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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ken farr on July 02, 2016, 10:41:20 AM

Title: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ken farr on July 02, 2016, 10:41:20 AM
Hello All:

  Went to the Hollywood Bowl last night for the Prairie Home Companion.  They taped the show, because the last time they did a live broadcast from there in July, in the middle of the day, a lot of the older crowd folded.
  Anyway, very good show, alot of fun.  It was Garrison Keillors last show.  They had a really nice warm up before the show and a very, very nice encore with Garrison leading the entire audience in song at the end.  With all the voices, the Bowl came alive, it was awesome.  I don't know if that will make the broadcast cut, but it was awesome.

  I don't know who is going to take over as host, but he or she will have some very big shoes to fill.
 
  Listen to the show while working or polishing or just drinking a beer and looking at my B1100. ( Guzzi content )


kjf
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Sheepdog on July 02, 2016, 10:45:15 AM
Let's celebrate his retirement with Catsup!
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: LowRyter on July 02, 2016, 11:09:15 AM
Chris Thile will be taking over.  He's a picker extraordinaire.  Not sure about the skits and humor.

BTW-  I'll be listening to it tonight as I tailgate in Boulder CO for the Dead & Co concert.   Pretty fitting as Garrison liked to do a rendition of "Ripple".

I was always fond of "Powder Milk Biscuits".   "Gives shy people the strength to get up and do what has to be done."  Actually a brilliant slice of philosophy in my book.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ITSec on July 02, 2016, 12:47:25 PM
There's so much I will miss  from this show, and especially from Keillor himself. From where I sit, I can see on the bookshelves "Lake Woebegone Days", "Pontoon", and a copy of that (appropriately) very quirky Robert Altman film.

I'll have to watch it again tonight - and hope Virginia Madsen never comes for me...
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Gliderjohn on July 02, 2016, 12:58:18 PM
Agree, Chris Thile is excellent. Nickel Creek is a wonderful bluegrass group.
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Guzzistajohn on July 02, 2016, 01:44:57 PM
It'll be different but I'll bet it'll be good. Chris is very talented! Looking forward to something new!
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: twowings on July 02, 2016, 01:50:46 PM
I'll miss everybody down at the Sidetrack Tap and Bob's Bank! No one could tell a story like Garrison Keillor...
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 02, 2016, 03:39:38 PM
Guy Noir.. :) It's been a great run, and something on radio worth listening to..
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 02, 2016, 04:16:57 PM
Let's celebrate his retirement with Catsup!
Umm, do you mean Ketchup with natural mellowing agents?

that show is about the best thing you can hear on radio!
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: lucydad on July 02, 2016, 04:49:20 PM
Had a taped show.  Used to watch while living in Tunisia as a reminder of what fiddle music sounded like, humor, and western culture.

Sad, and I wish Garrison well.  He is a genius.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: pebra on July 02, 2016, 06:42:34 PM
I think i would have enjoyed the radio programme.
I came about Keillor's book "Lake Woebegone Days" many years ago, it was really funny  - a must read again!
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: PJPR01 on July 02, 2016, 06:44:55 PM
Prairie Home Companion - so authentically folksy Midwest in the humour...Wisconsin Grandparents and Mom never missed a show...

That and Car Talk were always my favorites...
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Testarossa on July 02, 2016, 07:06:09 PM
Show just finished up.  One of the best of recent years.  And the President called in to exchange complimentary farewells. 

Great Lake Wobegon episode ending with Garrison's thoughts on the art of the limerick.

I'll really miss him, but he'll write more books.

Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: twowings on July 02, 2016, 08:44:39 PM
Car Talk, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, and Prarie Home Companion were a regular Saturday observance for years for me...the Magliozzi brothers were guaranteed to raise my spirits no matter how low... :thumb:
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ratguzzi on July 02, 2016, 08:49:42 PM
I DETEST responding to non Guzzi posts but I have a weakness for aphc! I have seen the show live in St Paul at the Fitzgerald twice and own the aphc movie. So tonight was sad but cool at the same time. Very cool you got to see it at the bowl!
JB
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: vstevens on July 02, 2016, 11:12:40 PM
Enjoyed many Saturday's glued to the radio listening to Prairie Home Companion on PBS.  American tradition at its best - poked fun at our great American quirkiness but always revered our American uniqueness. 
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: LowRyter on July 03, 2016, 02:37:15 AM
farewell to Lake Wobegon.

I am really buzzing from the Dead.   Max psychedelic fusion.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: pebra on July 03, 2016, 02:44:35 AM
I DETEST responding to non Guzzi posts but I have a weakness for aphc! I have seen the show live in St Paul at the Fitzgerald twice and own the aphc movie. So tonight was sad but cool at the same time. Very cool you got to see it at the bowl!
JB

Definitely Guzzi content. "Norge" featuring extensively both with Guzzi and Lake Wobegon.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: cruzziguzzi on July 03, 2016, 11:46:37 AM
Car Talk, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, and Prarie Home Companion were a regular Saturday observance for years for me...the Magliozzi brothers were guaranteed to raise my spirits no matter how low... :thumb:

It sucks to see PHC go along with the other Sunday staples. The new line up just ain't cutting' it for me.

As far as PHC winding down at the Bowl... I don't get that. LA, NYC, hell, most anywhere but St Paul is like saying farewell in Nashville but going to Dixie-Disney-Opree instead of the Ryman. I wonder what Kiellor's decision particulars behind that were.

Nice venue but it sure's tooting' ain't Minnesota!

World traveling Woebegone boy who's now settled in Arizona for the duration's gonna really miss Dusty and Lefty!

I wonder if Garrison's bowing out will be permanent this time.


Todd.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Daleroso on July 03, 2016, 08:04:28 PM
I liked Garrison except his subtle & not so subtle (WHY is there a b in subtle?) pokes @ the right.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: wrbix on July 03, 2016, 08:50:26 PM
I liked Garrison except his subtle & not so subtle (WHY is there a b in subtle?) pokes @ the right.
Comes with the intellect.  :whip2: :popcorn:
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: azguzzirep on July 04, 2016, 09:32:11 AM
I liked Garrison except his subtle & not so subtle (WHY is there a b in subtle?) pokes @ the right.

That's why I quit listening too. I think Garrison, Michael  Moore and Al Gore are birds of a feather.

His stories were quite funny sometimes,though.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Guzzistajohn on July 04, 2016, 09:50:51 AM
That's why I quit listening too. I think Garrison, Michael  Moore and Al Gore are birds of a feather.

His stories were quite funny sometimes,though.

Me too, I wasn't going to mention it. Hopefully Chris will be more of an entertainer and musician and less of a drivel spreader.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: blackcat on July 04, 2016, 10:45:26 AM
I liked Garrison except his subtle & not so subtle (WHY is there a b in subtle?) pokes @ the right.

Easy solution, change the station.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: John A on July 04, 2016, 10:58:50 AM
I remember one show where Randy Newman and Wilco did a rendition of "When The Roses Bloom Again"  Haunting  in its beauty. I've looked for a copy of that but never have found one. For that tune I am greatfull and forgive him his political views.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ITSec on July 04, 2016, 12:55:47 PM
I, for one, don't mind listening to those whose views differ from my own - it's the only way to keep your mind well-exercised and your perspective un-fossilized. If you only listen to people you agree with, pretty soon you're in a bubble of your own making, with only the echoes to keep you company.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: John A on July 04, 2016, 12:57:02 PM
True, good point
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ken farr on July 04, 2016, 01:00:19 PM
Please don't do a left/right on this.

Yes, he was, is, and always will be a liberal democrat.  Good for him.

On the other side of the coin, I remember listening to his show while in my shop, and he made the announcement that President Reagan had passed.  It was quiet, except for 1 jackass who wooohoooed and clapped.  He was the only one and there was a few seconds of dead air.  I was kinda pissed, but the show went on.
I have heard/read, don't remember where, but after the live show was over, Mr. Keillor, let the individual know in no uncertain terms that behavior like that was less than acceptable.  That brought me back, we can disagree, but we will remain respectful.

....and I have heard him jab the left every once in a while....

Gonna miss the show, it was entertaining, it was Americana.

...and yes, I would have thought that the last show would have been at the Fitzgerald.....glad it wasn't....

kjf
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: cruzziguzzi on July 04, 2016, 03:13:26 PM
I certainly for the most part don't begrudge him his politics as it's his sand box. I generally didn't listen in election cycles as the abject lack of even the most remote balance in the humor is grossly conspicuous by its absence. This, especially in ignoring the epic opportunities in the form of the current Pres, VP or various other Dems begging his form of intellectual derision.


I don't like it so extremely one-sided regardless the predominant leanings; Right or wrong - after a fasion, it smacks more of propaganda or indoctrination than satire.

His retirement is broadcasting's and America's loss.


Todd.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Testarossa on July 04, 2016, 03:32:52 PM
Quote
I, for one, don't mind listening to those whose views differ from my own - it's the only way to keep your mind well-exercised and your perspective un-fossilized. If you only listen to people you agree with, pretty soon you're in a bubble of your own making, with only the echoes to keep you company.
:thumb:

It's Independence Day. Gail and I rode downtown where the Longmont Chorale and Longmont Symphony gave a July 4 concert in the park -- an old-fashioned small town America village green. I'm a lifelong FDR Democrat, every bit as patriotic as my Republican neighbors, and we all choke up when the local American Legion color guard marches to Battle Hymn of the Republic. Let's listen to one another all year long.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: wrbix on July 04, 2016, 03:59:11 PM
I certainly for the most part don't begrudge him his politics as it's his sand box. I generally didn't listen in election cycles as the abject lack of even the most remote balance in the humor is grossly conspicuous by its absence.


Todd.
In a different sand box, Rush Limbaugh I find equally amusing, but for an entirely different reason.

What an interesting society we live in!
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: oldbike54 on July 04, 2016, 04:53:01 PM
 How did a thread about PHC turn to politics ? I'll bet you guys wouldn't have liked Will Rogers either   :rolleyes: 

  Dusty
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ratguzzi on July 04, 2016, 05:35:53 PM
One of my favorite Garrison Christian jokes was:
"What does one Baptist say to another Baptist in a liquor store?"
"Not a word............... ................... .............."

JB
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 04, 2016, 05:39:22 PM
How did a thread about PHC turn to politics ? I'll bet you guys wouldn't have liked Will Rogers either   :rolleyes: 

  Dusty
or Woody Guthrie and that gol darn red Dylan.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: John A on July 04, 2016, 05:50:58 PM
How did a thread about PHC turn to politics ? I'll bet you guys wouldn't have liked Will Rogers either   :rolleyes: 

  Dusty
we were making the point that he wouid have had more listeners had he left politics out of it,much like this board
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Fuzzy on July 04, 2016, 05:57:12 PM
And that is a shame. Us against them, again...
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: oldbike54 on July 04, 2016, 06:10:32 PM
we were making the point that he wouid have had more listeners had he left politics out of it,much like this board

 So why inject politics into a nonpolitical topic ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 04, 2016, 06:40:07 PM
can we all just sing a Duet ? a nice little cowboy song like back in the saddle again...or, don't fence me in.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: wrbix on July 04, 2016, 08:25:25 PM
can we all just sing a Duet ? a nice little cowboy song like back in the saddle again...or, don't fence me in.

.......kumbaya....
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: LowRyter on July 04, 2016, 09:27:49 PM
That's why I quit listening too. I think Garrison, Michael  Moore and Al Gore are birds of a feather.

His stories were quite funny sometimes,though.


thank you very much  :laugh:
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: rboe on July 04, 2016, 09:41:55 PM
OK, time for a catsup break.....  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: SmithSwede on July 04, 2016, 11:06:47 PM
Well, I was initially raised Methodist.  Then Unitarian. 

Absolutely brilliant Keillor joke.   "How do you know if you have pissed off the Unitarians in your town?"

A:  "They come and burn a question mark in your yard." 

On another note.  I have a cousin, who runs a Bed & Breakfast in Columbus, Ga.    Keillor and company stayed with them once.  Polite and delightful people.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: SmithSwede on July 04, 2016, 11:11:26 PM
I also understand the comments about Keillor getting too political too often.   

Check out the Canadian show "Vinyl Cafe" by Stuart McLean.  I actually like him a bit better than Garrison.   Same sweet, involved, human interest stories.   But never any politics.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ITSec on July 05, 2016, 02:23:34 AM
Well, I was initially raised Methodist.  Then Unitarian. 

Absolutely brilliant Keillor joke.   "How do you know if you have pissed off the Unitarians in your town?"

A:  "They come and burn a question mark in your yard." 

On another note.  I have a cousin, who runs a Bed & Breakfast in Columbus, Ga.    Keillor and company stayed with them once.  Polite and delightful people.

I'm a Unitarian-Universalist chaplain - so I can say that Garrison was not above borrowing a good joke that was already being told  :wink:

And Unitarians don't burn a question mark on the lawn of someone who annoys them - they get together for a coffee meeting and discuss why the person is doing this, and what part they may have played in causing the emotion.

Come to think of it, Unitarians and Canadians have a lot in common!  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: sbaker on July 05, 2016, 09:51:03 AM

Love the entertainment, stories, music, theater.... was disappointed that it had to be political....
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: wrbix on July 05, 2016, 10:17:09 AM
What I find interesting and revealing in this conversation is that the political right has for years been pushing for defunding of National Public Radio. Why shouldn't NPR therefore be left leaning.

  http://www.politico.com/story/2010/10/defunding-npr-its-not-that-easy-044056

In my experience patrons of the arts tend toward progressive ideals.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: LowRyter on July 05, 2016, 11:03:17 AM
sorry guys but the politics is entwined with the core of Garrison's world view.  If you don't like his politics, then you really don't get the whole picture.

Now you could like John Wayne movies and not like his politics but he was no writer of philosopher.  He was just a movie actor.   No pretense of knowing anything important, just as he was no macho hero in real life.  Just an actor you like on the screen.  Not so with Garrison.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Daleroso on July 05, 2016, 11:11:01 AM
My fault. I simply meant that I liked Garrison's talent, delivery & the show. I just wished he'd left the politics out or balanced them. I admit, I LEAN HARD RIGHT
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: rocker59 on July 05, 2016, 11:36:15 AM
sorry guys but the politics is entwined with the core of Garrison's world view.  If you don't like his politics, then you really don't get the whole picture.
 

I don't like Garrison's politics.  Had to quit listening to PHC during our previous President's tenure.  Grew weary of Garrison's (and his guests') nasty bias.

Started listening again after GK got his man in office, because miraculously the leftist political satire mellowed.

Very talented guy, and the shows are old-timey good.  I really like the Americana music he selects for the shows, and hope the show can continue without him.   

Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: oldbike54 on July 05, 2016, 01:16:29 PM
 Well shucks , as a leftist libertarian Deist Taoist moderate sometimes right leaning mostly American Indian follower of both the Dali Lama , George Will , AND Bob Pirsig , none of this uproar makes any sense to me  :shocked:

 In the words of William Penn Adair Rogers , "live your life in such a way that you would not be afraid to sell your parrot to the town gossip" .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: Dharma Bum on July 05, 2016, 02:25:44 PM
It's a real pleasure to follow a thread where political views are expressed in an adult fashion without any name calling, "talking points", rants, or other drivel found throughout the Interweb.  Speaks volumes to the quality of this site and it's members
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: oldbike54 on July 05, 2016, 02:47:52 PM
It's a real pleasure to follow a thread where political views are expressed in an adult fashion without any name calling, "talking points", rants, or other drivel found throughout the Interweb.  Speaks volumes to the quality of this site and it's members

 There is a difference between identifying a political bent and discussing politics . We are mostly all friends here , and most of us know each others preferences . Still , let's do keep away from any real talk re elections or candidates , Luap is watching  :laugh: Thanks .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: cruzziguzzi on July 05, 2016, 03:13:43 PM
I think chastising anyone for integrating politics into a discussion about PHC is a non-starter. GK has used his bully pulpit for decades to advance one particular agenda and point of view as is his right. To be viewed retroactively or even contemporarily through a political lens is his own doing and I'll bet he welcomes the discussions which follow.

It's not like anyone's delving deep to find anything or over interpret like the folks who try to politicize Mr Rodgers or Bugs Bunny.

I think the loss of PHC is, in fact, best appreciated on a political level. I distinctly stood actively non-supportive if not outright opposed to the majority of what he stood for socially and yet his mastery of his media, his humanity and his decidedly non-dogmatic approach still allowed him to be a cherished source of entertainment in our household.

I NEVER want to live in a world where everyone might agree with me but I do want the opposite side represented rationally, artfully and articulately - therein lay Garrison.


Todd.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: ratguzzi on July 05, 2016, 06:11:45 PM
Very well put, Todd!
JB
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 05, 2016, 06:17:44 PM
just reading this makes me salivate for some Hot Dish and jello salad with the mini marshmallows..
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: LowRyter on July 05, 2016, 07:05:07 PM
sorry guys but the politics is entwined with the core of Garrison's world view.  If you don't like his politics, then you really don't get the whole picture.

Now you could like John Wayne movies and not like his politics but he was no writer of philosopher.  He was just a movie actor.   No pretense of knowing anything important, just has he was no macho hero in real life.  Just an actor you like on the screen.  Not so with Garrison.

Now my wife is an English teacher.  You might recall that Garrison touts P-O-E-M (Professional Organization of English Major).  My wife being an English Teacher gets Garrison on a whole 'nother level. 
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: rboe on July 05, 2016, 07:57:18 PM
GK went with a gospel bent many years ago and that is when I stopped listening regularly. But it was a phase, and once it past I kinda sorta tuned in. Usually other things were going on so I typically caught it in the car.

Now it's my understanding that PHC will still be produced.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: stevet on July 05, 2016, 11:04:53 PM
All good things must end.  Personally, I'm glad he's finally stepping aside.  A few years back he was putting in too much gospel and it turned me off.  In the past year or two he's been putting in mild sexual undertones (wildlife proctologist who was oblivious to his horny nurse; even Lake W. getting a bit naughty now and again) into the show, and not interesting/funny undertones, to attract... who?  And frankly, he hasn't been able to sing well in harmony, or solo, for many years.  His singing with frequent guest singer Sarah Watkins was embarrassing.  She'd have to prop him up during songs.  Listen to a show from 10-20 years ago and you'll hear the difference.  In everything.  More often than not I have to turn it off because whatever he is doing at the moment... just sounded bad.  He should have stepped aside at least 5 years ago.

This show comes from my hometown.  He should have ended it at the Fitz, not in CA.

I'm looking forward to Chris Thile taking over and making it his own show.  It will not be a rehash of PHC.  Read more about it here:
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/04/12/chris-thile-new-prairie-home-companion-host (http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/04/12/chris-thile-new-prairie-home-companion-host)

Steve.
Title: Re: Prairie Home Companion
Post by: LowRyter on July 05, 2016, 11:13:25 PM
Garrison was able to blend religion, politics, patriotism, small town life (existentialism), intelligence and social commentary (from crude to tasteful) into an amusing and accurate reflection of who we are.