A State Fair Prairie Home Companion
In February 2010, I was fortunate to attend a taping of A Prairie Home Companion at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.
I got some great advice that night (“Don’t talk about your problems; talking about your problems only makes you discover new ones”). I laughed out loud at Garrison Keillor’s stories and I got to see Elvis Costello perform. And all told, the experience far exceeded my expectations.
So I was pretty excited to get tickets to A Prairie Home Companion again last night—and this time, at the Minnesota State Fair. What could be more Minnesotan?!
I’ll save my observations about the State Fair for Monday, as it really deserves its own post. Plus … last night was all about great music and great storytelling.
I enjoyed learning about silkie chickens, so named because of their silky-soft feathers. They’re prized for their extremely docile temperaments. And they’re seldom eaten because of their blue skin. Good to know.
I also enjoyed the interview with Linda Christensen, a sculptor whose preferred medium is butter. To date, she’s made busts of some 450 Princess Kay of the Milky Way contenders.
And there was lots of great music, too. I couldn’t help but stomp my feet during the fiddle duel between special guest Sara Watkins and one of the band members.
I also loved Keillor’s sing-along with the crowd—and especially the Elvis (Presley) classic.
And after years of listening to The Jayhawks‘ albums, it was fun to finally see them perform live.
The fireworks at the end were spectacular. I was close enough to feel the concussions.
But by far the highlight of the evening was hearing my husband’s and my friends’ laughter. There’s no sweeter sound in the world.
So … thanks to Andrew for the photography advice. To Heather: Hope your ankle gets better! And to my dear Steve … well … the best is yet to come.
Want to know more about A Prairie Home Companion? I leave you with Garrison Keillor, in his own words, and Lake Wobegon—”where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.”
Filed under: Attempted humor, Friends and family, Minnesota, Music | 2 Comments
Tags: Elvis Costello, Fitzgerald Theater, Garrison Keillor, Minnesota, Minnesota State Fair, postaday2011, Prairie Home Companion, St. Paul, The Jayhawks
Love it! You capture the heart of Prairie Home Companion–how fun to have been there in person. Thanks for sharing.
Last night, I grudgingly admitted that I’m *finally* becoming a Minnesotan. I’m very glad to know that you’re sharing the experience with me vicariously!