PART XXI

Can the momentum from the Downtown Renaissance be recaptured as life slowly returns to normal, which may require a new definition of "normal" in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic?

City Commissioner "Judge" Ben Neece hopes to inaugurate the comeback at his Spanish Moon with a reunion show featuring iconic entertainers Doc Scully and "Delta" Dave Handelman.

"We have to live our lives," said Neece who as a city commissioner had been one of the leading figures spearheading the rebirth of Downtown Browntown.

"I can't think of a better show to kick-start downtown than having Doc and Delta on stage. They are a dynamic duo."

Neece explained that his club will adhere to the 25% capacity rule although the singers won't be wearing masks despite Doc and Delta's critics who insist that the pair sound better muffled.

"True artists draw smaller crowds because they don't do covers," continued Neece. "Not everyone shares their vision, which works well in adhering to the state's mandate on limiting capacity."

City Commissioner Nurith Galonsky-Pizaña, who owns the building, announced at Mayor Trey Mendez's Pizza & Wine that certain individuals associated with Doc Scully would be charged with trespassing if they entered the Spanish Moon's premises.

Mendez lamented that the commissioner's pronouncement ignited an angry reaction at his establishment culminating in the Brownsville Police Department arriving to establish order and take statements.

"I'm used to these outbursts," said Scully. "My lyrics, poetry, stories, novels and articles have so infuriated individuals that they have threatened me with bodily harm, sued me, demanded my termination as an educator and sought revenge sowing seeds of discontent in my personal life. It's part of flying the envelope and living outside the box."

Neece said this unfortunate incident, which according to the Baker Boys is still under investigation by the BPD following the ensuing uproar precipitated by the politico's threats, has a silver lining.

"We definitely want to stay under the 25% maximum and this negative I believes assures us a positive result in terms of complying with the governor's dictates," conceded Neece who intimated that he might accompany the duo on his sitar rendering Doc's new release--The John Reed Ain't Got No Weed Blues.

Neece has tentatively scheduled the Doc/Delta extravaganza for Saturday, May 9th.