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Gandalf
04-26-2010, 07:40 AM
So, there I was "The Kate", where Ms. Ian was performing last night. I was waiting for the doors to open. The lady serving drinks (bar-rista?) asked a couple "Who is this Janis Ian person anyway? I didn't get a chance to Google her today." The lady confidently replied" "Oh, she's an old time folk singer." "Right," replied the guy, "she wrote this song called 'At Seventeen'." "Yes," his companion continued, "it was about a thirteen year-old girl who was in love with a boy who was seventeen." "And," the guy said with assurance, "that was very controversial back then."

The show was wonderful. Funny, moving, lyrical, and no-holds-barred talent. Great show. I'll let Mary post the set list. Because I was busy, trying more or less successfully, to do two things at once.

First, enjoy the show. No problem there!

However, for about the first three quarters of it, I was also doing my absolute best not to scream WAGGA-WAGGA-WAGGA-WAGGA-ARRRRGGGGG!

You see, I was there with Renate. And, also present was The Former Girlfriend. I think I can safely say that this was uncomfortable for all (except for Renate, who didn't know that until after the show, when I told her.)

Yes, it was sort of uncomfortable. Kind of like being caught up in a tornado is a wee bit uncomfortable.

Looks Were Exchanged.

I can now state with confidence that looks cannot, in fact, kill. It was kind of touch and go for a while, though.

All's well that ends well, and I believe that we all had a good time.

But I forgot to ask at the meet-and-greet, did she ever convince Pat that she really did write Jesse?

KarenSews2
04-26-2010, 09:01 AM
I'm so glad you survived!

When we all attended the book signing in Pittsburgh (the night before the RudieQ), I had my copy of Jesse from 1972 -- the one with Roberta Flack on the front and a very small picture of Janis on the back. Janis picked it up and said, "I'm SO glad you brought this! Pat doesn't believe I wrote this song."

Peanut
04-26-2010, 09:19 AM
That's hilarious! I've never heard her say that before! It is quite possibly the most beautifully written song I've ever come across. I'm always amazed at those lyrics. Gorgeous! Of course I do believe Janis wrote it, but I'm properly amazed by it. :D

Rachel

DaveM
04-26-2010, 01:52 PM
Do you suppose the couple mentioned bought their tickets at random? I do hope they learned a bit over the course of the evening.

Somewhere during the 80s, I recall waiting in line at the Minnesota State Fair to see Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie in concert. A couple of teensomethings walked by and one said, rather loudly, "who in the hell are they?"

Bless their hearts. Moments like this come to mind often of late, as I have begun to receive e-mail spam from The Hair Club For Men and must face the fact that middle age has well and truly arrived.

hoops
04-27-2010, 12:57 PM
so many to teach and so little time!
peace
hoops

Dee
04-28-2010, 05:12 AM
"Right," replied the guy, "she wrote this song called 'At Seventeen'." "Yes," his companion continued, "it was about a thirteen year-old girl who was in love with a boy who was seventeen." "And," the guy said with assurance, "that was very controversial back then."

LOL I must have missed that one.

DaveM
04-28-2010, 12:49 PM
If Janis won't write it, Dee, you might have to.

Dee
04-29-2010, 11:01 AM
It's been a long time and that's a long song Dave, but how's this?

HE’S SEVENTEEN!

based on At Seventeen
by Janis Ian

She’s thirteen and he’s seventeen
My God those two must not be seen
On busses or in shopping aisles
A separation is required!
Their valentines we must unglue
Their holding hands we all must boo
Some people say it’s beautiful
He’s seventeen! That’s so uncouth!

And those of us with rabbit faces
Who know you never mix the races
Must regain complete control
Of who loves who and who should know
I’m calling in the FBI
To poke everyone in the eye
Those two must not be seen
He’s seventeen!

DaveM
04-29-2010, 01:54 PM
Works for me. My grandparents were 17 and 15 when they were married (shotgun wedding). These days my grandfather would have lived out his days as a sex offender and my branch of the family might never have come into existence.

Gandalf
04-29-2010, 05:23 PM
Pity please, the ones who swerve,
They always get up on the curb...


"You only have yourself to blame, you should never have let me begin..."
-Tom Lerher

hoops
04-29-2010, 07:51 PM
Dee and Gandalf, I LOVE IT!!
peace
hoops

Dee
04-30-2010, 05:29 AM
Pity please, the ones who swerve,
They always get up on the curb...

Excellent! http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/smile.jpg