by Diana LaChance
Kirstie Williams has only been a bartender for thirteen months, and she only took over as the head bartender of I Love Sushi this past August. But she championed hard for her recent win as the Best Bartender of the Valley. “The previous head bartender here, Paige Creque, got third last year and I told her my goal was to get in the top three,” says Williams.
“People say I am graceful behind the bar, which is funny to me since I am a ‘mean, tough Roller Derby Girl’. But I love to perform and behind the bar is the spotlight.”
It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to share any good musical news with you; partially because I was working two jobs for the past six months, and partially because I have been a little down on the music scene lately. One of the reasons I write this column is to share new places to see live music and give you a little insight about the venue before you go, but I found myself always writing about Lowe Mill, Flying Monkey and Crossroads and I didn’t know why. 
Chuck Hargrove is no newbie to the Best Bartender category in the Valley Planet Polls, winning first place in years past. Currently tending bar at Humphrey’s Bar and Grill, he has been a bartender at LeeAnn’s in Huntsville and also at Yellow Stone National Park.