Okay, so now I've done three gigs at Trouts.  As a musician or entertainer, you never know how many gigs you might get to play anywhere.  And it's always so cool when you get to do more than one gig at a place you like.  And I can tell you, I'm pretty DOG-GONE happy to have played at Trouts more than once.

I'm mean, check it out...The second week I played there, they threw a surprise Birthday party for me, and made a big deal out of me celebrating my 35th wedding anniversary...Is that love or what? 

Another great thrill I experienced was to sit in with The Blackboard Playboys this past Saturday night.  These are professional musicians of the highest caliber!  And the nicest folks you could ever meet.  I have to say I was unnecessarily apprehensive prior to sitting in with them.  But they made me feel right at home.  I'm hopin' that any of them will sit in with my on one of my gigs there.  Mark, who played with Merle Haggard for 22 years, said he will be sittin in with me!  I'm really looking forward to it!

You know, speaking of apprehensive...that's what I was...about playing Trout's at first...And I tell you why!  If you're reading this, then you probably all ready know I don't do any country music.  Now Trouts is known as the last REAL HONKY TONK in Bakersfield!  Well, I'm thinking...yeah, "Good Ole Boys Blues Brothers Band".  (Do you remember that from the movie?)  How am I going to fit in this place? 

Well, here's the deal...It isn't just about Country Music...It's about any kind of quality entertainment that appeals to a broad cross-section of people.  Now, I'm not saying that they don't favor Country Music, because they do! But they include all types of great entertainment.  (Thank goodness I have an open mind).

I have absolutely no reservations telling you that if you want to have a great time, and enjoy the company of some great people, and hear some great music, do yourself a favor and check out Trout's any time you get the opportunity.  You can feel the vibe when you walk in. Rockwell, Linda, Karen, Rebecca, and everyone else there go way beyond what you would expect, to make you feel welcome and to earn your business.