Mando Mafia at Galax 1989

This is the first appearance of a band called the Mando Mafia at the Galax Old Fiddlers Convention. Some of the musicians on stage formed the original band (see http://www.mandomafia.com/ ). But in this performance, a few rules were broken, requiring extra help. In competition at the Old Fiddlers Convention, every band must have a fiddle, banjo, and guitar. They also must have no more than seven members. Note how after the stage hands turn their backs on the band, some of the musicians put down the required instruments and pick up mandolins, and also that an extra musician slips onto the stage. They begin by playing a tremolo together, in a Mafia-esque menacing manner. Then they spring into the cheerful and sprightly "Stone's Rag." They close by playing well past the limit of 2 1/2 minutes. In addition, most of the musicians are in other bands, which means another broken rule. The stage manager was not pleased. After the performance, he told them, "Boys, that just weren't right." However, the crowd reaction tells the true story. Appearing as the Mando Mafia were Rick Friend, John Glick, Lew Prichard, Paul Rosen, Mike Williams, Pete Vigour, Kelly Perdue, and Scott Mathis.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• galax
• mando
• mafia
• old-time
• music
• mandolin
• stone's
• rag
• horse
• stalls

[bgrass11]

Ah the good old days!

[tetzw]

This from Pete Marshall today at Gravity Lounge here in Charlottesville: "That version of the band broke all the rules and were asked not to come back." Classic! :-D

And again, Pete, thanks for letting me tape. Look for it in your box at 'TJU tomorrow.

Bill :-)

[hiccuptruck]

"I hope you boys don't think you're getting your money back"... that kind of attitude is what turned me off Galax-they can keep their narrow mindedness. I haven't been back since '89.

Thanks for posting, Julie.

Pete M

[osusannarosen]

Awesome! Love the practice session, JM. Paul still bounces up and down when he plays on stage.

[wsmathis]

What a night that was! Also, when we walked off stage the MC said "I hope you boys don't think you're getting your money back". Scotto