A balmy 70-degree wind sneaks through a crack in my driver side window, and green hills gradually peak, then break over a horizon that's balanced by a picturesque blue sky. The Midwest. In none of it's freezing glory of January, it actually seems it's one of the most desirable places to be in the United States today (based on completely inconsistent and fairly unreliable weather reports), and coincidentally, I'm here.

I'm on my way to The Walnut Speakeasy in Elgin, IL - anything that ends in "speakeasy" typically gives me memories of Rex Banner saying "where'd you pinch the hooch?" in the infamous Simpsons episode where Homer is the Beer Baron, but those thoughts are quickly pushed to the side as I drive up to this obviously renovated, suburban watering hole. 

Within moments of entering, I'm greeted with come-to-be-expected Midwestern hospitality

"Try the Two Brother's beer," Alex, the owner says with confidence, "It's a local one." 

I gladly oblige, and understand where the confidence comes from - the beer is great. The ambiance is one of a tavern that I would hope to find myself in when I'm through playing a local softball league game, and many patrons there seem to be doing exactly that. The stage in the corner is elevated. I love that. 

"We just got this system installed about two weeks ago. Hope you like it." Alex explains, as he directs me beyond the marquis with "The Real Matt Jones - a must see" written on it to the PA system on the stage. As it turns out, I do like it. QSC is stamped all over the speakers and the amps powering the rig; I'll have to write them a letter to impart how much I actually enjoyed using the system...

At any rate, though I'm competing with the Lakers/Celtics game this very night, the audience grows steadily throughout the night. Highlights definitely included getting a softball team of guys to participate in singing parts in a couple of tunes, and upon completing my third set when Alex says to me, "Matt - that was great! Let me cook you a hamburger!"

And really - who am I to blow against the wind? I, with little if any hesitance, answer, "That'd be awesome."

On my second beer of the night, I'm cooling down as Alex brings the burger out - I'm starving, as I just remember that I haven't eaten anything since my layover in Las Vegas this morning. Sheesh. I also don't seem to think it odd at all that the owner of the place just cooked me a hamburger, but Amanda, the bartender assures me it's "only when he's having a great time and wants to cook."

Awesome. I'm really enjoying myself until I realize a sensation that is a little less than desirable as I'm talking to one of the waiters on staff. My mouth is burning. The burger must have come directly out of the kitchen and in front of me. I can't take the bite and spit it out like one might do when sitting alone at home and eating a Red Baron pizza that's too hot because I'm mid-conversation with this gent. I cringe, and swallow the nuclear-hot bite of hamburger and try to maintain civility. It works, but the top of my mouth is left feeling the way it does after I eat too much Cap'n Crunch cereal...well, if that's the worst thing that has happened tonight, I'm in the clear. Good to be back Midwest, I've missed ya.

-TRMJ