Neither Here Nor There

January 25, 2011 10:30 AM Filed under: Life
WallaWalla
A couple of years ago, my friend Jeffrey Townsend, former Hollywood production designer and media whiz, decided to pilot a radio program. The program, entitled Neither Here Nor There, was hosted by Steve Johnson, known to readers under his pen name Sam McLeod, and recorded in a lightly reconditioned WWII-era barracks building at the Walla Walla Airport in rural Washington State. Jeffrey enlisted a backup band, named The Part Time Band, and started recording in front of a live studio audience. The concept was to produce a real, live small town radio show. Jeffrey, a natural-born smart aleck, wrote jingles for such local hot spots as the Worm Ranch Mexican Restaurant (yes, there really is such a place), and The Iceburg, a genuine fifties-style drive-in. Described as: " Walla Walla's only, and therefore longest running, radio variety show that's not on the radio," the program was a terrific idea but ultimately unsustainable.

Fortunately for me, I was invited as a guest to one of the few pilots made. Even more fortunate, Jeffrey kept the recordings.

Yesterday, Amy arrived at the Metro station after work with one of those grins on her face. "I have a surprise for you. After we get home," was all she'd disclose. She fiddled with her computer for a while, hooking it up to the Nakamichi, then called me into the living room. And there it was.

There are not many recordings of this alter-ego self. Sound equipment has always baffled me. I can report that I am proud of this performance, and deeply, deeply appreciate Jeffrey for preserving this bit of my experience.

We recorded two segment during my appearance. Below, find the link to the first one. Pictures of the performance space here.

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