[Dixielandjazz] Memorable Requests

[Stephen Barbone]

Will never forget playing on the dock in Philadelphia with banjoist Al
Smith and his Dixieland Band for an arriving cruise ship a few years
ago. Al, in his late sixties then is always the ladies man and was
winking and smiling at some of the widow ladies on the cruise.

One of them came up to him and sweetly asked if he took requests. He
said sure, he would play anything she wanted and so she said: (swear
it's true): "Will you play 'Six Inches in Virginia?'"

Al was completely speechless for about 30 seconds as she smiled and
walked away. He looked at me and said "Lets play "I'm Coming Virginia"
and so we did. The lady came back in mid-song and said "touche". Her
first name was, of course, Virginia and she was a great Dixieland fan
with a wonderful sense of humor.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone