"Well, Cluin, what sort of prats come to your gigs to watch you doing that?"


I call them the audience, melodeonboy. I don't look down on them (or people from other sides of anything either). They are just like me. They go out to have a good time. Their buying the drinks and being happy and tipping both me and the bar staff keeps the place in business. My keeping them buying the drinks keeps me in a gig. I'm not delivering a lesson in culture; I'm entertaining. If I can't engage them at least as much as the boob tube, with help of my microphone and amplified instruments, I have no business being up there. I don't blame my shortcomings on intrusive modern life, insensitive bar managers or undesireable audience members.

And often what happens on the TV is part of the fun. Part of engaging the audience, sharing fun with them. We're there to keep the party going, not make them shut up and tow the line and listen quietly. They have enough of that in their everyday lives.