larger view

I felt like I was treading on holy ground.  After catching the announcement on the Bakotopia blog about the jam session/songwriter's workshop at Trout's, I said to myself, "Why not?" and headed over there on Monday, April 14. 

I was directed down this rickety old staircase into a little cellar and what I was about to witness in this humble hole in the ground was nothing short of phenomenal.  I can honestly say it was one of the best evenings of my entire life.

Lloyd Reading (I call him legendary Lloyd), one of the original members of the Blackboard Playboys were there, was jamming with a bunch of Bakersfield-Sound-grounded kccrockers (a term I humbly coined to characterize younger Kern County Country Rockers). 

Then came a duo that would knock your socks off, not to mention your boots.  It was a female act from Sacramento.  I forget their duo name, but will never forget how tight their harmonies were and how exceedingly deft they were on their instruments.  They came all the way down from Sacramento to see and hear Bakersfield Sound country star, Red Simpson, who accompanied them with some baritone vocals on one song selection, one I believe was by Ferlin Husky. 

Rockwell, who runs Trout's, was the host's host.  He allowed, yes, even encouraged virtual unknowns like me (with the exception of a brief cameo on an MTV-Award-Nominated music video by Cake, and a few songs that have had moderate underground internet success) to have a few moments in the spotlight.  The Green Room is a place where anybody can be a star. 

I think about the Green Room at Trout's as a place where wine is aged, and passed on through the grapevine to a new generation.  Succeeding as an artist has a lot to do with being at the right place at the right time.  This was the right place, and this was the right time for music to become magic. 

Down in the Green Room

words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008

down in the Green Room

playin' a new tune

down in the cellar

with all the fellas

it's over too soon

down in the Green Room

with you

world on my shoulder

it's gettin' colder

not in the Green Room

I'm hearin' Lloyd croon

"Red" wine is aged there

aged to perfection

it's such a big boon

down in the Green Room with you

This must be what

rock n roll heaven is like

when you're in the Green Room

step up to the mic

this must be what it really means

to be free

down in the Green Room

you and me