In my younger days I fiddled in an old-time band. We played for square and contra dances, mostly in Michigan (now my main emphasis is Scandinavian dance music, in Washington state). Because dancers usually take their local musicians for granted, our most glorious gigs were out of town. In places like the U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) and Chicago, our "new faces" were much more appreciated.
I'm so grateful I stumbled upon the folk music and dance scene in East Lansing in my early twenties. What fun! I jumped right in dancing. I bought a fiddle and taught myself how to play. I was fortunate to have many opportunities to get together informally with other budding and accomplished musicians. What an inspiration they were!
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If they don’t respect you,
you got to get out of town--
Don’t wait around,
don’t let ‘em get you down!
Make your calls and head on out,
Get the roadmap, find your route.
Head up north, get on south,
Start the engine, have no doubt
New folks're waiting for you there,
They don’t know you, show some flair!
Play your heart out, fling your hair,
Shake your booty if you dare...
You got nothing to lose,
You can play what you choose.
You done paid your dues,
Now you’re the latest news!
You got to get out of town…..
copyright by Alison Hedlund
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Comments: 36
I remember being in bands. I enjoyed folk bands the most.
Featured in the Triple Name Club.
btw, what is the U.P?
Kathryn, the U.P. is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you live there, you're a Yooper.
Love the verse.
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Back up at Olson Lake, MI my neighbor reports 6 inches of snow on the ground and the lake frozen out several feet.
I love dancing almost more than anything and have always cherished our local musicians, especially for the street dance at fair time.
So UP knows how to play? My mothers people, for several generations back were Cousin Jacks from Calumet. Would like to return some day.
Sounds like you knew/know how to have a great time. Do you still play? Thanks for the wonderful poem.