McDonald's is a restaurant. "Thanks for opening with the obvious Moose. I guess we aren't going to spend too many brain cells on this Pulitzer contender!" But seriously, think about it. Cook Out is a restaurant. Burger King is a restaurant. Taco Bell, Chili's, IHOP, Diablos, Metro Cafe... all restaurants. It seems crazy to say Chick-Fil-A slinging the Lord's Chicken between hamburger buns and Whiskey Alley meticulously preparing a Croque Madame are the same thing, but they are... and most certainly they are not.
You can trust me on this. As we discussed two weeks ago, I have a very sophisticated pallet. In a blind taste test, I can tell the difference between a free-range, organic Tyrannosaurus Rex and a farm-raised, grass-fed Parasaurolophus. I know my dino nuggies!
I go to Chick-Fil-A because it is consistent, convenient, and comfortable. There is nothing intimidating about a chicken sandwich, even if their unbreaking pleasure in service can be daunting at times, but mostly it's just nice. Whiskey Alley on the other hand can be intimidating. A few of you have already looked up Croque Madame, and have probably just gotten back to this page after looking up Parasaurolophus. For the record, the Croque Madame may be the pound-for-pound yummiest sammich on the whole damned planet! Yea, I said it Chick-Fil-A, what are you going to do about it? If Whiskey Alley is so scary, why are they always so busy? I'm glad you asked. That's their little secret, but I'll go ahead and spill the tea here.
Lead by Team Jajczyk, classically trained chefs Chad and Katie Jajczyk, Whiskey Alley serves comfort food with foodie flair, and foodie fare with approachable comfort. Yeah, you may see a dish of meat jelly made from the face of a pig, careful when you order head cheese - it's not cheese. However, you also have the option of one of Aiken's favorite cheeseburgers or the UK approved fish and chips. They perfectly blend the well-known with the more obscure. It is never forced upon you, it is simply shared with you.
Is Kenny George a chef?
Tattoo on his forearm - check. Foul mouth and crude humor - check. Non-conformist - check. Likes to party - check. Decided quitting partying is smarter - check. Hair looks sweet in a man bun - checks out. To be honest, I've never had food he prepared, but I've seen him cook. Whether he is leading the full band playing hard and fast, or flying solo going slower and softer, he draws the crowd into him. With the threat of rain and a late start, he still pulled in an engrossed crowd last week, using many of the same techniques the Chefs at Whiskey Alley and The Red Door use, which is why he is so beloved by Aiken and around the country.
He'll serve up Greg Allman's "Come and Go Blues" and Dicky Betts' "Blue Sky", which may be more obscure for some of the younger generations, even if they are familiar with "Rambling Man" and "Whipping Post.", but it sets the stage for the evening. He balances what he's feeding us with some Waylon Jennings, Dwight Yoakam, and Hal Ketchum to stir up some good ol' '90s country radio nostalgia. Then he offers the newer singer/songwriters for the "foodies" - Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson. He mixes in his originals seamlessly throughout the night.
With each song of his own or written by another, he gives a bit of himself, and he does it honestly. He effortlessly sings songs by folks who have struggled because he knows struggle. He never forces it on you, he shares it with you. With the love of and dedication to his craft, he makes music that may have felt unapproachable... comfortable. Kenny is a troubadour who shares his own stories, sometimes through other people's stories, and we listen, are captivated, and relate because he shows us that they are our stories too.
So yea, Chick-fil-A is a restaurant like Whiskey Alley is a restaurant. Kenny George is a musician like Kid Rock is a musician. Neither really feel right to say out loud, and especially type it, where I have to stare at it knowing it was my fingers on the keyboard. You can find both Chick-fil-A and Kid Rock's music in Aiken, maybe even Kid Rock in Chick-fil-A... but that isn't Aiken. If you want to experience Aiken it's the option of Tacos or Sushi. It's Shrimp Corndogs. It's self-serve craft beer. It's Whiskey Alley and Kenny George on stage in the center of The Alley.
That's Aiken. That's Amp the Alley. That's just awesome.
Kenny George Band on Spotify
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This Week on the Bud Light Stage - Shawn Woodward
Shawn Woodward is BACK! Last time he was on the Bud Light stage, he crushed to a massive crowd with Zombo. That was a fun and overdue show for us at Amp. They packed the entire alley. Shawn is a talented guitar player and singer with a repertoire that spans decades and genres: hair metal, power ballads, pop rock, 90's rock, soft rock... there is a solid chance it will be rock of some sort. Come out and support this talented musician and stand-up human being! Seriously, he is the nicest guy.
Shawn Woodward singing Mr. Big
Yeah, this one is 11 years old, but its a solo video of Shawn. Shockingly in pretty good shape for an 11 year old video.
A note from Moose
Thank you to all of you who have been reading these little articles week to week. I've been having more and more people come up to me and tell me they have enjoyed them, which is amazing because I'm usually thinking, "who in the hell cares about what I'm writing?" I'm sure most of you see my posts on social media, and that's how you found out I've published a new musing. If you wouldn't mind, give it a share too. It helps get the word out about our local musicians and it helps our sponsors who
put together this free show! While I'm imploring you to help out our little musical eco system, I have one more ask. Follow the bands on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Give their posts a like. Give their channel a subscribe. It helps the bands immensely, especially some of the debuting local acts we've got coming up in Sept and October. More engagement helps them book gigs, which helps them pay bills, which keeps them in the game, and makes our music scene that much better. Thank you all so much. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for reading the thoughts I can barely keep straight. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for caring.
Thank you!
Thank you Moose for writing this awesome blog I always learn new and interesting things each week ! The video was pretty Cool and I will definitely share this !