San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?

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San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?

11 Dec 11 - 03:07 AM (#3271895)
Subject: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

I'm archiving music from the 1950's and 1960's. I'd like to connect with anyone that hung out at "The Drinking Gourd", in San Francisco during that period. This was a fabulous place of music and people.

If you remember it, please get in touch with me ... Bob Nelson AKA "The Deckman" on mudcat.

24 Feb 12 - 04:42 PM (#3312926)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Jim Ahern

Bob
Yes, the Drinking Gourd was a great place. I moved to San Francisco near the end of 1964 and spent many a night there until late in 1965 when I moved away. Monday nights were the best, if you were low on cash (weren't we all?) because that was open mike night and Pete would give us free beer after we had performed. Those were the days. Looking back, we just didn't know how good they were.

24 Feb 12 - 05:02 PM (#3312932)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Jim ... Do you remember listening to DAVE SPENCE? He sang most every Friday night for five years. bob

24 Feb 12 - 07:37 PM (#3312989)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Amos

I passed it many times. There were several other coffee shops up the street from the Hot Dog Palace, if my memory serves. Given the conditions of the times (late 1963) I would be surprised if memory served at all; you know what they say about remembering the 60's. WIsh I could remember the names of those dives. Wish I'd spent more time at the Gourd.

A

25 Feb 12 - 06:20 AM (#3313148)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

There are several of us up here in the Pacific Northwest area that snag there ... Linda Allen (Bellingham) and myself, for two. It was great place.

I well the night we all held a memorial gathering for Dave Spence, and the then S.F. mayor Alioto (sp?) came in with his large entourage of beauties.

They had a seven foot Irishman acting as "greeter" at the door. He would take cash donations from folks, some voluntary, and put the money in the soundhole of a string-less guitar hanging on the wall. The wake lasted two nights and his widow JoAnn received a goodly sum. bob(deckman)nelson

09 Mar 12 - 02:15 PM (#3320542)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Jim Ahern

I can't say I remember Spence at the Gourd. I am better with faces than names, especially at this advanced age. There were a lot of people passing through at that time and my memory of all who passed through is not anywhere near complete. Bedsides, later on, we were too busy getting the Matrix opened up.

09 Mar 12 - 02:23 PM (#3320544)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: babypix

You should probably get ahold of Barbara Dane, whom I think owned or at least booked it for a while. Barbara is on Facebook, has a website, or, if that doesn't work, feel free to get in touch with me, and I'll connect you.

Kindest regards,

Deborah Robins

www.larryhanks.com

09 Mar 12 - 04:34 PM (#3320598)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Thanks Deborah ... I'll be sending you an e-mail with my specific question. bob nelson

18 May 12 - 06:29 AM (#3352352)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Spencer and Juniper Thompson

I was a 5-string banjo player and hung out at the Drinking Gourd for a few months in 1965. Listened to Dave Spence and his wife on many nights, even recorded him on a reel to reel tape. Also, many other talented performers. Larry Vargo, some groups, more folksingers and comedians. Just can't remember the names. Met my wife Juniper (she was from Maine) outside of the Drinking Gourd. We drove across the country in an MGB, married in Boston, settled on a Maine farm about 40 years ago. Was a marketing and graphic design guy, now retired and manage our farm on the Sandy River. Still play the banjo but it is hard to finger the strings after working the farm and the woodlot. (spencer.thompson1@myfairpoint.net)

19 Mar 13 - 02:14 AM (#3492024)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Carol

I used to hang out at the Drinking Gourd in the early 70s. I was a big fan of Reilly and Maloney, a singer songwriter duo from Seattle, and Jim Post, who was from San Francisco. I probably saw every gig they played at the Gourd from the time I arrived in San Francisco in 1973 until the Gourd closed! It was a great venue, very friendly and comfortable. In those days you could always find a parking space nearby.

19 Mar 13 - 11:01 AM (#3492174)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Hi Carol .... Bob (deckman)Nelson up here in Everett, Washington ... 25 miles north of Seattle. Jim Post is still performing around here often. And Reilly and Maloney (Ginny and David) are also very popular up here. CHEERS ... bob

27 May 13 - 04:29 PM (#3519774)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST

Paul

I worked as a bartender from the fall of 1971 until it closed in 1973. Doug Schmidt was a law student (Hastings) and showed me the ropes. Cheese and crackers, wine and beer, not too complicated. The biggest job was trying to keep things quiet while performers were singing.

Sunday (Cherie Ernst) -Monday (Open Mic hosted by Ric Elswit) -Tuesday Jeffery Comanor- Wednesday (Ginny Reilly)- Thursday(Reilly and Maloney)- Friday(Jim Post)- Saturday(Mick Stoneheart, Cynthia, Live Oak and Terri ...as Saturday's Luck).

Nancy(from Hawaii) was the waitress early on, John Baker, with his Groucho persona, was a regular, as was Elliott, clinging the bar and sharing his vast musical knowledge.

The music and performances were inspirational and unforgettable.

it was a magical time.

27 May 13 - 05:05 PM (#3519789)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Ginny Reilly and David Maloney will be performing in a couple of weeks here in Everett Washington. Today, they are performing at the NW Folklife Festival, in Seattle. bob(deckman)nelson

27 May 13 - 08:05 PM (#3519856)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Paul

Bob,

If you see them ,say hello...David is my brother

Paul

27 May 13 - 09:23 PM (#3519873)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

I expect to see Ginny in ten days ... I'll certainly say "HI." Is there any chance you have any idea where David Spence's widow, JoAnne Spence is, or their son Aaron? bob

28 May 13 - 04:08 PM (#3520132)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Paul

Don't remember David Spence or family. I did remember that Richard and Becky Stover played the Gourd on Tuesdays when Jeffrey was in L.A.

AND...... Rick Meyer? Hosted the open mics after Rik Elswit went on the road with DR. HOOK.
names are coming back to me...open mic performers The Bald Eagle, and Howdy Moon (with
a very young Valerie Carter----Terrific vocals and songwriting.)

28 May 13 - 04:35 PM (#3520134)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Futwick

Didn't Marty Balin hang out there to find people to recruit into Airplane?

03 Sep 13 - 11:05 AM (#3555712)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST

Hello All,

I'm "Live Oak" of Live Oak and Teri. "Saturday's Luck" (our name came from a song title by the late great Gamble Rogers) consisted of the two of us and Michael Milner and his wife Claire Hart.

Many great moments in the Drinking Gourd and I have fond memories of the early 70's in SF.

I still play and sing, doing the odd gig, and have written around one hundred songs, one recorded by John Denver--"Relatively Speaking"--and two by Bernie Leadon after leaving Eagles (for an album that was never released).

My wife Katie and I have been working on what ails the human race. Our answer is we're all freaking nuts: "We Are ALL Innocent by Reason of Insanity." I wrote a musical based on this concept and you can hear a couple of these songs on our site: http://www.innocentbyreasonofinsanity.com/

Best wishes,

Arthur "Live Oak" Hancock

03 Sep 13 - 10:02 PM (#3555931)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

I wonder if someone has yet written the history of the Drinking Gourd? If they haven't, someone should! I also can think of few other clubs that were so vital to the musicians in the fifties and sixties: Seattle's "Pamir House", Sausilito's "Anchor Steam House" ... on and on and on. bob(deckman)nelson

11 Jan 14 - 11:24 PM (#3591197)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Lorna Price Dittmer

I worked 2 nights a week at the Gourd...founded by 2 of my classmates at Pomona College...George & Charlie. I worked there as an on-foot barmaid for 2 nights a week in ca. 1963-1965 or so. George & Charlie, founders of the Gourd, were my classmates at Pomona College...I'd come to SF to gain some distance from a seemingly doomed love affair [which ended well, resulting in a marriage of more than 35 years...}...anyway, my Gourd years were some of the best times of my 'late youth' and I'll always be grateful to George and Charlie for the opportunity to participate in the life of this wonderful and unique San Francisco 'fixture' of a certain kind of night-life.
Adiosito, amigos mios...I have missed you for decades!--Lorna

email: lp@art-edit.com

12 Jan 14 - 05:09 PM (#3591453)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Guest Lorna ...

Were you working the two nights, a Friday and a Saturday night, when we had the fund raising benifit for JoAnne Spence? I well remember that there was a seven foot tall Irishman "bouncer" who shook everyone down as they came in the door to get all the cash they had for the fund. He then put the money in a guitar (without strings) that was hanging on the wall behind the entry desk. bob(Deckman)nelson

14 Jan 14 - 03:01 AM (#3591878)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST

I only was able to go to the Gourd a couple of times in the early 70s from Seattle. I loved the place; saw Steve Seskin and friends and a guy name Joe Russo singer songwriter who played piano !! Anyone know of Joe Russo? thanks Richie Also what was the music venue across the street then?

07 May 14 - 07:08 PM (#3624795)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Jim Babbitt

The Drinking Gourd was one of my favorite places. On several occasions, I saw a singer named Victoria (Damelgoski). Does anyone remember her? She was terrific.

24 May 14 - 05:50 PM (#3628052)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Old Man Arizona

I used to hang out at the Gourd, to listen. Especially when some of the names from the Hungry i would come in afterhours and jam for the fun of it. My most vital memory is of the cheese and crackers. Buy cheese and a beer and all the Ritz Crackers you could eat were there. An impoverished hippie could live for days on those meals. Does anyone recall Tom and Dick Smothers showing up one night and singing and laughing from the audience?

01 Mar 15 - 12:05 PM (#3690739)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Pat & Chuck

One of our faves - Pat had apt on Union St around 1800 block and I would visit from Camp Pendleton. After our evening love fest, we'd go to the Drinking Gourd and have Heinekins and crackers! Loved the place and we're now in married for 46 years! Also enjoyed the BV which is still there, and many Sunday's in Sausalito, although that place has changed. Only place still there is the No Name Bar and the Trident. Pat was a nurse in the ER at St Francis Memorial Hospital...........

01 Mar 15 - 01:39 PM (#3690756)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

"THOSE WERE THE DAYS MY FRIENDS,
I THOUGHT THEY'D NEVER END,
I THOUGHT THEY'D LAST,
FOREVER AND A DAY ... "

14 Sep 15 - 07:03 AM (#3737218)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,scott eckersley

I played at the drinking gourd just about every week, usually weekends with our group "them other pluckers". From around 1964 to 1967. i was a regular for many years, just hangin out from 1961 thru 1967. i remember all the great acts...Spence, Jean Ball, and so many others. it was the best time of my life. Bill Ackridge was our group leader...he also did solo acts. Stu Goldberg had the guitar shop next door...always fixed our guitars. Too many memories to even grasp, now that i am old.

14 Sep 15 - 07:57 AM (#3737231)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Scott ... Do you have a clue where Dave Spence's widow JoAnn is? Or their son Aaron? bob(deckman)nelson ... in Everett, Washington

26 Jan 16 - 09:52 AM (#3768269)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Tamara Steger

My dad, Robert Steger, owned the Drinking Gourd for some period. He played a twelve string guitar and performed with Gloria Lima (and Carl Pagter). My mom, Barbara Steger, made the sign for outside (big red lettering in wood) and drew the menus (man playing banjo in ink). I was 5-6 years old at the time, so don't remember much... Thrilled to see these recollections.

01 Feb 16 - 02:22 PM (#3769918)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Pierre Brandelius

To: Tamara Steger. I was the bartender at The Gourd from opening to 1966 and knew Bob, Gloria, and Carl very well. Say hello to any of them still around. Don't remember Bob ever owing the place, but as is said "it was the sixties." Still have the record the kids recorded on.

02 Feb 16 - 03:05 AM (#3770008)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Joe Offer

If any of you from the Drinking Gourd would be willing, please contact Bob "the Deckman" Nelson. You can email me, and I'll forward your message to Bob to put you in contact with him.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer, Mudcat music editor-
joe@mudcat.org

02 Feb 16 - 03:29 AM (#3770010)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: gillymor

I'd never heard of this place until yesterday when I listened to an interview with Signe Anderson on her obit page at rollingstone.com. It seems her brother was a bartender there and she sang at the hoots and was recruited into the Jefferson Airplane by Marty Balin (so I guess that's a yes, Futwick). It must have been around '65.

02 Feb 16 - 04:08 AM (#3770015)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Thank you very much Joe. bob(deckman)nelson

13 Feb 16 - 04:37 PM (#3772475)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Joan and Howard

Our first date was spent at the Drinking Gourd on Feb. 14, 1962. Been together ever since! Wish I could remember who performed that night?
Fond memories......

16 Jul 16 - 11:17 PM (#3800636)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Donna

My former husband and I frequented The Drinking Gourd in the early 70's, especially to see an amazing singer named Patty Parsons. I still remember her singing after all these years have passed.

06 Nov 16 - 10:19 AM (#3818528)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST

FYI, Reilly and Maloney are going to be performing at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley on Friday November 11. I used to see them CONSTANTLY at the Drinking Gourd in the 70s. also, Jim Post. My roommate and I had a huge crush on Jim, and I was in love with David Maloney! How fun to get to see them after so many years.

15 Aug 17 - 02:10 PM (#3871808)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Just found an LP of music from the Drinking

Curious about when the Drinking Gourd opened.
The record I have of folk singers playing there seems circa '62-'63, but no date.
The liners talk about the bar opening 3 years prior to the album.
Sounds terrific! It's titled "The Drinking Gourd Vol. II"
Anyone have volume one for sale?
My records has owners Charlie Stivers & George Sayre along with:
Carl Pagter, Bob Steger, Dave & Joanne Spence, Noreen St. Pierre, Pete Pinnock.

Please e-mail me with any details, thanks!
hanksterw@gmail.com
--Henry Wimmer
Open Mind Music
5517 College Ave. Oakland

19 Aug 17 - 04:13 AM (#3872505)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Dave and Joanne Spence

Hello,

I am Dave and Joanne Spence's granddaughter. I've been reading the posts about my grandparents and wanted to reach out. Joanne is doing very well and loves to tells me stores of my grandfather as well as sing me the songs they would sing together. He is still very much apart of our lives in spirit and is always becomes part our familes conversations. I unfortunately do not have recording of them together so if anyone could reach out and provide me with those recording I would very much appreciate and I am sure My grandmother would appreciate as well.

Amanda Spence
Amanda.spence86@gmail.com

19 Aug 17 - 06:18 AM (#3872532)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Hello Amanda ... You bet I've got recordings of them. I'm Bob Nelson and I live in Everett, Washington, just north of Seattle. I've been trying for many years to locate Joanne. I'm e0mailing you right now. CHEERS, Bob Nelson

20 Aug 17 - 04:43 AM (#3872697)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Mudcat succeeds yet again! Joanne Spence's granddaughter has contacted me and I expect to be in touch with Joanne soon. It's been over a ten year search.

I'm astounded at the power of the internet, and Mudcat in particular. I think this connection with the Spence family makes about eight "long lost" friends that have contacted me. WHEW!

Thanks to Max and all the Mudcatters out there ... cheers, bob(deckman)nelson

13 Mar 18 - 11:11 AM (#3910877)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Malcolm Ruthven

Wow, I just found this site and this thread looking for info on the Drinking Gourd. I arrived in SF in April 1963 and at some point started going to the Drinking Gourd pretty regularly. Great folk music and cheap food and beer/wine. I definitely remember Jean Ball, and also the group Town Criers that included a large bass instrument. Marty Balin would sometimes appear for their second (late) set and really wail in great counterpoint to the group's folk harmonizing.

31 Mar 18 - 04:32 PM (#3914352)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,dpeoples

It's so nice to read these posts and remember the wonderful times spent at the Drinking Gourd in the very early 70's. I well remember both Steve Seskin and Joe Russo as exciting performers there. As a matter of fact, I saw Steve Seskin perform just last week in Sebastopol, CA. What I am wondering is, does anyone out there have any idea what has become of the pianist Joe Russo?

12 Apr 18 - 06:34 PM (#3916921)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,anna meehan

I worked at the Drinking Gourd during its last years. I certainly remember Reilly and Maloney, Jay Kellum, Billy Robers and many others.

25 Apr 18 - 09:07 PM (#3920011)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Marcia Grumme

I sang for open mic there a couple times. 64 or 65. Pretty standard British Isles traditional stuff. Very mediocre guitar but I had a good voice. Was there a guitar store next door or across the street or somewhere close? After I sang one night, a couple of guys invited me and my friend into a closed store to discuss gigs. I wasn't sure if they were wanting to hook me up with their agent or just plain hook up. Memory is very hazy. I was leaving for grad school shortly so never went back or followed up.

25 Apr 18 - 10:28 PM (#3920013)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

Hmmm ... Was your hair blonde in those days? bad bad bob

15 May 18 - 01:13 PM (#3924700)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Ken Cochrane

I was a bartender there from about 71until the end. Some names I have not seen were Tom Thorp and Jeff Commanore and Jay Kellem, all owners in later years. Jay was the final owner after which the building was demolished including Marina Music, the Guitar shop nexdoor. It,was sure fun. Usaken12@yahoo.com

27 May 18 - 01:00 AM (#3927301)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Joe Offer

Where was the Drinking Gourd located? I always assumed it was in North Beach, but I really don't know. Back in those days, I didn't have enough money to go to places like that.
-Joe-

17 Aug 18 - 10:13 AM (#3944609)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST

In the early '60's I had a night at the Gourd playing guitar and singing with a bluegrass group, 'The Slippery Rock String Band'. It was during Dave Spences time there. We got our chops up at the Gourd. Check out an ebook at Amazon, MCCABE&ME. The Gourd, The Matrix, Coffee and Confusion, Bill Ackeridge, Signe (Toley), the book speaks to that place and time.

17 Aug 18 - 11:27 PM (#3944715)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Gerry

Joe asked where the Drinking Gourd was located. At http://www.unionstreet.com/history.htm it says, "The Jefferson Airplane came into existence when Marty Balin met guitarist Paul Kantner at The Drinking Gourd, located at 1898 Union Street, circa 1965. The Drinking Gourd was a bar serving sandwiches near the corner of Union and Laguna."

18 Aug 18 - 03:42 PM (#3944819)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

I'm finding it interesting that the "Gourd" has such a lasting impact even today. It launched many a performer still brings many pleasant remembrances. bob(deckman)nelson

06 Oct 18 - 11:06 PM (#3955199)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Ken cochrane

Yes the Gourd was on the corner of Union and Laguna St. It shared a building with Marina Music, a great (mostly accoustic) guitar shop owned by Stu Goldberg. Mike King, a longtime employee was a terriffic picker. When the Gourd closed, Marina Music also closed its doors. They demolished the whole building, which was mostly held up by a prayr and a song.

30 Nov 18 - 09:32 PM (#3964093)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,michael andrew

i surely remember all of them - especialli Teri and Cynthia and Jeffrey

19 Dec 18 - 07:10 PM (#3967341)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST

You might be referring to terry of Live Oak, Jeffery Commanore and his GF and base player Cynthia. Jeff is a Chiropractor, who was briefly one of the Gourd owners. Dont know what became of Terry. Cynthia who was Jeffs GF and base player was around the Bay Area for several years after the Gourd closed and Jeff left. Lost touch years ago. What about Jay Kellem? Havnt heardmof him for years. Hemwoukd be very old today.

08 Sep 19 - 08:01 PM (#4007896)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,gloria judd

I moved to San Francisco in 1968 and I recall seeing Etta James at The Drinking Gourd. It was a great great place.

17 Mar 21 - 02:41 PM (#4098076)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,tangonat

My girlfriend and I lived a few blocks from the Drinking Gourd (late 60's to early 70's) and would go every week to hear Joe Russo, the piano player and singer. He was amazing. We used to see him on weekends selling things on the street down by the Cannery. I hope his life worked out well. Would love to know if anyone has any information on what happened to him.

14 Aug 21 - 04:10 PM (#4116556)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Ken Cochrane

Sad to report that Stu Goldberg, the owner of Marina Music, the guitar and music shop that shared the building has passes away in February 2020. His last days were in the LA area starting yet a new career in Hollywood. Stu had an amazing life and there is a 2 hour oral history of his life and adventures on the internet.

14 Aug 21 - 11:56 PM (#4116593)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Lin

I never was at this folk club but was reading some of the posts here. One particular post on April 25, 2018 by a lady named Marcia Grumme said she used to sing there at open mike nights in '64 or '65. She said she wasn't that good on the guitar but that she had a good voice and sang British Traditional songs.
Is there any footage anywhere of her singing?
Since I really enjoy hearing these kind of songs, I just wanted to inquire about hearing any of these ballads by Marcia?

14 Oct 21 - 02:19 PM (#4122902)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Sionainne

Wow-what a find! I am Peter Pinnock's daughter, Shannon Pinnock (in those days)- I have the LP Songs From the Drinking Gourd on a cd, the album cover having succumbed to too many moves and mold. My dad and mother (Gaby Pinnock) were regulars at the Gourd in those early days and our home was a gathering place for some of the other performers ie Dave and Joanne Spense, Carl Stivers, George, Bob... along with Tom and Dickie Smothers, Hoyt Axton and Pat Paulson, Tom McMillan :-) Great days!! As one of the few kids, I remember being at the Gourd, The Fox and Hounds, the Hungry I and the Purple Onion..My mother was choreographing stage moves for The Limelighters, The Cables and other performers at Ann's 440 club as well.. My dad also went down to LA in that time period to perform at The Troubadour in the early 60's. Incredible times for great music..and lots of good memories. It is lovely to see the other posts here-

15 Oct 21 - 07:22 AM (#4122984)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,JoAnn Spence

Yes, I am still alive at 85 and still playing the banjo and singing folk songs at informal gatherings and open mics etc. I have been living in
Ontario, Canada for the last 35 years but plan to return to Tennessee
next year to live closer to my family. I have a grandson named David Spence and a new great grandson named Tavis - which is Celtic meaning "son of David" - Spence so the original David Spence is still remembered and honored as well. I perform lots of the Irish songs David sang at the Drinking Gourd and often frequented Nietzsches during their Celtic hour in Buffalo, New York where I sang accapella. That was pre-
pandemic days when the border was open. Hopefully I can get back there
before I move. Music is still my social outlet and I have been very lucky to have had it in my life all these years. My copy of The Drinking Gourd record has been put on tape and I even have some tracks
of David singing at The Gourd on my MP3 player which I listen to often. Those most certainly were..."the good old days." How delighted I am that you remember them, Shannon.

15 Oct 21 - 07:44 AM (#4122985)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST

WOW! THANKS FOR POSTING HOANNE/ (EXCUSE THE LARGE TYPE PLEASE … VISION PROBLEMS REQYRE IT).

IF YOU LOOK AT THE DATE OF THIS THREAD OPENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER THAT IT IS ALMOST TWENTY TEARS SINCE IT STARETED. IT WAS BECAUSE OF THIS MUDCAT THREAD THAT WE HAVE BECOME RE-AQUAINTED, AND DELIGHTFULLY SO. AS MANY OF US "OLD TIMERS" NOW SAY: "KEEP ON KEEPING ON." CHEERS, BOB(DECKMAN)NELSON

17 Oct 21 - 11:40 AM (#4123303)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,GYEST DECKMAN

RE-FRESH

18 Dec 21 - 11:30 PM (#4129355)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Maureen Mullen

Lived a couple of blocks from the Gourd, on Green Steet, '64...'65?..sometime around then. I was only 19 at the time. A crazy British gal named Kate Gennins took me there one night, and since it was so close, I went back again and again. Great music, great vibe. I particularly remember Jean Ball because I'd gone to her house several times to hang and listen to her and her friends play music. Going through some old books the other day and in the back of an old Bob Dylan song book, I found a sheet of paper where I'd written down the words to one of Jean's songs. So fun to see this thread. btw, I also now live in the Pacific Northwest....near Mount Hood.

30 Dec 21 - 04:50 PM (#4130482)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,LEE CHENEY

WHAT A GREAT THREAD. I WAS PART OF A BLUEGRASS TRIO THAT INHERITED DAVE SPENCE'S NIGHT AT THE GOURD AFTER HE PASSED. HE WAS INSPIRING AS AN ENTERTAINER. WE KEPT THAT GIG FOR SEVERAL MONTHS THEN TOOK THE SHOW TO LA. THE GOURD WAS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF MY TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AS A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN. I'VE BEEN PART OF THE NASHVILLE MUSIC SCENE FOR 35 YEARS, ACHIEVING GOLD AND PLATINUM RECORDS AND A COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT. IT ALL STARTED AT THE GOURD.

30 Dec 21 - 09:58 PM (#4130506)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

I FIND IT AMAZUNG THAT AFATER ALL THESE MANY YEARS, THE EVENTS ABD THE MEMORIES OF THE WONDERFUL MUSIC AND SPAWNED FRIENDSHIPS THAT OCCURED AT "THE DRINKING GOURD" ARE STILL SO FRESH IN OUR COLLECTIVE MEMORIES. THIS THREAD SPEAKS TO THE STRENGTH OF OUR RESPECT FOR THE MUSIC, THE GOOD TIMES, AND OUR BETTER TIMES.

I HOPE WE CAN AGAIN HAVE SUCH WONDERFUL TIMES. CHEERS .... BOB(DECKMAN)NELSON

20 Sep 22 - 10:36 PM (#4153194)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Carl Pagter

Are you still there, Deckman? I sure hope so! I am an 88 year used-to-was with a ton of great memories. The Drinking Gourd was an important part of my life for the tan year period 1960-1970. In 1960 I was transferred by the US Navy from Virginia Beach, VA to NAS Alameda to be an instructor at NAS Alameda. As a bachelor living in the Bachelor Officers' Quarters, I used my spare time to learn to play the five string banjo, probably driving the other residents crazy. I quickly discovered the Gourd, as most people referred to it. I got to know (and hear) Charlie Stivers and George Sayre, who played there often. From the start, live music was featured on the tiny stage; about 1964 or 65, the Gourd expanded its space next to Stu Goldberg"s music store, more than doubling in size and featuring a much enlarged stage.

During the early years, I remember lines of people more than two blocks long waiting to get in; lines continued on weekends even after the expansion with its much greater seating capacity, Within a short time, I was playing and singing the Gourd on weekends - I was discharged from the Navy (but continued in the Naval Reserve) in August 1961 and enrolled in law school at UC Berkeley. Bob Steger moved to CA from Florida after receiving a B.S. in aeronautical engineering. At that time he was playing a Martin D-28 guitar and singing in one of the highest tenor voices imaginable. We started playing together as "Bob and Carl".

Very early on, we met Bill Ackridge and tried to form a group together. Bill wants us to learn a blues tune entitled "Shorty George", but try as we did, it never clicked. I loved Bill's great sense of humor and some of the songs he wrote: Cable Car Calypso, There's an Old Tule Fog A-hangin Around The Golden Gate Bridge of My Heart, You Blew The Shingles Off The Shithouse of my Heart, etc. I of course met Dave Spence (and later Joanne) and loved his singing, stage presence, and repertoire of Irish songs and his delivery. He was also a wonderful person.

He and Joanne had adopted a daughter and she was only a few months old when tragedy struck one Sunday in Marin County when Dave's Benson Gyrocopter crashed on the last touch and go of the day. This traumatic event caused unbelievable sadness. As I do on the death of a friend, I mourned inwardly with dark thoughts and happy memories....I was especially concerned about Joanne and their child. I was delighted to read the threads of comment from Joanne and her daughter, and I wish them health, prosperity, and long life!

Another favorite: Pete Brandelius, the long time bartender (and bouncer!) at the Gourd. A hello and shout out to Pete!!! Bob Steger's wife Barbara was a delight to know. From Northern Ireland, she sang songs in a wonderful Irish lilt; she was also very artistically gifted and drew a picture in chalk on a narrow canvas about 5' high of a rather gaunt banjo player (which I still have in my garage, it having been given to me by one of the later Owner's and long-time Gourd fan, Tom Thorpe when he moved back to Tennessee in the Early 1970's). About 1966 Bob and I were joined by Gloria Lima, whom we had met on a Florida beach

20 Sep 22 - 11:04 PM (#4153196)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Carl Pagter

I was cut off - guess I reached the limit for comment words - - - oh well, I was getting near the end anyway. Bob, Gloria and I had a good run until I was transferred to my company's Washington, D.C. office in 1970. Bob Steger became part owner of the Gourd with Tom Thorpe in the early 1970's; they split a couple of years later - Tom kept the Gourd, and Bob proceeded to build The Holy City Zoo (which started with music, but when Bob lost his hearing suddenly, evolved into the earliest and best comedy clubs in The City.

Bob's story is tragic, but there isn't enough room to tell it, sadly. To wrap this up: the Gourd years of th 1960's are a wonderful and treasured memory that will be with me until . . . . .Last comment: I have the sign "Drinking Gourd" in stained glass that I think hung behind the bar- it's in my garage, and if someone creates a Gourd memorial, I would happily donate this artifact from those happy years (along with Barbara Stagers chalk banjo player. Finally: delighted to read the posts from Barbara Steger(are you in touch with your brother Mark?); Pete Brandelius; Joanne Spence! - and I enjoyed all the other posts from people I don't know, but may have met along the way. Heartfelt Best Wishes!

Special thanks to Deckman for starting this thread over a decade ago.

Spaces added for readability. We'll make sure that Bob (Deckman) knows that this is here. Thanks! ---mudelf

21 Sep 22 - 01:52 PM (#4153242)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

HELLO CARL ... I AM THRILLED TO READ YOUR WONDERFUL POSTING. YES, I'M STILL HERE, KICKING AND SCREAMIMNG/ MY LACK OF BISION MEANS I MUST BE RUDE AND WRITE INCAPITAL LETTERS., AND I CAN'T SEE WELL ENOUGH TO CIRRECT MY SPELLING.

THIS POSTING WILL BE BRIEF FOR NOW, BUT I WILL WILL MUCH MORE LATER TODAY. I CAN UPDARE YOU ON JOANNE SPENCE, NICE NEWS.

LATER ... BOB(DECKMAN)NELSON

21 Sep 22 - 03:14 PM (#4153246)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

DECKMAN HERE ... BACK AGAIN ...

I'VE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH JOANNE SPENCE, UNTIL RECENTLY. SHE JUST LEFT CANADA TO MOVE CLOSE TO HER SON, AARON, IN THE U.S.

CARL ... YES, THOSE WERE CERTAINY SOME OF THE BESTEST OF OUR HALCYON DAYS, WEARN;T THEY? DAVID AND JOANN SPENCE LIVED IN LOS GATOS, AND A BUNCH OS US ESCAPEES FROM SEATTLE LIVED IN SANTA CRUZ AND THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS. MOST EVERY WEEKEND WAS MUSIC, CAVING, FISHING, AND WATCHING DAVID FLY HIS "BENSON: GYRO-COPTER.

THABKS AGAIN FOR YOUR POSTING ... BOB(DECKMAN)NELSON

18 Oct 22 - 05:56 PM (#4155556)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Carl Pagter

Deckman, Great Posting Response! Your eyesight is impaired, and my hearing is impaired. After over 55 years playing banjo and singing, the last 40+ years with my string band "Country Ham" (9 LPs, 8 CDs), I went to hearing aids 5 years ago, the same time I started on kidney dialysis. The hearing aids distort music, so I now find it hard to listen, much less playing. My wife tells me I can no longer sing on pitch, so I now sing to myself. Ah, but the memories! Also, my wife Judie at 81 lives on our Virginia farm and continues to sing and play vigorously, while my son in CA is an excellent and active musician. And, as the founder of the California Bluegrass Association in 1974, I continue to support and enjoy the activities of that organization. So life goes on! Look forward to more information on Joanne Spence . . . Bestest, Carl Pagter

18 Oct 22 - 11:34 PM (#4155561)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

THANKS FOR YOUR POSTING CARL PAGER. AS MY LATE FATHER USED TO SAY "GETTING OLD AIN'T FOR SISSY'S." BOB (DECKMAN)NELSON

13 Nov 22 - 10:09 PM (#4157542)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Joe Offer

I received an email from Stephanie Brandelius, daughter of Drinking Gourd bartender Pierre Brandelius. Please contact me (joe@mudcat.org) if you'd like to contact Stephanie.

14 Nov 22 - 08:57 AM (#4157570)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman

BOB(DECKAMN)NELSON HERE ... JOE, THANKS FOR POSTING AGAIN TO THIS THREAD. SOME EVENTS LIKE THE WONDERFUL "DRINKING GUORD". BECOME A LIFE UNTO THERE OWN!

I NEVER NEW THE OWNERS WELL, BUT OBVIOUSLY THEY HAS AS MUCH LASTING IMPACT OF THAT COMMUNITY AS THE PERFORMERS. TO SAY THE LEAST, "THOSE WERE THE HAYLCION DAYS". (SORRY FOR THE POOR SPELLING. BOB NELSON

27 Jan 23 - 03:55 PM (#4163694)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,Kare Holt Windeler

Hey Carl Pagter! My cousin turned me on to this thread because he was curious about Dad and Mom's Coffee House (The Shiloh) back in the day. I have some sweet memories of that place. I'm glad you are still strummin'! I have a great video of you and your son doing duet at my Dad's (Bill Holt) birthday party in Pine Grove 2001. Stu Goldberg was kind enough to take all of Dad's reel-to-reels, put them on CDs, and sent them to me in Huntsville AL after Daddy passed. I'm not sure which clubs or residences they are from, but there's lots of nostalgia. Lots of characters, including Pat Paulsen. I remember Tom Thorpe as well. If you are interested in a listing of the CDs, I'm happy to oblige. I think there are about 50 of them. The Drinking Gourd, the Hungry I, and the Purple Onion are those clubs I remember Mom and Dad spending much of their time.

Love You Mr. Pagter!

11 Aug 23 - 09:03 PM (#4178990)
Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST,LilMikeSF

just wanted to let people on this forum know that i found a posted version of songs of the drinking gourd vol. 2 at the Internet Archive and it can be streamed or downloaded free


                  https://archive.org/details/songs-of-the-drinking-gourd-vol.-2-vinyl-rip/Songs+of+the+Drinking+Gourd+Vol.+2+Vinyl+Rip/

I have enjoyed reading all the meories and missed connections posted here and am glad to know more about the history of this long lost pub and its role in creating musical community in San Francisco.