Tim Twitty and family have one of the most wonderful family-run establishments I've ever set foot in. I couldn't be happier to be returning for two nights this time. The best way for me to tell you how I feel about this place is to have you read what I wrote about my first appearance there on September 12, 2005: "This may be one of the best nights I've ever had in my career as a musician. It was that good! The room is small, the air conditioning unit is a little noisy, it's a cafe setting with the normally-dreaded presence of "food". (Ask any musician to tell you a horror story about a "food gig". We all have one or more of those stories to tell.) In this case, none of the conventional wisdom applied. I always try to keep my focus on playing as well as I can and remembering that I am there to serve the audience. A performance is definitely a me-at-the-center-of-attention type of operation but in another sense it's not supposed to be about me. (I'm not only referring to the Gospel, per se, but just the sheer mechanics of a concert night.) But having said that, I'm only human. I can tell when the applause is "polite", when the talking rivals the music, etc. Whatever professionalism I've developed over the years usually carries me through these less-than-ideal situations. But there are some nights where the chemistry is just right. ... Tim & Kelley Twitty (and their seemingly endless supply of kids who all help out with the place) were just incredible. ... All in all, this was the sort of night where I'm certain I received much more than I gave." I expect wonderful things for both of these July nights. Please contact them in advance to let them know you're coming and to get more details on the evenings ... seating is limited to about one hundred in the room, so show up early if you can. By the way, the food is really good. I did a virtual after-show sampler plate last time, so if you come hungry it'll definitely be worth your while.

AFTER THE GIG REPORT:
Geesh. Where do I begin? Both nights were a pleasure. Tim Twitty pointed out that due to driving considerations, Friday would probably be more locals and on Saturday more folks would drive in from out of town. Generally speaking, that was the case. Although I certainly repeated some songs on Saturday, I pulled a lot of stuff out that I hadn't played for awhile. ("Madness Dancing", "Together All Alone") There really is no adequate description for how cool this modest little place really is. You have to be there. On the culinary side, I became reacquainted with two old "friends": Pavilion's homemade French dressing (purportedly from "Grandma's recipe", God Bless her soul) and what I've christened the "Totally Righteous Carrot Cake". Oh my goodness. I also met the man behind the desserts: Eric a.k.a. "Stumpy" of Stumpy's Sweets. I don't know his last name, I assume he has one. There is apparently nothing untoward about the nickname "Stumpy", just something he got saddled with and decided to stick with. The cream cheese pie, the Italian cream cake, the aforementioned carrot cake. Honestly, it's a beautiful thing. Let's just say the Pavilion after-concert meal is the perfect end to a perfect night of singing.

Pavilion Coffee Shop * 1301 State Street * Cayce, SC 29033 * 803-936-0500 *