Who are The Tall Pines? I asked myself the same question a couple of years ago while attending 30a Songwriters Festival. Our friend Dr Music suggested that we add them to our list of artists to see during the festival. With Dr Musics recommendation we joined the crowd at Central Square Records for a listen and waited with anticipation for The Tall Pines.

Who are The Tall Pines?

The Tall Pines consist of Connie Petruk and Christmas Davis. Although band consists of only two people their singing and musical talent deliver a big sound. Always playing interesting lyrics that draw you in with emotion, heart, talent and humor.

Connie is mesmerizing with her vocals while somehow shaking a tambourine and playing drums on an alligator skinned suitcase. Truly, I was in awe of her ability to do all three at once. Wearing a smile and high energy she rocks a caftan like no other person that I have ever seen.

Connie’s partner Chrismas AKA Chris is a great match with his guitar skills, strong vocals and high energy. Chris is a gifted songwriter. He writes music that you may connect with about life, love and even Dirty Cousins. You will find music steeped in his Southern roots filled with flavors of heaven and earthly temptations.

All of the music is good whether it’s songs from the past or world as they see it now filled with beauty and heartbreak. In my opinion, creative talent is attractive and exudes a certain sex appeal that draws you in. The Tall Pines have “it”. However, you may choose to describe what “it” is. Grill Man and I have seen The Tall Pines lure a silent audience from toe tappin’ to foot stompin’ and off their chairs.

We were intrigued with the idea of hosting The Tall Pines in our home for friends. Did we want to host a house party? We liked the band; would we like them once they stayed in our home? Dr Music helped us with the details and making connections with Connie and Chris.

What kind of music do they play?

With a date selected, we went about the normal routine of planning a party. Soon after the invites went out, I called Dr Music and asked him to describe the genre of music for The Tall Pines. I loved The Tall Pines, but I needed to be able to describe it to my friends. At times, their unique sound makes you think of a multitude of musical styles. Dr Music gave me an answer about the genre, but I realized he was smarter than me when it came to music. I had no clue about genre he mentioned.

With time in flight, our date arrived before I knew it. Grill Man and I were looking forward to hosting The Tall Pines. Wearing smiles and happy hearts our guests arrived at our home. Grill Man tended 35 pounds of Boston Butts slow cooking while I introduced our guests to our little town. Time was short so we would hit the highlights including a visit to see Dr Music before the show started.

Fast track to the private house concert and while our guests were preparing for the show we waited in anticipation. Friends arrived with a dish to pass and beverages to share. After breaking bread, we settled into the back deck for our musical treat. Our new friends did not disappoint and delivered the “shack shakin’ foot-stompin'” music they are famous for.

As night closed in on the day, The Tall Pines belted out sweet soulful songs about love and loss. A give and take exists in the melody as lyrics weave in and out of the show. The Tall Pines represent the music world beautifully with their desire to create and share music even for random strangers.

Live music delivers

Everyone enjoyed the show and will surely return if we manage to lure Connie and Chris back to our secret hideaway. While they were visiting, I tried to tempt them with breakfast on the porch, Southern BBQ, Conecuh sausage, Mimi’s Never Fail Spirited Blueberry Bundt Cake and more.

Grill Man and I thoroughly enjoyed introducing The Tall Pines to Fairhope. All of our friends loved the music, house concert experience and meeting the artists. I will let you in on a little secret, as great as the music is that wasn’t my favorite part. Our conversations that we shared on the porch over breakfast and coffee were special.

Discussions ranging from life as we know it in Alabama to the fast paced electric Manhattan. Small towns versus big city life taking into account things we love and challenges for both. Subjects ranging from music, cooking, traveling, life in general, politics and our ever changing world. It is refreshing to speak with someone that may share a difference of opinion on a topic and is willing to discuss without evoking anger.

How else will we learn from each other if we can not take the time to listen and hear another view point? Clearly, our environment, families, education, income and overall life experience help form our opinions. If we don’t open our minds to engage with others how can we improve our world?

In our corner of the world, we were happy to host Fairhope’s Sweet Gift of Music from The Tall Pines. Our home filled with original music, love, great food, interesting people and conversations from all walks of life. What is better than that?

Love from Mimi’s Kitchen

Lagniappe– Report to www.TheTallPines.com and pre-order the newest release Skeletons of Soul. A great gift for anyone that loves soul, music and vinyl.

House Concerts– If you want to be added to the list subscribe to my blog for future updates on Mimi-Happenings.

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Live at Five is my new favorite hip Fairhope outdoor event. Great weather, cool Concert Series and awesome amphitheater. Perfect event for all ages. Lovely way to spend an afternoon with your friends in a small or large group. Event is held at Halstead Amphitheater on campus of Coastal Alabama Community College.

Have you attended Hip Fairhope Outdoor Event?

Surely, I would hope by now that everyone has attended at least one concert. If not, what are you waiting for? Live at Five event is free to public. Donations are accepted to support continuation of series. Bring your chair, blanket and picnic basket loaded with your favorites. Remember to bring everything that you need with you or you may find yourself cutting cheese with a wine opener.

Moreover even if you don’t know the music, go and try it out. Be adventurous.  Great outing for date night. Get off the couch, leave your computer, phone, and enjoy an evening outside. In any event, what do you have to lose? Please send me a comment and let me know what you think.  Red Clay Strays play April 27th as part of the series.

Before the show, park by the campus early and head over to see one of my favorite bartenders at Tongue and Groove. I love trying the newest Boozy Sodas before seeing the concert. Then  quickly hydrate with lots of water while enjoying the show, people watching and surroundings.

Besides, Coastal did a great job on building the facilities at Halstead Amphitheater. All in all venue has easy access, plenty of space and clean bathroom facilities.  Recently I have noticed food trucks being added to the events. Namely, everything is there to offer a relaxed environment to listen to music. Clearly the community is supporting the Live at Five series.

Local band Roman Street offers International Flavor

On Friday, Roman Street delivered a great performance of new and old songs from their growing body of work at hip Fairhope outdoor event. Indeed, Noah and Josh Thompson have a great joy for music and Jazz Fusion. Jazz music filled with an international flavor from the Classics all the way to Gypsy, Latin and Flamenco.

Especially playing music that sounds pure and not over produced. Guitar strums played from the heart. Notes filled with passion and sometimes longing mixed in with an upbeat tempo. Morrison Brothers as an addition joined well with Roman Street on Friday. A very talented Bongo player beat a rhythmic edge along with the band and another musician played different instruments. None of which do I know the name of but I enjoyed his performance just the same.

Joyous expressions show that this group enjoys playing together. I hope to see all of them again soon. Long ago I added Roman Street  to my kitchen music list. Finally, support band and buy cds. More importantly, we want to make sure they continue offering us new music. Yet,  Alexa will share Roman Street if you ask nicely provided she understands “your Southern”.

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Local wine distributor Grassroots Wines offered  wines that were easy to drink. Kimberleigh Kelley offered a lively review of the vineyards as wine flowed. Wines ranged in price from $9.19 -$24.17 per bottle.  Everyone at our table enjoyed the wines and magically made the  wine disappear.

Preference of wine is so very personal. Grill Man and I share a love of wine. Over time we have taste tested many varietals red and whites from different countries.  We enjoy wines we know and  yet love also discovering new selections.  Attending a tasting is a great way to road test a wine without committing to a bottle.

Traveling to different locations allows you to explore wines from the region. In the US everyone knows about Napa wine and  lovely grapes from California. Other areas in the US are buzzing with fabulous grapes waiting for discovery. Imagine how cool it would have been to visit Napa before it reached the height of popularity.

In Washington, Walla Walla and Willamette Valley have excellent wine country.Grill Man and  I have been to Willamette Valley and toured  a few vineyards.  Sadly, it was far too long ago. On my wish list  for wine travel is  swinging a trip to Washington’s Walla Walla. In this area you may visit wineries set among estate vineyards that allow for touring through wine country or downtown offers a large number of tasting rooms.

Fortunately for me attending a local wine tasting event in lieu of Napa or Walla Walla was easier to manage after a long day at work. Meeting my friends for group therapy and the tasting made it all worthwhile.  Since you were unable to join me at the tasting, plan your own tasting using the menu below.

Local Wine Tasting Event Menu

Ca Furlan Cuvee Beatrice Prosecco paired with West Indies Salad

Domaine des Gerbeaux Pouilly Fuisse paired with Shrimp Linguine in a Garlic Wine Reduction

Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot  Noir 2016 paired with Barbecue Glazed Salmon

Eagle Glen Napa Valley Cab Sauv 2015 paired with Sausage stuffed Parmesan Crusted Mushrooms

Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 paired with Smoked Tenderloin
Wine Spectator named this #12 in Top 100

Scholss Gobelsburg Riesling Gobelsburg paired with Baklava

Each time I emptied my glass I secretly wished for more wine. At my table, I was not alone.  Earlier in the week, when my friends invited me to join them at the tasting I was surprised to learn the place,  Piggly Wiggly.

What? Yes our local grocery store Piggly Wiggly. Wine tasting at The Pig. Winning combination for a fun evening, wine, friends, food and your local favorite grocery store. Check two items from your busy list, groceries and wine. Although, I would probably shop first and then settle in for the tasting.

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Prior to stepping on a board, I watched a video online and read a couple of articles. Laird Hamilton is a rock star of water sports. Laird’s site offers great information for anyone interested in learning about SUP.

Located a spot to rent boards and managed to convince a couple of friends to join the maiden voyage. I fell head over heels in love with this sport from day one. Paddle boarding was an answer to a prayer.

To paddle or not to paddle?

1. Paddle- if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature
2. Paddle- away and embrace freedom on the water
3. Paddle- if you love being on the water
4. Paddle- if you need to relieve stress
5. Paddle- if you need to exercise or lose weight
6. Paddle- for a fun activity to share with friends or family
7. Paddle- if you want to meet people
8. Paddle- into the sun and watch the sunset dip down
9. Paddle- to relax and find your happy place
10. Paddle- away from all technology
11. Paddle- just because want to

In my early days of paddling, I tried to paddle when ever I could find the time. A few of my friends paddled with me occasionally.  Surprise filled me when I learned everyone does not love paddle boarding as much as I do. Clearly  I wanted to paddle. In a hurry, I needed to find other paddle boarders.

Need a lesson so you may join Local Paddle Group?

Over a long period, I eventually found my way to like- minded paddlers, like John. John Manelos owns  Fairhope Paddleboard and provides lessons for anyone wanting to learn how to paddle. John is a cool guide and perfect person to introduce you to this sport.

I love the sport of paddle boarding. Once I purchased my board, I wanted to paddle as much as possible. The light bulb eventually lit and I posed the question on a local social media site. “Would anyone like to join a local paddle group?”  Delighted is the best way to describe the way I felt when I saw the amount of response this question posed.

I immediately set a date for our first paddle. Seven people showed up an hour before our Local Paddle Group paddle to take a lesson from John. All seven had never paddled before. No one fell in the water that day. Thankfully, the water was smooth like glass and certainly assisted their lesson.

Things to consider when paddling

Paddle boarding is dependent on the weather cooperating. Mother Nature has a schedule all of her choosing.  It is important to check the weather before a paddle and look at the radar for your area. At times, we delay the start of our Local Paddle Group and chat on the side lines while waiting for Mother Nature to blow through.

I have paddled many times alone and enjoyed the solitude of the paddle. Being on the water alone does increase the risk. As we all know, accidents occur and the timing always catches us by surprise. Paddling with a group helps reduce issues that may occur with paddling alone.

Since I started the local paddle group, it has provided a paddle partner for everyone that has joined. I am happy to say that I have met some very lovely people in our group. If you want to join our group, email me at paddle@diningwithmimi.com. Our group has zero fees, meetings or obligations, it’s all about the paddle.

Over time, I hope to plan paddle trips to unique places to paddle. I am happy to have the bay close to where I live so that I am able to paddle after work. Paddling is a perfect way to relieve the stress of the day while you watch the sunset dip down. Paddle and play is a perfect way to end a day. Meet us at the beach, if your game.

For related articles view the following:

Paddle now and dine later

Make ahead Beach Menu- Freeze Transport

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