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This page features some of the various musical experiences I've had over the years. I plan to showcase a different story on a regular basis. So keep checking back. If you have comments, please send them my way. Contact me Page Updated - November 12, 2008 |
The
Broken String In
the late 1980s my band and I hosted a Sunday night jam at a
local hangout, Clancy's Pub. This was one of two places in
Durango where something was happening on a Sunday night.
Other than that, nothing was going on. Within the three
years that I hosted the Jam night, we had various musicians
sitting in. Amateur and professional, with all styles of
music. Country, folk, bluegrass, jazz, rock, rock-n-roll,
reggae, funk and of course blues. The
place was packed on this particular Sunday night and people
were dancing everywhere. No real dance floor to speak of,
not even a dance area. Mainly people pushed up against our
stage setup, which wasn't even a stage. After
most of the folks had a chance to sit in, the host band got
back up to finish the night with a couple of songs. My
backup band consisted of a bass player and drummer. And that
night we were playing with various percussion players.
Congas, hand drums, bongos and I don't remember what else.
My guitar was the only melodic instrument in the band.
Well,
I broke a string on my guitar. And this guitar goes totally
out of tune when one string breaks. I had to replace the
string to continue the song. So I had the band continue
playing a drum and percussion instrumental. And they band
played while I changed the string, so that the crowd could
keep dancing uninterrupted as we only had time for a couple
more songs left during the night. So
I took a moment and restrung my stratocaster as I stood up
with the band. Then after I tuned up the guitar I started
singing and playing again, picking up where I had left off.
Then this unassuming guy makes his way up through the crowd
and came up to me with a tip in his hand. He folded up the
bill and placed it inside my guitar strap and walked back
through the crowd. After we wrapped up the night and people
started to leave the bar, I looked down to find a $100 bill.
I didn't really think that what I had done was that
impressive of an act, but his form of gratitude was greatly
appreciated. I've
broken quite a few strings over the years and ever since
that night I've wondered if he might return, but of course I
haven't seen him since.
All Rights Reserved © 2008 Kirk James
by
Kirk James
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Box 4260, Durango, Colorado 81302, 970-259-5977
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Since May 1, 1998) - All Rights Reserved © 1998-2008
Kirk James
