On the way to get here, I passed the legendary jazz club, Smalls. It was 5pm but already radiating with amazing live jazz.

Also passed the Village Vanguard, where some of my favorite jazz recordings in the world were recorded (John Coltrane and Bill Evans mostly)

There’s a famous story about how back in the day, closeted queer women in small towns would call bars like these just to try to talk to the first lesbians in their lives. Just listening to the chatter and sounds of life on the other side was invigorating to many.

I no longer drink, but it’s nice that these spots have excellent zero proof options now. The only thing I miss about bar culture is just having lots of varied options to hang out and meet people at night

Also, someone put on Avril Lavigne on the jukebox. This is bringing back memories of being confused and in love with a girl for the first time. Lol

I wish I can go back in time and tell that teenager ‘it’s not that complicated’