The Battista Brothers at Mr. Villa 4-16-12

I had to give up my table. When the place is packed, customers waiting at the door; a decent guy just has to get up and let someone else sit. My wife and I were done with dinner. We didn't have any more excuses. There is no place to stand so we left.

The owner was pleading with us to stay, she was so sweet. She understands the need to hear great music. She is a huge Battista fan. She made sure I knew The JerKels were playing at her other restaurant, El Norte. We both had slobbered all over Jerry, but I knew I had to man-up.

See El Norte here: http://elnorteloungeseattle.com/

I was a waiter, I know that turnover is the name of the game. We used to call folks that sat around after they were done with dinner campers. "they're starting a fire on table 9, getting out the marshmallows!" I wasn't going to be that guy.

As much as I wanted to hang around, Mrs. Ghia and I headed out the door. We thanked Jerry and his brother, left him some dollars and went home. Sniff.

I had seen Jerry's post on Facebook earlier in the day, he and his bro would be at Mr. Villa in Lake City. Jerry and his brother Jeff play there two Mondays a week; the 2nd and 4th. I hadn't been up there in a while, I emailed the wife and made plans to see The Battista Brothers at Mr. Villa in Lake City.

See Mr. Villa here: http://mrvillaseattle.com/

Jerry plays the sweetest guitar, he is a master and obviously loves to play. He has been named Seattle's Best Guitarist by The Weekly. I have seen him in 3 of the many bands he is a member. I have seen him sitting in for vacationing guitarists. And I have seen him absolutely rock. So seeing him playing lounge music in a tiny little restaurant was fun.

They started with a beautiful Santana tune, a brotherly guitar duo. It was gorgeous, melted me and Mrs. Ghia. It was weird tho, here was Seattle's Best Guitarist playing to a roomful of people stuffing their faces.

I looked at my wife and said, "Murph and the Magic Tones" she replied "don't go changing" Ha! She is sharp. This of course is from The Blues Brothers Movie. As in the movie, here was two great musicians playing wonderful music to a barely interested crowd. I have the best pic illustrating this very statement.

Jerry and his brother Jeff sing beautiful harmonies; trading lead vocals they meshed perfectly. Nobody does it like kin. They both are playing great licks and singing, having fun and entertaining those of us who could appreciate it.

I love both the owners of Mr. Villa; they are special to set aside a couple tables that could be making dollars to the artists. They appreciate good music and the smile that it brings to your heart.

I have to add a plug for my favorite dish at Mr. Villa. I call them "crack tacos", on the menu it is called Tacos al Carbon. Try them and you will see why they have that name. Mmmmm, drool; Jonse-on for them right now. Oh, add Pico de gallo, spicy. Ai yi yi!

Great music is accessible and cheap. Try it, you won't be able to stop. You can even get a great taco and an adult beverage in the doing; feeding the soul, the mind and the body...

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything-Plato

We got 45 minutes of The Battista Brother's beautiful music. It is so cool that Jerry and his brother get out and play in little cafes like this. Jerry plays 4-5 days a week, you can see a Seattle Treasure tonight! Worship Jerry here: https://www.facebook.com/jerry.battista

Jerry gave me one last smile for the ride home (look just above the m).

Sorry about the lousy pics, lousy light...