On a third Thursday I had plans to attend a number of art openings downtown. I had another commitment that kept me from getting to the openings on time. I rushed downtown and got to the galleries just as the shows were closing for the night. I walked in and out of 3 shows in short order knowing I would not have enough time to do a sketch. I was then left wandering the streets hoping inspiration would strike. A biker gang pulled up in front of a bar with gorgeous custom choppers and after they all parked curbside, I crossed the street for a closer look. I started roughing in a sketch but something about the bikers activity left me feeling they were not staying long. I decided to walk up to them and ask if they were planning to stick around. They said they were illegally parked and just resting, they would be gone in ten minutes. Again in agony I decided to pass up the sketch opportunity. As I wandered the hot humid streets I passed this Tiki Lounge and felt a cool blast of air from the air conditioning from the open door. That breeze was enough to lure me inside where I immediately sat down and started sketching the music act, named John Neff. He played a soothing mix of contemporary pop tunes. As I sketched I heard the roar of the biker gang as they rode by. A woman walked up to me and asked to see what I was up to. As it turned out she is John’s mom who came to watch her son play. Later a man approached me and wouldn’t you know it was John’s dad.
