One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from this year’s Folk Alliance Conference.
It’s my first time at Folk Alliance, I was wondering if it was because my background is tainted by that rock and roll. Jorma Kaukonen
Dear sweet god it’s late, why are you people here? Stephen Kellogg kicking off his 2:30am set.
Y’all have no more than three more. Prepare yourselves emotionally for that shit. Private showcase host ready to end the late night jam in his room… at 4:30am
Thank you for coming out this morning, I know it’s early. Andrew O’Brien of the Fortunate Ones welcoming folks to a 2pm showcase
Chris and I have been married for 8 years and spend 24/7 together so this song is called “Fight”. Eleanor Masterson introducing a song called, you guessed it…
I’d like to introduce Carrie Elkin because I’m not following that. Megan Slankard, a bit hesitant to follow the Accidentals during the round that the three artists were sharing
I was the banjo player in the Razzy Jazzy Spasm Band. Sorry to name drop like that. John Gorka recalling his first band from more than 40 years ago
You want to play on this one, it’s three chords. Seth Bernard, inviting Alex Spiegelman to join him on a song
Which three? Spiegelman’s response
If anyone wants to join in with a ripping solo, it’s in the key of F. Earle and Coffin inviting other artists in their round to join in
You didn’t send us the charts, man, it’s not gonna happen. Dylan Menzie, in response
You should join in when my time settles down. John Gorka to guitarist
When will that be? Guitarist response
You’ll find out after. Gorka’s reply
This song was a big hit. In our mother’s kitchen. Andrew O’Brien of the Fortunate Ones introducing the duo’s song “Lay Me Down”
Well, if we’re doing hits then I’ll do one. Dylan Menzie following the Fortunate Ones with his song “Kenya” a few minutes later
What Journey song are you going to do? O’Brien’s response
This sing along is pretty easy. imagine you’re at a Journey concert. Tim Easton encouraging a sing-along (it wasn’t a Journey song)
Here’s one that I haven’t played for humans yet. Just for the cats, but they seem to like it. Grant-Lee Phillips introducing a song from his new album.
I have a really good relationship with the website clerk, because I am him. John Gorka encouraging attendees to order his new album from his website
Top to tail never hurt anyone. As long as you wash your feet. Ruby Boots on sharing a bed with some musician friends to save money
It’s a little out of tune. You all have been drinking, it doesn’t matter. Ellis Paul while tuning his guitar
Which song do you want to hear – “Goodbye Baby” or “So Grateful”? (pause) The band don’t get a vote. Rev Sekou after the audience said “So Grateful” and the band said “Goodbye Baby”
We had a window of opportunity when I still want to play gigs and she still wants to play with her dad. Bob Walkenhorst on performing with his daughter Una
The story sounds better when I use the real words. Stephen Kellogg avoiding swear words for the benefit of a 7 year-old in the audience.
This piece of wood isn’t big enough. Adrian (of Adrian + Meredith) commenting on their travel-size sounding board/dance floor
That’s probably what she said, too. Audience member
Ohh, I get it now. Adrian, a few seconds later.
Everybody in my family has been a potato farmer for the last 150 years. Until now. Because everybody knows the real money is in folk music. Ellis Paul
You’re lucky this is a short set. I usually have to sing a song about my dog to break up the heaviness. Crys Matthews, who played the dog song anyway
Getting to the big White House these days is a bit tough for a group of Mexicans, so we decided to film it outside. Mexico’s The Villalobos Brothers talking about the video for their song “Casita Blanca.”
We live in a divided country these days and I’m not interested in deepening that divide but I do have a couple of older songs that are grandfathered in. John Gorka
What’s the dress code? Matt the Electrician recalling his question to Folk Alliance Director Aengus Finnan on the appropriate attire for Folk Awards presenters
Well, you know. Finnan’s response
You know me so you know I don’t know. Matt the Electrician’s reply
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.