Asian Drummer Band

Friday night I headed out to The Hen House for their  weekly event Lifted!. The Hen House only opened recently so I was keen to see how they had done for themselves. As I arrived around 9 p.m. – the event is only until 1 a.m. – the first thing I noticed was how incredibly bright and cheery it was. Clean, crisp tables with endearing finishing touches like “Roosters” and “Hens” signs on the bathroom door to distinguish the men’s from the women’s. The chairs were scarce so I grabbed one and did my best to hold onto it until my Fab! Friends arrived. While wating I enjoyed the sounds of the The Groove Band and a watched as casually dressed ladies and guys strolled in lookin’ ready to mix and mingle and have a good time. I even got to meet Fab! Fan Alana who is friends with BMore Fab! – see I told you we were an Empire! 

Just before my Fab! Friends arrived and I was on chicken and waffle duty – we heard from a unassuming young man with the sounds like Robin Thicke. At first I was like “What iss this orange T-shirt wearing back pack carrying dude gonna do?” – but his sound was incredibly soulful and his tune catchy. Very pleasant surprise.

Michael Jackson dance contest champion

I scooched over to the line which was a bit disorganized to say the least. I wasn’t sure where the one line began or the other ended. Maybe they should put signs above where you are to take your order and where to pick it up to avoid confusion.

It was nice to find they do serve alcohol, if only beer and wine – your cocktail lovin’ gal settled for a Heineken. I of course, being complicated – had to order my chicken and waffle separate…(my girl wanted the chicken, I wanted the waffle) and I wanted a side a mac and cheese. They were kind enough to accommodate, but it took quite a while – like 20 minutes- to get my order. They do have a sign on the rib side that says “No Substitutions” so next time I’ll try to be less complex.

While waiting my eardrums were suddenly bludgeoned by the sounds of rhythmic drumming…can’t somebody give an introduction or something? Though, I could have been too busy with my conversations to notice one. When I turned around to see what all the commotion was about – imagine my surprise in seeing a full Asian band making all them beats! Say what? This was multi-culturalism at it’s finest as the lead soloist spit James Brown “Get up…get on up”…well don’t mind if I do! People were definitely into it…dancing and singing along.

Songster Ryan Pinkston - album? Please!

All that movin’ around in such a small space = heat - which inclined me to head outside to try the waffle thing out…and can I say? Slammin! I ordered regular one, but I hear the cornbread one is even better. In order to truly appreciate it you must like butter and sweet ooey gooeness. Loved it! My girl tore up her teriyaki chicken wings. I would, however skip on the sides…the mac and cheese was not like your grandmamma makes it by any means. Stick with what they’re known for and you will not be disappointed.

While chatting and socializing I looked through the window to find poetess and Fab! Friend “Iguehi” spittin’ a few on love lost and no good men. After her performance we got into the tribute to Michael Jackson portion of the evening with trivia - which would get you a free drink for the correct answer, a Michael Jackson dance contest , wrapping up with the stellar performance by Ryan Pinkston. Um…can I see when HIS album is gonna drop? He tore up Billie Jean and his encore of Luther Vandross’ “Superstar” made me want to throw a napkin at him…you better sing that song!

I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of acts, the quality of the food, and the relaxing and fun atmosphere. Only drawbacks were the food-line wait and lack of chairs, but these are easy fixes. This event is certainly Fab! Approved and highly recommended for those who want an alternative to the club scene or an early Friday night. Oh, and did I mention it’s FREE?!  I give it an A.