The Gig

Some of you know that I often criticize my hometown, Beaumont. So as to not bore everyone minute details, let's just say that Beaumont finds you more competent or valuable if you're from somewhere else. Nothing good or useful could possibly come from Beaumont, right? Beaumont may view the fact that you continue living there after childhood or that you graduate from the local university as proof of your incompetence. It's an understated kind of inferiority complex in which competent, ambitious people are encouraged to leave in order to make room for mediocre implants from anywhere else.
Nonetheless, I must admit that I'm impressed with Beaumont right now for two reasons. First, that someone staged a well-executed & respectable jazz & blues festival at Crockett Street Station. I find myself wondering if the organizers moved to Beaumont from somewhere else, but most of the performing acts were local talent!
Second, that so big & beautiful a venue as The Gig offers professional-quality live music in downtown Beaumont. The bartender was very professional & the drinks were great. Sound quality was great for the first act we heard & poorer for the act that followed, but the performances were fine. And, yes - sigh - some of the performers were not from Beaumont...
The stage is excellent, just about eye level & with plenty of surface for musicians, instruments & equipment. A row of patron tables are on a higher platform, making it easy for those listeners to view the performers. We will return to The Gig on our next trip to Beaumont & check out the music on a regular night.