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My name is David Simons and my mission (which I have chosen to accept) is to bring more live music back to Philly. I am working with open minded bar & restaurant owners who will allow me to present live music in their spaces. This may seem like a simple concept, but to bring it to fruition I have needed the assistance, help, and support of countless restaurant owners & their staff, musicians, fans, and you!A little bit about me... for several years I owned & operated two of the most successful live music clubs in Philly. After returning to Philly from Hawaii, I used my experience and contacts in the Philly music scene to assist restaurant owners from time to time by promoting live music to build their business.Recently (December '07) a great opportunity presented itself: to assist in revamping a bar in a great location on South Street. I couldn't resist. And of course part of the plan would be to present live acoustic music there.This spot is The Blarney, at 328 South Street. Perhaps on the best block of South Street, The Blarney also happens to be nextdoor to the TLA. So it makes sense to showcase local live music right next a major Philly concert venue.Getting anything started with the holidays and the wintry weather is never easy. However, we have one night up and running. December 20th we kicked off our live music with a weekly Thursday night Open Mic night, hosted by Joseph Randle of Funkharp. We do not charge a cover, and musicians who are performing are offered a discount of $2 for Rolling Rock or Bud. Musician sign-up starts at 9pm.Right from the beginning Joseph & I appreciated all of the positive energy. Even at this early stage, there is no other way to describe the night as anything other than a success. The musicians and their friends have been great, and the people walking in off South Street to simply check it out have loved it.I am hoping to be adding additional nights of live music before the end of February.Due to the constraints of the space, we have to limit the music to "acoustic". If you are a musician interested in performing, you can stop down or contact me through myspace. And if you are fan of live music, definitely stop by to check it out. In time I will use this site to let you know about our progress at The Blarney, as well as any other bars & restaurants I will be working with.David