Armando's - a refuge of friendship and comradarie for musicians & locals alike

This coming Friday, November 4th, we all have a chance to do something important for Martinez!  Armando's is having a benefit and the following story is mine - and one that many can likely relate to in having this gem of a venue...and Armando's needs our help!  Please read on...

It was 2007 - I had just divorced and with no kids realized after about 10 years that I had lost touch with a lot of friends. Those I still was in touch with had changed chapters too--married, doing the kid-rearing/raising thing, moved to other areas of the country and world in pursuit of careers.

I needed a reboot!  Since our family business is in Martinez I thought it prudent to get back yonder, instead of living near the bay, so as to save time/money in driving.  I rented a bachelor pad (loft above another house in the 'burbs actually) and was immediately thrust back into that 'let's see what happens tonight' mode all the time.

It wasn't all newness to me--a year or three earlier I came upon a really cool old building in Martinez on Marina Vista that had a quasi-stage being built and had a look of great potential, and it was in no time that music would be played there.  First really informal stuff seemed to happen and then a little more musicality emerged. People were murmuring about artistically-painted chairs in random themes and growth-patterns. 

See, I wasn't really super familiar with much going on downtown--our family business I mentioned--that's located on the other end of town in an unlikely spot!  So I hadn't really frequented downtown much, instead hitting local deli's nearer my work and some spots that no longer now exist. 

But this little place, at 707 Marina Vista, had been borne and was quickly creating a vibe and buzz.  It certainly got me looking and listening more to what was happening around town more.  And why not, as I had learned (and have blogged a bit)!? 

Yet...this place--which if anyone knows anything knows it's Armando's--(in my humble opinion) was and has become somewhat of a molasses (not glue; instead much more of a flavorful sweetness) for the community of Martinez.  The musicians, those who appreciate musicians and original songwriting, the local restaurants and beckoning of those to come, I think in part came as a result of the re-inspired energy from this new little wonder called Armando's.

Roy Jeans, the owner (and grandson of the aptly-named venue title namesake), was a character when I first met him.  Still is in some ways.  I certainly was confused the first few interactions I had with him...probably because he may have been sizing me up just the same as I was him...but can happily say that over the years I have become friends with Roy and appreciate his understated sense of humor and wit.

And I'd venture to state on behalf of many readers who know him - we're ALL appreciative of the special place he has created in Armando's.  A place where many, including myself, have first discovered, then liked, then wanted to play and play more, from which then cannot seem to stay away for longer than a week's spell!

The artists that come vary from hardly-known to well-established, from alt-country to bebop jazz and blues just the same.  And even when some of us dare to venture past the safe zone towards 'commercialized' music (a "no-no" there), there's still the class of Roy to accommodate the people who come to this place enjoy it without protest.  And it's a place that makes you want to perform there.  It's a place the makes you want to hear and see performances there.  A place where I've made many friends over the last 4-6 years. 

Martinez should be so fortunate to have this wonderful venue. I know restauranteurs have specified busier nights when Armando's has those of the same. I know dozens of musicians that have played there and have stretched in their abilities since being there.  And I know the people of Martinez are better for having such a sweet spot. 

This coming Friday, November 4th, is a big day at Armando's.  I'd like to invite any and all of you to participate as much as you can - it's going to be a benefit for Armando's, as well as a Birthday Celebration for Roy, and in such, it's going to be a night of "Live music with Roy and friends of Armando's with surprise guests".

I'd like to see every musician I've known or met through Armando's show up and support Roy on this special evening.  It's the least we can do in return to the man who's made it possible for us to enjoy and be a part of creating memories we'll cherish for a lifetime.  And in these times of economic struggle, of course all are understood that sacrifices are difficult.  As such, please know that we're entering the season to express thanks, show appreciation for sacrifice and support to keep the future of that same magic surviving! 

For more information, please see  http://www.martinezvibes.com/webcalendar/view_entry.php?id=1212&date=20111104 or feel free to message myself for any details. 

I'd love to see all of you there this coming Friday and let’s bring as much support as we can with us.  Roy has helped us—let’s now help him and keep this place going!!  It takes a village...