Friday, Nov. 28, 2008 @ Howey's On 71

The day after Thanksgiving...the staff and I considered what the night would bring.

Would people be too tired after a long day of shopping and eating too much leftover turkey to come out and enjoy the evening with us?

Would they still be entertaining their out-of-town relatives at home?

The dinner crowd was quite small (I think we can attribute that to the leftovers) and we were concerned this would be a sign of things to come.

Showtime was quickly approaching and the place started filling up...and to all our surprise, it kept filling up!

And those folks entertaining the out-of-town relatives? They brought 'em along!

In about the span of 30 to 45 minutes, the place went from dismal to jumpin'!

The music requests started coming in as people thumbed through the songbooks, filling out the song sheets.

There was a special magic in the air throughout the night as daughters danced with their fathers, and grandparents came up to sing a song or two while the (over 21 yr old) grandkids toasted to their talents and sang along on the chorus'.

Always an interesting time at Howey's on 71, kinda like Gump's box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get.

Katie and Mindy starting the singing off with "Friends in Low Places". Great choice for first song because it got the crowd into it, helping out on the chorus.

Ryan came up for Billy Joel's "Piano Man" with yours truely backing on harmonica.

Ryan came up again later for his rendition of "My Way". Great job, Ryan.

Amy was joined by her lady friends for David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Call Me By My Name".

Amy and Dawn sang "Me and Bobbie McGee" and "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover". Ladies, it was a pleasure having you along for the ride! You both made it special.

Frank sounded great on "Can't Help Falling In Love", "I Cross My Heart", and a crowd favorite, "Sweet Caroline".

Bob got the place rockin' '80s style with Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" and Great White's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy". He reached back even farther and sang the Eagle's "Hotel California". He was later joined by Amy for "She Talks To Angels". Great job (cool shirt, too)!

Sarah and her friends lined the stage for Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats". Wow! What a lineup!

Christine rocked on "I Hate Myself For Loving You".

Monica sang "Kerosene", "Don't Forget To Remember", and "Before He Cheats". What a sweet voice.

Mike B shouted out some classic Doors with "Roadhouse Blues" and KT, Amanda, and friends revisited the '80s with "Love Shack".

Meredith and friends had everyone on their feet with "Life is a Highway".

Don took over as 'Chairman of the Board' as he performed "It Was A Very Good Year" and "After The Lovin'. Cool. Very, very cool.

Matt & Jamie took us down South with "Sweet Home Alabama".

Mike P sang "Sweet Child of Mine" and Esther & Cindy gave us "It's Raining Men".

It was a blast watching everyone have such a great time...dancing where ever they could find an open spot on the floor and joining me on stage to shake it!

Another great night of singing, dancing, partying with friends (and even family), and great food!

Howey's is the place to be every Friday night. And check out Saturdays, bands entertain with live music!

Until next time...

Keep Smilin,

SG