Sometimes things just seem to work out. A post or two ago I wrote about recommending that you go see the Kristy Kruger show at Opening Bell in a few weeks. In that same post I wrote about how I still hadn’t been to the All Good Cafe and wanted to go check them out soon. In the very next post I wrote about the fantastic cup of Joe that Kristy made for me at the show. Well, as she handed me my cup of joe, she recommended that I check out her show at the All Good the next night. Who am I to say no to a pretty lady who just handed me the best coffee I’ve ever had?
My first impression of the All Good Cafe was that it was much larger than I had imagined it in my head. It is a pretty good sized little Cafe, with a stage large enough to comfortably hold a full band. There were plenty of tables and seating, and with high ceilings and an open feel it did not seem smoky or claustrophobic. The show bills on the wall really point out how rich and old the live music scene in Dallas really is. My personal favorite was the the Bob Wills (ahhh haaa!) show bill on the wall for a show at Sons of Herman Hall. So far so good, but time to get down to business. My first objective was to procure beer and try out one of the world famous Chicken Fried Steaks. Chicken Fried Steak, in my opinion is the acid test for any home style food joint in the south. When my plate of mashed potatoes, spinach and Chicken Fried goodness was deliverd, I was not let down and the All Good Cafe passed my little test with flying colors. The one funny thing about the Cafe was the restroom. There are 2 restrooms, but neither are labeled. Every person I watched head back to the john had the same confused look on their face. Some would try one door, if it was locked, they weren’t sure if the other door was also a restroom. They also didn’t seem sure if there was a mens/womens distinction. Their confusion provided me a few chuckles. I almost wrote “giggles” just then, but I think chuckles is a much more masculine alternative.
Kristy’s show was a lot of fun to listen to. Her style and sound really are one of a kind, and not something you will hear often. This night she played along with her friend Linda on the upright bass. Kristy’s style is an interesting mix of country, acoustic, modern and retro. Her music is fantastic and her performance itself keeps the audience engaged and tuned in. The upright bass really added a lot to the music. Kristy’s brother lost his life fighting for our country in Iraq, and she is honoring him by touring all of the states of the country he gave his life for. You won’t be disapointed if you go see her play when she comes around your neck of the woods. In the next few months she will be in the South East. For all of my Dallas people, she will be at Opening Bell on the 12th of January. For a recent review of one of her shows click here.
. They were lyrically well written and musically sound and well enjoyed by this amateur photographer and blogger.