It's apparent that we all enjoy different aspects about performances. I love the stories, jokes, puns, and anything else that any given performer would wish to add to their show along with their music. I also believe there are audiences that simply enjoy just the music and could care less about any added comments. Whether you're just a storyteller, or just a musician, or someone that enjoys combining spoken word stuff with music and songs, there's an audience for all of it.

I have plenty of stories, intros, bad puns, as well as spontaneous verbage that I enjoy offering during my performances. I don't use it as filler but rather feel it's as much a part of my whole presentation as a musician/entertainer as any song I might offer. Yes, I've played some events where the addition of the spoken part of my show was less appreciated by the audience but I've never enjoyed being just a juke box.

This past weekend at the Folklife Festival I was busking most of the time. I enjoy offering a little of everything when I busk, both new and used material. As an introduction to my performances I enjoy telling the story about how I made my guitar out of junk that I found at garage sales. While recounting this tale to one particular couple who had paused before me, I was surprised that I wasn't even able finished the brief version of the story. I was merely pointing out the various items that I used in making my guitar when I was interrupted by one of the two who blurted out in a loud and incredulous tone, "Do you expect us to believe that?!" Then, without another word, they turned and walked away to check out my friend's craft booth of handmade toys across the path from where I was sitting. As they departed I added my standard response to those who have a hard time believing this simple tale, "Truth is stranger than fiction."

I firmly believe that you can't please everybody. You can only try your best at making as many people happy as you can. The rest will have to get their entertainment elsewhere. It's just that simple.