Just back from a storytelling tribute to Bert and I, Bob Bryan and Marshall Dodge's legendary recording of Maine humor. There were supposed to be two half hour shows at LL Bean's, 1 & 3 PM. But the crowd for the first one was standing room only - even the window sills were occupied. So they added a 2 PM show...except the 1PM show carried over and...

It was wonderful to see an audience of grey haired oldies, teenage punkers, tiny babies with parents in their 20s. When the emcee asked if anyone did not know who Bert and I were, only on woman raised her hand - she was just looking for a place to sit.

Bob Bryan was the highlight doing the boat in the fog story sound effect for sound effect in that painfully Maine accent. There were six "acts" including Tim Sample and Marshall Dodge's brother but honestly the next highlight for me (of course) and everyone around me was Kendall's "following them rabbit tracks". The chat around me was whether he could still perform after his cancer. His first adlib put everyone at ease.

Kendall is fascinating on stage. In person, he is Captain Morse, don't mess with the bull. On stage he becomes the taciturn, modest downeaster who almost fades into the background. In fact, yhe emcee had to come back on the stage - he forgot to introduce Kendall. He takes his time weaving his tale. At times you think "oh no he forgot the next line". But he is just working his audience. There was some filming going on and mention of UTube. I hope it all shows up there. Meantime, there ia a fresh audience for Maine storytellers.



http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2006/02/18/50_years_after_bert_and_i_maine_humor_retains_its_appeal/