Discover Walla Walla

The band was rocking, the crowd was dancing, and the wine was flowing. Sapolil Cellars was vibrant and vibrating as Ce Ce James and her band rolled out the blues all night long.

The Seattle based songstress, voted recently as Best Blues Writer in the state of Washington, displayed her wide range, meandering back and forth between driving tunes and traditional numbers, alternating from aggressive vocals with a strong hint of Joplin to more melodious moments that fostered some slow dancing.

Dressed in all black, and twisting and jerking her body with every note, James doesn't short-change her audience on effort. Often there was interplay between her and the crowd as she roamed through the maze of circular tables, her interaction authentic, not choreographed like a Las Vegas performance.

The band was tight. Three guitars and a drummer supported Ce Ce. The lead guitarist (name unavailable) was the kind of guy I like: didn't upstage any vocals, his solos were inspired but controlled, and he could drive. Plus, he looked the part  . . . stringy long blond hair, a black cutoff shirt, the fu Manchu beard, a face that has seen many miles and a smattering of tattoos.

Sapolil doesn't possess a true dance floor, but the limited amount of space that does exist between the band and the tables served as one, as it was stuffed with folks shaking their groove thing. During James' cover of "Aint Superstitious" the amount of dancers was so plentiful that the crowd flowed into the spaces between the tables.

Walla Walla crowds are not renowned for spontaneous dancing but James and her band inspired them to buck the trend.

 

Sapolil Cellars has established itself as the top "live music" night club in Walla Walla. Nestled in the hub of activity at 15 E. Main St., the inviting bar and club - that also serves as a tasting room for Sapolil's wines - has capitalized on its momentum, expanding its seating and repertoire for the taste buds.

Initially Sapolil served only its wines with its music events; now, the bar is full with a selection of beer from the bottle or tap, and hard liquor. A commercial kitchen has been added with delicious dishes, such as the beef brisket sandwich I engulfed, available throughout the night.

Sapolil's commitment to providing "live music" every weekend has paid off. After originally offering music mainly on Saturday nights, now, Sapolil usually provides Friday and Saturday shows with Thursday also a consistent night for performances. The vision of Abigail Schwerin, Sapolil's manager, has inspired other tasting rooms and establishments to begin offering "live music" frequently.

Hopefully, others will make the same, strong commitment as Sapolil so that folks can experience the quality that Ce Ce James brought last Saturday, every Saturday throughout downtown.

For listings of Sapolil's calendar go to www.sapolilcellars.com/upcomingevents.cfm