Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar – Open Mic – Dick Beach

Open Mic at Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar

An Evening in NYC by Dick Beach

Once upon a time, a young man purchased a double album titled Ashford and Simpson Live.  Just the manner in which the announcer said “Ladies and Gentlemen – ASHford and SIMPson!” let you know it was a treat.

Fast forward more years than I care to count and head to the West 70’s in Manhattan to join in the festivities at Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar for open mic night.  Nick Ashford passed in 2011 at 70 years old – however – his wife Valerie Simpson, now 77, reigns over The Sugar Bar with an infectious smile, unbounded energy and a sense of fun that just makes you want to dance all night.  Her ability to make even the most nervous performers feel at home is refreshing.

Most of us have been to open mic nights.  Usually, the talent is a bit uneven which makes a choppy evening of it.  Not the case on this evening.

The crack 4 piece backing band was masterful at either keeping a groove they knew, or picking up an original they had never heard and making polished. Music ranged from funk to pop to soul to folk and disco.

For those of you not familiar with the prototypical NYC spot, like most, The Sugar Bar is a narrow shotgun of a space, albeit with a second floor that the show is fed to.  Makes for tight quarters and here, at least, everyone if fun and friendly.

The venue also has a very good menu with reasonably priced food.  Constant companion and I had a lovely dinner at a price one rarely sees in NYC. How could one go wrong?

You also never know who is going to be in the house. One of the original members of The Crystals was in the house – clearly a friend of Valeries.  One a previous visit, we sat next to Alexander Simone, and artist in his own right and grandson of Nina Simone.  One just never knows.

If you are in the City, look it up and check it out.  You will need a reservation well ahead, but your time will be well spent.

Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar, 254 West 72^nd Street, New York, New York.

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