Kim and Jim each mentioned “The Orange Blossom Special” which is surely a tedious tune for the musicians but for some reason is always a huge crowd-pleaser. Fiddler Al Murphy refers to OBS as “The Orange Colored Possum.” I don't think he intended any reference to Cleigh.

Often people—drunks especially—will request “Bonnie and Clyde” (Foggy Mountain Breakdown) or “Deliverance” (Dueling Banjos). It's always a treat to have those requested.

I remember Bill Monroe used to ask for requests then just stand there listening to audience members shout out old tune names until he heard one he actually wanted to play. I think it was the Pinnacle Boys (Bud Brewster, Randall Collins, et al.) who used to side-step requests by saying “We don't do that particular number but here's one that has a lot of the same notes.”

My question for you all is this: Do you give it your very best and perform the tiresome or unloved request to please your audience or do you refuse (politely or otherwise) on grounds of principle? Is it more important to give your (paying?) audience what they want or to educate them by playing selections you think they should hear?

      - Mark