The Machine’s Pump Volume 19 – #9 – September 2016

OH, BABY. I GOT THE RED, WHITE AND BLUES! I guess it all boils down to this. If you live in the United States and you think about the upcoming presidential election and plan to vote, you will be deciding between two world views. You either see our country as part of the rest of the world, needing to work with the rest of the world OR you see our country as isolated, needing to separate from the rest of the world. Every particle of logic in my being tells me the obvious; working together is the only way. It’s a shrinking planet, full of inhabitants with shared problems. But, once again, I must realize that not everyone thinks as I do. It appears a little under half of registered voters buy into the paranoia and hate rhetoric. I guess enough folks are just so danged disgruntled they don’t give a darn dang if their leader doesn’t give a dingity danged darn about them. I will say, I think Donald Trump has shown all of America his true self, over and over. And, apparently, half of us like what we see. He’s a pissed-off, scowling red-faced bully, looking to mop up the floor with uppity minorities and that sounds just fine to a whole bunch of people. This run for the “highest office of them all” has been quite an interesting exploration of the boundaries of humanity. Jeez! A caricaturish TV celebrity can get a big ol’ flock following him by simply using a few nasty buzz words. That’s amazing! I wonder if about half of all US citizens feel like life has kicked them around unfairly and are desperate to blame any outside influence for their misfortunes. If so, that’s a sad statistic. However, I also know it’s a lot easier to sit around and bitch and moan than it is to be positive. In many cases, I believe constantly complaining is another way of saying one is lazy and insecure and too lazy to do anything about the insecurity. You’ve heard me say that a million times, right? Oh, whatever. Welcome to Land of the Lost (Cause). At least it’s a good thing that none of those angry put-upon-people can afford guns.

Speaking of love and peace, as you know, Brave Combo plays all kinds of polkas. But from now until the end of October we’re performing feisty German-style at mini-Munichs all over this half of the Lone Star State. If you need an in-your-face polka fix, please check our itinerary and come to one of our happy happenings! You can get down like a mofo! Got it?

BRAVE COMBO RETURNS TO THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS. It’s always a homecoming for us when we have an opportunity to play at the State Fair in Dallas so Thursday, October 6 will be a super special experience for us. We’ll be right there, on the Chevy Main Stage, performing three shows somewhere between 4:00 and 10:00pm. It will feel like the fair, look like the fair and smell like the fair. Show up and have fun with us. Ride a ride. Look at some food in jars. Eat fried stuff. I understand Fletcher’s offers vegetarian corn dogs now! Now that is BIG news, TEX!

FUNNY JOKE
Old person, addressing a young person: Get out of my way!
Young person, responding to old person: No, you get out of MY way!
Old person: No, you get out of MY way!
Young person: No, you get out of MY way!
Old person: No, you get out of MY way
Young person: No, you get out of MY way!

SAD MUSIC. I’m working on an arrangement of this old Brenda Lee hit. Don’t tell anyone.

NOT SAD MUSIC. I’m also working on an arrangement of this popular Romanian song, I’m kind of obsessed with this right now and posted a different version in the September newsletter, if you want to check out that one, as well. Keep this quiet, too.

TWO MORE FOR THE ROAD. If you suddenly find yourself in the Brave Combo van heading for a gig, you might not know what to expect. Two particularly interesting concerts are happening in October which might fall into that category. The first, on Saturday, October 8 is at Bonnie and Clyde Days in Pilot Point, Texas. No idea what goes on there but we’re definitely intrigued The other curious concert is in Annette Strauss square at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in downtown Dallas on Friday, October 21. This event is called Aurora: Prelude and features an array of the performing arts over the weekend. We plan to be our most esoteric selves at both events.

Okay. That’s all I have in me, for now. It’s been a tough day. Let’s all take a deep breath and reset. If you have pets, spend time with them. Look them in the eye and talk to them. Touch them. Maybe even dance with them. Unless, of course, they don’t like that. Feed them something tasty and make a big deal out of it. Each little critter is unique and has his or her one life to experience. It’s our responsibility to make it the best we can for our non-human companions and acquaintances. At least that’s how I feel.