Lonesome Paul, neither down nor out

It was wonderful to see Lonesome Paul playing at Irene's on Friday night. Also wonderful to see lots of old regulars in the audience.

Two weeks ago, we were surprised to find him watching the door for Ball and Chain's Hank Williams' Birthday Bash. He'd take ten dollars from people coming in and click the counter. Now and then, he'd lean out the door and sing something to encourage people to come in.

One of the guest performers on the stage started singing a Hank song that Paul does. "I could sing that," he said.

"Gee, Paul, for years you were the headliner here and now you're taking money at the door," I said.

"Yup," he said. "Lonesome Paul, Down and Out... We'll put that on the posters."