HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR DALLAS TODAY?
Gulfport’s kinda way off the beaten paths, some may say that it is still living in the past. Retaining its small town charm while aspiring to be a destination for the current population.
Artists flock to Gulfport because there are other artists here. And no where is this more prevalent then at the Blueberry Patch, an artists and musicians retreat hidden away in Northeast Gulfport. It is run by a kindly gentleman named Dallas Bohrer. The Blueberry Patch was founded by Dallas 32 years ago and currently hosts guests and musicians four times a month.
On the first of the month, an open mike jam brings musicians from all over the area and a lively jam is enjoyed by the crowd. On the seventh of the month is a showcase of local musicians, the eleventh also finds a stage full of wonderful musicians and on the 22nd a well known local band performs for our enjoyment.
In addition to the entertainment on stage, various artists display their works on the numerous tables scattered throughout the property. Many insightful and nonsensical conversations can be heard as one casually strolls the grounds wide eyed in wonderment of the many magical things that are found there.
If you haven’t been there in a while, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you arrive. The Blueberry Patch is the hidden jewel of Gulfport.
“Welcome to the oldest living artists community where we celebrate surviving the past week and declare peace in as many ways as we can in the coming week.” Dallas Bohrer was overheard while welcoming a new friend to the Patch.
Mark your calendar, The Blueberry Patch can be found at 4923 20th Avenue South and the dates are the 1st, 7th, 11th, 22nd of every month. The gatherings start around 7 pm and there is no admission charge. Donations to help pay for the electric bill are gladly accepted upon your arrival. Don’t worry about your outfit, whatever you’re wearing is fine.
See ya there,
Dog Father
I’ve only been to the Blueberry twice, once was in the daytime to talk to Mr. Bohrer while I was leaving the bank next door, and once in the evening with a friend that was known as Cosmo.
I was sittng on the old small porch at O’Maddy’s with my Harley parked in front and Cosmo showed up on his Beemer. We had a brew and he said he was going to the Blueberry Patch to meet his lady and invited me to join him.
I had wondered about the place, I had known about the Code Enforcement issues and spoken to others that had frequented the establishment through the years. I took Cosmo up on his invitation and we road over there. When we arrived he said that he had forgotten to stop the store and that I should go inside, that he would be right back.
I parked my bike and wondered in to a welcoming atmosphere by various people that I had not recognized. Then I saw Dallas who I had a conversation with about Code issues a few years earlier. I sat down and was introduced to the folks and as I sat there, in the middle of a conversation with a visitor from afar a lady sitting to my right was asking me for money. I didn’t understand what she was asking for. It was loud with people and music and still into the conversation, and so I inquired as to what she was asking, and again the answer was vague, but the word donation was included. Apparently there is a required cover charge that is called a donation, which was OK by me, but I felt pressured to give her $5 or $10 dollars. Mind you, Cosmo hadn’t returned, and I was a stranger in a strange land, but I did agree to join him there so I gave her twice what she asked, since I thought I would cover Cosmo as well, and I made that clear to the lady.
Cosmo returned from the store and I explain that I had paid his cover charge, and apparently he did as well. Some new musician started to play on a stage they have, and folks began to dance. It was an interesting few hours, especially since I hadn’t seen Cosmo in a long while. I enjoyed the creative atmosphere and the folks seemed very nice.
A few weeks after that evening Cosmo died in a Bike accident, so the last time I saw him was at the Blueberry Patch. My memory of the Blueberry Patch is sadly bitter sweet.
Great story. Thanks “Dog Father”
Dallas and his drunkerds hit you for 5 bucks at the gate then again if you go outide and come back in. Then they ask for donations to feed the dogs and cats which I thought my “donation’ covered, apparently not. Then I hear about this sharevive thing and the only thing i see is a old man profiting under the table on underage drikers who come to visit,, suggested donation means you pay or get hasseled…. I hear there are Eckerd College underagers drinking and even living there. I saw plenty of kids drinking who in no way look old enough to drink. The only cool thing I saw was the maze thing next door and then I heard that Dallas doesn’t share a dime with the owner of that property. The place is full of Hypocracys and the energy was really strange. Probably wont go back, that place needs an enema….or a raid by the feds, I bet the IRS would love a look.
Hi Jim!
From the Blueberry Patch FAQ:
1. Remember, at all times, the Blueberry Patch is not exempt from any laws which apply in the city of Gulfport, County of Pinellas, State of Florida, United States of America or any other political, ethical or moral entity which guides us.
http://blueberrypatch.org/first.html
I have never run into drunkards at the ‘patch, and am happy to offer five bucks to go in and hang out in Dallas’s backyard. I doubt anyone would stop a person if they could not afford it or had no many with them. I usually drop a twenty in the jar because I really appreciate that fact that Dallas shares his private space with so many people.
You said, “The place is full of Hypocracys and the energy was really strange.”
It is not for everybody, and I’m sure some people would feel it was really strange. That is why it is what it is. If you want “normal,” don’t go to the Blueberry Patch. Want something unique, go check it out.
It’s possible the places you feel are normal I might feel are very strange. But that is OK. Some people like a Barry Manilow concert, others like the Grateful Dead.
I don’t frequent the Patch very often, and when I do I absolutley enjoy my time there. I can easily go there by myself and feel at home. I do not have a problem with the “donation”. It all goes to keep the place running, just like if you went to Skipper’s or any club. I like the fact that people from all age groups come and hang out at the Patch. It is a good, friendly artistic environment.
After reading Jim Spence’s comment I had to submit a rebuttal!
First of all everyone who looks under 30 is carded at the Patch enterance (if under 21 your hand is stamped). Under aged drinking is not allowed and never was. As far as asking for a donation no one I can recall has been denied entry for being broke! I’m glad you liked the “maze thing” next door (funds were donated by the Patch and friends). The only item in Jim’s comments that was correct is the name of college.
I love the music, art & the many friends I have met over the years at the Patch. THE BLUEBERRY PATCH ROCKS!
I hate to admit that in all my years here I have never been to the Blueberry Patch. Earlier this year an Eckerd college student I was housing (age 17,from Brazil)went as a guest of “Dog Fish” and absolutely loved it! I have one concern though, I like both the Grateful Dead AND Barry Manilow, can I still get in? LOL!!
The Patch is a wonderful, magical place and the expression,
Creatives Understand” certainly applies. Obviously some writers commenting on the Patch just don’t understand or are not very creative.
As an aspiring artist, the Patch allowed me to showcase my artwork, has allowed me to meet other “Creatives” and always has an open door policy to anyone who would enjoy this venue…with or without a donation. I’ve never had the occasion to be turned away if I didn’t have money to donate to the cause. It does cost Dallas money to run the electric for all the beautiful lights, the electric for the musicians to operate their instruments, water for allowing folks to use his bathrooms, lights to showcase the artist’s creations, etc. It may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”, but for those of us who love the Patch the request for a small donation is justified. How many people do you know that open their home up to the public and can afford to do so without asking for a donation to continue to support the effort?
To everyone…just try it. If it’s not your thing, don’t come back…..to those like me who like it, then your continued support and presence is always welcome. It’s alway wonderful to connect to other “creatives” in the community. And of course, for the creatives, you don’t need an invitation because you are expected to atten!
Gulfport Cindy aka Lucinda
I’d like to comment about the idiotic reply from Jim Spencer. It seems obvious that he has some kind of grudge against Dallas. My guess is he’s someone who has been thrown out for inappropriate behavior or is a disgruntled ex-patch pal who is mad at Dallas for not being as generous with him as he is with those who play nice. I have been going to the patch regularly for over 4 years and anytime there has been any sign of someone drinking under age that person is asked to leave immediately. As for the donations, It takes alot just to keep it running and I don’t know about you but I’ve never been to a party where I didn’t bring something to contribute. I regularly sit up talking with Dallas and watch people give their lame excuses as to why they can’t contribute. They’ll say they don’t have any money but when they are guilt-tripped by me and other friends of Dallas a lot of times they’ll pull out a twenty and ask for change. Dallas is much kinder to these people than I would be. Also, I would like to remind jim that Sharevival is set up as a LEGAL non-profit organization. It seems to me jim is the hypocrite here and I would guess he’s disguised as a peace loving hippy. His comment about the “cool maze thing next door” lets me know where he’s comming from. Karma is a wonderful thing in that it will work like a mirror to redirect negative energy back to the person who is responsible for it. Jim should really spend some time thinking about how he can improve his own life and less time trying to smear the name of one of the most positive life loving people I’ve ever had the privilage to know !!!!!
The Patch is property which belongs to Dallas. Sharevival is a separate entity which tries, when it can, to help support improvements to the back yard, making it more beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Pet donations ? Yes, uncaring “persons” regularly drop their pets off at Dallas’ home. Rather than take them to the SPCA and have them killed, we’ve created a giant flower piggy bank for people to chip in if they chose. No one has ever been strong- armed by a 4 foot plastic daisy. An announcement that we’re collecting money for a trip to the vet is hardly getting beaten up.
There are very clear signs at the gate. You are entering someone’s private back yard who would appreciate a few shekels to pay his water and electric bill, replace lights, chip in a little for the musicians on the 22nd and buy toilet paper. Much of the alleged strong arming is actually directed toward getting people to understand that this is a community, not a hangout, and that everyone is expected to contribute something. Labor, money, art, music, whatever you’ve got. We all share.
The musicians on the 22nd ? Many are regionally and some nationally known acts. Some have songs actually on the charts. They come to play solely because of the joy of the Patch audience; it isn’t as if they’re paid anything close to what they’d make at a real gig. If they sell a few cds and make a couple dollars in tips, they’re doing well. and they keep asking to come back.
Underage drinking ? Nope. As said before, everyone who looks under 30 is carded at the door. Patch Pals regular approach younger people to make sure they are of age.
Maybe Jim S is so old and jaded he doesn’t recognize 22 when he sees it any more. He sure doesn’t feel the joy.
peace..
I wasn’t trying to start a range war folks, and i certainly did not have the same experience as Jim did. I saw no youngsters drinking or did I object to the donation.
I wasn’t charged at the gate I was sitting inside the compound, under an awning or roof of sorts, facing south. The person that I was speaking too was on the other side of the covered area facing north and he was introducing me to the folks in the group.
I would suspect under those circumstances that most folks would find it strange to be solicited by a perfect stranger, in the middle of a conversation with someone else. Our conversation was interrupted by the solicitation.
p>
FIRST OF ALL, SHAREVIVAL IS NOT A LEGAL NON PROFIT… ITS EASY TO RESEARCH. SECONDLY, THE PLACE IS FULL OF ILLEGAL DRUG USE AND UNDERAGE DRINKING… DONT DENY IT PATCH PALS, IT IS THE TRUTH. THE PLACE DOES NOTHING FOR THE COMMUNITY … AND ONE IS PRESSURED TO LEAVE A DONATION. IT IS A VERY CLOSE MINDED GROUP OF PEOPLE…. THE PLACE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND I CANT UNDERSTAND WHY IT HASNT BEEN. I HAD BEEN GOING FOR YEARS AND ONLY ONCE DID I SEE ANY ENFORCEMENT OF DRINKING LAWS…. HYPOCRITES, BUMS, DRUG ADDICTS, THAT IS WHAT YOU’LL FIND. AND THESE FRIENDS ALL TALK CRAP ABOUT EACHOTHERS LACK OF TALENT… ITS SICKENING. GROSS
Friend of Jim, could you scream a little louder please?
No… the place is not full of drugs and underage drinking. It has been under close scrutiny for many years and nothing objectionable was found aside from code enforcement infractions. If you have, as you say…”been going there for years” then you should be able to produce evidence to substantiate your accusations. I’ve got time….and will wait patiently for your documentation and or witnesses.