#sarah bucky. piano bar au

[tllgrrl]

ICYMI.

I wasn’t ever going to write one of those Coffeeshop AU…until I sorta did.

But before all that, due to a delightful graphic by The @idontgettechnology —who I will be ever grateful to for inspiring me to jump into this fic pool in the first place—I had an idea, was granted permission to play, and ended up writing a Piano Bar AU.

This is The Meet Cute, but there is a link to Chapter 1 if you so desire.

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

(Moodboard and prompt by @idontgettechnology)

Chapter 4: Vamp ‘Til Ready

Summary: Both of them are busy at their tasks, but not so busy that they don’t steal glances at each other when one isn’t looking.

* * * * * * * * * *

Sarah briskly walks up to the entrance of the bar just in time to see Carlos—family friend and employee of the Lighthouse since her father opened the place way Back in The Day—washing the windows and talking to a man about her age who looks to be unloading a delivery from a truck parked near the entrance of the bar’s service alley.

This man was lifting a couple of kegs of beer…like they each weighed no more than a toddler.

He and Carlos (aka “Mr. C” to just about everybody) are engaged in a friendly argument when he looks over, sees her, and completely stops talking.

The elderly gentleman looks over at who he sees, shakes his head and smiles, then continues to wash the windows and opine about all things baseball.

“…it’s a different ball game these days, son! A whole new…”

If she hadn’t been in such a hurry she maybe would have slowed down a little to get a better look…

(He’s actually…kind of—stop it! Things to do. Keep walking!)

…but she had to do a quick inventory, then grab the licensing paperwork and get downtown before the line got ridiculous, which would throw her off schedule and make her late to go pick up the kids from school.

Continuing into the building, she hurries past the bar, and into the office.

There’s the photo on the wall of Mama and Daddy in their younger days, and Mama’s desk in the same spot it’s been for as long as Sarah can remember.

She also sees, over in the corner on the floor, a large black backpack with a dark navy blue pea coat folded neatly on top of it.

Sam had mentioned that a friend from New York was helping with some renovations and upgrades, and had also gotten a Responsible Vendor (RV) Permit so he could step in and bar back when it got really busy.

Her brother described this friend as “Good People. Really great guy, but kind of…complicated.”

The minute her brother said that, she didn’t have to ask if this friend was also a fellow veteran.

(Who the Hell isn’t complicated these days?)

Keep reading on AO3…

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6

[davidisen]

NYC Music I Like June 21-27

...trad jazz, Gypsy, swing, bluegrass, choro etc. w/ folk roots & virtuoso ensemble playing... Explanation/disclaimer.

[Caution! Please verify with musician, venue, etc., before going. Send updata here.]

Allied music listings with overlapping tastes: Jim's Roots and Blues Calendar.  Eileen's Lindy Blog - This Week in Swing.

This Week

Wednesday, June 21, 3 PM: Svetlana & The Delancy Five w/ Svetlana (vocals), Rob Garcia (drums), Jun Chin (piano), Endea Owens (bass),  Corey Wallas (trombone), JS Willams (trumpet), Mike Hashim (reeds). Joe's Pub Outdoor Stage (near Astor Place). 5:30 PM: David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, this week w/ Dennis Lichtman (clarinet). Birdland (Most Wednesdays.) 9 PM: Cait & The Critters. Radegast.

Thursday, June 22, 9 PM: Gypsy jazz jam, Fada. (Most Thursdays.)

Friday, June 23, 6 PM: King Solomon Hicks. Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park. Info. 7:20 PM: The Grand Street Stompers w/ Tamar Korn (vocals), Gordon Au (cornet), Dennis Lichtman (clarinet), others. Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park. Info. 7:30 PM: Margi Gianquinto (vocals), Sam Kulok (guitar), Mike Karn (bass). J House, Riverside CT. 8 PM: Regional de NY, genuine Brazilian choro. Barbes. 8:40 PM: Svetlana & The Delancy Five w/ Svetlana (vocals), Rob Garcia (drums), Jun Chin (piano), Endea Owens (bass), Corey Wilcox (trombone), JS Willams (trumpet), Mike Hashim (reeds) and special surprise guests. Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park. Info. 9 PM: Madison McFerrin. Rockwood One. 10:30 PM: Fridays at Mona's, Brazilian choro w/ Regional de NY. Mona’s, 14th & Avenue B.

Saturday, June 24, 11:30 AM: Tara O'Grady Quartet w/ Tara (vocals), Michael Howell (guitar), David Shaich (bass), Michael Hashim (sax).  Tanner Smiths Tipsy Tea Jazz Brunch. (Most Saturdays.)  Noon: Caramoor American Roots Music Festival w/ The Brother Brothers, Eddie Barbash Band, Jefferson Hamer, Sarah Jaroz, Rhiannon Giddens. Caramoor Center, Katonah NY. Info/Tix. 12:30 PM: Joel Forrester, solo piano. Cafe Loup. 1 PM: Garden Party Quartet frequently with Emily Asher (trombone). (Most Saturdays.) Fraunces Tavern. 6 PM: Sean Cronin (bass, vocals) & friends. June residency, Barbes. 7 PM: Svetlana & The Delancy Five w/ Svetlana (vocals), Rob Garcia (drums), Jun Chin (piano), Noah Jackson (bass), Charlie Caranicas (trumpet), Mike Hashim (reeds). The Roxy. 11 PM: Jon Davis (piano). Mezzrow.

Sunday, June 25, 11 AM: Svetlana & The Delancy Five celebrate Ella Fitzgerald Savoy Ballroom and Verve Recording years! With Svetlana (vocals), Rob Garcia (drums), Jun Chin (piano), Elias Bailey (bass), Charlie Caranicas (trumpet), Christopher McBride (reeds). Brunch at City Winery. 11:30 AM: Tara O'Grady Quartet w/ Tara (vocals), Michael Howell (guitar), David Shaich (bass), Michael Hashim (sax). Tanner Smiths Tipsy Tea Jazz Brunch. (Most Sundays.)  1:30 PM: Koran Agan Trio w/ Koran (guitar), others. Radegast. (Most Sundays.) 5 PM: Roda de Choro w/ Regional de NY. Genuine Brazilian choro with a slight NYC accent. Beco. 5:45 PM: Terry Waldo's Gotham City Band. Fat Cat. 8 PM: The EarRegulars usually w/ Jon-Erik Kellso (cornet), others. The Ear. (Most Sundays.) 8 PM: Glenn Crytzer Trio w/ Hannah Gill.  Blacktail. (Most Sundays.) 9 PM: Stephane Wrembel & his band. Barbes.  10 PM: Baby Soda Jazz Band w/ Jared Engel (banjo), others. St. Mazie. (Most Sundays.) 10 PM: Irish (and more) session hosted by Tony DeMarco (fiddle). 11th Street Bar. (Most Sundays.)

Monday, June 26 7 PM: The Brain Cloud, w/ full band, to wit, Tamar Korn (vocals), Dennis Lichtman (clarinet, mandolin), Raphael McGregor (lap steel guitar), Kevin Dorn (drums), Skip Krevins (guitar), Andrew Hall (bass). Barbes. (Most Mondays.)  7 PM: The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra w/ Glenn (guitar, tenor banjo, & vocals) w/ regulars such as Sam Hoyt (cornet), Mike Davis (cornet), Jason Prover (cornet), Joe McDonough (trombone), Matt Musselman (trombone), Jay Rattman (reeds), Matt Koza (reeds), Dan Block (reeds), Ricky Alexander (reeds), Jesse Gelber (piano), Ian Hutchison (bass), Andrew Millar (drums), Hannah Gill and Dandy Wellington (vocals, alternating weeks). Kola House, Chelsea. (Most Mondays.) 8 PM: Vince Giordano & his Nighthawks, with an array of the best traditional jazz musicians in New York, Iguana. (Most Mondays). 8 PM: Tara O'Grady Quintet w/ Tara (vocals), Vinny Raniolo (guitar), Rene Hart (bass), Dan Pratt (sax), Austin Walker (drums). Tanner Smiths Monday Moonshine Jam speakeasy swing dance. (Most Mondays.) 8 & 10:30 PM: Hot Sardines, June residency. The Blue Note. (Every Monday in June.) 9 PM: Svetlana & The Delancey 5 - Svetlana (vocals), Jon Weber (piano), Mike Hashim (reeds), Charlie Caranicas (cornet), Rob Garcia (drums), Endea Owens (bass). Back Room Speakeasy - 102 Norfolk Street. (Most Mondays.) 10 PM: Mona’s Bluegrass Jam, Mona’s, 14th & Avenue B (Most Mondays.) 10 PM: Terry Waldo & The Rum House Jass Band often w/ Terry (piano), Jon-Erik Kellso (cornet), Jim Fryer (trombone), Eddy Davis (tenor banjo) and frequently Dan Levinson (clarinet) & Molly Ryan (vocals). The Rum House. (Most Mondays.) 10 PM: Jim Campilongo Trio w/ Jim (electric guitar), Chris Morrissey (bass) & Josh Dion (drums). Rockwood Two.

Tuesday, June 27, 8 PM: Vince Giordano & his Nighthawks, with an array of the very best traditional jazz musicians in New York, Iguana. (Most Tuesdays.) 8 PM: Glenn Crytzer Trio. Radegast. 10:00 PM: Michael Daves (guitar). Rockwood One. (Most Tuesdays.) 10 PM: Svetlana & The Delancy Band. Brooklyn Speakeasy at Bedford Hall, 1177 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn. (Most Tuesdays.)  10 PM: Mama Juke w/ Amos Rose, Elijah Bridges, Jon Wert, and Pete O'Neill. East Village Social, St Marks at Avenue A. (Most Tuesdays.)  11 PM: Trad Jazz Jam hosted by Mona’s Hot Four, to wit, Dennis Lichtman (clarinet, etc.), Gordon Webster (piano), Nick Russo (guitar, banjo) & Jared Engel (bass), and, frequently, many special guests. This week Jason Jurzak from New Orleans sits in on bass. Mona’s, 14th & Avenue B. (Most Tuesdays.)

Future

June 29, 8:30 PM: Henry Butler (piano). Bar LunAtico.

June 30, 6 PM: Midsummer Night Swing Dance w/ Margi & the Dapper Dots w/ Margi Gianquinto (vocals), Jon Weber (piano), John Merrill (guitar), Tal Ronen (bass), Chris Byars (clarinet, sax, flute), Gordon Au (cornet), Chris Gelb (drums), Fernando Garcia (percussion). Damrosch Park. Info/tix. 8:30 PM: Sam Reider & Future Folk Musik w/ Sam (accordion), Eddie Barbash (sax), Alex Hargreaves (violin), Jeff Picker (bass), Gabe Schnider (guitar) & Fernando Saci (percussion). Bar LunAtico.

July 1, 5 PM: Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, Catherine Russell & her most excellent band, Stephane Wrembel & band, The Avalon Jazz Band w/ Tatiana Eva-Marie (vocals), Adrien Chevalier (violin), Aurora Nealand & The Royal Roses, and more. And even more. Central Park Summer Stage. Info. 7:30 PM: Hilary Gardner (vocals) w/ Luca Santaniello & friends. The Django at The Roxy.

July 4, 8:30 & 11 PM: Django Reinhardt All Stars w/ Samson Schmitt (guitar), Ludovic Beeier (accordion), Pierre Blanchard (violin), Doudou Cuillerier (rhythm & scat vocals), Antolio Licusati (bass). Special Guest, Veronica Swift (vocals). Birdland.

July 5, 8:30 & 11 PM: Django Reinhardt All Stars w/ Samson Schmitt (guitar), Ludovic Beeier (accordion), Pierre Blanchard (violin), Doudou Cuillerier (rhythm & scat vocals), Antolio Licusati (bass). Special Guest, Veronica Swift (vocals). Birdland.

July 6, 8 PM: Julien Labro (accordion), Olli Soikkeli (guitar), Jorge Roeder (bass), Colin Stranahan (drums). Cornelia Street Cafe.8:30 & 11 PM: Django Reinhardt All Stars w/ Samson Schmitt (guitar), Ludovic Beeier (accordion), Pierre Blanchard (violin), Doudou Cuillerier (rhythm & scat vocals), Antolio Licusati (bass). Special Guest, Grace Kelly (sax). Birdland.

July 7, 7 PM: 8 PM: Julien Labro (accordion), Olli Soikkeli (guitar), Jorge Roeder (bass), Colin Stranahan (drums). Shanghai Jazz, Madison CT. 8:30 & 11 PM: Django Reinhardt All Stars w/ Samson Schmitt (guitar), Ludovic Beeier (accordion), Pierre Blanchard (violin), Doudou Cuillerier (rhythm & scat vocals), Antolio Licusati (bass). Special Guest, Grace Kelly (sax). Birdland.

July 8, 8:30 & 11 PM: Django Reinhardt All Stars w/ Samson Schmitt (guitar), Ludovic Beeier (accordion), Pierre Blanchard (violin), Doudou Cuillerier (rhythm & scat vocals), Antolio Licusati (bass). Special Guest, Jazzmeia Horn (vocals). Birdland.

July 9, 9 PM: Julien Labro (accordion), Olli Soikkeli (guitar), Edward Perez (bass), Colin Stranahan (drums). Barbes.  8:30 & 11 PM: Django Reinhardt All Stars w/ Samson Schmitt (guitar), Ludovic Beeier (accordion), Pierre Blanchard (violin), Doudou Cuillerier (rhythm & scat vocals), Antolio Licusati (bass). Special Guest, Jazzmeia Horn (vocals). Birdland.

July 12, 9 PM: Pokey LaFarge. Bowery Ballroom. Info/tix.

July 15, 6 PM: Veronica Swift (vocals). Birdland.

July 22, 6 PM: Veronica Swift (vocals). Birdland.

July 23, 7 PM: Early Roman Kings: The Music of Bob Dylan w/ Tony Trischka (banjo, pedal steel), Stash Wyslouch (guitar, vocals), Sean Trischka (drums, vocals), Jared Engel (bass). Joe’s Pub.

July 27, 8 PM: The Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield CT.

July 28, 8 PM: The Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The Space at Westbury Theater, Westbury, NY. Tix.

July 29, 6 PM: Veronica Swift (vocals). Birdland.

August 3, Punch Brothers. Beacon Theatre. Tix.

August 19, Noon until 10 PM: Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival featuring Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, Bucky Pizzarelli & more. Morristown NJ village green. Details.

September 13, Chris Thile & Brad Meldhau. Town Hall. Tix on sale Friday, Apr 7.

September 27, 7:30 PM: Seu Jorge performs The Life Aquatic, a tribute to David Bowie. The Beacon Theatre. Tix.

October 13-15, Jeff & Joel's House Party, Branford CT. Info.

------

[tllgrrl]

Excerpt from upcoming SarahBucky AU - HALLELUJAH

A photoset/moodboard was created, and I asked, and received, permission to write for it. All I’ll say for now is that this is my first Piano Bar AU. Sarah and her fellow Grown-assed Woman friends get together for a drink or two and…

The Setting: The Lighthouse Bar & Grill, in New Orleans. Inherited and run by Sam Wilson, who co-owns the bar and the building it’s in, with his sister Sarah Wilson-Casper, a widow and mother of two young boys.

* * * * * * * * *

“Hold on. You all seein’ this?” Aymie points a well manicured nail at Sarah, then tilts her head indicating the front of the barroom.

“Giiirl, yes! Watch him try not to look over here.”

“And he’s fine, too!” Dee says just loud enough for the other women to hear. “I mean—“

“Mmmm-HMM! How can you miss those—“

“Arms!” / “Shoulders!” / “That Chest!”, each woman giving a different answer at the same time, but all ending together, adding, “and those Eyes!”

“What!?” Sarah demands, taking a sip of her drink and trying to maintain a poker face but feeling herself get warm.

She knew exactly who they were talking about, and she saw him the minute she walked in the door. The man at the piano is the man who was taking kegs off the delivery truck (like they weighed no more than a 12 ounce can each) when she stopped by earlier to take inventory. The man built like…and with those eyes like...

‘What? What are you all talking nonsense about?”

“Girl?!? Please. We know you know he keeps looking at you.”

“It’s like he’s trying to catch your eye, but he’s tryin’ to be sly about it.”

“Yeah, he’s tryin alright! Hard. Look at him. All cute…”

“I don’t even know what…” Sarah takes another sip, trying to look chill, “…or who—“

“The Piano Player!” they all whisperyell at the same time, wide eyes all pinning her in place so she can’t move.

“Don’t play dumb, Sarah. It’s unbecoming—“ Aisha says before she tilts her head back and tosses some popcorn into her mouth.

“Unbecoming??? You sound like my 80 year old TiTi Lee, ma’am!”

“Just go on up there and sing, Sarah!” Charlie says, crossing her arms and glaring.

Dee chimes in, crossing her arms and joining in with the glaring. “And give him your phone number—“

“And your panti—“

“Hush, Tasha!!” Dee giggles, looking around. “Act like you have some sense and Home Training up in here. Besides, Sarah’s not brazen…” she finishes her drink and flags down the server, “…like you—“

“Brazen?!” Tasha says, deadpan, looking over her glasses at Dee. “Heifer, please! Miss Gives The Limo Driver Her Business Card!!” They all burst out laughing and Sarah does as well.

(There she is.)

He doesn’t hear the exchange between the women over at the table, but seeing her smile makes him smile to himself as he continues to play the previous request.

“Sarah, sing something, please. Before these two embarrass us all,” Aymie pleads while laughing at her friend’s antics.

“Come on!”

“Pleeeeease?”

‘You know you want to! It’s your turn!”

“Alright!” She stands, waves her hand and points at the entire table, calling over to Sam, “And I’m telling Sam you’re all cut off!”

“Like hell!” Tasha cackles. “Sam!? Another round….on Sarah’s tab!!”

“Amen!” / “Yes ma’am!” / ‘That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!” the women clap at Sarah.

“Now get on over there and chirp, girl!”

She takes her cocktail, gulps the rest of it, and makes her way over to the piano…

To be continued…

(Addendum: Read the whole story HERE.)

(Hey, @idontgettechnology! Thanks again.)

[tllgrrl]

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

(Moodboard and prompt by @idontgettechnology!)

Chapter 2: Da Capo

Summary: Sarah Wilson, widowed mother of two young boys, has moved back to Delacroix, to not only the house she and her brother Sam grew up in, back to the family business as well.

* * * * * * * * * *

Sarah pulls up to the house. Her house.

“‘Kay, babies, we’re home!”

Home.

“You know what to do. Out of your school clothes, and—“

“—and no TV or video games before homework!” the two boys chime in together, running up the path to the front steps.

She quickly checks the back seat, grabs the forgotten library book and her bag, then gets out of the car, watching her kids, Cass and his little brother AJ, race for the porch.

She’s almost gotten over the expectation that Mama and Daddy are going to come out the front door, smiling and hugging their grandchildren like they hugged her and Sam when they were kids.

“Cass?! How many times do I have to tell you to make sure you have everything with you before you jump out of the car?”

Her oldest boy—a coltish 11 years old, all arms and legs—rushes back, practically skidding to a stop in front of her.

“Sorry, mama!” He grins, pushing his glasses back up on his nose, takes his book and runs back to the house.

“Shoes by the door!”

“Yes, ma’am! Hey, AJ! Your shoes!!! Mama said…”

Watching her child sprint back up toward the house, she sees how his pant legs now stop well above his ankles.

She knows that not only is this boy about to be fast like she was when she ran track, he’s also going to be tall.

Taller than her 5’11”.

Tall…

(…just like his father.)

Keep reading…

Ch. 1 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6

[tllgrrl]

A Throwback Saturday morning SarahBucky Piano Bar AU.

As always, Thank You @idontgettechnology for letting me run and play with your moodboard.

“Bucky Barnes is minding his own business, playing for tips at his friend Sam's bar, taking requests and trying to keep a straight face when drunk bachelorette parties ask him to accompany them while they sing old Disney ballads in between rounds of cosmos.

It's not a dream job. He's thinking about finding something new, something that will remind him he doesn't hate music.

But then Sam's sister moves back to town with two sons and the most beautiful voice Bucky's ever heard.”

Prompt and moodboard from @idontgettechnology . Thank you for giving me permission to play.

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

Chapter 1: Perfect Pitch

Characters: Sam Wilson & Bucky Barnes

* * * * *

“Come on, man! You just got here. You don’t need to be doin’ all that.”

“What? It’s not that heavy. It’s not heavy at all.”

“I can see that. It’s your hands I’m worried ‘bout. You’re not even wearing gloves! Get Tommy and Carlos to load that stuff on a dolly so you don’t—“

“Sam, don’t worry about it. ‘M fine.”

Bucky deftly pulls a large box of supplies off of the truck and puts it on the sidewalk near the service entrance to the building as Sam glares at him, shakes his head and places two cold bottles of beer on a crate next to the door.

Picking up an old clipboard that reads “World’s Best Mom!” on the back, he begins checking the contents of the box, marking off items on the list.

“I’m just trying to protect one of the reasons why The Lighthouse was just named a hidden gem in New Orleans.”

“That’s ‘cause it’s a great spot. And you’re doing a great job running— “

“Did you see the calendar in the office? Do you know how many Bachelorette parties we got booked between now and Thanksgiving?”

Bucky rolls his eyes and laughs. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”

“Deposits placed and everything. 4 of those are private parties, booking the whole bar for the night.

I get at least 2, 3 calls a day, people—sometimes from out of state—asking about booking the bar for some kind of event. And not just weekends. I’m talking about even reservations for the middle of the week!”

Bucky sets down another box for Sam to check, stands up straight, crosses his arms and looks up at the slightly overcast sky, squinting.

Sam notices the “pondering it over” gaze he’s seen roll over his friend’s face many times over the years.

After about a minute, he finishes his pondering with a decidedly non-committed “Okay” and heads back to the truck.

“So…since it’s getting to be like that around here,” Sam continues, “if you’re interested, we need to seriously talk about you relocating.”

Keep reading…

Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6

[tllgrrl]

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

Chapter 6/Epilogue: The Set List

Almost a year later…

The sign outside the bar reads:

The Lighthouse Bar & Grill

presents

Wilson Barnes

TONIGHT @ 8PM

First Come, First Seated

(Sorry, No Reservations)

* * * * * * * * * *

One song is missing from this Set List, and has been removed from the song book at The Lighthouse Piano Bar.

(Even though that song brought them together, he wasn’t kidding. Besides, after hearing Sarah, as far as he was concerned, she was the only one he’d ever want to hear sing it.)

About Song #3:

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, when the kids were with their grandparents, Bucky absolutely did that for her. Yeah. Pretty much all of it.

(“Something about the way you sang that song the other night…I just…got…inspired.”)

When they do a song as a duet, whoever writes up the set list draws two hearts next to the song.

And one night, up in his apartment, she asked him to play Adele’s Hello. He did, and they sang it together. He didn’t put the song back in the book, but only Sarah’s and Adele’s voices singing it remain in his memory.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you for hanging with this story. I hope it was a fun read and listen. Thanks again to @idontgettechnology for letting me play with the moodboard and prompt.

Ch 1 / Ch 2 / Ch 3 / Ch 4 / Ch 5

These are the songs that are on this particular Wilson Barnes Set List. Some of these songs, like “All of Me” are several decades old and have many covers, so I picked a cover closest to the style performed by Wilson Barnes.

[tllgrrl]

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

(Moodboard and prompt by @idontgettechnology)

Chapter 5: Everything But A Hymn

Previously…

“SARGE?!? A wrench…and a mop!!”

“ON IT!!” he yells over his shoulder. He looks back to Sarah, and forces himself to walk backwards towards the back room, instead of forward, to her.

He shrugs, and hitches his thumb at the direction of Carlos’ voice. “Uhm…I gotta go check on—“

“Yeah," she nods, "sounds like he needs a…”

He nods back, blushing, turns and hurries off…

Later that evening…

It’s a nice-sized mid-week crowd at The Lighthouse tonight. No special parties are scheduled, but it’s still busy with regulars and a fair amount of tourists getting an early start on their NOLA weekend.

A few brave souls have been taking advantage of the open mic, but Bucky’s mostly playing for atmosphere. Which is fine by him.

He mixes it up for the crowd, playing some current popular tunes but also occasionally throwing in a deep cut for the people who’d know an artist’s whole LP and not only the one hit from it. And to Sam’s surprise and amusement, he plays an early Marvin Gaye tune, “Hitchhike”, in 2nd Line style.

”Better be careful, Buck!” Sam nods, chuckling “Next thing you know, you’re gonna be cravin’ seasoned food and speakin’ Creole!”

He’s just finished playing “Hey Poky A-Way”, which was requested by a table of out-of-towners, when a group of women enter the bar, laughing and chatting

Keep reading on AO3…

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4 / Ch. 6

[tllgrrl]

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

(Moodboard and prompt by @idontgettechnology)

Chapter 3: Interlude — “A Whole New World”

Summary: A brief interlude in which we find Bucky playing piano for yet another Bachelorette party. (Sam wasn’t kidding. And when did Disney Princesses become…A Thing?)

As he accompanies the tipsy revelers and smiles for Instagram selfies, he semi-seriously starts to rethink his career choices while Sam laughs his butt off at him from behind the bar, getting his life…and digits from Bridesmaids.

* * * * * * * * * *

“Uh whole new wooooooooooorld…”

“Holdon. Waitaminute…”

The redhead in the spotlight straightens her crown.

“Mister Piano? Can you play that part again…?”

Her friends at the Party Table, all of them wearing little tiaras and matching neon pink and green t-shirts, hold up their drinks, cheering.

“You totally got this, Angie!!! Woooooo!!”

“Woooooo!!! Sing it Angieeeee! Yaaay!”

“Come on, Red!!! Woooooo!!”

(Ah, Christ. The “Woo” Girls. If I have to play this song one more time. I wonder if Landscaping would be an interesting job? I like plants…)

More than a couple of them are holding up their phones, recording their friend’s performance, and definitely making sure get plenty of shots of Bucky “for The 'Gram”.

“Hey, Mister Pianoooohhh!! Over here! Can I have a smile?” the brunette with the huge diamond on her left ring finger waves her phone, calling out to Bucky.

“Ohmygawd, look at him!” she whispers to her fellow bridesmaid. “Wasn’t he in GQ last month? Jeez. I’m married, but I’m liking what I’m seeing and we’re in The Big Easy.

He’s big…and I could totally be easy.”

“Behave yourself, Jeannie!!” the blonde with the bright pink streak in her hair fairly squeaks and laughs. “But it’s not just him. Did you get a look at the bartender? I’ll be right back. I need a closer look at those arms…”

While the singer continues living her Disney Princess Magic Carpet Life, Bucky throws an amiable grin over at one of the bridesmaids who has her Swarovski-encrusted phone trained on him.

He doesn’t recall ever seeing anything so aggressively sparkly.

Keep reading on AO3…

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6

[davidisen]

NYC Music I Like Mar 15-21

...trad jazz, Gypsy, swing, bluegrass, choro etc. w/ folk roots & virtuoso ensemble playing... Explanation/disclaimer.

[Caution! Please verify with musician, venue, etc. before going. Send updata here.]

Allied music listings with overlapping tastes: Jim's Roots and Blues Calendar.  Eileen's Lindy Blog - This Week in Swing.

This Week

Wednesday, March 15, 5:30 PM: David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, Birdland (Most Wednesdays.) 6:30 PM: Margi Gianquinto (vocals) w/ the Aaron Johnson Quartet, Aaron (clarinet, flute, sax), John Merrill (guitar), Kyle Colina (bass). Vaucluse. 7 PM: Jeanne Gies (vocals) w/ Bruce Edwards (guitar). Andanada.    7:30 & 9:30 PM: Aaron Goldberg (piano), Yasushi Nakamura (bass), Kendrick Scott (drums) & Obed Calvaire (drums). Dizzys. Info/tix. 8 PM: Phil Lesh & Friends. Capitol Theatre, Port Chester NY.  9 PM: Stephane Wrembel & his band. Radegast. 9:30 PM: Gordon Webster Band CD Release w/ Gordon (piano), Charles Turner (vocals), Danny Jonokuchi (cornet), Danny Lipsitz (reeds), Rob Edwards (trombone), Ricky Alexander (reeds), Danny Zieman (bass), Kevin Congelton (drums). Joes Pub. Info/tix. 11 PM: Avalon Jazz Band hosts Hot Jazz & Gypsy Jam. The Keep. (Most Wednesdays.)

Thursday, March 16, 7:30 & 9:30 PM: Aaron Goldberg (piano), Yasushi Nakamura (bass), Kendrick Scott (drums) & Obed Calvaire (drums). Dizzys. Info/tix. 8 PM: The Blacktail Songbirds w/ Molly Ryan (vocals), Dan Levinson (reeds), Mike Davis (cornet), Terry Waldo (piano). Blacktail. (Most Thursdays.) 8 PM: Phil Lesh & Friends. Capitol Theatre, Port Chester NY.  8:30 PM: Gene Bertoncini (guitar) and Josh Marcum (bass). Ryan's Daughter, upstairs, 350 E. 85th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. (Most Thursdays.) 9 PM: Gypsy jazz jam, Fada. (Most Thursdays.) 9 PM: Gordon's Grand Street Stompers w/ Gordon Au (cornet), Dennis Lichtman (clarinet, etc.), others. Radegast.

Friday, March 17, 5 PM: The Glenn Crytzer Quartette. Broadway Lounge in the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.   8 PM: Phil Lesh & Friends. Capitol Theatre, Port Chester NY.  8 PM: Leann Rimes. Patchogue Theatre, Patchogue NY. Info/tix. 10:30 PM: Fridays at Mona's, this week reggae with Sharabi Bhangra. Mona’s, 14th & Avenue B.

Saturday, March 18, Noon: Sweet Megg & the Wayfarers w/ Sweet Megg (vocals), Sam Raderman (guitar), Jim Robertson. Brunch at Row House, 2128 Frederick Douglass Blvd. Noon: Glenn Crytzer Quintette. Brunch at Minton's. 1 PM: Garden Party Quartet frequently with Emily Asher (trombone). (Most Saturdays.) Fraunces Tavern. 2 PM: Lisa Liu's Gypsy Jazz Experience w/Lisa Liu (guitar), Thor Jensen (guitar). Rosamunde Sausage Grill. 3 PM: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play music for the silent movie "The Cameraman" w/ Buster Keaton. Town Hall. Info/tix. 4 PM: Roy Williams & Friends. The Shanty. (Most Saturdays, personnel varies). 8 PM: Rhonda Vincent. Ramapo College, Mahwah NJ. Info/tix. 7:30 PM: Margi Gianquinto (vocals), Konrad Paszkudski (piano) & Yoshi Waki (bass). J House, Riverside CT. 10 PM: Brain Cloud Trio w/ Dennis Lichtman (mandolin, clarinet), Tamar Korn (vocals), Andrew Hall (bass). Fox & Crow, Jersey City.

Sunday, March 19, 11:30 AM: Tara O'Grady Quartet w/ Tara (vocals), Michael Howell (guitar), Trifon Dimitrov (bass), Michael Hashim (sax). Tanner Smiths Tipsy Tea Jazz Brunch. (Most Sundays.) Noon: Megg Ryan Jass Band w/ Sweet Megg (vocals, guitar), Ryan Weisheit (reeds). House of Yes. (Most Sundays.) 12:30 PM: Brunch with w/ Hilary Gardner (vocals) plus Greg Ruggerio (guitar) & Joel Forbes (bass). North Square. 1 PM: Tamar Korn & a Kornucopia. Casa Mezcal, upstairs. 1:30 PM: Koran Agan (guitar), others. Radegast.  (Most Sundays.) 4 PM: The Stride Piano Jam w/ Terry Waldo (piano) & Ehud Asherie (piano). Fat Cat. 4 PM: Jim Campilongo Trio w/ Jim (electric guitar), Chris Morrissey (bass) & Josh Dion (drums). The Greenwich Library, Greenwich CT. 5 PM: Roda de Choro with Regional de NY. Genuine Brazilian choro with a slight NYC accent. Beco.  7 PM: Folk Fights Back, a benefit for immigrants & refugees, with Courtney Hartman & Celia Woodsmith, Eddie Barbash & Sam Reider, Hannah Read, Wyndham Baird, Lily Henley & Duncan Wickel, Phoebe Hunt & Dominick Leslie and many others. Concert Hall at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Info. 8 PM: The EarRegulars w/ Jon-Erik Kellso (cornet), and this week Scott Robinson (miscellaneous wind instruments), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Sean Cronin (bass). The Ear. (Most Sundays.) 9 PM: Stephane Wrembel & his band. Barbes.  10 PM: Baby Soda Jazz Band w/ Jared Engel (banjo), others. St. Mazie. (Most Sundays.) 10 PM: Irish (and more) session hosted by Tony DeMarco (fiddle). 11th Street Bar. (Most Sundays.)

Monday, March 20, 7 PM: The Brain Cloud, usually with Tamar Korn (vocals), Dennis Lichtman (clarinet, mandolin), Andrew Hall (bass), Raphael McGregor (lap steel guitar), Kevin Dorn (drums) and Skip Krevins (guitar). Barbes. (Most Mondays.)  8 PM: Vince Giordano & his Nighthawks, with an array of the best traditional jazz musicians in New York, Iguana. (Most Mondays). 8 PM: Sweet Megg & The Wayfarers. The Belfry. (Most Mondays.) 9 PM: Svetlana & The Delancey 5 - Svetlana (vocals), Jon Weber (piano), Mike Hashim (reeds), Charlie Caranicas (trmpt), Rob Garcia (drums), George Delancey (bass). Back Room Speakeasy - 102 Norfolk Street. (Most Mondays.) 10 PM: Mona’s Bluegrass Jam, Mona’s, 14th & Avenue B (Most Mondays.) 10 PM: Terry Waldo & The Rum House Jass Band w/ Terry (piano), Jon-Erik Kellso (cornet), Jim Fryer (trombone), Eddy Davis (tenor banjo) and frequently Dan Levinson (clarinet) & Molly Ryan (vocals). The Rum House. (Most Mondays.) 10 PM: Jim Campilongo Trio w/ Jim (electric guitar), Chris Morrissey (bass) & Josh Dion (drums). Rockwood Two.

Tuesday, March 21, Noon: Gotham Jazzmen. New York Library for the Performing Arts. 8 PM: Vince Giordano & his Nighthawks, with an array of the very best traditional jazz musicians in New York, Iguana. (Most Tuesdays).  8 PM: Tara O'Grady & the Black Velvet Band w/ Tara (vocals), Michael Howell (guitar), Trifon Dimitrov (bass). Winnie’s Jazz Bar. (Most Tuesdays). 10 PM: Michael Daves (guitar). Rockwood One. (Most Tuesdays.) 10 PM: Svetlana & The Delancy Band. Brooklyn Speakeasy at Bedford Hall, 1177 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn. (Most Tuesdays.)  11 PM: Trad Jazz Jam hosted by Mona’s Hot Four. The Hot Four house band is Dennis Lichtman (clarinet, etc.), Gordon Webster (piano), Nick Russo (guitar, banjo) & Jared Engel (bass). Mona’s, 14th & Avenue B. (Most Tuesdays.)

Future

March 21, 8 PM: Brother Roy w/ Roy Williams (piano, vocals). Rockwood Two. 10 PM: Cricket Tell The Weather. Rockwood Two.

March 22, 7:30 PM: Cole Porter’s “The New Yorkers” (a story of the 1930s & prohibition) w/ Cyrille Aimée & many others. City Center, 130 W. 56th Street. Info/tix. 7:45 PM: Chris Eldridge & Julian Lage plus Aoife O'Donovan. Fairfield Theatre Company, Fairfield CT. Info/tix. 9 PM: Emily Asher's Garden Party. Radegast. 10 PM: Dominick Leslie (mandolin), Alex Hargreaves (violin), Wes Corbett (5-string banjo). Rockwood Two.

March 23, 7:30 PM: Michael Daves (guitar), in a movie & concert situation w/ Tony Trischka (5-string banjo), Alex Hargreaves (fiddle), Tatiana Hargreaves (fiddle, vocals), Dominick Leslie (mandolin), Larry Cook (bass), others. National Sawdust. Info/tix. 7:30 PM: Cole Porter’s “The New Yorkers” (a story of the 1930s & prohibition) w/ Cyrille Aimée & many others. City Center, 130 W. 56th Street. Info/tix. 8:30 PM: Henry Butler (piano). Bar LunAtico. 9 PM: Jon-Erik Kellso (cornet), Evan Arntzen (reeds), Ehud Asherie (piano), Marion Felder, (drums). Luca's Jazz Corner @Cavatappo Grill.

March 24, 8 PM: Cole Porter’s “The New Yorkers” (a story of the 1930s & prohibition) w/ Cyrille Aimée & many others. City Center, 130 W. 56th Street. Info/tix. 8 & 10 PM: Bucky Pizzarelli  (7-string guitar), Ed Laub (guitar, vocals), Larry Fuller (piano), Martin Pizzarelli (bass). Kitano. 

March 25, Noon: Glenn Crytzer Quintette. Brunch at Minton's. 2 & 8 PM: Cole Porter’s “The New Yorkers” (a story of the 1930s & prohibition) w/ Cyrille Aimée & many others. City Center, 130 W. 56th Street. Info/tix. 7 PM: Hazmat Modine, w/ musicians such as Joe Daley (tuba), Pam Flemming (cornet), Kevin Garcia (drums), Reut Regev (trombone), Michaela Gomez (guitar, steel guitar), Erik Della Penna (guitar, banjo & vocals), Steve Elson (wind instruments), Wade Schuman (diatonic harmonica, lute guitar, vocals). Terra Blues.  7:30 PM: Margi Gianquinto (vocals), Stefan Vasnier (piano) & Tal Ronen (bass). J House, Riverside CT.  8 & 10 PM: Stephanie Nakasian (vocals) & Veronica Swift (vocals) with the Tardo Hammer Trio. Kitano. 9 PM: Noam Pikelny. The Bowery Ballroom. Info/tix. 11:30 PM: Matt Flinner Trio. Rockwood Three.

March 26, Noon: Women of the Guitar w/ Sheryl Bailey, Jiji Kimm, Kaki King & Ann Klein. 92nd Street Y. Free but limited seating. Info 2 & 7 PM: Cole Porter’s “The New Yorkers” (a story of the 1930s & prohibition) w/ Cyrille Aimée & many others. City Center, 130 W. 56th Street. Info/tix. Time?: The Peewee Russell Memorial Stomp w/ Midiri Brothers Quintet, Peter and Will Anderson Quintet, Dan Levinson's Russell of Spring Band & Professor Cunningham and his Old School. Birchwood Manor, Whippany NJ. Info/tix. 4 PM: Roy Williams & The Human Hands. Skinny Dennis. 6:30 PM: Jack Wilkins (guitar), Andy McKee (bass), David Gibson (drums). Jazz Masters Series at Sarah’s Wine Bar, Ridgefield CT. Reservations at 203-438-8282.

March 27, 7 PM: “J’adore Ella,” w/ Les Nubians (sisters Hélène and Célia Faussart). Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Info/tix. 10 PM: 10 PM: Jim Campilongo Trio w/ Jim (electric guitar), Chris Morrissey (bass) & Josh Dion (drums) plus Adam Levy. Rockwood Two.

March 28, Noon: Gotham Jazzmen. New York Library for the Performing Arts.

March 29, 12:30 PM: Jayme Stone's Lomax Project. UBS Atrium, Weehawken, NJ.

March 30, 9 PM: Glenn Crytzer Trio w/ Hannah Gill. St. Mazie.

March 31, 5 PM: The Glenn Crytzer Quartette. Broadway Lounge in the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.   7:30 PM: Margi Gianquinto (vocals), Jon Weber (piano) & Tal Ronen (bass). J House, Riverside CT. 7:30 & 9:30 PM: John Pizzarelli. The Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck NY. 9PM: Tara O'Grady & the Black Velvet Band w/ Tara (vocals), Michael Howell (guitar), David Shaich (bass). Swing the Teapot, Queens.

April 1, 8 PM: John Prine. NJPAC. Tix. 8 PM: Acadia Swing w/ Svetlana & The Delancy Five, Sweet Megg & The Wayfarers, others. Connollys on W. 45th. Tix.

April 3, 7:30 PM: Richard Dowling (piano) & Jeff Barnhart (piano) play the music of Scott Joplin. Bickford Theatre, Morristown NJ. Info/tix. 7:30 & 9:30 PM: Danilo Brito Quinteto. Dizzy’s. Info/tix. 10 PM: 10 PM: Jim Campilongo Trio w/ Jim (electric guitar), Chris Morrissey (bass) & Josh Dion (drums). Rockwood Two.

April 10, 10 PM: Jim Campilongo Trio w/ Jim (electric guitar), Chris Morrissey (bass) & Josh Dion (drums). Rockwood Two.

April 11, 6 PM: Bucky Pizzarelli (7-string guitar), Ed Laub (guitar, vocals), Martin Pizzarelli (bass). Luca's Jazz Corner @Cavatappo Grill.

April 17, 8:30 PM: Frank Vignola's Guitar Night w/ Frank (guitar), Bucky Pizzarelli (7-string guitar), Gene Bertoncini (7-string guitar), Olli Soikkeli (guitar), Vinny Raniolo (guitar) and Nicki Parrott (bass). The Iridium.

April 20, 9 PM: Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo (guitars). Luca's Jazz Corner @Cavatappo Grill.

April 21, 7 PM: Squirrel Nut Zippers. Brooklyn Steel w/ Ozomatli. Info/tix. 8 PM: Del (McCoury) & Dawg (David Grisman). Ridgefield Playhouse. Ridgefield CT. Info/tix. 9:30 PM: The Brain Cloud Album Release. Rockwood Two.

April 23, 2 PM: Gotham Jazz Festival w/ Dan Levinson, Baby Soda, Jason Prover & Sneak Thievery, The Avalon Jazz Band, Dalton Ridenhour, Gordon’s Grand Street Stompers, The Gordon Webster Band, Sweet Megg & The Wayfarers, Mike Davis & The New Wonders, Olli Soikkeli Trio, Jon Weber, and more. The Players Club. Info/tix. 9 PM: The Brain Cloud Album Release. Barbes.

April 24, 10 PM: Jim Campilongo Trio w/ Jim (electric guitar), Chris Morrissey (bass) & Josh Dion (drums). Rockwood Two.

April 27, The Jazz Epistles w/ Abdullah Ibrahim (piano), Hugh Masekela (cornet), others. Town Hall. Info/tix.

April 28-30, Brooklyn Folk Festival. St Ann's Church. Full Line-up here.

April 29, 9:30 PM: Danny Barnes (banjo), Grant Gordy (guitar), Joe K. Walsh (mandolin). Jenni Lynn Gardner opens. Hill Country Barbeque, Manhattan.

May 9, 6 PM: Bucky Pizzarelli (7-string guitar), Ed Laub (guitar, vocals), Martin Pizzarelli (bass). Luca's Jazz Corner @Cavatappo Grill.

May 13, 7:30 PM: Rhiannon Giddens (violin, banjo, vocals). Alice Tully Hall. Info/tix.

<<<SPECIAL>>> May 15-21. New York Hot Jazz Camp directed by Molly Ryan & Bria Skonberg . Info & registration info here.

May 18, 8 PM: David Crosby. Westbury Theatre. Info/Tix. Tix on sale February 3.

May 27, 7:30 PM: Battle of the Big Bands. Info/tix.

June 6, 6 PM: Bucky Pizzarelli (7-string guitar), Ed Laub (guitar, vocals), Martin Pizzarelli (bass). Luca's Jazz Corner @Cavatappo Grill.

July 12, 9 PM: Pokey LaFarge. Bowery Ballroom. Info/tix.

October 13-15, Jeff & Joel's House Party, Branford CT. Info.

-------

[tllgrrl]

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

(Moodboard and prompt by @idontgettechnology)

Chapter 4: Vamp ‘Til Ready

Summary: Both of them are busy at their tasks, but not so busy that they don’t steal glances at each other when one isn’t looking.

* * * * * * * * * *

Sarah briskly walks up to the entrance of the bar just in time to see Carlos—family friend and employee of the Lighthouse since her father opened the place way Back in The Day—washing the windows and talking to a man about her age who looks to be unloading a delivery from a truck parked near the entrance of the bar’s service alley.

This man was lifting a couple of kegs of beer…like they each weighed no more than a toddler.

He and Carlos (aka “Mr. C” to just about everybody) are engaged in a friendly argument when he looks over, sees her, and completely stops talking.

The elderly gentleman looks over at who he sees, shakes his head and smiles, then continues to wash the windows and opine about all things baseball.

“…it’s a different ball game these days, son! A whole new…”

If she hadn’t been in such a hurry she maybe would have slowed down a little to get a better look…

(He’s actually…kind of—stop it! Things to do. Keep walking!)

…but she had to do a quick inventory, then grab the licensing paperwork and get downtown before the line got ridiculous, which would throw her off schedule and make her late to go pick up the kids from school.

Continuing into the building, she hurries past the bar, and into the office.

There’s the photo on the wall of Mama and Daddy in their younger days, and Mama’s desk in the same spot it’s been for as long as Sarah can remember.

She also sees, over in the corner on the floor, a large black backpack with a dark navy blue pea coat folded neatly on top of it.

Sam had mentioned that a friend from New York was helping with some renovations and upgrades, and had also gotten a Responsible Vendor—“RV”—Permit so he could step in and bar back when it got really busy.

Her brother described this friend as “Good People. Really great guy, but kind of…complicated.”

The minute her brother said that, she didn’t have to ask if this friend was also a fellow veteran.

(Who the Hell isn’t complicated these days?)

Keep reading on AO3…

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6

[tllgrrl]

“Bucky Barnes is minding his own business, playing for tips at his friend Sam's bar, taking requests and trying to keep a straight face when drunk bachelorette parties ask him to accompany them while they sing old Disney ballads in between rounds of cosmos.

It's not a dream job. He's thinking about finding something new, something that will remind him he doesn't hate music.

But then Sam's sister moves back to town with two sons and the most beautiful voice Bucky's ever heard.”

Prompt and moodboard from @idontgettechnology . Thank you for giving me permission to play.

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

Chapter 1: Perfect Pitch

Characters: Sam Wilson & Bucky Barnes

* * * * *

“Come on, man! You just got here. You don’t need to be doin’ all that.”

“What? It’s not that heavy. It’s not heavy at all.”

“I can see that. It’s your hands I’m worried ‘bout. You’re not even wearing gloves! Get Tommy and Carlos to load that stuff on a dolly so you don’t—“

“Sam, don’t worry about it. ‘M fine.”

Bucky deftly pulls a large box of supplies off of the truck and puts it on the sidewalk near the service entrance to the building as Sam glares at him, shakes his head and places two cold bottles of beer on a crate next to the door.

Picking up an old clipboard that reads “World’s Best Mom!” on the back, he begins checking the contents of the box, marking off items on the list.

“I’m just trying to protect one of the reasons why The Lighthouse was just named a hidden gem in New Orleans.”

“That’s ‘cause it’s a great spot. And you’re doing a great job running— “

“Did you see the calendar in the office? Do you know how many Bachelorette parties we got booked between now and Thanksgiving?”

Bucky rolls his eyes and laughs. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”

“Deposits placed and everything. 4 of those are private parties, booking the whole bar for the night.

I get at least 2, 3 calls a day, people—sometimes from out of state—asking about booking the bar for some kind of event. And not just weekends. I’m talking about even reservations for the middle of the week!”

Bucky sets down another box for Sam to check, stands up straight, crosses his arms and looks up at the slightly overcast sky, squinting.

Sam notices the “pondering it over” gaze he’s seen roll over his friend’s face many times over the years.

After about a minute, he finishes his pondering with a decidedly non-committed “Okay” and heads back to the truck.

“So…since it’s getting to be like that around here,” Sam continues, “if you’re interested, we need to seriously talk about you relocating.”

Keep reading…

Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6

[sarifinasnightmare]

This has me all excited for the story! It's also giving me ideas for another story. STOP GIVING ME MORE IDEAS! @tllgrrl

Excerpt from upcoming SarahBucky AU - HALLELUJAH

A moodboard was created, and I asked, and received permission, to write for it. All I’ll say for now is that this is my first piano bar AU. Sarah and her fellow Grown-assed Woman friends get together for a drink or two and…

The Setting: The Lighthouse Bar & Grill, in New Orleans. Inherited and run by Sam Wilson, who co-owns the bar and the building it’s in, with his sister Sarah Wilson-Casper, a widow and mother of two young boys.

* * * * * * * * *

“Hold on. You all seein’ this?” Aymie points a well manicured nail at Sarah, then tilts her head indicating the front of the barroom.

“Giiirl, yes! Watch him try not to look over here.”

“And he’s fine, too!” Dee says just loud enough for the other women to hear. “I mean—“

“Mmmm-HMM! How can you miss those—“

“Arms!” / “Shoulders!” / “That Chest!”, each woman giving a different answer at the same time, but all ending together, adding, “Those Eyes!”

“What?” Sarah demands, taking a sip of her drink and trying to maintain a poker face but feeling herself get warm.

She knew exactly who they were talking about and saw him the minute she walked in the door. The man at the piano is the man who was taking kegs off the delivery truck (like they weighed no more than a 12 ounce can each) when she stopped by earlier to take inventory. The one built like…and with those eyes like...

‘What? What are you all talking nonsense about?”

“Girl?!? Please. We know you know he keeps looking at you.”

“It’s like he’s trying to catch your eye, but he’s tryin’ to be sly about it.”

“Yeah, he’s tryin alright! Hard. Look at him. All cute…”

“I don’t even know what…” Sarah takes a sip of her drink, trying to look chill. “or who—“

“The Piano Player!” they all whisperyell at the same time, wide eyes all pinning her in place so she can’t move.

“Don’t play dumb, Sarah. It’s unbecoming—“ Aisha says before she tilts her head back and tosses some popcorn into her mouth.

“Unbecoming??? You sound like my 80 year old TiTi Lee, ma’am!”

“Just go on up there and sing, Sarah!” Charlie says, crossing her arms and glaring.

Dee chimes in, crossing her arms and joining in with the glaring. “And give him your phone number—“

“And your panti—“

“Hush, Tasha!!” Dee giggles, looking around. Act like you have some sense and Home Training up in here. Besides, Sarah’s not brazen…” she finishes her drink and flags down the server, “…like you—“

“Brazen?!” Tasha says, deadpan, looking over her glasses at Dee. “Heifer, please! Miss Gives The Limo Driver Your Business Card!!” They all burst out laughing and Sarah does as well.

(There she is. He doesn’t hear the exchange between the women over at the table, but seeing her smile makes him smile to himself as he continues to play the previous request.)

“Sarah, sing something, please. Before these two embarrass us all,” Aymie pleads while laughing at her friend’s antics.

“Come on!”

“Pleeeeease?”

‘You know you want to! It’s your turn!”

“Alright!” She stands, waves her hand and points at the entire table, calling over to Sam, “…and I’m telling Sam you’re all cut off!”

“Like hell!” Tasha cackles. “Sam!? Another round….on Sarah’s tab!!”

“Amen!” / “Yes ma’am!” / ‘That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!” the women clap at Sarah. “Now get on over there and chirp, girl!”

She takes her cocktail, gulps the rest of it, and makes her way over to the piano…

(To be continued…)

(Hey, @idontgettechnology! Thanks again.)

[sarifinasnightmare]

*sigh* ❤❤❤❤

Hallelujah

by Nefertiri Jones aka @tllgrrl

(Moodboard and prompt by @idontgettechnology)

Chapter 5: Everything But A Hymn

Previously…

“SARGE?!? A wrench…and a mop!!”

“ON IT!!” he yells over his shoulder. He looks back to Sarah, and forces himself to walk backwards towards the back room, instead of forward, to her.

He shrugs, and hitches his thumb at the direction of Carlos’ voice. “Uhm…I gotta go check on—“

“Yeah," she nods, "sounds like he needs a…”

He nods back, blushing, turns and hurries off…

Later that evening…

It’s a nice-sized mid-week crowd at The Lighthouse tonight. No special parties are scheduled, but it’s still busy with regulars and a fair amount of tourists getting an early start on their NOLA weekend.

A few brave souls have been taking advantage of the open mic, but Bucky’s mostly playing for atmosphere. Which is fine by him.

He mixes it up for the crowd, playing some current popular tunes but also occasionally throwing in a deep cut for the people who’d know an artist’s whole LP and not only the one hit from it. And to Sam’s surprise and amusement, he plays an early Marvin Gaye tune, “Hitchhike”, in 2nd Line style.

”Better be careful, Buck!” Sam nods, chuckling “Next thing you know, you’re gonna be cravin’ seasoned food and speakin’ Creole!”

He’s just finished playing “Hey Poky A-Way”, which was requested by a table of out-of-towners, when a group of women enter the bar, laughing and chatting

Keep reading on AO3…

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4