[Dixielandjazz] Audience Put Downs

[Edgerton, Paul A]

> "You guys are Pretty Good"
>
> "Thanks and you folks are Almost Nice".
>
Back in '83 I was playing in what may have been the last territory band, the
ten-piece Vern Beyers Orchestra. We were pretty much weekend warriors based
out of Denver, and we mostly played Elks lodges in places like Scottsbluff,
Nebraska or Rock Springs, Wyoming. These were always one-nighters; We
followed Vern's ancient Suburban, played the job and usually returned to
Denver at dawn.

Every time we played Rawlins, one particular guy would reel across the dance
floor, stop in front of us and holler at the top of his voice, "You guys are
better than nothing!" And indeed we were, but how much I can't say. Sure
pissed me off every time he said it though...

  - Paul Edgerton