The Brennan Coffeehouse in Jersey City is one of the most unusual folk venues in the country. Although they have only about 9 shows a year, I've had the good fortune to have attended three concerts there so far. This time I brought five people with me. The building is a beautiful old courthouse with a rotunda much like that of the Kansas capitol. The acoustics are most unusual. Someone said it's like singing in the biggest shower you could imagine.
Performing this time was Tracy Grammer along with Jim Henry. The last time I saw Tracy, she was playing with her husband, Dave Carter. He was a great songwriter and an internet chatroom friend of mine. They played in Moundridge, Kansas on October 21, 2001 (partly at my request).
Less than a year later, Dave died. Much of Tracy's musical career is an effort to keep Dave's music alive.
Given the performer and the venue, I knew this would be a night to remember so I brought as many people as I could (5 others). Unfortunately, that meant missing Michael Smith's performance that night at The Minstrel in Morristown. He's another great songwriter and someone I've always wanted to hear and meet. Fortunately, I had that opportunity before I got home.
