All Saints Hop Yard

The Hop Yard! What can I say? An eclectic outdoors music venue established in the old Coca-Cola bottling plant situated on All Saints Street in the Railroad Square Art District, downtown Tallahassee.

I have wanted to play this venue since I was first introduced to it three years ago. This was also the night I first met our bass player, Chip Mikell. We were both there to hear Daria Dzurik (now of New Orleans, LA) and her steel drum band and wound up sharing the same table.

The big day came. Saturday, October 25, 2104 when I arrived at the venue Chip was already there with the staff going over the electrical supply, which is always critical on any show. Between lights, PA and amps we draw a considerable amount of power. Dillon showed up right on time, as usual, at 4PM with the equipment trailer in tow.

The show kicked off at 8:00PM on the dot. Three sets, 45 songs and four hours later the folks that joined us had an evening of Classic Americana music and great harmonies.

Throughout the show the cyclists participating in the Tally Rally sped in and out of the area next to the stage. Tally Rally was a Halloween costume based bicycle rally and the Hop Yard was one of the stops on their route that night.

Saturday was the first time we played the song Wagon Wheel in public to a very warm reception. I’ve got to admit when the harmonies lock in, they are great.

A big Thank You to Dayne Taylor who worked the gate for us (which is a thankless job) and Ely, Patrick and the crew at the Hop Yard for hosting us and making us feel welcome.

Last but not least, thanks to band members Dillon, Randy and Chip for their talent, patience and fortitude.

All in all, a good time had by all!