New Freep told a good story about a club that featured up and coming future stars. Well, I'll share my Tina Turner story:
She was not an "up and comer" in the late '70's, more of a down-n-outer. Broke up with Ike (for good reasons), had n ot had a hit in years and was struggling.
Mrs. Michael.sf and I were driving down PCH in Long Beach, California, it was 10:00 or so and we passed a popular hotel/Bar/lounge (the Edgewater I think). The Marque Read: Tina Turner - Tonight only.
What the hell? we pulled in.
She was on stage, room was 2/3 full, maybe 100-125 people. We asked if we could sit down. The guy said: 'shows almost over, but buy a drink or two and your good."
No problem
She did like three encores and a year or two later she was back on top.
Great, great performer!