18th Annual Blues ‘n Bar-b-que in Old Homosassa

What a great weekend! While it started out a little damp on Friday, it ended up sunny and cool on Sunday. We hit the Shed Friday evening to see what was happening in the neighborhood and played a little cornhole with the neighbors on Sunday (the Goodyear Blimp flew over during our cornhole competition–think they were recording us for ESPN), We ate a lot of really yummy but ‘bad for you’ food all three days. (Diet starts today—again!) And on Saturday we made it to the Blues ‘n Bar-B-Que–definitely the highlight of our busy weekend.

Like I already mentioned, our weekend started out a little shaky with rain on Friday night through Saturday morning. Which kind of put a “damper” on our plans to ride our bicycles to the Blues ‘n Bar-b-que Festival. Terry had even figured out how to attach our foldable chairs to the handlebars on his bike. But we persevered– kept an eye on the sky and the Weather Channel and as soon as the rain slowed down to an occasional sprinkle, we threw a few umbrellas into the bike basket and we were off. Due to our “weather delay” we missed the first group but were able to enjoy the rest of the entertainment with just some occasional light rain.

Shortly after we arrived, The Eve Shaw Band took the stage.  Eve Shaw has a powerful voice and put on a great show—a little rock and a lot of blues.  Her backup band was The Mighty Past Tense which we’ve enjoyed listening to at the Shed.  Eve and the Mighty Past Tense made a great team

The Eve Shaw Band, The 18th Blues and BBQ Festival in Old Homosassa
The Eve Shaw Band

 

The crowd at The 18th Blues and BBQ Festival in Old Homosassa
Even with damp weather, there was a large audience.

The next band up was The Cool Corporate Cats who performed a mix of jazz and the blues.  Jim (Boe) Anderson is the Band Leader–and also the owner of the Olde Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum where the event takes place.  In addition, Jim is the Nature Coast Friends of the Blues President and in 1995 was responsible for getting the Blues’ n Bar-B-Que started.  After his set, Jim came through the crowd thanking us for being there.

Cool Corporate Cats, the 18th Annual Blues and BBQ festival in Old Homosassa
The Cool Corporate Cats

The headline act and final performer was The Pitbull of Blues Band. They ended the show with a mix of rockabilly and blues. This group was so much fun and had everyone rocking.

Pitbull of Blues Bands, The 18th Annual Blues 'n Bar-B-Que in Old Homosassa
Band leader, Josh “The Pitbull of Blues” Rowand, started out rocking on an electric guitar.
Pitbull of Blues Bands, The 18th Annual Blues and BBQ Festival in Old Homosassa
And then amazed us with the slide guitar.
Pitbull of Blues Bands, The 18th Annual Blues and BBQ Festival in Old Homosassa
That’s Pitbull’s dad, Deny “Mr. Cathouse” Rowand, on the bass!

Pitbull of Blues Bands, The 18th Annual Blues and BBQ Festival in Old Homosassa

The Homosassa Elementary Music Department is the beneficiary of the money raised by the Blues ‘n Bar-B-Que. The school is in Old Homosassa and the kids perform at various events in the community. According to the handout at the Blues ‘n Bar-B-Que, music is integrated into all classes and the department plans on buying an iPad with music classroom apps. In addition they’d like to get hand-bell chimes to teach the students to read music and understand rhythm.

We had a great day, the rain held off for the most part, the music was amazing, and the bar-b-que was delicious.  Love that we have this high quality of entertainment right here in Old Homosassa.  Next weekend is the Homosassa Seafood, Arts, and Crafts Festival–another popular event that gives back to the community.

Happy Friday and First Day of November

Soon as Halloween goes by, I feel like I’m already late for Christmas. Especially if I’ve stopped at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.  Those places are crazy with the holiday deco!

But I’ll keep procrastinating and enjoying our wonderful weather. This weekend is the 18th Annual Blues and BBQ Fest in Old Homosassa at the Museum Cafe. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate with the music program at Homosassa Elementary being the beneficiary.  We’ll be there!

Next weekend is the Homosassa Seafood Festival. The street to our house shuts down on Friday so we have to take a scary detour to get in and out. And 10 million other people are trying to get in and out, too. So if we can’t get somewhere on our bikes, we’re staying home!

And we have a new restaurant opening on Monday, The Starting Gate.  It looks all shiny and ready to go!  How about those colors!

The Starting Gate, New Restaurant in Old Homosassa

Wednesday night we usually go to the Shed to meet with our neighbors over community issues.  Just kidding, we just go to have cheap beer.  The local dragon boat team sometimes trains while we’re there and we cheer them on.

Dragon Boat racers training

And here’s a couple of pictures of butterflies that are still hanging out in our backyard.

Butterfly

Butterfly in my back yard

Have a great weekend!

Art on the Avenue

We crammed as much as we possibly could into this past weekend, starting with a visit to “Art on the Avenue” at The Shoppes of Heritage Village in Crystal River on Friday evening.  The last time we visited Heritage Village on their monthly Market Day I noted that there were new art galleries–they may have been there for a while but they were new to me! That’s also when I found out about “Art on the Avenue”.  Created to promote the arts in downtown Crystal River, this event is held the second Friday of each month.

We first visited the DownStairs Art Gallery & Studio run by Alexis Ellis.  Alexis is the potter and owner and was delightful to visit with.  She attended USF, studied her art in Mashiko, Japan, and her lovely pottery reflects that country’s influence.  Her ceramic gallery is also her teaching studio and she offers lessons to both adults and students. In addition, there are several beautiful displays of her work in the gallery for purchase.

Alexis Ellis. Potter and Owner at DownStairs Art Gallery and Studio
Alexis Ellis. Potter and Owner at DownStairs Art Gallery and Studio

Very cool pottery at DownStairs ARt Gallery and Studio

Pottery at Very cool pottery at DownStairs Art Gallery and Studio

Next stop was the Franklin Anderson Gallery of Art.  Karen Anderson is the owner of the gallery and most of the art works are created by local artists.  The gallery includes art in many different mediums plus art supplies.

Franklin Anderson Gallery of Art
Franklin Anderson Gallery of Art

GlassWerx, a glass art studio, was our final stop.  Debra Hawthorne is the owner and glass artist.  The gallery specializes in stained glass, fusing and mosaics.  She offers classes, workshops, repairs and supplies, plus she has a glass gallery with beautiful handmade art and gifts created by local artists.

Debra Hawthorne, artist and owner of GlassWerx
Debra Hawthorne, artist and owner of GlassWerx

The galleries are holding a poster contest open to all ages and includes artwork in any form.  The winner will be selected by a group of local professional artists and will receive $75.  The artwork will be used for the entire year of 2014 and displayed by local merchants.  For further information, you can contact artonave@gmail.com or call GlassWerx at 352-586-8546.

The three galleries will continue to hold the monthly “Art on the Avenue” the second Friday of each month from 5 – 8 pm.  They are also open during the week, check out their websites to see their hours.  If you are looking for a unique gift or something special for your home, or art classes, check out these galleries at The Shoppes of Heritage Village on Citrus Avenue in Crystal River.