Gonzo Report: Beer and Benny in Balboa Park

It was the day of my company’s holiday luncheon at Eddie V’s in La Jolla. That meant happily filling up on filet mignon and beers on the company’s dime. Afterwards, a couple of my supervisors wanted to take a select few of us for more beers. I couldn’t think of a reason to decline the offer, and 2 pm turned to 5:30 in the blink of an eye.

The time had come. “Excuse me and thank you gents,” I said, “but I’m off to my next venture” — Panama 66 in Balboa Park, to check out the Uptown Rhythm Makers. I was still full of steak and the previous seven beers I had consumed, but I was not willing to throw in the towel. The steak was the only meal I had eaten that day, but the liquid bread kept me fortified for the adventure. I love Balboa Park during the holidays. Always festive, with Christmas lights strewn everywhere, families with smiles on their faces drinking hot cocoa, and the busker on the saxophone playing “The Christmas Song.” Panama 66 is located in the Sculpture Court at the San Diego Museum of Art. It’s an open patio with tables and umbrellas. The bar is to the right as you walk in. As I did, I spotted the band, playing big band swing melodies and set up front and center. I stepped into the “Drinks Only” line, and checked in with the hostess to let her know I was there for drinks and music. Ordered my $9 pilsner in a 16 oz. glass. Didn’t realize I could have bought a keeper glass with beer for $15.00. (Or spent $10.00 for just the glass.)

I grabbed a seat to go over some of my notes, then wandered around to get a better sense of the place — and possibly, some interaction with the other customers. Alas, those customers seemed more interested in stuffing French fries in their mouths and talking about who they still needed to get Christmas gifts for than in getting into a conversation with your humble correspondent. I didn’t want to interrupt anyone in the middle of their Christmas planning, so I stood in front of the band to snap some photos. It was a six-piece band. There were three musicians sitting in chairs in the front and three more sitting behind them. They all smiled at me as I was taking their pictures. I decided to shout, “You guys are getting some print!” Their smiles widened.

At that point, I realized that my beer was getting lonely waiting for me. When I got back to my seat, I noticed a young mother with her two children next to me. One of her children appeared to be 9 or 10 years old; he had set up a makeshift drum kit with his food plate, drink glass, and can of Coke, and was banging along with the band. His mom seemed more annoyed than the band was. I told her the boy had good rhythm and time. “I know!” she replied in a “Don’t bother me and I want to get the fuck out of Dodge” tone. Who knows, I might have been sitting next to the next John Bonham. If only his mom would show some support.

My seat was also next to the trombone player’s off-stage spot, and when the band took a set break, he sat down and chatted with me. I told him my business and he replied, “I once bought a Reader t-shirt. Hi, I’m Bob Andersen, the founder of the band.” He and his bandmates were drinking cups of coffee during their break. That caught my eye, because I’m used to musicians drinking beers and smoking something during set breaks. But these guys were tuning and adjusting their instruments and discussing their next set. Bob told me they liked playing in the art museum outdoor space because it sounds like playing indoors. When I asked if they ever practiced or rehearsed together, he answered, “No, we discuss what songs we’re going to perform and practice them on our own.” He excused himself and looked at his other bandmates, exclaiming “It’s time!” They all scrambled to their chairs.

Their music was a tribute to the big band swing era, and put me in mind of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and George Gershwin. After the first song of that set, I overheard the guitar player talking about going to a Van Halen concert when he was younger. He leaned over towards Bob and murmured, “Ice cream man.” Bob then shouted, “Our next song is called ‘Ice Cream.’” They were a professional bunch with a sweet sound: the woodwinds, horns, strings and the thumping tone of the stand-up bass took me back to the 1940s, even though I had never been there.

Thanks to my beery sustenance, I wasn’t up for ordering any food off the menu, but I would like to return to try the truffle parm fries for $8 or Beef Braised Short Rib for $24.00. Speaking of beer: all the beer at Panama 66 is independently brewed by local brewers, and served in appropriate glasses with a proper head. The establishment says it is okay to bring your kids and dogs, but don’t tie dogs to the furniture and don’t let your kids climb on the sculptures or play in the bushes. Speaking for myself, I don’t think I’d want any of my kids playing in any bushes in Balboa Park.