Paul Val’s at King Bee & I wish I was; I’m Starving
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Today’s interest… No, I’m not at Paul Val’s gig at King Bee which started at 10 pm and has another 35 minutes to go until 1:00. So, I’m missing hearing him play “Bad Boy” (story below.) I wish I was there. It’s a really long drive (for me) to the worst part of Austin (to me), at night, for a woman alone, who can picture parking Swan in the parking lot she found on Google maps (its right across the street.) Seemed scary (to me.) I’ll wait till he’s at some famous place I haven’t filmed yet like Antones. “Texas Tales from a LONE Star” = me.
I’m safe and sound at home curled up with my Tibet book and starving to death because I restarted my diet again about 3 hours ago and now am thinking I might die. “I’m starving.” “Be quiet, in a minute I want you to get up and do 300 steps.” “I already did 200.” “Yes, and 300 more will make 500. Tris told you to do a thousand, you wrote a story about it.” “I know. Ok.” (Me and Myself arguing.) "You know, Paul must have some reason for picking that bar. He tends to have his finger on the pulse of Austin music." "Ok, I'll google it."
(AI Google Quote): Key Aspects of King Bee Bar History:
"Location Roots: The building previously housed the Legendary White Swan since the 1960s, a long-time, gritty East Austin blues bar. ...In 2014, Billy Hankey and Colette Dein (formerly of Second Bar + Kitchen and Bar Congress) transformed the space into a, "neighborhood bar" that blended a, refined cocktail program with the, building's, gritty, musical roots. ...King Bee is known for its, "dive-bar" atmosphere, featuring, dark walls, a, cozy interior, and a, rear patio. ...In 2019, the bar was acquired by Pouring With Heart HERE and HERE. The Hankeys' last day was in February 2020. ...Following the change in ownership, the bar was updated while, maintaining its, storied, soul. ...The Legendary White Swan was a historic, gritty blues bar and music venue located at 1906 E. 12th St. in East Austin, Texas. Operating in various incarnations since the 1960s, it served as a cornerstone of the historically Black community in East Austin for decades before closing in 2014 (now, reread the beginning.)"
(Still me and me): "See, I told you. That venue would have made a great episode for your Austin Public television series, "Texas Tales from a Lone Star." You blew it." "I wrote a short-story." "Do your 300 steps." "Ok, ok." (I do.)
Anyway, somewhere out there in the darkness there’s a smoky little bar with dim lights (my imagination again) and a masterpiece of a sexy as hell musician on stage singing my favorite song.
"You don't use that kind of language." "Have you SEEN him?!!"
Sigh.
At least we can watch it here. No pun intended, lol Enjoy!
Copyright 2026 Angel Isaacs All Rights Reserved
Written March 7, 2026 at 12:25 pm
My short-story "Bad Boy" is HERE
