Franklin's Phenomenon!

The music starts, usually with a few slow ones like "Walkin' After Midnight," creating that swanky ambience, and what you notice now is that if you don't have a seat at the bar, forget it. Because by the third song, like locusts they have descended: a massive swarm of fans who are there for the music and the show. The place is packed. Mostly female, but not exclusively. A few couples, mostly groups of singles and some solos. 

They come to the upscale locales that the Franklin Micare Duo (composed of Franklin himself and drummer Steve Candlen) play consistently because they feel safe and comfortable to let loose in places like this. And they do it with the regularity that some people attend meetings at 'Curves,' their church or their weekly poker game. For many, this is their social scene. Mostly ranging from late 20's to mid 50's. The money demo. And they are there to dance, have fun and spend their dough on another Saturday night whether "they ain't got nobody," or otherwise.

Franklin senses the moment. Here comes the upbeat stuff: "Tequila," "I go to Rio," "Viva Las Vegas" - typically in rapid fire and unique for their stylized arrangements. Occasionally, a new song makes the playlist; not often. No one cares. Indeed, they appear to prefer the familiar and the regularity; and when a regular favorite isn't played, it gets called for. Big, booming full sound that you can't believe comes from just two people.

The 'youngster' song on the playlist, "Me and Julio..." from Paul Simon, is 37 years old. Most songs are old enough to qualify for AARP, let alone social security. No new release on i-tunes here, folks.

The frenzied pace continues, with just an occasional slow-down one for contrast, but it's mostly music to swing and gyrate by for the fastest three hours you'll ever see. 

Then it's over. And the wind-down is fairly quick. These are people with careers, sometimes kids and often they have to get up in the morning. Usually within a half-hour or so, the place is mostly empty again.

And the men in the fedoras ride off into the moonlight. But they'll be back same time next week. And so will the swarm.

The Franklin Micare Duo currently performs regularly at The Clubhouse (30 Caroline St - 858-0477) on Friday nights starting 9.25 and The Grey Gelding (423 Broadway - 584-0957) this and every Saturday.