An Effie'n Good Time

An Effie'n Good Time Current mood: exhausted
Effie Minnesota
Population 91
The Neighborhood Tavern Jug Band Boogie
Population fantastico!
I travelled about five and a half hours southeast on Sunday morning to attend the 7th (or was it 8th... no one remembers apparently it has something to do with Tequila) annual Jug Band Boogie. Originally I thought I might be performing with some of my site crew family, but alas we were in small numbers with key members missing, so instead I got to be a judge! The best thing about being a judge, not the power and influence to cause great changes in the jug band circuit, but the bribing(with baked goods, tasty treats, smoked goods,liquor, back rubs), the copious and blatant bribing of the judges, encouraged by Marshall (the owner and perpetrator of the event) from the stage. Needless to say, from 3pm to about 9, I kept increasingly sketchy notes, and maintained an air of serious drunken paying attention to the bands so I can give them as much as they gave me.
After the competition, we raced the state troopers back to Marshall's property on Red Deer Lake. Some stopped off at the dome, Charlies Bar, but we decided that driving at night on unfamiliar roads is best done sober, so we stayed around the camp fire, picking tunes, stoking the fire, and telling strange stories. A charming feller named Al let me drink and drink again from a bottle of Old Crow. Sadly the border crossing and race for breakfast at the Effie Cafe left the Canadian contingent rather unprepared and dependent on the Americans for smokes and drinks. (I feel so ashamed for this gross oversight)
The next morning after a quick dip in the lake and a short sauna to warm up for the ride home, we raced again to the Effie Cafe for brekkie. Now, breakfast is served until 11am at the Effie cafe. There are other delightful things on the menu, but there is something about having breakfast which is so important there. We made it by 10 minutes, on Sunday morning, but despite waking up at 8 or 9 in the morning on Monday, we were two minutes late. The fellas resigned themselves to lunch, but Tiff and I greased the wheels with Cathy the cook. Once she heard of the wayward Canadians up for the jug band boogie, dying for one last breakfast at THE Effie Cafe, she let us order breakfast. Unfortunately then 4 more people joined us, and she had quite the order. One guy was even giving super specific directions on his eggs. we overrode his order, but she still gave him what he wanted. What a great sport.
Needless to say, I made some great new friends, heard some incredible musicians, who I later got to jam with... and maintained a rip roaring good time on the banks of Red Deer Lake.
Next year, I think I may even stay for the whole weekend, instead of a quick one night stay over. Plus, then I can get duty free liquor... woo hoo!

Perpetrating in Broad Daylight

Perpetrating in Broad Daylight Current mood: needing a nap
Thank you folk festival for another lovely noontime affair.
The Perps played a last minute show on the Market Stage in the exchange today at lunch. Windy like last week for the D.Rangers, but it kept the wasps from hovering around me soda. Yarrr. Me soda. Great show. As always with the perps. I loved watching the little kids dance to the music, in about 15 years, they'll probably be at Times too.
I keep getting reminded how much I love this city. Be it the many many talented musicians kicking around, hiding in nooks and crannies, or maybe the incredible character of the streets and people and buildings, looming high buffetted by wind and snow. The free lunch time concerts within walking distance of my day job. Walking streets and looking at buildings my great grandfather walked and built. It definitely feels like home here.
I need a nap.
Currently listening : Murder Ballads By Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Release date: 20 February, 1996