I still remember seeing Wade's Banjo Dancing in Chicago, probably in 1979, on a business trip. I hadn't heard of him before -- probably went because of what I read in the newspaper. It was one of the thrilling performances I've ever attended. I'd have gone back night after night, but I saw it on my last night in town.

The one part I remember somewhat clearly -- it has after all been over thirty years -- dealt with a dog racing a train. A real train's dog, not some stranger or competitor. Somehow the dog was faster than the train, but faded out of sight about the time one of the train's axles started smoking. The engineer looked out, and there was the dog, RUNNING ALONG BESIDE THE TRAIN ON THREE LEGS TRYING TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I think this number was about the same length as Alice's Restaurant, perhaps longer. Needless to say everyone in the house was laughing hysterically by the time it was over.

Ever since then, I've looked around for info on him now and then. Gradually, little by little, more has become readily available. But it seems that Banjo Dancing, at least as a complete show, is still unavailable as either an audio or video recording.

Edward