Some tips on Yoshi's, especially for Bob or anyone else who hasn't been a regular.
- They usually have two shows per night, 8 and 10. If you go to the 8 and they haven't sold out the 10, you can get in line outside and stay free for the 10 if there's room.
In the old days (former location) this worked almost always, now it's a bit less certain, but on a weeknight your chances are probably at least 50/50. If you ask them on the phone, they tend to be a little optimistic about whether they're going to sell out.
- If you go for the 8:00 show, do it right. Make a dinner reservation, get there about 5:30 to stand in line (doors open at 6), go in to check out the stage setup and stick name tags on your chairs, then have a great dinner and enjoy the show.
Great sushi, and other Japanese food. I particularly recommend the grilled calamari appetizer. Oh, it's a one drink minimum per show, so go easy on the sake during dinner...
- Parking is in the same building, and only a few bucks if you remember to get validated (self-service stamper by the door).
- If it's someone you really want to see, and are willing to pay for both shows, then you get the privilege of reserving seats for boths shows (same or different as you please) - but pick both before the first show.
- It took a while, but they've done a great job of working out the acoustics in the new place. The PA is hung from the ceiling above the front of the stage, so if a vocalist were involved you might prefer to sit halfway back or so (all of 3 or 4 tables), though otherwise I'd go close for more of the direct or acoustic sound. But it will sound good pretty much anywhere, so you might prefer to think about who you want to be able to see well (assuming you get there early enough to check it out).
I'm still thinking about going myself. I agree that these are three greats, but it somehow strikes me as an odd trio (won't elaborate unless pressed). I've seen Tyner probably half a dozen times, dating back to the mid-70's in some Boston club, and at times he's been very high on my list of favorites. I think in this case my main reason for going would be to see Stanley, because I have not yet, and I think it's a safe bet he'll be playing mostly (maybe all?) upright in this setting (sorry, Keavin, but this is Tyner's show, not a Stanley jam-fest).
I'll let you know if I'm coming, and if so offer to stand in line for you, in case you're having trouble just getting there in time for the show. And here's another tip: if you're going to start at Alembic, forget the wineries - you're not going to make it :-)
-Bob
(i guess i've been gone so long i'm now The Other Bob - Bob TOB?)
