don't call it a comeback

i've been back to dynamite a few times since it's changed, and when i go, i'll still run into a handful regulars. thing's haven't been the same though. the crowd is a mere fraction of what it used to be. i don't know the bouncer anymore and have to pay cover; though i stilll know one of the bartenders, who takes care of me, though not as well as adrian used to. and the worst part, the music hasn't been anywhere close to what it used to be. you won't hear any gang starr or jaylib anymore and only every once in awhile will you hear some wu-tang.

now, i can't say it's back to where it used to be, but when i went back on saturday night, things were starting to look up. the place was filled up nicely and the music was much better than it had been in months. they weren't playing stuff "that you wouldn't hear anywhere else," but it was still good hip hop, mostly older stuff. i also ran into a few other regulars, the ever-present-at-dynamite chivas and always goofy-smiling paul. paul was a little more drunk than i'm used to seeing him. at some point, i was talking to him at the bar. i turned around to get another drink and when i look back, he's slid in between two girls dancing. eventually i swoop in and play wingman. at first he was trying to get with the blond, but when he found out that she was married, he quickly transitioned over to the brunette. ahh ... that paul. good times. like i told one of the girls, he's one of the most genuine people that i don't really know well.

it actually turns out that paul and i have mutual friends. he's one of the few dynamite regulars that i've seen outside of dynamite. i ran into him at arterra at the del mar marriott. one of my best friends teresa's cousin domanic's friend christine's brother josh dj's at arterra every wednesday from 5-9. since it's really close to my work, i just roll through after work and chill with them for a bit. it's the closest thing i have to a regular spot and a group of friends in san diego these days. josh and domanic, who also spins, listen and play a lot of the music that i'm really into. at arterra, they play mostly slower, loungy music. i've always thought that if/whenever i throw a party, i'd have one of those dj for me.

anyway, dynamite is not back yet, but it's definitely moving in the right direction.