As often happens, yesterday afternoon suddenly turned unpredictable for me, in a fun way.
While out and about, hoping to snap some photos, a surefire idea popped into my head: drive over to the Samuels Store and take some rose pictures.
The gas station/convenience store/restaurant on HWY 95 and the Upper Pack River Road grows a neat variety phenomenal and super photogenic roses in their flower pots out front.
As I pulled into the parking lot, I remembered the construction activity that has been occurring for the past few months behind the store.
I soon learned that this area, which they call The Back Yard, has culminated into an amazing and highly esthetic concert venue. And, it's still a work in progress.
Just imagine the view of picturesque Walsh Lake with a backdrop of the beautiful Selkirk Mountains.
Then, add the new additions, like a gradual amphitheater with comfy bright green lawn seating.
The surrounding scene is accented with an impressive waterfall display along with sculptures of herons and attractive planters with colorful flowers.
The stage, with its artistically designed dancing area out front, offers a great view of the musicians, topped off by the vista of that scenic little lake and those magnificent mountains.
Above the music area, the outdoor eating areas for the restaurant appear to have grown, and there's a food truck ready and waiting.
All in all, it's an expansive and tastefully designed entertainment area, sure to become a local favorite.
While strolling around taking photos, I met John Firshi. I have to admit that I'm not a frequent participant in the local entertainment scene, so I did not know at that moment that John is well-known around the area.
In my usual friendly interrogation, I learned that he originally hailed from Grand Rapids, Michigan. That was a magic word to create an instant bond: my mother spent her teenage years at Marywood Academy, a Catholic boarding school in Grand Rapids.
So, in our conversation, I learned that John was there yesterday afternoon because he would be performing with his guitar and his vocals last night in that beautiful setting.
After our visit, I drove home, and when Bill came in from the woods, I asked if he'd like to go listen to John after dinner. Bill was amenable, so off we went.
John was about halfway through his concert when we arrived. The evening temperature was as pleasant as pleasant can get. A small but very enthusiastic audience was scattered about near the stage and up at the tables near the restaurant.
We loved the music and the solo dancer who knows all the words to the songs. And, then there were those mountains and that lake. After the sheer comfort and enjoyment of this spontaneous outing, Bill and I agree that the new outdoor addition has added a premium touch to the Samuels Store and gas station and The Blue Heron Restaurant.
Good times ahead in The Back Yard.
The great part: you can enjoy the food and great service, appreciate the fuel, listen to a variety of musicians, take in the beauty and top it all off as you walk along the front of the store and smell the roses.
John has been performing his unique
style of eclectic music around the Northwest for 15 years and has a very
wide range of influences.
He has been part of many diverse projects and
has provided guitar accompaniment and production assistance for other
northwest recording artists. John has drawn from his experience as a
supporting musician to develop his own style of original music.
“I enjoy musical styles have a certain familiarity yet still create the opportunity for improvisation, that’s what keeps it fresh and exciting. Music is an ever evolving conversation.” (jf)
“I enjoy musical styles have a certain familiarity yet still create the opportunity for improvisation, that’s what keeps it fresh and exciting. Music is an ever evolving conversation.” (jf)
Learn more about the establishment, along with its menu and upcoming events.
I didn't really intend to turn today's post into an entertainment column, but I guess it is what is today.
Two cool stories about local entertainment appeared in today's Daily Bee. One is about Sandpoint's most notable award-winning actor Viggo Mortensen. Viggo is becoming more and more involved in the community over the past few years.
He does radio disc jockey gigs on Radio Station KRFY, and occasionally he brings his movies and himself to the Panida Theater.
Another Viggo event at the Panida is scheduled for Aug. 29. Read more in the top link below.
Meanwhile, the story below features a much-deserved recognition of everybody's local friend Carolyn Gleason, founder of "Lost in the '50s."
Congratulations, Carolyn, and your sidekick for this honor.
Once more, we count our blessings that we are so fortunate to live amidst all this beauty in both nature and among the people who contribute their talents to make our community special.
Happy Wednesday.
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