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Spellman's

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Spellman's was a small (very), old (very), rustic (very, very) beer bar off of West 5th St. It was one of the first places that I recall that had near constant live music from local songwriters and pickers. Townes, Blaze, Jubal, etc. I didn't appreciate them at the time beyond the good background music for afternoon beers and evening (mostly feeble) attempts at meeting someone new of the opposite sex.

I recall the guy that introduced me to the afternoon gang at Spellman's saying "These are good people. I've loaned them money when they asked." That impressed me most because we were so broke back then that even the thought of having money to loan was inconceivable.

Spellmans

We were discussing "old" Austin bars the other day and Spellmans came up. My wife and I spent a lot of time and money (actually, it probably wasn't a lot of money by today's standards) there particularly on Sunday afternoons, shooting pool and play Space Invaders. The game was a table top version and you sat across from your opponent, each taking turns. It was a fun way to spend the time: drinking beer in a laid back place with someone you love, doing something you enjoyed. This would have been around 1978 - 1980.

remembering spellman's

I had some great times at spellmans. i remember when no one had money but we had great times. i saw butch at spellman's. and other musicians - really good musicians