Last evening a few of the Knights met to celebrate, among other things, Hook's safe return from his snow-crippling east coast trip and...the Knights of MSA's 100th Blog which was posted this week. We decided to meet at Evansville's only remaining brewery: Turoni's Pizzery & Brewery on Main Street.
As we stand around the bar waiting for a table I begin to write in my head this blog: I will write about Evansville's rich brewing history and how Turoni's is the lone survivor. However, my thoughts are soon washed away by the uplifting sounds of polka music. Scanning the room, we eye an energetic older gentleman gliding from table to table and serenading the delighted crowd... with his accordion.
Now, the motto of the Knights of Moleskine, Spirit, and Ale is: Think, Drink, and be Merry. Part of the blessing of being a Knight of MSA is the ability to be open to new ideas and meeting people who have a passion for life and a willingness to share that passion with others:
Meet Mr. Ed Valentine.
“I've been playing accordion since 1941,” he told us. We ask him to play us his favorite song. “Favorite? How much time do you have?” Like Paul McCartney, Ed, too, has his “play list” attached to the top of his accordion (Hofner Bass in Sir Paul's case); after hearing him play, I believe that each is his favorite. His music is as contagious as his smile, and before long everyone in the room is smiling and clapping along. "Dark Eyes," characterized as a Russian gypsy song, is next.
"Do you really want to hear one of my favorites?" Of course. He pauses, closes his eyes as if meeting the love of his life, and breaks into “Our Day Will Come.” Beautiful!
We thank Ed for his gift of music, and in exchange for a Knights Beer Coaster, he graciously allows us to have our photo taken with him. Mr. Valentine then breaks into another polka as he sails off into the sea of pizza munching, beer guzzling Turoni's patrons.
Before he's out of earshot, we immediately recruit Ed Valentine into our merry band of Knights and dub him Sir Valentine of Bellows. (Ed, if you'd like to choose a different name, email me and we'll take care of it: dakuhn@insightbb.com )
Thank you Sir Valentine of Bellows for reminding us by example to: "Think love and wear a smile" (a line from Ed's favorite song).
Sir Bowie of Greenbriar
Sir Hook of Warrick
Lady Winky of Warrick
Sir Richard Lion Heart of Beaver Creek
(Stay tuned for more on the history of Evansville Brewing and Turoni's)
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