Good Tunes, Good Times

 Does anyone else feel like winter will never end? Anyone? I'm ok with the snow, and, well, winter in general, but these subzero temps and blustery winds have been really taking a toll on me. Add all of that to a long...and I mean LONG...week of work and you've got one tired out girl. When I got home Friday I was about ready to hit the sack. My conscience kept nagging at me, though, "You've got to go check out this 'InsideOut' place that you're friend has been telling you about..." and when said friend was performing that night, how could I not listen to that little voice in my head??

A little back story: A good friend of mine who lives in the area has been playing with the group "Outside In" at the bar "InsideOut Gallery". I've been receiving numerous Facebook requests to go check them out. Of course I've wanted to go, but there always seems to be something in the way...work obligation, family event, out of town...not wanting to dig your car out for the millionth time that day...*ahem*...so when I found myself at home this past Friday (with decent weather), I forced myself out the door despite the fact that I was falling asleep on my feet.

Tucked away in the Warehouse District just east of Downtown Traverse City, InsideOut Gallery (website is insideoutarttc.com, or just click the link above) is an art gallery, music scene, and bar all rolled into one. Throw it all into an old furniture warehouse and you've got one hip place to hang out. Don't blink, you might miss your turn--Garland Street isn't exactly a major intersection.

Front entrance of InsideOut Gallery..sorry about all the dark photos. It was, well, dark outside when we went and we took these with a cell phone...I didn't want to bring along my large camera for this trip.

Front face of this old furniture warehouse

I love the entrance way.

Bryan and I arrived early, and we were able to easily find a seat. We had our choice of tables, booths, and even couch/lounge areas (I thought this was cool.) I headed to the bar and got myself a beverage. They had quite a menu, everything from micro-brew, "Grandpa Beer" (Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Blatz...you get the picture), to wine, cocktails, and even Absinthe. Their cocktails are highly popular, however I was in the mood for a good beer. I settled for a Manitou Amber Ale on tap, made by Brewery Terra Firma (gotta go local!). P.S. Even though I'm discovering that most amber ales aren't my thing, I wasn't disappointed with this brew.

The bar area was a popular place to hang out. It filled up long before the rest of the warehouse. It wasn't quite this crowded when I went up to order!

After my trip to the bar, I took a seat and soaked in the atmosphere. The artwork is not your typical "fine art". Bold in color, funky in theme, and just a little bit quirky at times. From the info I could find, it seems that the featured artists are mainly local, with one being from San Diego, CA: Ron Wharton. Although I don't recall seeing her artwork at InsideOut, I particularly liked Tara Hackett's retro looking art (go to this link, hover over the drop down menu and click on her name.)

The view from our booth

Bryan's look after I tell him there's not Cherry Coke... ;)

A view facing the booth we sat at. I love the lounge area/couches they have along the wall! Perfect for relaxing with a drink after a long day!

Bryan checking out some of the awesome artwork on display.

And of course I can't forget the group InsideOut. They really rocked out the place. A little funk, a little jazz, great company and a cold drink. What more do you need on a Friday night?

Outside In playing at InsideOut--loved it!

Links:
InsideOut Gallery: www.insideoutarttc.com
InsideOut Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/insideoutgallerytc
Brewery Terra Firma: http://www.breweryterrafirma.com/