See me? See the marquee behind me? Can you tell what it says?It says: "A Prairie Home Companion." Yep, the Public Radio show dreamed up and hosted by Garrison Keillor. I've wanted to see it live for about 30 years. I can't say exactly why I haven't, seeing as it's based in St. Paul, Minn., which is only about 5 hours from here.
For my 50th birthday, Farm Boy bought tickets for us. This is amazingly nice because he hates the show! We drove up to Minneapolis, where the show was based Saturday, but stopped in St. Paul so I could go to the most amazing bead store: Bead Monkey. I have to go back some time when I can spend hours there.
But I didn't want to be late for PHC. I was like a little kid when we were waiting for the show to begin. I was practically bouncing in my seat! And the show was even better than I expected. Garrison has an amazing comfort on the stage. And I loved watching the team that does the skits and sound effects. They fall into character (without costumes or props). They read from scripts, and when they finish with a page, they just drop it where they're standing. For some reason, I love that little detail.
The most amazing thing was that one of the guests was singer Nellie McKay. The British-born, New York-based singer defies categorization. She applies her silvery voice to everything from jazz to rap to disco. Her latest album, "Normal as Blueberry Pie," is a tribute to Doris Day, and it is just like McKay to find someone a bit off the beaten track and re-invigorate her work.
To show my appreciation to Farm Boy, who loves a good breakfast at a greasy spoon, I did some research on breakfast joints in the Twin Cities and stumbled on Mickey's Diner, an original Art Deco diner dating back to 1937. We just had to go, especially because Farm Boy's favorite Madison breakfast place is Mickey's Dairy Bar!
So, the trip was a success. Farm Boy didn't even hate the show!I should mention that knitting was done in the car, seeing as this is a knitting blog.
BTW, I'm just wondering: Is Prairie Home Companion just an American thing? Or are those of you outside the states familiar with it?
9 comments:
What a great birthday!!
I think PHC is an American thing. I've heard of it but don't know anything about it at all - but then again, that I know little about it doesn't necessarily mean much!!
Happy Birthday!!! Sounds like you had a wonderful time! :)
PHC is probably an american thing, I've heard of it, but only because they made a movie about it.
Although I am american, I've lived in Greece all my life and while some things become really popular here, others are practically unheard of. For example, greeks looove soccer and it seems there's a game on every day but it's almost impossible to see american football on television.
Oh how fun!
I'm especially jealous that you got to see Nellie McKay. She's one of my favorite modern musicians. Unfortunately, we had to stop listening to her CDs once the kids started talking...some of her lyrics you don't want to hear a 3yo repeating!
You lucky person, you! I'm so jealous!
I'm in my late 20s, and grew up with APHC. I hated it as a kid, but LOVE it now, and missed it terribly when I lived in Northern Ireland for a year, and no one there had ever heard of it. My only listening option was live streaming, and the time difference made that difficult. Now that I live back in Philly, I listen every week, and LOVE IT.
What a great birthday present for you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Happy Birthday!
I know I've heard of PHC but I didn't even realize it was a radio show until now. For some reason in my imagination it was more like the Farmers Almanac :P So I guess that's another vote for 'American thing'.
Happy Birthday - sounds like a wonderful time!
I am so jealous! I have kids in Minneapolis, and do you think they have ever taken me to the show? Hah! Useless children.
Happy belated birthday!
Ooh, how fun! I wanted to go to PHC when they taped a show in Des Moines (1.5 hours from me), but alas we missed it. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time!
Kim in IA
You gave such a good description that I don't need to see the live show. I like the show, but I have to admit that I fall more into Farm Boy's camp. Going to have to get to Madtown early enough for b-fast so I can try Mickey's Dairy bar.
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