I surprised Sally today with two tickets to see A Prairie Home Companion LIVE next May at the Bangor Auditorium (no Dad, its not near Millonocket). They don't come this way often, so we are so elated to go see the show!
Listening to "A Prairie Home Companion" is one of the things Amanda and I fell in love over--countless Saturday nights in Mount Vernon, drinking Sangria and eating brie and crackers, having the show on in the background, hanging out with Lynne and George, quieting down completely for the "news from Lake Wobegon . . ."
The show is one of our favorite things in the world, and for a while, we seriously contemplated moving to Minnesota even---not joking. In addition, Garrison Keillor, in my estimation, is not only the most underrated entertainer alive today, but also THE best speaker--and one of the best writers--I have ever heard of. His voice is absolutely the perfect balance of power and gentleness, and when he speaks, he literally has you in the palm of his hand, bringing you on a rollercoaster ride through a myriad of emotions; one minute you are laughing out loud, and 20 seconds later you are near nostalgic tears.
For those who don't know, "Prairie" is a program on National Public Radio (WMEA, WGBH, etc). The show is a classic "old time radio" variety show, consisting of singers and bands, sketch comedy, and plenty of jokes. The "coup de grace" (I just got finished reading a French novel . . excuse me!!!) is "the news from Lake Wobegon." Lake Wobegon is a mythical, semi-autobiographical town in Minnesota that Keillor "made up." The "news" usually revolves around a story of the "town" and its people--mostly consisting of "slice of life" episodes to which the listener can surely relate, but with a funny twist. We hear about Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, lunch at the "Sidetrack Tap," and and gossip at the "Chatterbox Cafe." The show truly is original, and if you have never checked it out, you should, and see for yourself how good radio can sometimes be over television
FYI-The show is next May 3 in Bangor. Tickets are still available (25 or 60 dollars). It is on a Saturday night. If anyone wants to join us, they are welcome to stay with us in Fairfield, about 45 minutes from Bangor . . .
And all this time, I thought you two fell in love listening to Color Me Badd. Hm.
ReplyDeleteOK, favorite all time Garrison Keilor stories?
ReplyDeleteA Rich, Full Life -- shy kid befriends the reckless kid in junior high and the two end up pulling a great prank on a group of high school boys.
Can't remember what it's called, but there's a heartbreaking story about a guy who buys a bar and falls in love with the waitress.
Anybody got any favorites? I've got a few CDs with a bunch of stories and listen to them in the car all the time. Super relaxing.
we'd come but we have to wash our hair...sorry. maybe next time they are in town.
ReplyDeleteIs prarie home companion the thing you get on netflix and try and make us watch?
We are going to this also - my father LOVES the show. We could only get balcony seats, but are still excited.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Keillor book is his one about being a democrat. I read pieces of it all the time.
ReplyDeletesorry, I can't make it, I have to re-arrange my sox draw
ReplyDelete