George at the Store
by craig eddy
One can't talk about the local area music scene without featuring The San Gregorio General Store and owner George Cattermole. The Store got started thirty four years ago. It wasn't music that got George and his wife to start the business it was the clean spring fed water supply that made it a desirable property. As can happen some local musicians (Irish in this case) would show up in the winter and sit by the wood stove and jam. It took on a life of it's own and George realized that music could become a big part of the business. In fact he says if it wasn't for the music he would have quit a long time ago. He appreciates that the local musicians are usually socially aware and are willing to play for little or nothing for a good cause. He admits to not paying the bands what they are worth as he couldn't afford to, but he loves providing a place for the locals to play as well as fans to come and listen. As He says "there is no middle class in music". One of his pet peeves is when just like a couple of weekends ago someone came into the store with a Starbucks coffee and a sandwich from somewhere else, hung out for and hour and left without even tipping the band. He told me even if he had just put a dollar in the jar it would have at least been an acknowledgement of what he is doing for the community. George tells me he never says no to people that want to play as long as they are willing to wait in line for their chance to play. He does have some bands that play on a regular basis. From Blues to Rock, Bluegrass, Jazz and more you can find it at the store. Some of his favorites include, David Elias, Box Set, Claddaugh Band, The Fall Risk, Marty Atkinson and Katy Boyd. George has had festivals held on the property featuring bands like The Tubes, and Bob Weir. I guess you could say that George is an icon of the local music scene. If you haven't stopped in on a weekend, check it out. There is a full bar and many aisles of the coolest books and gift items. Come to shop, have a drink or a snack and hang out for a bit and listen to the great music. I picked up one more bit of useful information from George. If you put out a bottle halffull of sparkling cider, yellowjackets will line up to dive inside and die. Being stung three times in the last two days I will be picking up a couple of bottles for around my place. Thanks to George for all he has done to support the local music scene...See ya some weekend soon at the Store!!