I worked some long, exhausting hours this past week and I was one tired puppy come Friday night. Part of me wanted to just flop in bed…at 7pm! But the other part (the smart part) knew that Happy Lucky Combo was performing just down the street at Elwood’s Coffee–luckily, the smart part prevailed. I whipped up a quick dinner (turkey deli meat rolled up with a slice of cheese and chased with a swig of milk) and walked the four blocks down the street to the corner of Elwood and Thompson–I love my neighborhood! I can wander to any number of places within blocks of my house, have a beer or two (that’s exactly what I had–2 beers) and listen to a great band or chat with buddies. So I was already happy going in. Then I got instantly happier. You can’t help it when you’re exposed to the carnival-like sounds of Barry, Pippin and Dave.

But don’t take my word for it. Here’s just a taste of their happy lucky sound in their song Peanuts and Popcorn. And since like attracts like…this accordion, drum and bass trio often attract some wicked talented musical guests…this time it was Emily Avesian on the clarinet and baritone sax. Richmond belly dancer Khalima also joined in and completed the magic. Holy belly jiggle, she can dance! Check out this video posted to YouTube by one of the many spectators that night. That coffee shop was packed to the rafters with happy, clapping and stomping folk, me being one of them.

Happy Lucky Combo posts their upcoming gigs on their blog. I strongly suggest that you catch the next one.