I started coming to a few Friday happy hour shows about 2 months ago. I've been to 4 of them so far. I learned that Old I, as it is known around Sacramento, began free entertainment during happy hour around the first of the year. Mondays feature Heath Williamson and friends, with $5 dollar "guest chef" dinners. Not sure about Tuesdays, but Wednesdays has a bluegrass jam, Thursdays is Folk music with Jenn Rogar and Friday's is billed as Hippie Hour with William Mylar.
This review is about the Friday Hippie Hour shows, which begin at 5 PM. I'm not sure why it is called Hippie Hour. Maybe because Mylar has a pony tail.
First, there is no cover. Mylar puts a tip jar out, but I can't believe he is performing for 2 1/2 hours for just tips. He usually has a mandolin player with him, named Ken. Different musicians show up and perform with Mylar every week. They are all exceptional. Most of the music is acoustic. There is no drum kit, but I've seen bass players use a small bass amplifier and all the other instruments and vocals go through a small PA. The music has a full sound, but not loud. In fact, people talk during the show and you can hear them over the music. If there is a down side, it is the audience chatter. Personally, I don't like it, but on the other hand the show is very laid back and the musicians don't seem to pay any attention to what I think is rudeness.
Mylar seems to play every kind of music under the sun. He has quite a number of solid original songs, but will play requests that are often barked out by people in the audience. All 4 shows I saw were completely different. It looks like Mylar uses an iPad on a music stand and he must have every song ever written, because I've seen him play Jazz, Classic Rock, Blues, Motown, Big Band, Latin, World Music, Reggae, Country, Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, and more. He is probably the best vocalist I have ever seen and the musicianship is always incredible. He often jams with the other musicians and they are all outstanding. Like I said before, I can't believe these people are performing for tips and drinks. I always tip at least $5, but I would not mind paying the same ticket price as any major name act. This guy is THAT GOOD!
Old I serves free hot hors d'oeuvres during the show. They had chicken wings, meatballs and little pizzas when I was there. The food is very good, too. They also have bowls of pretzels and other bar snacks in the bar area. Drinks at the bar are average prices and everyone talks about their Manhattans, which are supposed to be the best in town. I've never even had one before, but some elderly gentleman bought me one to try. It was good, but I am usually just a beer drinker. I prefer the Blue Moon on tap.
I notice there are about a dozen or so people who are always at these shows and they seem to be Mylar's friends and family. I figure that is what must make for an intimate, friendly and casual atmosphere.
I find it very relaxing and really enjoy the great music. Old Ironsides has really got a great thing going with this concept. With free food and free live music, I expect more people will start showing up. I just hope it doesn't get too crowded. read more