This time, their open mic contained the “Favourite Acoustic Performer of Pittsburgh”, Dave Pahanish. At first I was iffy – the man is built. His songs reference the fact that he’s a guitar playing football star. He… he is intimidating as Hell to a little rob like me – but his voice and his songwriting were beautiful. I was truly blown away. Songwriting in a very James Taylor, Jackson Browne tradition – with a voice like a cross between Ellis Paul, Jackson Browne, and Steve Perry from Journey.
After Jozarts, we followed the Jozarts crowd down the street (and around the corner, and under a bridge, and over a bridge) to Lagerheads, a bar where Dave is running HIS open mic, and we get to see him in full form, replete with electrical tape pedal board and miked cardboard box and … and… and you’ll understand if you see him. We’re bringing him home with us.
That night, we got to fulfil our dream of sleeping at Jozarts, and we retired to a foldout couch in the middle of the art and wood and tall-windowed beauty of what may well develop into my favourite … (coffeehouse? art gallery? tattoo studio? venue?) … place.
As we’re thinking vaguely about turning in, Dave actually drops in after wrapping up Lagerheads, and we end up putting on a little concert/swap session/mutual admiration party for Bish and Jay (the owners of Jozarts). We swap covers and thoughts and tips and music. Being so close and personal, I grew a whole new appreciation of Dave’s voice and finger-picking style. I still don’t think it’s right that you get to be a Sensitive Singer/Songwriter AND Big Football Player with Boyish Charm, but… Hell, what’re you gonna do?
Oh – note to self – old hard-wood floors – splintery as Hell. Wear your shoes.