Open Mic in Branson: a photo essay

[Harry Styron]

There's an open mic on Wednesday nights about five blocks east of my house in Branson, Missouri, at the Paddlewheel Pub, a floating restaurant on Lake Taneycomo.

For an open mic setting, it is hard to beat, with a nice breeze off the lake.

The guys who run it are friendly and welcoming. Here's a uke player with a tail signing up. I've heard that many kids are wearing tails lately and have asked the school administration to install litter boxes for them in the restrooms.

Here's my wife returning to our table after making a deposit in the tip jar. Today is our 48th wedding anniversary. We used to be regulars at open mics, but hardly ever attend these days.

It was fun to see old friends, but I've lost interest in hanging around just to play for a few minutes.

 

['64 Tele]

Happy Anniversary to you and your wife!
May have to check it out since I've retired and my wife is off this summmer.

 

[Harry Styron]

Happy Anniversary to you and your wife!
May have to check it out since I've retired and my wife is off this summmer.

Come on over early and we’ll work up a couple of tunes.

 

[sax4blues]

Any band which has two vintage white with maple fretboard Telecasters is alright with me.

 

[Harry Styron]

Any band which has two vintage white with maple fretboard Telecasters is alright with me.

The telecaster of the guy seated is actually paisley-ish pink. I own a creamy MIM tele with a maple fretboard, which looks great to me.

 

[uriah1]

Congrats on being able to play on your Anniv and Your anniv.!
Also, getting anniv present in tip jar

 

[That Cal Webway]

Nice pictures, and happy anniversary that's great!

 

[Harry Styron]

Congrats on being able to play on your Anniv and Your anniv.!
Also, getting anniv present in tip jar

We didn't play and only paid into the tip jar. But it was a nice anniversary dinner, and we're still happy to be together.

 

[sax4blues]

The telecaster of the guy seated is actually paisley-ish pink. I own a creamy MIM tele with a maple fretboard, which looks great to me.

I see a second Tele on a stand in the back.

 

[Harry Styron]

I see a second Tele on a stand in the back.

That’s the same one the guy with the headband is playing in another photo.

 

[sax4blues]

Counting had always been a challenge for me.

 

[don71]

Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing.

 

[P Thought]

Today is our 48th wedding anniversary.

Happy anniversary, Harry! You two should give it 48 more before you make any rash decisions.

 

[RCinMempho]

Love that area. Happy Anniversary!

 

[Old Plank]

Happy 48th to you and your wife!

 

[elihu]

Happiest thoughts to you and your lovely wife Harry. And you’re a real positive guy around here imo so keep it up.

And I was waiting for someone else to mention it but since no one did…tails?

It’s not like it’s a formal evening event.

 

[41144]

Pic 3 ... the guy on the right is clearly having fun

 

[Harry Styron]

Pic 3 ... the guy on the right is clearly having fun

He’s about 80 and not in good health, but pushes himself to go out and play two or three nights a week. He’s the best picker on the stage.

 

[Harry Styron]

Happiest thoughts to you and your lovely wife Harry. And you’re a real positive guy around here imo so keep it up.

And I was waiting for someone else to mention it but since no one did…tails?

It’s not like it’s a formal evening event.

Thanks, Elihu.

In a few seconds of serious research, I learned that some tail wearers are are Therians.

The alleged requests for litter boxes in school restrooms may be propaganda aimed at discrediting Furries, who may also wear tails for reasons different than Therians.

Litter Boxes for Students Who Identify as Furries? Not So, Says School Official

A Michigan school superintendent debunked the rumor after a video from a December school board meeting resurfaced in which a speaker airs concerns about students who “identify as cats.”

www.nytimes.com

Two-hole privies were still behind schools when I was young.

 

[elihu]

Thanks, Elihu.

In a few seconds of serious research, I learned that some tail wearers are are Therians.

The alleged requests for litter boxes in school restrooms may be propaganda aimed at discrediting Furries, who may also wear tails for reasons different than Therians.

Litter Boxes for Students Who Identify as Furries? Not So, Says School Official

A Michigan school superintendent debunked the rumor after a video from a December school board meeting resurfaced in which a speaker airs concerns about students who “identify as cats.”

www.nytimes.com

Two-hole privies were still behind schools when I was young.

I too feel a spiritual connection with an animal. Here’s Abby relaxing with me on my day off. But listening to her snore is enough!