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 Americana Festival.
Thanks for inviting us. At least I think they invited us. We just showed up. Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin
If I get to heaven and people are singing mediocre songs, them I’m gonna need a drink. John Prine
This may be a train wreck but there’s gonna be a train ride along the way. Joe Purdy introducing a new song
SiriusXM. It’s serious until Mojo gets here. Paul Cauthen at a Mojo Nixon Outlaw Country taping
Guess who I hung out with last night. Well, I didn’t really hang out with him but I went there and he was there. Overheard conversation about seeing a musician at a party the previous night
That motherfucker is killer. I didn’t mean to call him a motherfucker but rock and roll makes you excited. Joseph Arthur after Matthew Ryan’s opening set
Hi, my name is John. I’m Lilly Hiatt’s dad. Proud father John Hiatt introducing emerging artist of the year nominee Lilly Hiatt’s award show performance.
This was a big surprise to me because they give you a lifetime achievement award when you get old. Irma Thomas receiving a lifetime achievement award
That’s the first time we’ve played that where no one went to the bathroom. Jason Isbell after playing “White Man’s World”
This next song is called ‘Driving to Texas’. Once you get there you know you are there. Matthew Paige of Nashville-based Blackfoot Gypsies
Colfax? Ok. For those of you that don’t know, sit back for 10 minutes… and it still won’t be over. Kevin Gordon responding to a request for his epic song “Colfax”
That song is gonna be a hit for somebody, but it won’t be us. Brian Henneman of the Bottle Rockets introducing a new song
I said how much more time we got. He said ‘5’. 5 songs or 5 minutes? Mike Farris
I have time to play the 1 minute waltz for you 10 times. Tommy Emmanuel on his remaining set time
It costs money to do your own gigs, you get paid to do someone else’s. An anonymous artist on why he set aside a solo career to tour in someone else’s band
I know you all don’t like to see this, people getting fired. Kevin Gordon, as the band left the stage so he could perform a song solo
I guess people in Nashville like the banjo. Norway’s Darling West pulling out said instrument during their official showcase
I was in a band and played 5 different instruments, four of them quite poorly. Jaimee Harris on starting out in music
If those monitors don’t improve it’s back to the Little River Band for you. Tommy Emmanuel to the sound guy after some audio issues
It’s been 38 years since Buddy and I have performed music together. Kinky Friedman
We need to do this again in another 38 years. Buddy Miller’s response
Thank you for renting this tent. I wanna send you a Christmas card this year. Mike Farris playing an outdoor set in the afternoon heat
It’s been two of the hottest indoors shows I’ve ever played and I decided to wear leather. Smart. Sam Morrow
We’re gonna have to play the entire new album because we need the rehearsal. Brian Henneman of the Bottle Rockets
We’ve got short sets at the Bloodshot drunk people party. Robbie Fulks at the Bloodshot Records party
It’s a real southern accent – southern hemisphere. I come up north and all these people claim to have a southern accent. An Aussie Lyft driver
That is the funkiest Jewish white boy you’ll ever see. Mike Farris on following Eli Paperboy Reed.
My psychiatrist is Willie Nelson. Kinky Friedman
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.