NEWSLETTER

JANUARY, 2005

The Purple Onion will be closed from January 1 through January 12. We need the time to recuperate from the pleasure of serving you during the year. Do not despair, however, because there follows another wonderful month of music:

JANUARY 13 – GIGI DOVER. What better way to start the new year than with this favorite of ours.

JANUARY 15 – DESCHAMPS BAND. This group of very young and talented South Carolinians is making its debut at the café.

JANUARY 17 – ROBERT SEILER. Soothing piano music for your dining enjoyment. All tips go to the Children & Family Resource Center.

JANUARY 20 – REBECCA MARTIN. You will love this New York City-based singer/songwriter’s jazz-influenced ballads.

JANUARY 22 – HICKORY GROVE. Bluegrass returns with our old friends from Green Creek.

JANUARY 27 – CHUCK BRODSKY. Speaking of old friends, we welcome Chuck back to the café. Fans, mark your calendars.

JANUARY 29 – ROCK KILLOUGH. This Alabama-based well-traveled singer-songwriter returns with his unique gospel, blues and country sound.

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At this time of year, the media is full of retrospective summaries of the high (and low) lights of the year. We are also usually brimming with hope for the new year, perhaps even more so this year because 2004 has been one of the most traumatic ones the United States and the world has ever experienced. We are trying to forget what we didn’t like about it (for example, the 49% of us who voted for the other guy in November) as we recall some of the things what we liked, hoping perhaps that our memory of them may become some sort of a talisman to carry us into and through 2005 safely.

It is also a time when the Purple Onion takes stock of itself and the many customers and musicians who have graced our space during the year. Two of the nicer things that have happened to us were the arrival of Shand Howie and Michael Alton. You have probably noticed Shand as the tall, good-looking “new” guy out front greeting, serving and making you welcome to the cafe. Michael (equally tall and handsome) you don’t see as often because he is back in the kitchen whipping up those incredibly delicious meals that you have come to love. The new menu and extra specials available most nights exemplify the depth of his imagination and skill as a chef. Both Shand and Michael also help Susan Casey manage the café.

One thing that you may not know about Susan is that she is retiring from the Polk County

Board of Education after 12 years of faithful service. Here is a quote about Susan from the current chair of that Board: “She had a very clear vision as to what needed to be done for young people and a passionate commitment to see that it got done.” One of the things that she accomplished during her tenure was to get the Saluda School designated as a North Carolina A+ (arts integrated) School which combines elements of interdisciplinary teaching with arts instruction from staff and guest artists. She says: “I like how much more collaboration there is between teachers and the artists – it enhances the kids’ lives and enhances their educational experiences.”

The main reason that I wanted you to know this about Susan is that it exemplifies the vision and commitment that she and her terrific staff have invested in the Purple Onion to make it what it is. This dedication includes providing extraordinary food and outstanding music in a relaxed and friendly environment where every one feels welcome.

We could not do what we do without your continued support and for that we are grateful. We also want to thank the many musicians who have performed here over the years and told us how much they love the place and how well they are treated here. It is a labor of love for all of us.

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Most of us have heard the phrase “what he needs is a good talking to” which normally is invoked when we are trying to get some one to do or believe something we think is the right or correct way to behave or believe. The current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, suggests that what we really need is “a good listening to”. Our world is so full of talk and more talk that we no longer listen to or hear what others have to say. We are usually so intent on sharing our own opinions about things (whether invited to or not) that we have lost interest in really listening to what others have to say.

Bill Moyers, who just retired from “NOW”, a PBS program he started a few years ago, was asked by an interviewer why he had so many people on his program who have different points of view than he does. He said, “I guess that I am just an old-fashioned liberal who wants to listen to all points of view.” He obviously feels that we should be open to new information that will probably enhance the quality of our opinions. I agree. Further, I think that we learn most from people we don’t agree with than we do from those that do. So. . . .I plan to try to listen more this year. Maybe you can join me.

Happy new year from all of us at the Purple Onion. We’ll see you in 2005.

Robert Seiler
Purple Onion Café
www.purpleonionsaluda.com