Monday Nights at Club Cafe

Club Cafe - located at 56 South 12th Street in the South Side

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that my brother, Eric, is a music man. Last Tuesday, he talked me into joining him at one of his weekly outings and we went to Club Cafe (one of my favorite Pittsburgh bars) for AcoustiCafe. Which is a weekly open mic for local musicians. And although, I like to sing and am considered the more extroverted sibling, I could never, ever, ever see myself participating in an open mic night, but Eric does it pretty much every week! Guts, man.

We stayed for almost all of the acts last Tuesday, only heading home early because I was still deep into packing mode, and I have to say, as always, I am so impressed by the talented people of this city. Although AcoustiCafe is usually on Monday nights, because it was Memorial Day last Monday, they moved it to Tuesday and had the theme of "Things that make Jocelyn happy" since Jocelyn is one of the main bartenders and it was her birthday.

Eric singing & supporting the Pirates at the same time!

Broken Fences just back from their European tour.

Jimbo Jackson & the house band. Love me a soulful male singer. (Why do you think I date MJ?)

Overall, great event. Great vibe and drinks as always at Club Cafe and I suggest you check it out, since what do you have better to do on a Monday night? Although I will warn you, if you are not participating, you will possibly more than likely feel like an American Idol judge. Or, at least I did. With Eric, of course being the clear winner and Broken Fences and Jimbo Jackson coming in super close runner-up positions.

Bowling & Birthdays

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Saturday night, MJ and I joined my friend Jodi and a group of her friends to celebrate her 24th birthday with some bowling at Arsenal Lanes at 44th and Butler Street in Lawrenceville. If you're from the area, you've probably seen their television commercials that say they are "Where old school bowling vibe meets night club atmosphere." (As said by the New York Times.) Which is exactly what it felt like.

Remember a while back when I said I was a terrible bowler? Yeah, well, that's still true, but Arsenal Lanes is a great atmosphere to show off my awful talent. Or your great bowling skills, whichever. The lanes and decor are super old school and awesome. Vintage even. You can see the ball the whole time when it's on it's way back to you and there is carpeting on the walls. They have specials every day. The Smiths play through the speakers and since it's a bar, no obnoxious teenagers are running around and the drinks are cheap. Can you get any better than that in a bowling alley? I think not. Make a trip there soon - you'll be sure to have a great time, even if your bowling ability is sub par, like mine.

Also, wish Jodi a happy (belated) birthday in the comments if you so desire!

Proof that I was beating MJ for a hot second.

Left: some fun pin-up girl bowling pins on the wall. | Right: The birthday girl and me!