Michael Perry Back in the Driver’s Seat
writer and musician rolls out his band, The Long Beds, for a Christmastime show
Bonni Knight, photos by Luong Huynh |
Michael Perry and the Long Beds will bring a blend of “fresh ones and favorite ones” (songs and stories alike) to the Pablo Center on Friday, Dec. 9. One “fresh” feature of the show will be the debut of Perry’s new song, “Stay Before You Go,” co-written with Evan Middlesworth, owner of Pine Hollow Audio. He’ll also be reading excerpts from his upcoming book, 40 Acres Deep.
Perry is known in these parts as a writer — a local boy done good, who bills himself as a “New York Times bestselling author, humorist, singer/songwriter, and intermittent pig farmer.” He doesn’t bust out his band, the Long Beds, too often, so when he does, it’s a treat.
According to Perry, he began writing songs as a way to break up all-night typing sessions. Despite having had no formal musical training, turning to music is not that far of a stretch for a guy with the heart of a poet. His lyrics practically sing by themselves. And, as Hans Christian Andersen said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” And Perry’s songs speak volumes about lonely nights on the road, love humbly expressed, dreams pursued, and people he met along the way.
Never having had a music teacher, Perry was grateful for others who opened the door to the arts for him. He added that one the best things about living in the Chippewa Valley is that there is a multitude of mentors. The region is full of talented musicians, all ready to collaborate or commiserate.
But the freshest aspect of the show will be a couple of folks up on stage with him, two Fall Creek School District music teachers, Jen Mason and Brad Stoughton. Mason, who teaches vocal music, and Stoughton, the instrumental music teacher, both laughed as they said they still weren’t sure what their roles would be in Perry’s show. As musicians, they’re ready to sit in and roll with whatever. Stoughton added, “He has trust in us.”
The two teachers first met Perry as a parent of two of their students. Mason and Stoughton say that a music department is like a family, and in Fall Creek, teachers, students, parents and the greater community, all come together for the love of music. Perry fit right in.
They both describe Perry as creative, humble, and very supportive. And that checks out. When asked why he had invited the two teachers, he replied, “Teachers work so hard but face uphill battles. I’ve watched these two work very hard on behalf of the arts and on behalf of their craft. This was a fun way to thank and recognize them.”
This give-and-take of praise and encouragement is common in the music world, which flourishes through collaboration and exchange of ideas. Most musicians have mentors. Mason cited renowned local vocalist Cathy Reitz as someone she turns to for inspiration. Stoughton gave a sweet shoutout to his high school band director, John Telitz at Ladysmith.
Never having had a music teacher, Perry was grateful for others who opened the door to the arts for him. He added that one the best things about living in the Chippewa Valley is that there is a multitude of mentors. The region is full of talented musicians, all ready to collaborate or commiserate.
When asked whether he felt he had ever been a mentor, he hemmed and hawed, genuinely, deeply bashful, reluctant to take on that title. When gently reminded that Spin.com had quoted Justin Vernon as saying that Perry was his “biggest mentor besides my parents,” he said quietly that, yes, that was true. Another thing that’s true is that both Vernon and blues/gospel genius Phil Cook were original members of the Long Beds before moving on to immeasurable success.
On Dec. 9, Mike Perry will bring all of that – fresh talent, along with the fruits of his experience, his humility, his poetic heart, and his collaborative, creative spirit to the stage.
Michael Perry and The Long Beds • 7:30pm Friday, Dec. 9 • Jamf Theatre at the Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire • tickets start at $25 plus fees and taxes • pablocenter.org
