I made the 2+ hour drive to McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica
with most of the bad traffic within 20 miles of my home.
I arrived in time to find on-street parking. McCabe’s was closed; I checked my email to confirm
today was the concert date. So then I wandered
up the street for a beer and a bite. After
placing my order, I walked to the men’s room to wash my hands and noticed
someone familiar at the bar with others.
And it occurred to me who that person was – Jesse Valenzuela, guitarist
for Gin Blossoms.
I finished my nosh and beer and walked back to McCabe’s
where a line had started to form. While making
small talk with others in line, Jesse walked by. We talked a bit, with me saying I enjoyed his
work and recent tour.
McCabe’s doors opened and we shuffled to the store backroom
which had an elevated stage and folding chairs.
I guessed there were seats for 400 people? Marshall came onstage and performed solo for
about 1.5 hours, and took an awkward stage departure before returning for an
encore. Good show.
 |
| Pic provided by Marshall |
This was my first McCabe’s visit. It has a homey feel with high-end and unusual
stringed instruments (not just guitars) in the front room. I am guessing the backroom is also a showroom
but had been cleared out for the performance.
I’ll have to stop in again when a concert isn’t scheduled.
