It’s not exactly a news flash that good acoustic music venues are sparse around here (and, well, pretty much anyplace these days). That’s why we appreciate it so much when kind- and like-minded people open up their living room to a house concert…or when someone like our pal Allen realizes that a museum with a monthly free “First Friday” event just *might* be good spot to introduce the unsuspecting patrons to a bit of music whilst on their travels to the latest exhibits.

The Santa Cruz MAH (Museum of Art and History) has been featuring music as part of their First Friday festivities for over two years now. It’s since been the monthly site of – along with free admission to the latest exhibits – concerts featuring songwriters, [mostly] acoustic bands, the occasionally jazz ensemble, and even seasonal gatherings (i.e., a Latin band during the weekend of Day of the Dead last October.)

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I’ve been there a few times, and last Friday I played again, doing a little guest set during a break from our pals Jay Howlett, Rolfe Wyer, and Patrick Feehan of the BlahBlahWoofWoof ensemble.

A fun event that draws a bunch of nice people. There might be better ways to spend a Friday, but I sure can’t think of any.

Well, except maybe this:

If you happen to be in San Jose THIS Friday, I’ll be drafting behind Jay Howlett on yet another gig. He and I are both appearing as part of the three hour extravaganza known as “Steve Kritzer and Friends” at Santana Row. It’s a free concert from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Besides Jay and I, Steve will be accompanying Shelley Franklin, Chris Welkey, and a bunch of other folks he regularly plays with. Hope you can join us. And did I mention this one’s free?