Early Start to the Weekend at Old Ironsides

I hear a lot of fun happens in this little building on the SE corner of 10th and S Streets.

When I first moved to Southside Park I was put off by the long lines of folks waiting to get in. But when I got word that Ha'penny Bridge, my friend's Chico-based band, was playing there this week I thought I'd go. It was a Thursday night. No lines, right?

Who would have thought that over 100 people would be rocking at Old Ironsides on a week night? And stranger yet, turn out to hear an IRISH BAND?

The biggest surprise was that my premium martini was well made and ONLY $6! Now I need to go back and try their lunch.

Daddy Squeeze House Concert

All the neighbors were invited to Southside Park's Co-housing common room Friday night to hear Dan "Daddy Squeeze" Newton.

Nearly 60 music lovers braved the rains for a great night of fun.

See how happy everyone is? His hilarious songs about coffee really struck a chord - so to speak - after recent news that the central city has more independent coffeehouses than Starbucks! 

I understand that there was more fun in the hood the next night as Verge Center for the Arts celebrated a successful Kickstarter campaign. Wish I could have been there. 

The fun never sets on Southside Park

Maybe It Should Be Called aRt Street

Southside Park's newest piece of public art is on the corner of 10th & R Streets.

The fox lounging in the sun looks a little too friendly, don't you think? Then again, maybe his strategy is to cozy up before he lunches on the goose.

The official viewing was at Thursday's R Street Improvements Project Arch Lighting Celebration. Just as the ceremony was scheduled to begin, a downpour started. The R Street arch and the bronze the fox and goose got baptized by nature while the dedication moved inside.

Rain at Last

The ducks were totally diggin' the first rain of the year, 4 PM yesterday.

Warehouses of Wonder - Part I

There are dozens of mysterious warehouses in our neighborhood, many with FOR LEASE signs. I'm really curious about what they are, have been or will be. We recently watched one on 8th and S Streets transform into Insight Coffee.

It is no mystery what the warehouse across the street from Insight is.

It is not the most inviting facade despite the blue awning over the door so, not owning a restaurant, I've walked by their door many times without entering. Finally the incongruous Notary Public sign peaked my interest and I had to see the interior for myself.

WOW! For your average non-resturant owner, this place is a party giver's mecca.

There are rows and rows of fun things...  

small...

medium...

and large.

Yaffee's is a fun place to stop in for a look see. You might find inspiration for your party or kitchen...or for opening a restaurant. I know an area with some suitable wharehouses... 

Martin Luther King Day

What a great feeling to wake up on a sunny day, leave my house, walk across the park to 10th Street and meet up with the 31st Annual March for the Dream.

The march down 10th, complete with bands and flag twirlers, was one of three that would meet up downtown.

In 1985 when I served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives I helped lead the fight for legislation to make MLK Day a state holiday. The bill's defeat and the rhetoric surrounding it was very discouraging and depressing. But the groundwork was laid and it finally became NH state law in 1999.

So joining today's march, seeing the smiles and feeling the energy RIGHT IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD is a special thrill for me. I hope you felt it, too.

Historic R Street District Arch Installed

The new arch was installed today. So cool.

Be sure to come to the dedication at 10th and R Streets on January 19th at 4 PM.

Park Impoved

The fence is down and it is done! And with this warm weather people are already enjoying it.

The new picnic area has everything we need for a cook out. Bar-b-ques...

drinking fountains and trash cans...

and a lake view.

You can even play checkers or chess.

Here are the rules and who to thank (taxpayers).

ENJOY!

Traveling Troubadours

I try to have my camera with me anytime I am out and about in our neighborhood cause you never know you might come across. Yesterday afternoon was a case in point.

While enjoying a beverage and the view from Insight Coffee a group of musicians entered the shop.

I was hoping for a performance but they were simply refueling after their trek from Bows and Arrows on 19th and S Streets to Southside Park. What was the deal?

They told me they were a small fraction of about 70 musicians who answered a call from one Daniel Trudeau to show up with instruments and walk west on S Street playing a G note. Apparently all kinds of musicians joined in for this simple assignment. As you can see, even this small group had an unusual variety of instruments.

So who is this Daniel Trudeau and how do I find him? Today's Bee had all the answers.

See how fun it is to be in Southside Park?

The Secret Life of Our Tennis Court

Driving home one night about 10 PM we were surprised by all the cars and activity on 6th and W near the tennis court. Turns out the action was on the tennis court. But it didn't look like tennis.

I asked the guys what they were playing. It was CRICKET!!

When the lights are on and the courts are empty Chaz and about twenty of his Pakistani friends from Natomas, Elk Grove and elsewhere tweet each other to meet for a spontaneous game.

They took time to show me the ball - it's like a tennis ball wrapped in white tape - and tell me about the sport. They stop playing when the lights go off, which was going to happen any minute, so I left them to their game.

I love that they make use of the recreational space when the lights would be illuminating nothing but empty courts.

Here is a blurry iPhone photo of the guys in action.