Who can forget Eric Clapton’s stellar performance on MTV’s “Unplugged” series, or the doleful sounds of Kurt Cobain with only an acoustic guitar? Anger transformed into angst. As the late, great Elliot Smith once said, “If you play acoustic guitar you’re the depressed, sensitive guy.” And that could be just what the Abbey Coffee lounge on Mission needs. The nonprofit café was once famous for its free weekend shows and monthly open mikes. Then the neighbors complained about the noise. Then the Planning Commission stepped in and notified the police that the Abbey was having wildly popular shows without an entertainment permit.
So the Abbey compromised. It received its permit, downsized its stage, and got a smaller amp. The only thing it would not compromise on is the quality of its music.
Don’t expect the Stones to show up soon for one of their surprise live concerts in a bar. You’re more likely to find aspiring singer-songwriters, and an eclectic variety of musical tastes from folk to hip hop. But the music still plays, because the show must go on. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
