You missed a good one

You should have been there, Ron, such great local talent, and this time doing true blues. Three different bands, bunch of guest performers. We'd arrived at 5:20. All the good tables were already occupied but within ten minutes it was clear we were lucky to have a table at all.

My friend and companion knew many of them from his years as a bouncer in a couple music halls. We were by the door so every time another came in, cries of greetings went up and the musician would walk over and exchange hellos. 

The place became packed. Max occupancy is 146. One co-owner, a friend of our's, was walking around every twenty minutes, counting heads to ensure the occupancy didn't go over. 

I enjoyed a bit of dancing and a few pints of Moosedrool brown ale, which was quite fine. It was a good way to spend a cold night but weirdly, it was strange being in such a club without any cigarette smoke.