A Lucky Break
My life changed drastically one weekend in June of 1990. My marriage imploded and that threw my into some quick, life changing decisions (for the record, none of which I regret). I quit my job (she and I worked for the same company), put my belongings into storage, bought a little used pick up truck and hit the road. I spent six months nearly alone as I toured the country. I came back broke, actually broker than broke, I was in debt due mainly to a blown transmission just outside of Springfield, MO.
I had no job, and took up residence in my sister’s basement. Machinist jobs were scarce, so I took a job as a security guard on the overnight shift, which meant I missed a lot of live music. It also meant that my work week ended Friday morning at 8am…. In May of 1992 while listening to Mai Cramer’s Blues After Hours I heard her ask for folks willing to volunteer on her show. I called in and left my name. Shortly thereafter she called back and told me to come in on Friday night and we’d see if I worked out. I lasted ten glorious years, every other Friday night.
My time with Mai ran the gamut from completely nerve racking to completely thrilling. Mai’s show was always of the highest standard, and that meant staying on top of things. Attention to the finer details was a must. Mai was quick to point out any slip-ups. It was there that I met Lefty Dizz and Joan Baby, Johnny Adams and many others. Her on air interviews were fun and insightful, her off air conversations were eye opening, filled with stories that couldn’t be told on-air. Mai was generous and warm and I loved being her volunteer.
And directly though Mai I met Teo Leyasmeyer, who eventually invited me to become involved with the original House of Blues by allowing me to bring my camera, and eventually giving my access to artists there.
And while I miss Mai for our connection through the blues; I miss her as a wise friend even more so. She was intelligent and gave her opinion without being asked.
I had no job, and took up residence in my sister’s basement. Machinist jobs were scarce, so I took a job as a security guard on the overnight shift, which meant I missed a lot of live music. It also meant that my work week ended Friday morning at 8am…. In May of 1992 while listening to Mai Cramer’s Blues After Hours I heard her ask for folks willing to volunteer on her show. I called in and left my name. Shortly thereafter she called back and told me to come in on Friday night and we’d see if I worked out. I lasted ten glorious years, every other Friday night.
My time with Mai ran the gamut from completely nerve racking to completely thrilling. Mai’s show was always of the highest standard, and that meant staying on top of things. Attention to the finer details was a must. Mai was quick to point out any slip-ups. It was there that I met Lefty Dizz and Joan Baby, Johnny Adams and many others. Her on air interviews were fun and insightful, her off air conversations were eye opening, filled with stories that couldn’t be told on-air. Mai was generous and warm and I loved being her volunteer.
And directly though Mai I met Teo Leyasmeyer, who eventually invited me to become involved with the original House of Blues by allowing me to bring my camera, and eventually giving my access to artists there.
And while I miss Mai for our connection through the blues; I miss her as a wise friend even more so. She was intelligent and gave her opinion without being asked.