There’s a Story Here!

Last week, we enjoyed four early Christmas presents at The Book Cellar in Fairhope. The first was Monday night listening to Phil and Foster. Always entertaining, they are the longest-running set every Wednesday evening at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club in Mobile. They started that gig over 10 years ago, and it’s always a treat to hear them play once a month on Monday night at The Book Cellar.  

Friday evening, The Book Cellar played host to Strickly Rivers. Roger Strick and Flo Rivers are a dynamic duo, with Roger doing amazing things with the guitar and Flo using her incredible vocals. As we sat with friends, we commented that their renditions are often better than the original. Flo has a depth to her singing that will blow you away. Here are two short clips from Friday night, covering Bonnie Raitt and Chris Stapleton.

We were back at it again on Saturday afternoon to listen to the Delta Drifters, Brad Lawley and Trent Brownlee. With a wide repertoire of country classics, the show had a family-friendly atmosphere, as the musicians had their parents, wives, and kids in tow. Holiday shoppers stopped by to take a break and listen to the two talented singers. They even threw in a couple of Christmas songs and invited the family members to join in on the laid-back show. It was a lot of fun and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Book Cellar shoos away the Monday blues each week with an amazing array of local talent from Mobile, Fairhope, Foley, Orange Beach, Bay Minette, and even Atmore. This Monday it was the Stan Foster Trio, Mike Estep’s name for the iteration of Stan, Mike, and John Keuler. They are always so entertaining, and this evening they were fantastic. Here are a couple of clips they played.: Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and another, Harvest Moon by Neil Young. What talent!

Unfortunately, we missed Molly Thomas last Tuesday night. She can make a fiddle dance like nobody’s business. Molly is also a songwriter and her band, The Rare Birds, covers her songs and others. Molly had a severe automobile accident in August 2023, and we are glad she is back on stage.

The Book Cellar is the event space at Page & Palette. Latte Da is their popular coffee shop where you are bound to run into friends or make new ones any time you visit. As an independent bookseller, they can offer great recommendations on what to read based on your taste. Author events are fun and plentiful throughout the year. 

We often find ourselves at Page & Palette. I take advantage of the selection of books in their Children’s Library for my grandchildren. With the help of Anderson McKean, who offered her expertise, it made for an enjoyable Christmas shopping experience on Saturday, between sets of the Delta Drifters. 

Needless to say, the folks at Page & Palette have figured out the perfect Fairhope spot to meet friends, get a cup of coffee, find your next thriller to read, or surprise someone with a birthday or thank you card. With great staff and bartenders, The Book Cellar has become the go-to cozy place for business or pleasure, or to hear a famous author discuss their latest work. 

When the music starts, so do the good times. We call it the Jewel of Fairhope!