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Three-1-Three: R.I.P.

Three-1-Three, the downtown Belleville bar best known for its alternative music shows, died tonight.

And so did the Belleville News-Democrat copy desk's Monday ritual.

After we put the paper to bed each Monday night, we went to Three-1-Three to listen to the sounds of Park Avenue Trio -- John Farrar, Jay Dover and Eric Foreman -- and to unwind.

Three-1-Three wasn't always known for its consistency. You would never know whether there would be beer on tap. You never knew for sure whether they would have wine or your favorite distilled spirit. Sometimes, the toilets didn't work properly.

But there were some consistent things about the bar that kept us coming back. The band, obviously, was one of them. Then there was our favorite bartender, Wendy, who was the model of consistency. Then there were some of the regulars, even Margaret, who convinced us to bring in a copy of the next day's paper for her and often tried to mooch beer from people by convincing them it was her birthday.

Three-1-Three did not go down quietly. Even though the bar's owner, Don Bailey, didn't find out until 5:30 p.m. Monday that the building that housed Three-1-Three had been sold and that Monday was the final night the bar could be opened, a large crowd of regulars jammed the place. Wendy, a bundle of frantic energy, struggled to keep up with the crowd, but she got everyone served.

Park Avenue Trio played inspired sets, then Don -- a member of the Belleville alternative country/rock band BOB -- hopped on stage and did a few of his favorite tune. Other musicians jumped on stage to fill out the sound.

Then, finally, Don invited the entire crowd to get up on stage. At first, I and my colleagues, Dale Parker and Dick Goldkamp, were reluctant to get on stage, but they finally moved up next to it. After I volunteered to take a few photos for one of the customers, I did find the courage to get on stage. (Dick, Dale -- you guys are wimps! )

It was a sad night. Wendy and Amanda, Don's girlfriend, couldn't hold back the tears as they hugged customers.

But it was a happy night. The atmosphere was not that of a funeral. It was one of a raucous wake.

Don is hopeful he can open a bar somewhere else, preferably in downtown Belleville. I wish him luck in that endeavor.

Three-1-Three, you may now rest in peace.

Roger 2 comments 3:09 AM

Comments:

Nice job Roger.The band would like to thank all of our friends for their support over the years.


John Farrar
www.johnfarrar.tripod.com

# posted by  Anonymous : 1:19 PM

 

Geez, I'm so glad you took the stage. That was probably the funnest time I've ever had playing on that stage. Thanks so much for the kind words and optimistic outlook. Don't let them Tuesday papers get too cold, I'm sure you'll be carrying on the tradition very soon.

# posted by  Anonymous : 4:51 PM

 

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