Birthday Greetings and Restless Farewells

Today is Bob Dylan’s 65th birthday, and as good a reason as any to hoist one for the “Master of the Motherfucking Universal Truth.”

Unfortunately, it is also a day of very mixed emotions as it marks the end of I See Hawks in L.A.’s "Acoustic Wednesdays" residency at Cole’s in downtown Los Angeles. These shows began with a one-time booking in February, 2003 and their unique brand of Subterranean Urban Bluegrass (with a borderline eco-radical edge) quickly became a Wednesday staple. In the past couple of months, the shows have moved to Fridays, but the Hawks are returning this evening for the last send off before hitting the road in support of their phenomenal new CD, "California Country."

Dylan’s one-time fiddler, Freddy Koella, is also slated to perform, but this is not the only Dylan/Cole's/Hawks connection. While living in Los Angeles during the late 30’s, Woody Guthrie (according to “Bound For Glory”) frequented saloons in the skid row area, performing inside them when he could get in and busking outside when he couldn’t. While I’ve never found specific reference to Cole’s, it is extremely likely that Woody once played in the same room where the Hawks will play tonight.

It was hoped that the Hawks could continue their residency through to the 100th anniversary of Cole’s in 2008, but the business has been sold and (from word of mouth) the new management apparently plans to appeal to the new urban chic that is expected to fill the newly refurbished lofts in the area. I can't imagine the funky/bohemian/hippie/barefoot crowd being afforded the welcoming atmosphere that exists now.

In addition to my birthday wishes to Bob, I also want to extend thanks and everlasting gratitude to the Hawks and all the other musicians who have performed at Cole's and brought their magic to this very special place. Thanks to Ali Mazarei, the world's greatest bartender, for bringing us together and to Ali's "backups," Kristen, Laura (you won't be forgotten), Adam and Eric. And finally, thanks to all the friends I’ve made at Cole’s. You have made the past three years extremely special and absolutely unforgettable. Over those many sultry and muggy evenings in the music room, we learned that we were all "raised by hippies" in one way or another and found comfort in the belief that "everytime a glass breaks, an angel gets it's wings."