothly.

In fact, after a quick sound check, Doug, Allan Kaplan (a songwriter friend of mine who agreed to open for us and run sound), and I headed off for a pre-gig pizza. When we got back to the SK NetCafe at about 7:45, we were suprised to see the Fox News van pulling up outside. The local Fox affiliate had sent a photographer out to capture a bit of the Funk and Roll Show as a local feature. Unfortunately, our bass player (Kazz) was no where to be found. Allan set up and performed a couple of songs, while I paced the sidewalk in front of the club. The Fox photographer filmed him and the crowd from different angles. I heard Allan finish his quick set, and I came inside to, well, stall the cameraman long enough for our bass player to show up...just then, Kazz walked in. We quickly ambled onstage and I launched into my BRAND NEW spoken word introduction...we tore through a three song set, and the cameraman ducked out.

Afterwards, Allan finished up his set...and he knocked out a great rendition of "Elvis and Freud". We followed quickly behind him, playing for a couple of hours before our set degenerated into a free-for-all jam.

The crowd was a bit small because of the icy conditions, but they were loads of fun. I even ran into a fellow hip-hop dancer from the class I like to embarrass myself in every Tuesday at the YMCA. Everyone seemed to have fun, and the bartender made a point of saying how much she liked us. Thanks to all who came out to see us. I wonder if we'll be on the news...

Listen to Brian's music now!