live music

Fish and chips, live music and ghosts

/ Roadtirement / 14 Comments

We had the chance a few days ago to return to what we like to think of as “our favorite bar” called The Oxford Saloon in downtown Snohomish, Washington. Snohomish is north of Seattle and east of Everett. The Oxford has been a part of Snohomish since 1900.

Inside the Oxford Saloon

The Oxford is known for its paranormal activity. Back in 2020 before the pandemic, we had our own private tour given by Rebecca Caden, General Manager of the place who graciously told us the many stories of hauntings on all three floors of the saloon.

Jalapeno poppers, loaded nachos and stuffed potato skins

Basket of hand cut piping hot fries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The food at the Oxford is known throughout the area as some of the best bar food.

My favorite: 3 piece Fish and Chips w/hand made slaw

Half a French dip w/fries, au jus on the side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We discovered the Oxford back in 2014 when we were antique shopping. We were in Seattle to celebrate the birth of our grandson, and thought the Oxford looked interesting. Thus our enjoyment of the Oxford began and continues every time we visit our Seattle family.

My “Lemon Drop” cocktail

Sher’s Hot Buttered Rum

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Oxford offers live music every evening except Mondays. We checked prior to our last visit and were glad to see that the Battista Brothers would be on stage. The Baittstas are local favorites and perform marvelous acoustic rock music.

The Battista Brothers on stage at The Oxford Saloon

We were certainly not disappointed with our evening at the Oxford. Our Seattle family was with us and also enjoyed the food and entertainment. We have been to several places during our travels that have been very enjoyable and ones where we would enjoy a return visit. The Oxford Saloon in Snohomish is still our favorite place to eat, drink and enjoy live music. This old historic haunted bar is a joy to visit, is always filled with good live music, friendly patrons and an excellent staff.

 

 

Return to the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish

/ Roadtirement / 9 Comments

Sher and I first patronized the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish, Washington in the fall of 2014. We had driven from Indiana in our new RV to the Seattle area as our daughter and son-n-law were expecting their first child. Being the dotting grandparents we are, we had to be there for that blessed family event!

Stunning scenery on the way to Snohomish

The classic 1900’s exterior of the Oxford

We had been antique shopping along Main Street in Snohomish, a lovely little town north of Seattle. Needing a break we stopped at this interesting looking old bar named the Oxford Saloon. We split a basket of hand cut fries and enjoyed a couple of sodas. Thus began our love affair with the Oxford.

Enjoying our custom made drinks

Every bar needs a moose…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sher and I went with our daughter, son-in-law and grandson Tuesday afternoon late. We got there in time for Happy Hour, and our server Jenny made special “Christmas Season” drinks just for us. Not only were drinks a special price but all of the appetizers were also $2 off. We had been seated when we noticed several folks with guitar cases coming into the bar. We had picked Open Mic Tuesday.

Delicious fare: Burger & fries, Fish & Chips, Mac & Cheese, Potato skins, Loaded Jalapenos and Pretzel bites with beer cheese

All of our food was most delicious. Sher and our daughter enjoyed the appetizers, our grandson loved his burger and fries, and I absolutely relished my 3 piece Fish n Chips. I’ve been looking forward for this! (Every time we have visited over the past 8 years, we always make it a priority to enjoy visits to the Oxford.)

The place was full!

Good music!

 

 

 

 

 

At six the first pair of musicians took the stage.  By that time the place was packed with people. The crowd was lively and very nice and friendly. This bar has such a wonderful atmosphere, no judgement, be yourself, be accepted and have fun.

B&W sometimes works best

There is that creepy doll, a fascinating story

Back in January, 2020 Sher and I were fortunate to have a private tour given to us by Rebecca Caden, General Manager of the Oxford Saloon. We both have interests in the paranormal, and the Oxford is one of the most haunted places in the state of Washington. Rebecca was kind enough to provide us a tour of all three stories of the Oxford including the history of the hauntings in each building area where sightings were observed. This link will take you to our post detailing that tour. Check it out, you will find it very interesting.

All in all, we cannot say enough about what a wonderful facility you will find in The Oxford Saloon and Eatery. Becoming “regulars” at the Oxford is a goal that we would love to obtain. Yes we really love this place and truly enjoy the food, staff, and of course the live music. Special hats off to Jenny who served us well.

Blues at the Indianapolis Jazz Kitchen

/ Roadtirement / 19 Comments

Sher and I had a most enjoyable time last night at a small music and dining venue in Indianapolis. The Jazz Kitchen is noted for providing an intimate and cozy space for drinks, dining and being up close to the evening’s entertainers. We shared the evening with Sher’s best friend from High School and her husband. Fun conversation sharing travel experiences and activities were had by all during dinner.

The live music was played by a duo of Blues performers supported by drums and bass guitar. The artists were Gordan Bonham and Paul Holdman. Bonham is well known in the Blues community, and Holdman brings an eclectic flair to his guitar work.

The first video gives you a flavor of the quality and energy of these artists and Bonham’s vocals. The second video highlights the marvelous guitar work of Holdman. Enjoy!

We had a marvelous time at the Jazz Kitchen! You can’t beat  this kind of evening: good food, marvelous entertainment and of course a close and warm time shared with old friends. Doesn’t ever get much better than that…

Total immersion at Teatro ZinZanni show in Seattle

/ Roadtirement / 5 Comments

We had heard about it, we had looked at the web site, but nothing prepared us for the extravaganza that was our evening at the Teatro ZinZanni Seattle presentation of A Night Like This. It’s hard to describe, but here goes:

Imagine walking into a real life vintage circus tent. This tent, made in 1910, has fine wood work, mirrored walls and wood floors. Fancy does not do justice to the opulence of this structure.  Our daughter and son-in-law arranged for us to all go to the show.

Entering the world of Teatro ZinZanni

Striking fabric ceilings in the lobby

The lobby offers coat check, a full bar, and even a “Boutique” for purchasing boas, masks, hats and other trimmings for your outfit. We were seated at our table big enough for 8, but private for the four of us. It was an amazing sight to see how ornate and big the tent was!

The walls are ornate, table is set

Orchestra stage in background, seating where the action takes place

Right after we got our drinks, things started to happen. Cast members started roaming around, interacting with the crowd. The show had started, even tho there was no official “start”! It was time to start eating: course 1 was a delicious beet salad. Keep in mind that this evening includes a full 4 course meal, each served with a flair by waiters/actors. The spacing of the courses is just perfect.

Cocktail time!

My two beautiful girls

The star of the show, Christine Deaver, brought laughter and mirth throughout the evening. Her singing was terrific, and she brought members of the audience into her act several times. Her improve work is sensational and she keeps the audience in stitches.

Christine, photo courtesy of Teatro ZinZanni

Christine, photo courtesy of Teatro ZinZanni

The orchestra is just, well, fabulous. The variety and quality of music those four guys put out is incredible. Throughout the show you will be treated to songs that will bring back memories and get your hands clapping and foot a tappin’.

Both seating and performance area

The salad course: delicious beets

Words cannot describe the excitement you feel when viewing the gymnastic and aerialist acts. An international cast ads to the quality of these performances. The thing about this show is that there is always something going on. When a center stage act in not happening, cast members are wandering around having fun with the crowd. Star Christine liked and felt of Mike’s hair, and another actor repeatedly stated he liked my mustache. You are totally immersed in your experience at A Night Like This.

No photography once the show starts, so we had our group photo taken by the in house photographer

Sher and I have been to many places, events and entertainment venues during our years on the road. We both feel that our night at Teatro ZinZanni Seattle was the best and most unique of any we have experienced. We would strongly suggest that you also attend a performance.