I always like to include a show report whenever we have a new artist. As most of you know, we had Marshall Crenshaw play solo here last week. This show had sold out in less than one day. Sometimes what you expect of a person and what you get are two different things. From the moment he arrived until his departure, he could not have been a nicer person, mild mannered, and soft spoken. As far as his show, I thought you could really tell the "show tune" influence in his act. He was one of the early cast members of Beatlemania.

Of course he played all the songs from his iconic 1982 album self entitled "Marshall Crenshaw". This watershed album included rock and roll all time classics like Maryanne, Cynical Girl and Someday, Someway. When you think about it, that album (they only sold albums when this came out) is a part of rock and roll history. Anyone roughly my age will also remember how often these tunes were on in the early days of MTV. As usual, there were many local musicians in the audience. It is pretty cool when you think how many times you have heard some of the locals sing these tunes, and now they are here to hear the originator's version. Even with it being a solo show, not having the effect of his band, it was great to hear, see and feel live. He also played several songs from his new CD Jaggedland, of which I thought he could have done a much better job promoting. It is a pretty good work.

Marshall was on his way to Southwestern Michigan where his parents were going to join him and watch one of his shows.

Watch for at least 4 new shows being announced next week.

Article on Marshall Crenshaw in Modern Guitars Magazine

Ever since I started out as a manager, we have offered Jelly Belly jelly beans at the front desk for guests on their way out. A lot of people have fallen in love with these little sugar after dinner "thank you" treats. At the time, I inherited being the one that orders the different flavors each month. Over the course of the last 9 years, I have felt a lot of pressure being in charge of this. There used to be only a few flavors that we brought in. It always seemed to be a mint flavor or coffee type flavor. When it became my turn to choose, I felt we needed a little bit of excitement brought in. Although it is always hard to choose from all the flavors that they make, I try to bring in a few new flavors each month to sweeten the palate after your dinner. I have always had great conversation with guests as they make a pit stop at the dispenser on the way out. There has even been a few times where we have run out and I would see an unpleasant customers reaction. I had all staff pointing to me when they were questioned by guests. I vowed to never run out of them again.

But where do Jelly Bellies come from? Although jelly beans first appeared in the 1800's, jellied candies have been around for thousands of years. The first jelly bean was created by an American candy maker whose name has since been lost in time. The official Jelly Belly candy is a little different than the traditional jelly bean. Jelly Bellies tend to be softer and smaller than traditional jelly beans. They are also flavored in both the shell and the middle. Traditional beans typically contain flavor only in the shell.

In 1869, just two years after arriving in America, Gustav Goelitz bought an ice cream and candy store in Belleville, Ill., and his brother, Albert was sent out in a horse drawn wagon to sell their sweets to nearby communities. After several generations in the business, 1976 brought the birth of the Jelly Belly.The first eight Jelly Belly flavors that were born: Very Cherry, Lemon, Cream Soda, Tangerine, Green Apple, Root Beer, Grape and Licorice. Funny enough they are still some of the most popular flavors made today.

Here are a few interesting facts about them:

Ronald Reagan made Jelly Belly beans a staple in the Oval Office, on Air Force One and Marine One after he was elected president. President Reagan's passion for jelly beans inspired Blueberry flavor, which was cooked up so he could serve red, white, and blue beans at his inaugural parties.

Jelly Belly was also the first jelly bean in outer space. Free floating, weightless Jelly Belly beans were sent on the space shuttle Challenger in 1983 as a presidential surprise for the astronauts. Coincidentally it was the same mission that boasted another bit of history -- the first American female astronaut, Sally Ride.

I would love to hear everyones favorite flavor. Please email me at jimmy@uptowngrill.com

I will try and bring back more of your favorites to our selections.