Once upon a time the Charcoal House was a huge part of my life. A guaranteed good time was on the horizon on any given Friday or Saturday I chose to go; but, that was then and this is now.
Unfortunately, since the change of ownership somewhere in the early 2000s (or close to) the once beloved Charcoal House has slowly turned to ash. Never mind that it is affectionately referred to as the "Wrinkle Room"--a name given in reference to the its more mature patrons--this place USED to be FUN!
For starters, the once quaint dance floor and perfectly placed stage have been banished to a far wall and have become, well, let's just say, "distastefully relocated." These and other fumbled changes have managed to wither the attendance of the regulars and the passers-by. My greatest friends, where have you gone!?
I will end with a most appropriate coup de grace: I was told at my last visit (early June '08) that the KJ can no longer play personal karaoke discs. Singers must now choose strictly off the "house" list--a death blow that has sent me six feet under and miles away from the Charcoal House.
I am now looking towards checking out the Camel's Breath Inn in Grantville/Mission Gorge. If that does not work, I will hunt down Gerri Wu and Friends: the once star of the KJs at CH. I hear she has relocated to a fine hotel in La Jolla, where her show thrives despite the lack of a real dance floor. COME WITH!! And let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks! The always hopeful, Kelly.
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