On the Boardwalk
On Sunday night, Rick and I decided to go bar hoping on the Boardwalk while in Ocean City, MD. We hit up a few bars and then took a walk further down the Boardwalk. We ending up at the Brass Balls Tavern for a drink. As we were leaving, there was a young man sitting on a bench playing guitar and singing. His brother was playing a small hand drum behind him on the wall next to the beach.
Rick and I sat down next the kid and listened to him play a few songs. We learned his name was Ben and he was in a small band from Morgantown PA. At some point, Rick turned and said, “This guy here plays a little guitar,” and pointed to me. Ben encouraged me to play and I took his guitar and started jammin’ with his younger brother, who had a really great feel for the rythm.
We jammed for a song and then another kid came up to us, trying to impress his girlfriend, asked to play a song. With Ben’s permission, I handed him the guitar to learn that he had no idea what he was doing. He gave the guitar back and asked me to play something he knew. He requested some Sublime, but I told him I’d only play if he sang. After a little convincing, I started playing and singing “What I got”.
Before I knew it 5 or 6 additional people came by and were listening. I took another request and then played “American Girl”. After the first chorus, I looked up and saw that the people from inside the Brass Balls Tavern were standing on the patio singing along and following the clapping which Rick lead. I ended up playing a few additional songs and after 15-20 minutes there were about 20 people gathered around singing and laughing. Another impromptu show. Thanks again to Ben and his brother for letting Rick and I have a little fun with their instruments.