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.
Do people clap at your job when you mess up? Iron & Wine
It was a big hit for me in Texas and nowhere else. Then that Australian dude did it. Radney Foster about Keith Urban covering his song “Raining on Sunday”
I was trying to write Robert Earl Keen songs but they all sucked. Jack Ingram on his early years
My buddy was like “it’s the best when you’re on the wrong capo and you blame the whole band”. Alicia Blue
When you’re a singer and you think you’ve busted your voice, you just ask for more reverb. Like that fools anybody. Ella Hooper
This is one I think my mother would have liked. I had plenty that she hated. Chris Smithers
If nobody hates my song, then nobody’s gonna love it. Jack Ingram
It’s just a way of lowering your expectations so we can blow your mind. Jason Hawk Harris introducing a new song he was about to play with a pick up band who hadn’t rehearsed before the show
It might just be me, but if Buddy Holly’s parents gave me 400 dollars to record a song, I’d remember this song. Dave Alvin teasing a Jimmie Dale Gilmore about “Trying to Be Free”, a song Gilmore wrote and recorded more than 50 years ago and only recently rediscovered. Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore Dust off Demo First Recorded for Buddy Holly’s Parents – American Blues Scene
It didn’t matter that we were underage because everything about it was illegal. Jimmie Dale Gilmore on getting his start, alongside Joe Ely, playing Texas roadhouses
I brought a shopping list. Kevin Gordon referring to his setlist
Thank you, David, for that glorious introduction. I’ll see you later on Tinder. Margo Cilker to David Mayfield
As Johnny Ace would tell you, just because you shouldn’t do it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Dave Alvin
Come to my masterclass. Outside behind the dumpster. Cash only. Ben de la Cour on lessons learned in the music industry
I can’t understand a word you’re saying but I appreciate it. Dave Alvin in response to an audience member shouting
Thanks for the feedback. Amelia K Spicer in response to an over-eager audience member
Time to get off your parent’s healthcare, Americana. Milk Carton Kid Kenneth Pattengale about the 25th anniversary of Americana Music Association
It’s daytime, so let’s drink whiskey. That’s not just daytime, that’s all of Americanafest. The West Texas Exiles
Due to overwhelming demand, we now have beer koozies. Dave Alvin
I got so excited about that that I forgot the next verse. I guess I need to Arlo Guthrie it and tell you a story. Ted Russell Kamp
This is folk music. It’s supposed to be endured not enjoyed. Mary Gauthier
This is NPR. I’m here to educate. Just kidding, I’m here to rock. Lizzie No playing a NPR showcase
We let people pick their songs. And they picked the saddest songs I’ve ever written. Mary Gauthier after listening to a host of artists pay tribute to her by performing her songs
If you’re a songwriter. Or a fledgling songwriter. This song is all you need to know. Steve Poltz before playing Mary Gauthier’s “Drag Queens in Limousines”
Mary bypassed the Orange Blossom Special on her way up. Emmylou Harris. Big time! Gauthier’s yelled response from audience
Someone had to go on after Emmy. Lori McKenna, having to follow Emmylou Harris at the Gauthier tribute
You know what Mary Gauthier talk about when we get together? It’s not music. It’s stocks and bonds. Steve Poltz
If you have a Kia sized parking spot and you need to get an SUV into it, Mary Gauthier is the person you want. Gretchen Peters; Gauthier cheered in response
It’s appropriate for the Texas party that you got us as close to sun the as possible. Brennen Leigh playing a showcase of Texas artists on a hotel rooftop
I don’t know why we’re playing after him. They set us up. The Cactus Brothers on having to play after Jim Lauderdale
I’m not telling the band what we’re playing. They’re like what? I feel like Johnny Cash. India Ramey
Groove in the face of adversity. Don Was
I’m not blind, I just can’t see. I lost my sight, but not my vision. Ricky McKinnie of The Blind Boys of Alabama
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.