Fresno Famous

Live music. It's not often that a person with such a massive family life takes the time to go out

and enjoy it. First off, it takes effort. Second, it takes knowledge of the local scene. Third, it takes money.

And here's where all these mix together like a sticky little pie. I have to get some clothes on that are presentable and ugh, find my car keys and my purse and finagle my way into a date night which means kid coverage and getting my man on board. But I also somewhere along the way have to pretend I'm hip enough to know HOW to find out about something happening let alone find said happening and THEN. THEN I have to dig up the cash. Nuff said there.

So in the interest of kindness and the season and sharing, et al, in case anyone out there was unaware: Sunday nights, Tokyo Gardens, open mic jazz. FREE.

Also, AWESOME. Under the organization (I presume) of Mike Dana, music professor at Fresno City College, amazing, wonderful jazz happens on stage. We sat near the bar, ordered up some drinks

and sushi and watched a series of talented players rise from around the restaurant to play a song of two. The music was fantastic, the atmosphere downright joyful, and there was no cover charge. Other than what we ordered, our date night was free.

So happy holidays. Don't say I never gave you nothin'