Roger Miller King Of The Road

The Wood 'n' Lips Open Mic Newsletter

Hey,

We had a pleasant surprise; this month’s San Diego Troubadour arrived and we discovered that they dedicated a little more than a half-page of photos from our For Love of Mic Music Festival in their “Local Seen” section—a big thanks to Liz Abbott, the editor.

The weather was hot and people were slow in showing up; it looked like we might have to recycle our performers in order to put on a show for the good folks who came out for some entertainment.  I meant to send an email reminding people how nice the air conditioner at the Friendly Grounds works, in hope that a few might drop by rather than sweltering at home. Shoulda, woulda, coulda.

6:30 Tim Woods : Greg Gross joined me on “Under the Boardwalk”, our reference to the steamy weather; an illogical follow up for that was Johnny Horton’s “North to Alaska”; John Lennon’s “Imagine”; John McCutcheon’s “The Red Corvette ($65.00); Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn”; and The Band’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”.  “Johns” are well represented this week.

6:45 John Movius:  Took the opportunity to do a solo set of his versions of Buddy Holly’s “Maybe Baby”; Chad & Jeremy’s “The Summer Song”; Jimmy Rodgers’ “Miss the Mississippi and You”; finishing with the Beatles’ “All My Loving”.

7:00 Greg Gross: Jumped seasons with John McCutcheon’s “Christmas in the Trenches”; The Rooftop Singers’ “Walk Right In”; LeRoy Mack’s “Praying Mantis Love Affair”; and “Danny Boy”.

7:15 Gus Mezza: Returned for his second week with us; he launched with Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya”; Alan Jackson’s “Remember When”; George Strait’s “Write this Down”; and Randy Travis’ “For Ever and Ever, Amen”.

7:30 Marquita Lawson:  Decided to do a set of her originals—nice originals—starting with “Making Plans”; “Gonna Spend Time Walking with My Lord Today”; “You’re the One I Love”; and “Take Me Down to the Water’s Edge” with the audience providing echos.

7:45 Bob Setzer: On a borrowed guitar, played Bob Dylan’s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere”; Simon & Garfunkle’s “Richard Cory”; and Gram Parsons’ “Lazy Days”.

8:00 Z (Richard Zelmer): Saw one of our fliers at the Acoustic Expressions music store, and on the internet too, so he decided to give our open mic a try. He started out with a nautical tune, the traditional “The Leavin’ of Liverpool”; then Don Willaims’s “I Recall a Gypsy Woman”; Elvis Presley’s (among others) “I Washed My Hands In Muddy Waters”; and Earl Green and Carl Montgomery’s “Six Days on the Road”.  Z mentioned that he usually performs at the open mic that Valley Music has on Saturday evenings, you may want to check that out.

Terrell Harris Dougan: The Mermaids' Song | Wucking One Stop ...

Many years ago I stayed with some friends in Washington while I attended a national convention. My hosts were well connected in diplomatic circles, and invited me to a fancy reception. As we walked into the reception, one person in our little group said to me, “If anyone asks you what convention you’re attending, you may want to hurry and change the subject.”

Because my convention was for aerobic dance instructors.

I became an instructor in my forties, because I could not be counted on to exercise unless someone was waiting for me, clapping for me, and paying me as well, and oh yes, I had to be in charge so that I could use my own favorite music and do simple moves that I, and everyone, can remember.

So imagine my surprise to hear I was not to mention my occupation at this elegant Washington reception. Did my pals consider us instructors stupid? Bimbos?

I was truly taken aback. For me, one of the highest callings a person can have is leading exercise classes. The whole country should thank them by approving huge salaries for them. An MBA basketball star gets millions a year to throw a ball in a basket for you, and what have you got when you leave the game? Probably a bigger tush and damaged ears. You leave your exercise class (if you go… honey… if you go) and what have you got? A happier soul, a healthier body, and a lot more energy. Next time you go to class, kiss your instructor

This particular convention in Washington was for instructors who wanted to lead the same sort of class, but in the water. I was enjoying the whole experience , and learning so much about muscles, and water resistance, and the healing properties of water, and the fun of designing a class with superb music. All my creative juices were in full flow. I learned how to take full advantage of Peggy Lee’s Fever, and Perry Como’s Papa Loves Mambo were just made for increasing upper body strength in water, to say nothing of the inner thighs!