This weeks photo is a picture of Gary Smith (dressed in black) taken at the Hull Ave. The Hull Ave in Des Moines advertised itself as Des Moines oldest legal bar. The legend has it that when prohibition was repealed in the 1930s the owner of the Hull Ave were the first to get their liquer license so that in turn made them the oldest bar in Des Moines. Of course other establishments could argue that they had been around longer, but they would be breaking the law if they did:-) In later years the Hull Ave use to have a great blues jam session. Back in 1999 and running to around 2007, every Sunday night was jam night. Originally started by Me and Jimmy Pryor it grew to be a pretty big show. Eventually my good friend Gary Smith took it over and ran it for several years until he became to sick to keep the show running. Unfortunately the Hull Ave is no longer playing blues on the weekend, the last time I was in there it had become a biker bar. Nothing wrong with a Biker bar, because I have played in quite a few, but I do know that the Jam is no longer there on Sunday.
Showing posts with label blues joints. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blues joints. Show all posts
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Photo Of The Week: Gary Smith
This weeks photo is a picture of Gary Smith (dressed in black) taken at the Hull Ave. The Hull Ave in Des Moines advertised itself as Des Moines oldest legal bar. The legend has it that when prohibition was repealed in the 1930s the owner of the Hull Ave were the first to get their liquer license so that in turn made them the oldest bar in Des Moines. Of course other establishments could argue that they had been around longer, but they would be breaking the law if they did:-) In later years the Hull Ave use to have a great blues jam session. Back in 1999 and running to around 2007, every Sunday night was jam night. Originally started by Me and Jimmy Pryor it grew to be a pretty big show. Eventually my good friend Gary Smith took it over and ran it for several years until he became to sick to keep the show running. Unfortunately the Hull Ave is no longer playing blues on the weekend, the last time I was in there it had become a biker bar. Nothing wrong with a Biker bar, because I have played in quite a few, but I do know that the Jam is no longer there on Sunday.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
BB's Lawnside BBQ!!! Construction Blues!!!
Some old friends of mine from KC are singing the orange barrel blues since BB's Lawnside BBQ is hemmed in by road construction. Pictured to the left is my old buddy, and partner in crime John Paul Drum performing at BBs. This photo and article are from the Kansas City Star, which has an nice article on Lindsey Shannon's legendary BBQ, and blues joint. It is hard for me to remember just where exactly Lindsey's BBQ is at. I must admit that when I go to KC for BBQ, I go to Gates:-) I do know that he is located near the Troost Street bridge. Shannon explains part of the problem of getting to his BBQ joint.
Lindsey has made a map on his website to help out us out of towners who need a blues and BBQ fix. Here is his map from his website.“The biggest problem is they’ve torn down the Troost bridge,” owner Lindsay Shannon said. “People who do come in from Johnson County used to be able to use the ramp off I-435 ... to get to us. Now they have to get off on Bannister Road first. I still get calls from people going ‘I’m at 85th and Holmes (less than a mile to the west) … now how do I get to you?’ ”
Shannon has even placed alternative driving directions, in the form of a downloadable map, on his Web site: bbslawn sidebbq.com.
To be honest I can tell heads or tails from this map:-) but I am sure if you go down 85th street off I-435 you should be alright.
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