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In reply to the discussion: Any funny/strange memories re: getting tixs for, getting to, or incidents before a *concert* started? [View all]chowmama
(416 posts)It was in the 30s below zero that night. Many folkies, but the ones I remember (the ones I went for) were Odetta and Claudia Schmidt. Might have been Peter from Peter, Paul and Mary, and others.
The only interesting part for us was the walk in from very far away - we're Minnesotans and used to this, so we dressed extra warm, but on top of the basic temp, the wind chill was killing. We got there to find that the musicians had all made it as well. Their instruments....
In the distance from the vehicles to the building, every single instrument (all stringed), went right out of tune. Guitars weren't that much of a problem; once the six strings warmed up, they could be re-tuned pretty quickly. However, there were dulcimers. Autoharps. Claudia Schmidt had brought her pianolin, which was not going to be in any shape any time soon. The program was a whole lot of "We're going to have to wing it here. Don't worry, it'll be fine."
It was better than fine. It was amazing. I was 8 feet from effing Odetta, man! She had incense through the strings, just like Richie Havens used to. I grew up with her music and still listen to it. Tom Paxton was there, because I remember he did "Not Tonight, Marie". Claudia Schmidt's always good.
And we managed to get the car started when we left.