Second Saturday Salon

Nicolas Bearde Aug. 13, 2011 | August 16, 2011

Thanks to everyone who came out to support this fabulous singer. Nicolas Bearde brought a room full of soul, swing and swagger! His song choices reflect his strong baritone pipes and range. Our small venue gave him the perfect opportunity to reach the audience. His jokes and general carrying on engaged the fans and kept the smiles on everyone’s faces. And what a treat to have Glenn Pearson on keyboards! I’d buy a ticket just to hear Glenn alone.

Kenny Washington joined Nic in the second set with a searing duet.

 

 

In the audience we had 2 artists who were showing their work that night. Melissa Martin brought over a dozen paintings. All displayed her confident brush strokes and a fearless color palette. The urban and industrial landscapes she paints attracted me. I see beauty in the vast planes of objects-colors found in an urban view. Her colorful rural subjects are a continuation of the California landscape tradition dating back to the early 20th century.

 

 

 

 

 

Showing 2 paintings and 2 stunning sculptures, Alphonse Generalao was a suprise treat. A friend of Melissa, they paint together sometimes. Their similar Bay side landscapes testify to their shared vision. Alphonse’s sculptures were Japanese Sumo inspired. The softly polished terrazzo bust of a wrestler radiated weight and calm. The other piece was a bronze of a wrestler frozen; poised on one leg caught during a ritual display before a match. It was full of tension and time interrupted.

 

 

 

 

 

In keeping with our habit, we made food based on the band’s preference. Nic is from Nashville orginally so we made Southern food with a NorCal spin. Instead of grits we grilled polenta as a base for some BBQ flavored black eyed peas with greens and carmelized onions. There was a 3 cabbage cole slaw with a spicy Dijion dressing. Desert was cupcakes and triple chocolate cookies with a kick of cayanne pepper.

All these performers are busy working the Bay Area, so look for their names when you are planning a night out. www.nicolasbearde.com

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