San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?

Subject: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman
Date: 11 Dec 11 - 03:07 AM

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. ([e-mail])

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman
Date: 27 May 13 - 05:05 PM

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

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

Bob,

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

Paul

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

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

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

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.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: [e-mail]

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

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

Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jan 14 - 03:01 AM

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?

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

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.

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

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?

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

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...........

Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman
Date: 01 Mar 15 - 01:39 PM

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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-
[e-mail]

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

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.

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

Thank you very much Joe.   bob(deckman)nelson

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

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......

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!
[e-mail]
--Henry Wimmer
Open Mind Music
5517 College Ave. Oakland

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

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
[e-mail]

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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?

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.    [e-mail]

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

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-

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

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.

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

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."

Subject: RE: San Francisco ...'The Drinking Gourd' ?
From: Deckman
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 03:42 PM

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