06/02/2026
I’m gonna guess it was ten years ago. Maybe twelve. Maybe eight. I don’t really know. I don’t think it matters much anyway. But it was awhile ago. I walked into the kitchen here one morning and instantly noticed a brand new set of shelves. Where once stood some unsightly, sagging, under supported, stained pine shelves now were crafted, finished, structurally sound hard maple shelves. Finished edges, hidden fasteners, library grade, rock solid shelves. Turns out my friend Owen had, unbeknownst to me, stopped in for a visit, observed the ugliness and taken some measurements. He swore the kitchen crew to secrecy and then snuck in again to assemble them once completed. They’re still here. They’re still perfect. Owen told me at some point that he was testing new fasteners and sealers and just needed a guinea pig. If you know Owen just a little bit, you know he’s a masterful craftsman who did not need a set of shelves to practice his art. I’m telling this story now because it’s important to me to try and convey the appreciation we carry for the support we’ve received over the years. Many times last week I was asked the secret of a small business in a small town surviving for 50 years. None of it’s easy, but the answer is. And it’s no secret at all. It’s the people, the relationships, the community that have taken a fancy to this old barn, believed in what we do and have lent a hand. It does indeed take a village. Next time you’re in, ask me to show you the wine rack Andy built or the Catalpa tree that Jason has adopted, cabled, pruned and fertilized. I have a hundred more examples. Like our friends from Anderson Acres lending us a hay wagon so we could participate in the Memorial Day parade. Why not? We lean on our farmers every day. Heck, on the night of our 50th Barniversary Fire Chief Doug parked 67 cars in the main lot surpassing his own record by four.
“What do I owe you, Chief?”
“I could sure use a cold Mich Light!”
Every single day takes a village.
Okay let’s talk music for a bit…
The first album I ever purchased as a CD…yup, I’m that old! And my musical taste has never been mainstream…
First CD I bought was an album by Windham Hill artist and founder Will Ackerman entitled Passage. 45 seconds into the first track, Remedios, a fiddle from another galaxy enters with phrasing and tone like nothing I’d heard before. Haunting. Gorgeous. My first introduction to Darol Anger. This album is still among my very favorites. A definite on my “desert island 10”. I met Darol once about 7, 8 years ago here at the Bull. Matt Flinner was playing and he asked if it was okay if his trio brought a guest. Of course! I had no idea who it was until I stepped out of the kitchen to introduce the band to the audience. I think it’s the only time I had no idea whatsoever just what to say. Star struck! I tell you all this because I’m over the moon thrilled that Darol Anger will be playing here again this summer. Twice!!
Once with our dear friend, and Americana legend, Bruce Molsky and again with acoustic supergroup, Mr. Sun. Unbelievable.
Wanna know what my summer plans look like? I’ll be out on the patio listening to these and other brilliant musicians under summer, farm town skies. Yarn returns! Erik Koskinen returns. Foucault returns. Canty returns. Our good friends from North Carolina, Time Sawyer return. The Brass Machine. On Father’s Day! Jim Gaudet, Reese Fulmer, Chris n Tim, Oona n James, Art n Shawna, Mike O’Donnell, Angelina Valente, Big Soul Ensemble, Jazz Fest II , Anthony da Costa and I’m sure I’m forgetting a bunch. Point is, we have a great summer ahead of us. It’s artists like these, and the incredible work of Aaron Kovacik’s Dream Lab Productions…all these folks taking a chance and believing in the value and power of live music that recently earned us the recognition as Eddie’s Alternative Venue of the Year. We’re just warming up!
We don’t have a huge Social Media/website maintenance/music management team here. I promise, we’re working on the calendar and the Socials. In between butchering briskets, shucking clams, baking bread, and tending the gardens. We’ll get caught up soon. Promise!
I can tell you this…Reed Foehl is here on Thursday. A brilliant songwriter/storyteller/all round nice guy. I booked him on short notice because we love him. You will too if you give him a shot. Chris and Tim are here on Friday. Two of the busiest musicians in the land for good reason. And our patio is a much cooler place to be than the madness of downtown. This or any weekend. Speaking of cool, Scott Hopkins Jazz Trio on Sunday. Yup, Jazz. On a banjo. They’re great!
What about Wednesday you ask?!
Wednesday is still family 4 pack takeout enchiladas night. Best deal in town. This or any town. And all bottles of wine…25% off. This and every Wednesday. Can’t shake a stick at that!
If you’re still reading…thank you! For all of it. 50 years, 6 days. It’s appreciated.
Pet the dog
Hug a farmer
Kiss the chef
Tip the band
Love a barn
Enjoy Beef
(518) 882-6962
