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Mystery & Manners Dispatch From San Francisco

Dispatch From San Francisco
11/3/07

Notes written on a back porch facing Mt. Tamalpais, known to locals as "Mt. Tam". I arrived Thursday under a thick fog, but clear evening. My accomodations are provided by The Birthday Girl--Christine King and Pete Sienkiewicz. I met Chris & Pete when I began writing for Hittin'The Note in 1997. Pete served as publisher and Chris the office manager in those days.

On Friday, in Fairfax, California, we drove up Bolinas...Fairfax Road to Mt. Tamalpais Watershed (Azalea Hill Trail overlooking Bon Tempe Lake) for an austere view. I met Kevin--a lawyer from Canada, wearing a STAX t-shirt (ah, the irony Kevin) who reminded me how far "The South" is from most places in the world.

I must say San Francisco exceeded my expectations. We drive past George Lucas' home in San Anselmo. The Victorian architecture out here evokes some distant reverie...a crossroads of time...or maybe that's because my watch still reads Atlanta time. We ate at an atmospheric joint called The Barefoot Cafe. Very quiet neighborhoods with a lot of open space line these historic streets.

Francis Ford Coppola's magazine Zoetrope originated out here. I've outlined the provenance of the Honorary Southern Artist including Garcia and Tom Waits. Out here...their ideas are progressive...land of computer moguls, prescription marijuana and Old Gold Money. Out here, you can see where the south might seem like a cliche to these kind California folk.

Ironically, as she pours coffee for me. Christine reveals, "You know, I know all these people through the Allman Brothers..."

 Soul Brother Kirk West arrived Friday...he'll be in for the party tonight. I met a lot of nice folks so far. Tonight, the Yonrico Scott Band (with Ike Stubblefield) plays Christine's 40th Birthday Bash. Down the street, Marc Ford plays at the Independent. So, I'll make my way over for PART THREE of A Day In The Life of A Great American Guitarist. Tonight's the night...I'll report back in the early hours...

James Calemine

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