Player's Pub showcases local talent

Musical instruments line The Player’s Pub walls, but they’re rusted and brown and don’t compare to the sounds of the music onstage.

Every Monday, the Player’s Pub features a Songwriter Showcase in which musical artists of many genres perform.

This week was no exception. A crowd of about 50 Bloomington residents gathered to hear soul music by Jenn Cristy and bluegrass by Steve Johnson, among other performances.

“I’m a jazz singer, so I like jazz,” Bloomington resident Marie-Noelle Long said.
She laughed and took a sip of wine.

Long relaxed alone in the back of the restaurant and mentioned she liked Cristy’s musical style.

Long said the singer’s soul sound appealed to her professional taste and called Cristy’s melodies “real American music.”

“I know your strengths/ I know your walls/ you can make me walk/ I can make you crawl,” Cristy sang.

Cristy’s new single, “Crawl,” starts with a quiet piano and crescendos to a louder, more big-band sound.

The song was released this February, and her latest album will premiere in about three weeks.

Cristy performed original music, songs for about an hour.

Bar Manager Brent Crocket was part of the crowd but said he was too busy serving tables to appreciate much of the music.

Consequently, he didn’t have much of a chance to listen to the sound but commented on what a great “musical experience” the Songwriter Showcase is.

“It’s a musical venue that offers a musical experience for all ears,” he said.

Performer Johnson agreed with Crocket and said The Player’s Pub is also a fun place for artists to perform.

He smiled and took a sip from his Bud Light beer.

“I’ve lived in Bloomington for almost 40 years, and there’s never been an opportunity for singer-songwriters to play,” Johnson said.

“This is a godsend.”

Singer-songwriters are musicians who write their own music and compose their own melodies. They are often folk or acoustic musicians.

Johnson said he likes the role of singer-songwriter because it lets him fully express himself. Some of his songs were solo, with just him and his guitar, and others he played with the onstage band.

Johnson said his musical style is “blues, folk and a little bit of simple jazz.” He wore a jean shirt and jean pants, and closed his eyes while he sang his songs.

“I wouldn’t enjoy it too much if I was just singing to myself,” Johnson said.
“This is a great place to come play and listen.”