Mexicali Blues Cafe

 

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Chris G.

New York, NY

One of the most interesting (and somewhat sad) things about the NYC music scene is that the best venue to see live music is actually located across the river in New Jersey.  To start, this 300 person room named after a song often covered by the Grateful Dead boasts the following amenities/advantages over other local venues:

- Shows are never sold past capacity.
- Reasonably priced drinks
- Great sight-lines from anywhere in the room
- Easily the most brilliant sound of any venue in the area thanks to a powerful Meyer PA system and thousands of dollars of acoustic panels lining the walls and ceiling
- You can even get some great Mexican/Southwest food to start your night off with a nice dinner or as a mid-show snack if you get the munchies and the kitchen is still open.

However, there is one far more important attribute that separates Mexicali from other venues in the area. THEY ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT YOU HAVING A GOOD TIME!

At a time when most venues are owned by large companies and shows are controlled by large promoters, Mexicali is a throwback run by one owner and a small local promoter.  You won't have large gruff bouncers yelling at you to line up the proper way outside the club while you await a pat-down that could double as a hernia check.  You won't have to deal with angry bartenders pouring watered down drinks.  Security is minimal and respectful without bouncers bullying their way with flashlights through patrons during the show.  And finally, when the show is over and the lights come on you will usually find the owner and promoter standing at the exit shaking hands with those departing while saying, "Thanks for coming out tonight."  When is that last time you saw that happen on the other side of the river?

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Rob O.

Long Valley, NJ

I'm not feeling very expressive today so I'll copy a review on the venue that I book.  I'll write one up next Friday after the Kimock/Porter show.

 Review of David Grisman at Mexicali Blues

David Grisman Quintet :: 11.19.06 :: Mexicali Blues Cafe :: Teaneck, NJ

David Grisman :: 11.19.06
It was no surprise that when David Grisman returned to his hometown, his extended family showed up. Relatives and friends lined the walls of the Mexicali Blues Cafe in Teaneck, NJ, as Grisman mingled with them prior to the show. Nobody cramped his style or rushed up to him because this crowd was full of courteous fellow Bergen County natives. Fans and friends kept their composure during the show as well; no one spoke while The Dawg picked, making the acoustics crystal clear.

His first set was a mix of classics, which was fantastic, and the crowd reacted with great appreciation. Between songs he joked about being born and raised in Hackensack, and all his relatives in the audience cheered. Despite the recent change of personnel, the bond on stage was extremely tight. His second set was almost the entire new album (Dawg's Groove), and it received as much, if not more, applause from the audience as the first set. His encore included a medley in which The Dawg sang a verse or two of "Shady Grove."

After the encore most of the crowd left, but those who remained got the opportunity to meet Grisman and shake hands with a true legend. He came out to the merchandise booth, signed CDs, and posed for snapshots with whoever asked. In a time when promoters and venues sell over-priced backstage passes to the upper crust, it was humbling to see Grisman among his fans and family. When the opportunity comes your way, go see the David Grisman Quintet and bring your whole family. Dave did!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

JamBase | New Jersey
Go See Live Music!
http://www.acousticdis...
[Published on 12/8/2006]

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Elite '08

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Monica H.

New York, NY

You love Jerry Garcia?  You will love this New Jersey oasis!  Live music, great vibes...fabulous acoustics.  And the mexican food is really good...a few vegan numbers to choose from.  Lots of parking on the streets of Teaneck.  This NJ venue is 8 minutes from the GW Bridge off Route 4 bang a right at Queen Anne's Road and you're there.  Scarlet Begonias and a touch of the blues here at Mexicali Blues.

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