Wheel’s beach party a rousing success
Bodies tumbled every which way, as racers, mounted on Hippity-Hop balls, contested each other Saturday night at the Captain’s Wheel in Bayview.
Celebrating a midwinter beach party, a packed house stayed warm inside as they danced to music by Shane Edwards and the Rattletrap Band. With heavy snowfall outside, a house full of folks braved the elements to defy winter. Winter, sensing the defiance, howled back, giving residents everything it could except for lack of enthusiasm. A deranged cameraman lurked in the shadows, recording for posterity, the occasion.
Fortunately for most, what happens in Bayview, stays in Bayview. Edwards, along with a number of musician friends without their own gigs, sat in, so that a seven-piece band performed into the wee hours. In addition to Edwards, Clint Darnell, George Brunner, Connor Yarbrough, Buzz Daldo, Billy Casperson and Ray Gibson played. A crowd of more than 50 revelers danced, quaffed their favorite beverages, then stole off into the stormy night, where in Bayview at least, the snow had turned to freezing rain. Bikinis were in short supply, as Sorrels and parkas dominated the scene. A few, however, managed to dress down for the occasion.
Wednesdays at Rusty’s
An old friend, Kim Gittle, a summer resident of Bayview, started a new business, Rusty’s, in Hayden last February after entering and winning a lottery for new liquor licenses. I called him, verified the information and promised to show up Wednesday. Kim was there and introduced me to a vaguely familiar face as the karaoke hostess. We went through the “where do I know you from,” back and forth. Finally, I said, “Well, my picture is in the paper a lot.” Bingo. It turned out that Renee, hostess extraordinaire, works at the front desk in The Spokesman-Review’s Coeur d’Alene office.
Most great undiscovered musicians have day jobs and Renee is no exception. Oh, by the way, she is an extraordinary singer. She even yodels. I’ll be back next Wednesday, you can bet on it. Oh, yet another example of a small world, I ran into friends of friends of mine, Nancy and her guy friend, Drew. I’ll just call her Nancy Drew for want of a better reminder. Drew also remembered me from when I was the conductor/entertainer on the Silverwood train. (That could happen again, if everything works out.)
Nancy, the bar manager, was very gracious and lest I forget, Tonya, the bartender, faced with more than 35 guests, never missed a beat. Friendly, charming and always there to check on everyone’s needs. Folks this is a class joint. And, it’s a no smoking bar, too. Located in the strip mall on Orchard, between Government Way, and Highway 95. Call 772-2400.