"Date night" for live jazz...

Homebodies that we've become, it's not all that often that we go out in the evening. But, the opportunity to see one of our favorite drummers, Jeff Hamilton, with his trio at Steamers was not one to pass. Steamers, and it's owner, Terence Love, were big contributors to Margaret and Larry getting together. In the mid-nineties, both of us became patrons of this wonderful little jazz club, though we didn't actually meet there until very late in '98. Margaret sequed from patron to employee - first by assisting with publicity and public relations, and later stepping in as hostess/floor manager several nights a week. (During her days "on the floor" Margaret did everything from seating guests, to bussing tables and delivering food, to more than once, unplugging stopped up toilets! It's a job done only out of love for the music - not for the glamour or the money!) Larry did his share of helping out, too - running to the store for supplies, hanging framed photos on the (brick!) wall and even some door control on really busy nights. Many years later, it's nice to go in for a evening of great music and food without feeling compelled to pitch in with crowd control and beverage deliveries. The picture of Terence and Margaret was taken several years ago - we were both a lot younger, and Margaret was many pounds heavier, too.