09/06/2018
A Sassy Goodbye
There has always been an aura of mystery to Sassy Ann’s. This quirky turn-of-the-century haunted Victorian house holds special memories for many who have passed through these funky blue doors to leave behind the sharpness of reality with its’ worries and cares for an hour, or an evening.
After stopping at the downstairs wooden bar to be greeted by a familiar face and a cold drink and take in the Cheers neighborhood feel of the regulars, then it was on to scout out a spot at the upstairs natural log slab bar or table salvaged from the L&N Railroad Hotel. Or maybe to settle into a book lined nook or cranny on the third floor—perfect for stories and secrets, then to stand at the balcony to people watch.
On the dance floor blared nostalgic upbeat music of a bygone era, a great place to see old and new friends, practice your moves, laugh, request a song from the dj, and dance the night away. The food from the kitchen was surprisingly good. Big Ed even made his own hamburger buns and the fries were fresh and hot.
On crowded Thursdays in the summer, behind the patio bar was another familiar face serving cool drinks and easy banter. It was a hot spot with different music, spilling out onto the back yard as the moon glistened through the trees and the talking and flirting was easy.
It's been compared to a pirate ship, a steampunk Cracker Barrel and Hogwarts. It’s been a magical haven for me and I hope, for you. Free from judgment, a place where everyone who plays well with others is welcome. A weird mix of debauchery and innocence, stupid fun, soul-baring late night talks, and for some a place of healing and self discovery.
It's a rite of passage for many Knoxvillians turning 21. People get married here, celebrate Halloween & Mardi Gras, bring in New Year's, have bachelorette parties, have Pride parties, raise donations for sick babies, the animal shelter, shooting victims, people in crisis, and a medical clinic. They fall in lust, fall in love, send me pictures of their babies, write me letters from Afghanistan, get sh*tfaced and dance their worries away to the 80's and back finishing with Frank Sinatra. My daughter had her Alice & The Mad Hatter's Tea Party wedding here. The roses were painted red. I was the Red Queen and gave her away.
We've had people in from Brazil, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, Britain, Egypt and South Africa. Last summer I met a carload of Native Americans from New Mexico touring the US and Sassy Ann's was top on their list of southern stops. One of my patrons is the leading research scientist for the Zika virus that his grandfather discovered decades ago. A former doorman is now an international military agent. One is training to catch fugitives for the feds.
Sassy Ann’s changed with the times. From award winning blues club to city icon, it seemed to have a mind of it’s own that developed and thrived naturally, and sometimes I felt I was just along for the ride. A 20 year journey that for me is ending on a high note.
I will miss my more than awesome staff who kept the wheels of Sassy Ann’s turning and the good times coming. I will miss the amazing people I have met that I love. I will miss your hugs and stories, and treating me like a rock star.
Sassy Ann’s is Now Closed but soon may continue under new management. Don’t Stop Believing.
