NEW ERA DONS FOR NEW MUSIC LOVERS
Temecula, CA – Perhaps because I came from towns that had long since been developed and commercialized before I came on the scene, my life here in this valley has been a different experience from that standpoint. I watched the first KFC and DQ come to Murrieta. I’ve seen the hills get mauled into housing pads and kids go from being home-schooled to become moms and dads themselves. And just when I thought the new music scene had grown into the next logical step, going from a small under-the-radar coffee shop gathering to a coffee bar specializing in music shows to the next level venue with The Vault, I was witness to the next level of music participation and growth for this area, and something quite extraordinary for any locale. It happened like this:

On a whim, I happened to peddle my bike over to The Vault yesterday afternoon shortly after my day job ended. When I walked into the back door and down one of the hallways, I saw an old figure I knew was back on the scene once again. It was Java Jo’z Johnny (see yesterday’s T-town tidbits, ‘Bands, Birthdays, and the Beat Repeat’). Surprised as I was to see him and glad too, since the last time I saw him he was suffering from a foot injury, what took place a few minutes later brought a more pleasant revelation. Standing in the side parking lot, chatting it up after an impromptu tour of The Vault, we, Eddie, Charles, Ivan, Tony, Johnny, and myself, were joined by Riccardo, whom I introduced to Johnny. Johnny, exercising the poise that turned Java Jo’z into the coolest spot between LA and SD for a year, put out his hand in friendship to Ric, and said, “You’re invited to my place for a free cup of coffee. Let’s talk about doing some cross (marketing) business together.”
Riccardo shook his hand and said, “I’d like that,” with all the charm and class of a Grand Prix race driver. It was a genuine Kodak moment. Whatever the direction the new music market here in the valley takes, I feel that I was there at the starting line, and you read about it here, first!