This Road Of Music

By Alan Rhody

I'd like to write whatThe Performing Songwriter magazine would call the "venue spotlight" this month and tell you about a wonderful new listening room not too far from Louisville.

It's not only a coffee house with a growing number of notable players and singers coming in and out of it's doors these days, but it is also an art gallery, complete with custom framing and art supplies available.

I'm speaking of Picasso's in just-down-the-road Elizabethtown.

I know what you're thinking - who wants to drive to E'-town to hear some great acoustic music when you have all those listening rooms (all two of them!) right there in Louisville. I promise you, it'll be worth the short drive straight down 1-65.

It's most unusual due to the dual operation. On one hand, you have a warm ambiance and elbow room (It seats up to 60 people very comfortably), a really good soup and sandwich menu and a selection of coffee, tea and other delights; musical events and special guests performing every Friday and Saturday 8-11 p.m. On the other hand, you have paintings, prints, and sculpture from local and international artists of the highest quality all around you on the walls and pedestals. There's even a semi-private "green room" for groups of folks.

The co-owners and operators, Roy Minagawa, Bruce Hall, and Carla Riggs-Hall try as hard as anyone I've encountered in my many years of traveling and performing to make the entertainers feel comfortable and welcome. I've worked with them on two occasions and both times I was treated like royalty. (Thanks, guys!) The main idea I found from performing there was for everyone to relax and have a great time.

If you're coming from Louisville, just take the first Elizabethtown exit and come straight into town and you can't miss Picasso's, sitting on the corner of Mulberry St. (which you'll be on) and Main St. (U. S. 31W). It's the off-white historic looking building on your left, just before the light. The address is 109 N. Mulberry St., Elizabethtown, KY 42701. For information on their once-a-month Open Mic Night or the just added programming of the Hardin County Poet Society and other upcoming events, call (502) 769-9933 or Fax: (502) 765-9933.

Picasso's operating hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thursdays. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a. m. - 11 p.m.

I'll be appearing there this month on Saturday, February 21, starting at 8 p.m., so come on down!

Freelance writer, singer and award-winning songwriter AlanRhody may be reached at P.O. Box 121231 Nashville, TN 37212 or Fax: (615) 298-5146 or on the web at http//www.songs.com/ar