A call to action: ignorant persons, unite
Personally I like the statue of Theodore Roosevelt on a horse standing majestically in front of the Museum of Natural History in New York, which I often pass on walks and so I’ve followed the controversy about the statue, along with the debate about the statue of Columbus at Columbus Circle.
The statue removalists argue that Roosevelt and Columbus were guilty of inappropriate treatment of indigenous people and so don’t deserve this prominence. The removalists, I’m sure, have done their homework and especially in the case of Columbus could cite cruel and outrageous deeds and I respect their seriousness. There’s an avenue named for Columbus and a university, plus the Circle, and you could change them all to Smith and it’s no problem for me. The statue in the Circle stands on a very high pedestal so as to make it harder for pigeons to defecate on him, so high that his gender is not clear, and I seldom bother to look up....
Go to Garrison Keillor and Friends on Substack to read the rest of THE COLUMN >>> Become a member of THE BACK ROOM on our Substack page for exclusive access to News from Lake Wobegon stories, archived goodies, excerpts from unpublished works, previews of other works, a second weekly column, and on occasion, a full-length video stream of a show from 2015 to 2016. Also, if you shop in the store, THE BACK ROOM subscribers receive 20% discounts. (Subscription to The Back Room: $6 per months or $65 annually.) |
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This week on "A Prairie Home Companion"
A classic show sure to warm your heart as we travel back and revisit one of the earliest shows in the online archive. This show is one of two that was cleared shortly after Mr. Chet Atkins passed away. Chester Atkins, Mr. Guitar, was one of the first well-known artists to take a fancy to our little show. The weekly PHC broadcast went national in 1980 and was the first show offered to public radio stations on a new satellite hookup. Stations were hesitant to add a variety show featuring folk/Americana music. Chet Atkins became a fan, wrote to the show that he would like to appear. That was in 1982. He ended up giving the show some added exposure plus a level of respect that allowed many more stations to add it — and many more fans to find it. Chet became a semi-regular, toured with the show, produced/appeared on several albums, and became one of Garrison’s and the show’s best friends and cheerleaders. Here is one of the broadcasts from 1985 featuring Chet, country superstar Willie Nelson, maestro Peter Ostroushko, Johnny Gimble, and El Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey. From “Crazy” and “Danny Boy” to Bertha’s Kitty Boutique and the Powdermilk Biscuit break, you will be enthralled. All this plus the latest news from your favorite small town: Lake Wobegon. Join us Saturday for a listen via our Facebook page at 5 p.m. CT (or click the link below). Listen to the Show >>>
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More about this week’s featured guests
Guitarist, vocalist, record producer Chet Atkins was admired by legions of music fans and fellow musicians alike. He was a favorite Prairie Home guest, and his passing in 2001 was a heavy blow to the APHC cast, crew, and staff. Steve Wariner — a stellar picker in his own right — summed up Atkins’ artistry: “Try to do what he does technically. Then try to do it with his touch, tone, and feeling, and you’re reminded that you can’t out-Chet Chet. He was something else.” “Classical Gas” >>>
View available music >>>
Newsman Dan Rather once suggested that we “add Willie Nelson’s face to the cliffs of Mt. Rushmore and be done with it.” All in all, it may not be a bad idea. This singer, songwriter, author, actor, activist, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and 10-time Grammy winner has put his indelible stamp on American music. Just think of the songs — “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “On the Road Again”... “Leave It There” >>>
View available music >>>
Don Esteban Hernandez (father of Pedro Rey) formed the band Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey in 1968 in Los Angeles, CA. Pedro Rey became the leader two years later. Originally a 10-piece band made up primarily of family members, the group quickly became the “go to” mariachi band. Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey has appeared at major venues in the United States and performed on many television and radio programs as well. Pedro’s son, El Torito, is now leading the group into its fifth decade. Watch a video featuring Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey >>>
Mandolinist, composer, arranger Peter Ostroushko, who made his first Prairie Home Companion appearance in 1974, grew up listening to tunes played at family get-togethers in the Ukrainian community of northeast Minneapolis. It’s the music that provides the basis for many of his compositions — works that have been performed by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, among others. Peter won an Emmy for the score of Minnesota: A History of the Land (Twin Cities Public Television). Peter Ostroushko Tribute Page” >>> |
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GARRISON KEILLOR and COMPANY Events The holidays bring about a great time to gather together with old friends. And with that in mind, Garrison and Company are hitting the road to sing a few holiday classics and share a few stories, limericks, and poetry. We hope you can come gather with us to celebrate the season! View the tour schedule >>> A Limited number of tickets remaining for Garrison Keillor's Book Reading and Book Signing of his NEW book, "Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80."
December 7th at 7:00PM
Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church
170 Virginia Street
St. Paul, MN FOR TICKET/BOOK
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Check out a couple dates from folks in our Prairie Home family:
December 1st and 2nd at 7:30 PM
AN ALL-STAR CHRISTMAS with Pat Donohue and the Prairie All-Stars
Crooners Supper Club
6161 Highway 65 NE
Fridley, MN December 1 tickets
December 2 tickets
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The Lake Wobegon Virus Softcover |
Now in paperback. Bestselling author and humorist Garrison Keillor returns to one of America’s most beloved mythical towns — a town beset by a contagion of alarming candor.
A mysterious virus has infiltrated the good people of Lake Wobegon, transmitted via unpasteurized cheese made by a Norwegian bachelor farmer, the effect of which is episodic loss of social inhibition. Mayor Alice, Father Wilmer, Pastor Liz, the Bunsens and Krebsbachs, formerly taciturn elders, burst into political rants, inappropriate confessions, and rhapsodic proclamations, while their teenagers watch in amazement. Meanwhile, a wealthy outsider is buying up farmland for a Keep America Truckin’ motorway and amusement park, estimated to draw 2.2 million visitors a year. Clint Bunsen and Elena the hometown epidemiologist to the rescue, with a Fourth of July Living Flag and sweet corn feast for a finale. |
Get the BOOK >>> |
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| From the Archives: The Best of 1982 (newest CD release) |
Mr. Keillor’s tales of the fictional Lake Wobegon, Minn., its people and the businesses that “sponsor” the show are the ties that bind the show together. Listeners share in the ups and (mostly) downs of the Lake Wobegon Whippets baseball team, study the menu of Dorothy’s Chatterbox Cafe, wonder how Lake Wobegon’s favorite daughter, Barbara Ann Bunson, is doing at the University of Minnesota, cheer the attributes of Powdermilk Biscuits (made from whole wheat grown in the rich bottomlands of the Lake Wobegon valley by Norwegian bachelor farmers).
From the Archives is a deep dive into the PHC archive, unearthing stories season by season. And here is the collection featuring the stories from 1982. Lake Wobegon experiences extreme cold and shuts people in their homes to feuds, frustrations, plumbing issues, and other crazy antics. There are memories of romance with Donna Bunsen at the laundromat and the Diener boy’s first drag on a cigarette, landing his car in the pond. In fall, we hear about the demise of Irene Anderson’s 20 oz. tomato and the avalanche of squash from the attic. Christmas is nearly perfect with the exception of Einer’s reading of the Gospel. 3 CDs.
Newest release, available to ship December 1. Get the CDs >>> |
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| Our brand-new Duct Tape Shirt Sponsored by the American Duct Tape Council since duct tape is the only tool you need at your disposal, and this shirt humorously tells folks why. Gray cotton shirt is available in sizes S–XXL. Get the Shirt >>> |
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