Got a new 5-7:00 PM Friday and Saturday job that's a real hoot. I told you that on December 23-4 and again on Dec 30-31 as a goof, I played at a place called George's Country Cookin before my regular evening job. It's in a popular strip mall.

George is a successful Chinese restauranteur who also has the Asian Wind here in Lexington. His host is Genero, a fellow of Italian descent who owned one of the most successful area Italian restaurants until he "went away" for 12 years, as he put it. Genero looks and talks like Paulee on the Supranos.

The cook and several waiters are from Mexico, two of the bussers are from somewhere in Asia. Genero initially got on my case because I never played for him when he had Lexitalia. Since he was getting engaged, I told him that I was always afraid that if I played a wrong note, he would cut off a body part, but that if he got on one knee to propose, I'd play for the occasion.

George invited me to his Chinese New Year's celebration for friends and employees, which I really enjoyed.

I've been at Georges' for a little over a month, and am really enjoying the job. The people are great. The pay is OK ($100.00, plus $50.00 in food at either restaurant), and I can leave in time to get to my main job of the evening. The equipment can stay in place, so there's no nightly set-up.

What I really like is, lots of my friends and business associates just don't feel comfortable showing up at my "snooty" jobs. Admittedly, some of these are a little over the top. Some people I've known for years
(farmer-neighbors from when I owned my farm, mechanics at the local garage, printers, etc.)but who have never been to see me play are regulars.

I think it's funny that the only "country" music I enjoy playing is from the country of Brazil, but somehow, that works.

Some of my Snooty regulars are concerned that I'll hurt my reputation with upscale places, but at my age,that "ain't no big thing".I'll stay here until the patio opens at my long-time early job, but may choose to stay longer, instead of playing outside and moving two sound systems keyboards, etc...equipment damage, heat, in and out nightly.

Think of it...fried green tomatoes, beans and corn bread and BOTH kinds of gravy (BROWN AND WHITE)!

It just don't get no better than that!

Ya'll come on down, ya hear!


Russ "Buck" Lay (Burp)