I don't usually venture as far as the 9th district at night, since that means a drunken cycle home. But, given the line-up of seasoned and new talent to check out at Red Velour, I promised myself to go steady on the froccs and rolled the bikey out for a jaunt to the Red Cafe (Raday u. 14). Tony Donnelly is the newest member of the expat crowd to organise English-language events, under the brand of Red Velour. Animal House, the weekly Monday show, is the only English-language event in town focusing on an open-mike format for musicians. While not a huge venue, the back room fits 40-50 people with tables. Most importantly, Tony has arranged for the area to be smoke-free on the night, and for a few blessed electric fans.

Before I get into the music, let me just mention a couple things beyond Tony's control, but that could be improved if the owners of Red Cafe would listen. The bill includes an automatic service charge - when will Hungarians learn you need to earn this, and that it is a choice?! I got the bill even before I got my food and drink and had no idea if they deserved anything yet. And I am angry with myself for not catching this on the bill in the dim light and double-tipped. Secondly, I paid 990 huf for a simple froccs, half of which was the water and tip! Instead of adding soda water (something standard at most restaurants for 20-30 huf/dl), I was charged for the wine and a bottle of mineral water. A normal froccs at most places in town will be well under 500 huf. As I said, it is probably beyond Tony's control since he just uses the place for events, but maybe he can have a word.

Michael Kentish (Random Chocolates, Poniklo) and Lorant Kegl (Zoldhullam) opened the show with a great version of Van Morrison's "Moondance," followed by the surprising, and even better "Long Way Home" by Supertramp which brought an instant smile to my face with the first piano chords. They finished with Lorant taking the lead vocals on Tom Petty's "Free Falling," which started out shaky but then got into the groove. Mike will be playing Treehugger Dan's solo on September 16th, and as part of the Random Chocolates, unplugged, on November 4th.

Bob Trotsky (Pike) followed Mike and Lorant with three self-penned numbers. "I Love You, and You Love Me," was well done and funny. "Anne Marie" was nice but a bit too fast to catch many of the lyrics. Since he is taking a couple months hiatus, he finished off with "Hate to See you Go." Bob will be playing Treehugger Dan's on October 7th.

Going into the break, Krisztian Szabo introduced us to his new guitar Lori. Along with Niki on piano and accompanying vocals by Rachel Hammond, he did Leonard Cohen's "Halleluja." Check out the versions by Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright sometime . This was followed by P Mobil's "A Zöld, a Bibor és a Fekete" and another Hungarian song.

I came out specifically last night to hear Michael Kentish's new song, "Treading Water" after hearing rave reviews from Mookie Brando, Rachel Hammond and Rich Adkin. So it is a bit my fault that Mike took the stage again to play a couple extra numbers - meaning those following could only fit in a two songs apiece. (sorry folks, selfish of me, but I am a fan) He also played one of my favorite Kentish compositions, "Pure."

Marco & Kati sang a song I suggested to them a couple months ago and had not heard yet. They did a great job on Lori McKenna's "Ruby's Shoes," just like I knew they would ;-) and brought tears to my eyes. They then did covers of Belgian band K Choice's "All," and "Not and Addict." You can catch them at Treehugger Dan's this Thursday, July 22nd.

Monika Marko took the stage to do Seal's "Rose on the Hill," and then something Hungarian. She was quickly followed by Neil ? who played a couple songs on guitar, and then Phil and Valeri on guitars. I do not know the song they played, but there was a nice line in it, "Waking up without you is like drinking from an empty cup."

Valeri stayed on stage and was joined by Lorant on piano for a song, and the show was closed out by former Second Cousin Matyi Csajagi and Aron ? doing a two guitar jazz piece.

What I liked most about the evening was the comraderie among the musicians who were all very supportive of each other. The format has encouraged people to swap instruments, and for people to collaborate with other musicians with whom they may not have otherwise played. The smoke-free atmosphere and Tony's dynamic and strict MC-ing helped the coffee shop-style evening along. Time providing, maybe they can add a jam session at the end?  The Last Drops will play Otkert this Friday, and Red Velour will host the Poosta Ramblers on July 27th. I highly recommend both events.