It was a Sunday night the 3rd of July and a last minute gig that had been booked just the afternoon before. Off we went towards the Eastern Shore to a little town named Daphne and a little place called Manci’s Antique Club. It has been a landmark for the area for years and we almost lost it when the family who owned it, chose to close the doors. Happily, two guys (Harry and JT) purchased it and decided to re-open it under that same familiar name.
It is not fancy, not modern or polished nor even shiny. They kept most of the original feel of the place. There are antique guns on the walls and old bottles on high shelves out of reach. There are plenty of pictures of days gone by hanging on these walls. Horse shoes and old tools of the past, hang as makeshift chandeliers and decorate most walls.The original booths remain as they sat for so many years; most of them have damaged upholstery, reminiscent of all those years of use. Tables have been added to provide additional seating inside and outside on the new patio.
I am so happy they kept the bones of the original place and just shined up the skin a little bit. When folks walk in, the atmosphere is funky and welcoming; for me it has been lifted to a higher level of special. Live music is a staple here and only the best are booked to share their talent with the wonderful people who come to listen.
On a personal note, my deceased brother-in-law, McDuffy Smith (Mac) spent many hours in Manci’s as he visited when he came home. He caught up on the time he missed while at sea and laughed with his fellow Merchant Marine buddies and his landlocked friends right here inside the walls of Manci’s. It was at one time his favorite place to go when he was in port. I sometimes feel him still lingering there as I look around. He was a good man with a heart of gold and he loved Manci’s.
For me, I always have a smile as we head in that direction for a night of music, good food and fellowship among happy people who just want to enjoy life. An added bonus is a
bartender there named Garrett who is gorgeous and so nice. There is a term that we never used when I was younger but I think it appropriately describes Garrett. He is Eye-Candy!
On this particular night I was in for a real special treat. Two of my dear friends, one I had not seen for many years, surprised me and came walking through the doors of Manci’s. My heart lifted almost out of my chest as I looked up and saw them (Beverly Swanson and Minnie Gwin). We worked together at the telephone company for many years so long ago and they are two of the nicest ladies a person could wish to have as coworkers. Also, Bobby Harvey and his beautiful wife Heather joined us. I have known Bobby since he was in elementary school. (It is rare to see him as he is so busy with his business and his family these days). We talked a little, ate a little and listened to music a little. What a wonderful blessing it was to see them.
So many people came to enjoy the Eve of the 4th of July and to just let down their hair a little. They had decided to step away from all the worries and work for a little fun. There are times when we must break free and come out to rejuvenate and restore our souls, this was the perfect time as we geared up for the holiday of fireworks and family.
Donna Hall Foster joined me at my table with Pat and Jenny (a couple of wonderful friends) and my niece Rachel. Donna is a fabulous person, fabulous singer and fabulous friend. She came and filled our large table with her beautiful family (including Stan, her good-looking musician husband). She got up and sang a couple of songs with Eric to everyone’s delight. There is none better than this lady. (She and her band “Wet Willie” were inducted into the Music Hall of Fame in Alabama and in Georgia). We were also graced with the presence of Catt Sirten, a local celebrity, a great friend and one heck of a guy.
It was a time of gathering, a time of music, food and laughter. The night was made unique when Julie Pittman reminded Eric that he played a kid song called BINGO for her people at Mobile ARC. Donna’s granddaughter Charlotte (a precious little girl), said “yea Bingo”. The evening rolled itself up into one big ball of Goodness; as the entire audience joined Eric in singing B-I-N-G-O for Charlotte. She sang along perfectly and as I watched, I could see Charlotte is likely to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps. She has the same beauty and the heart it takes to be a real star.
Many of us stood outside near our cars talking, reliving the night and discussing a little bit of everything after the show. When you love people and lovely people surround you, LIFE IS SO GOOD! Thank you Manci’s (Harry and JT) for giving us a place to recharge our souls and add so much brightness to our lives.
As I stepped into my car, I looked back and whispered, "Goodnight Mac"...
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