Day 1: October 19, 2019 Day of Show Comment via blog

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You would think that, with more than four months between trips, I could think of something new, but today started much like my most recent trip. I once again stopped at the Big Four Cafe in Batesville for breakfast and it looks like I ordered the same thing today as I did in June. I even took an entrance picture nearly identical to the one I used in June but decided, in order to not be 100% in a rut, to use this straight on shot instead. The haunted house is what you see when you step out of the cafe (or turn around after taking the first picture).

The drive to Valparaiso was essentially all expressway which got me there in time to check out some breweries. I knew of two and learned of a third after I got there. Four Fathers Brewing moved in August and the GPS took me to the old spot but a sign taped to the door helped me reach the new spot. The new spot is lacking in external signage but has beer and friendly people. Ironwood Brewing is the place I learned about only after reaching Valparaiso. It might have been the coolest of the three but only by a slim margin. All three breweries were very cool with good beer. Figure Eight Brewing was the only one of the three that offered food so I went there last to have dinner. I'm always ready for a grilled cheese sandwich and Figure Eight has a good one. My bartender enthusiastically endorsed the mac & cheese so that became my side. A cheese overdose was quite possible had I finished it all and I tried. It really was good. have

Then it was down the street to the concert. The Memorial Opera House, built in 1893, is a gem. It presents a lunch time cabaret series aw well as a full nighttime schedule. Wonderful community support was quite apparent.

Willie's opener tonight was Brad Ray from Georgia. Brad is the star and writes the songs but his dad adds some real kick on guitar and sings a little, too.

Willie hit the stage with two new-to-me band members. I knew that Jon Webber had replaced Alex Alexander on drums and I also knew that Jimi Bones was handling lead guitar on this tour. When Willie introduced the band, he mentioned that Jimi was "filling in" so I assume that Matt Hogan is still an official band member. He is listed as such by Wikipedia. I missed Matt but it sure wasn't because of any Jimi shortcomings. In the latter part of the show the dependable (but not predictable) Johnny Pisano walked out on the railing near where I was sitting. He had earlier done the same on the other side of the stage. There's a better view of Johnny here. The last picture shows the two Rays back on stage to join the band for "One Guitar".

The guy in the middle introduced both acts. In one of those introductions he made a comment was made about this being the last concert, and I asked the fellow next to me what that meant. I picked up a few details later, but basically what I learned was that the concert's promoter would not be doing any more shows at the Opera House. Brightside Music is the organization and Rob Harkel, the man in the hat, is the kingpin. I'm not quite sure what this was the last concert but I'm guessing retirement. There have been fifty-five concerts over eleven years and several of those featured Willie Nile. He's a crowd favorite and so is Rob. The atmosphere in that theater was different than any I can recall. I'm guessing that the venue holds 200-250 people (12,500 people attended those 55 concerts) and many of those people knew each other, most were fans of Willie, and they all loved Rob. I could make comparisons to several shows I've seen but the sense of community was a touch beyond anything in my experience. You're a good town, Valparaiso. You're quite obviously a good man, Rob Harkel. Good venue, good performers, a good time was had by all and that definitely includes this out of towner.

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