How do you salsa dance? Easy, first drink. A lot.

After working at Grand Central Music all day selling guitars (the things we resort to to survive!) I went down to the Drum Circuit to watch my friend Dale Moon give a free drum clinic. I showed up mainly to support him, I already know his schtick, but I wanted to represent as a friend. To my surprise, it was standing room only. As I drove up people were literally standing outside, straining their necks through the door to catch a view.

Then to Grappolos, the best jazz gig in town. Oh, how I miss that place. Darryl Voss plays there every thursday, and for the last two months, my schedule didn't work with his rotating cast of players. Now it's the 'Darryl Voss Latin Trio' with Larry Errone on Piano, who is a superb latin jazz player.

The vibe in there is so happening. It's turning into the hip spot. The people I recognize were people I know are too hip for me. And I'm pretty hip, dammit!

Beautiful shaking of the hips, people lost in the rhythm. Dim lights, loud atmosphere. Drinks flowing, the owner being a big fan of Latin music. Building up energy with thematic, climactic solos that ecstatic reactions from kids who don't normally listen to jazz.

I'll be there every other thursday for the next two months, and it's now the highlight of my week.