PLAIN FOLK by Billy Jones Back on April 1st, The Polyjesters played to a packed Moose Lounge. This tremendous, high energy, Vegas-style group was worth twice the ticket price, to say the least. After the show, I began thinking of the groups I played with over the years that displayed their kind of energy. In Las Vegas, the average shift for our group was six hours long. During the six hours we played five 40-minute sets, then another group replaced us. We were called a “showband” because we included routines and comedy in our performance. The Polyjesters are a showband. They capture their audience with antics but without sacrificing their musical or vocal ability. You very seldom dance to these groups and they often include their audience in their unique routines. Groups like this make the Folk Music Club concerts so worthwhile. The interesting thing about a showband is that each member qualifies as a musician before taking the next step. After that, there is an advantage in learning to double on a second instrument. Depending on the size of the band, each member has the ability to sing. It is rare to see a singer that doesn’t play an instrument in a showband. This is the reason Ron Larson insisted that Terri Clark learn her guitar well enough to qualify as a single before she moved on. A showband is for the younger, energetic and athletic musician who enjoys spoofing other known artists. “How young is younger?” asked Pearson. “Tell us Jones!” chimes Larson, “You’re older than dirt.” “OK boys. I see yer after funnin’ me again. I think between the twenties and thirties is the age when they are most energetic.” There is a great deal of serious fun, planning and timing in a new routine or changing an old one. You can sometimes spend hours on a number that only takes minutes to perform. Our Playboys band spent many mornings on the golf course in the fresh air. We also took advantage of this time to practice vocals and invent routines. Occasionally, a night of celebration required our bodies to rejuvenate with a few hours of extra sleep. The over-all health of a showband entertainer is important. Combine this with a healthy sense of humor and attitude and you become more than just a musician. There is no room for drugs unless it’s a medication. There is a showband in Medicine Hat, believe it or not.
This band has never had the chance to really pour it on because they’ve
had to cross the great dance floor barrier. The name of this long time, well organized, group should be no secret to anyone who knows the difference. They are Copper Penny. They are wonderful people, great players and well worth a listen!
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