This is one of those amazing little things that happen all too seldom.

A few days ago my friend Colette the Art dealer called and invited Heather and I down to her "local". She said that a friend of the owner was gonna drop by and "pick a few tunes".....and that I'D REALLY LIKE HIM!

We did (Mudcatter Peter T went with us) and the little bar (40 seats) was pretty full, but not over-crowded. A stool had been set up in the corner, with a mike and small sound system. We found a vacant table right next to the "stage". After a bit, a guy brought a lovely Dreadnought Cutaway Classical guitar out from the kitchen and leaned it against the stool. We should have known something was up 'cause folksingers rarely have 'roadies'!

A very tiny guy all in black plunked himself on the stool, and immediately went into the theme from "Chico and the Man"! For two solid hours Jose Feliciano picked and sang for us...for free! Lotsa good stuff, very jazzy, (perhaps a bit MORE jazzy than he might do in a big concert) very friendly and funny. he did requests, a few Spanish songs, and naturally "Light My Fire", and "California Dreamin'".

I think that about half the folks in the bar were "in on the surprise", 'cause they already knew that Jose and Miguel the bar's owner were long time friends...but a few folks looked pretty discombobulated. After the show he was happy to meet and chat with folks, and he (said he) remembered playing at Toronto's Penny Farthing Coffee house 35 years ago. I was one of the young nurds who loved hearing him then, AND patting his guide dog, who'd sit at his feet while he played.

Bloody marvelous surprise....plus I learned something..He's the only experienced guitarist I've ever seen who uses UP strokes exclusively while flatpicking. Weird....but it sure works for him!

Any folks have similar surprises along the road?

Rick