Date: June 18th 2010

 

 

 Many years ago, 2 travelers broke down in San Francisco with their ancient Clark motorhome. They got towed to a mechanic’s shop, and were told they needed a special part that was not for sale at Kragen. The owner of the shop said he knew a man who collected hard to find parts like this for that exact motor, which was also the motor used to move Dodge Darts through our cruel world. So the 2 of them decided to go to Mission Street and busk (that is, to play music for tips) and stop in and see this Chicken John guy who collects power steering mounting brackets.

 

Zac and Sheryl came to the bar each with either a tuba or an accordian strapped to them. It was a Tuesday. They said “Hi. We’re from Seattle…” I told them they could play that night, that there was a bartender named Flash that had a pretty good built in crowd. I’d give them $50 out of the till and I’d do a hat pass for them.

 

They started to talk again…. “Oh.” I said. “You need a place to stay?” I told them where my house was and gave them a key. Don’t let the dog out… all that stuff. I then shooed them out of the bar and told them I’d see them later. Which I did.

 

They played their set and were delightful. Ya gotta love a tuba. The guys sings and plays the tuba. It’s really grand. After the show, they wanted to talk to me about something, but I was too drunk. They ended up carrying me home, and the next morning they sat me down to ask me something. I instantly responded that they could play again that night opening for the Ask Dr. Hal Show. That’s when the guy did a weird thing. I reached over and placed his hand over my mouth. Firmly. And asked me if I had a power steering mounting bracket for an A-body 225 cubic inch engine.

 

Sometimes I’m not a good listener.

 

Sure, they needed a gig and a place to crash. But they needed the part to make the Clark run. I set them up with whatever they needed and sent them on their way. They’d send stuff in the mail from time to time. One of the things they sent was a wedding invitation. Then, a birth announcement. Then another. Their children are now 4 and 5.

 

The Clark sits in their backyard, now, in Arkansas. They still play music from time to time, but havn’t toured since that summer 7 years ago. They are currently traveling across this nation we were blessed to be born in on the Amtrack. I booked them for a radio show on Radio Valencia, but the fucking website isn’t done yet. So I moved the show over to Ritual. They are going to play at 9:00. It’s free.

 

Please join me in supporting the Itinerant Locals. They are really, really cool. Totally not pretentious and have 2 amazing kids. They are 2 of my most favorite people and you simply can’t beat the price.

 

Ritual Coffee is at 1026 Valencia @ 21^st street.

9:00 show

FREE!!!

 

Wanna hear ‘em? OK: polkayoureyeout.com

 

and this video;

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww0sRjQEpng

 

 

here is that old Clark, isn't it amazing? sigh....