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Sunday Jams
By JORGE SANCHEZ, Times Staff Writer INVERNESS -- The hottest country music show in Citrus County takes place on Sunday afternoons, when the boots 'n hats crowd gathers at T.J. Michael's Restaurant and Lounge to enjoy a jam session with The Minus One Band. For four hours, the lounge resembles the scene inside a big-time country music club. It's packed. Extra servers are brought in. Cowboy hats and boots are everywhere. The dance floor gets crowded, and the music cuts through the good-time laughter and the clinking of dinnerware. It's Sunday afternoon, but people party as if it's Friday night. What draws the country music fans every Sunday? For most, the answer is The Minus One Band. For country pickers, these guys are the best around. They play classic country, with a shot of Texas swing and jazz. The band's name honors a bandmate who died. Led by guitar virtuoso B.J. Bear, The Minus One Band has the ability to make friends with the audience. Nearly everyone has a song or two he or she can sing, and with these guys behind you, it sure beats singing in the shower. The jam has feelings of warmth, community and even family. Nearly everyone seems to know everybody else. Seldom does a person walk in without being greeted with a hug from a waiting friend. Bear also keeps a close eye on the door, and no matter what he's doing on stage, he'll give a wink or a smile to the numerous folks he recognizes. "We've been doing this now for about two years, and we usually draw out 150 to 200 people," Bear said. "There are a lot of great singers here, and they really seem to enjoy getting out and performing." The jam resembles a Grand Ole Opry show. Bear and bandmates Wally Joslin on pedal steel guitar, Frenchy Boucher on bass and Jimmy Ryle on drums warm the crowd up with a first set. Then, after intermission, the guest singers and pickers start coming up. Bear is the master of ceremonies, and he knows the crowd well. "Lots of these folks have been with us for over a year. They have a song or two they like to do, and then we move on to someone else," Bear said. The music is mostly classic county, with hits such as The Green, Green Grass of Home and Good Hearted Woman. Often, jazzy selections such as Mr. Sandman and Crazy filter through. The jam has been at T.J. Michael's for about four months, having moved around to several spots in the past two years. The friendly atmosphere proved to be a hit right away. "The reason it's so successful is that people can get up there with the band and do what they want to do and have fun," said Brian Jones, the Sunday afternoon bartender. And having the country crowd drop by for Sunday dinner has really helped business at T.J. Michael's. "We'd never had a big football crowd in here anyway, and this is great for us," said Tonya Lucas, T.J. Michael's owner. "Everybody likes the laid-back style and the music." But even the country jam has to step aside for a bigger show. There will be no jam on Super Bowl Sunday. "But we'll have them back every other Sunday. They're sticking around," Lucas said. T.J. Michael's Restaurant and Lounge is at 4335 U.S. 41 S in Inverness, about a mile south of the airport. The lounge has classic rock bands on Fridays and Saturdays. The country music jam with The Minus One Band is from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Call 341-1200.
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