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R.I.P. Nate Wiley - Legendary Tenor Man from Bob and Barbara's Nov. 20th, 2006
Bob & Barbara's, owned by Jack Prince (former partner of JJ's Grotto) maintains its position as one of Philly's most authentic and funky Jazz venues. Although an extensive menu of chili dogs and chips is now available for your dining pleasure, the accent is on the music and good times. A racially mixed bar, Bob & Barbara's is the classic organ lounge. Tenor man Nate Wiley has passed, but The Crowd Pleasers jam Sunday nights until 2:00 AM. Drinks are a little more expensive during music sets, but not enough to break you. It's downright cheap, so long as you lay off the Courvoisier. Since B&B has been "discovered" Fridays and Saturdays tend toward the familiar repertoire (Misty, Satin Doll, and lowdown blues) which Nate describes as "liquor drinkin' music". If you're looking for a more straight-ahead boppish vein, come when the art students have left, for the jam sessions"
Sundays, they host a jam session. Veterans and newcomers alike are allowed as many choruses as will please the crowd, and no more. Less experienced players are tolerated, even encouraged, but never coddled.
There is an eclectic mix of music on other nights, and even a drag show on Thursdays. A welcome oasis on an otherwise somewhat desolate block of South Street. Also, (Bob and Barbara's is a favorite watering hole.
The City Paper recently ran a front-page article on The Crowd Pleaser.