THE BLUESN'AT

Ever wonder what the “n’at” in blackngoldnat stands for? Well today it stands for the blues. As a blues enthusiast living on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, it’s hard to find a place that offers live, home-grown blues music. The rising cost of fuel and the headache of parking in traffic make it near impossible to drive down to the city to catch some good tunes. Usually, the only way that is feasible is to do an overnight trip. It is, indeed, hard to do when you have “blues on a budget”. Recently, I’ve stumbled onto a place in Bethel Park that has been featuring some of the best blues the ‘Burgh has to offer without the hassle of the road trip. Frank’s Pub on route 88 in Bethel Park has been bringing in the big guns of blues in Pittsburgh. In the past few months, I’ve seen Sweaty Betty, Jill West and Billy Price, to name a few. It’s a small venue but they manage to really pack ‘em in. Guest musicians will even come up and join in the fun. Frank himself will step out from behind the bar and help out on harmonica. The food and the service are both very good. You get plenty of food for your hard-earned buck, too. Frank usually has bands once or twice a month on Saturday nights. He plans on having Jill West and Blues Attack back in April.  Billy Price is due back in May. Gary Belloma and the Blues Bombers are scheduled for June. If you want to see some kick ass blues but can’t get to the city, check out Frank’s. But get there early, the place fills up quick and parking can be tough.  They always like to warn you, too, don’t park across the street, you will get a ticket.  Only problem is, there isn’t a dance floor. You’ll have to boogie at your table or your spot at the bar. Smokers bring a jacket. It’s a non-smoking establishment. Hope to see you there for the next gig. Get ready for some jammin’ blues!