There were many high points at this year’s Nammys. (11th annual, at Seneca Niagara casino)
Here go just two. And both take place in the elevators, believe it or not. First was riding the elevator with the late Ritchie Valens’ brother Mario and his sister Irma, and two little girls who didn’t know any of us. Mario and Irma got off a few floors earlier than I did and I asked the two little girls if they knew who they were. They didn’t. So I told them, and they had this look like they had no idea what I was talking about.
“Have you heard the song LaBamba?” I asked. One said yes, and the other said no. Keep in mind now, these girls are about 11. The song hit the top40 51 years ago. Anyhew, it was neat being able to tell them something new about some old music they’d never heard much about.
Second profound thing was trading earrings. The elevator was crammed full this time. Some guy I’d never met before points to one of my earrings and asks me if I know who made it. There are some earrings I’ve simply bought and had no idea who made them, but this was one of the many ones that come with a story. “Tall Dog Monroe,” I tell him, “out at Narragansett not that far from Pawtucket where my dad grew up.”
“Wanna trade?” he jokes, showing his earring which was similar in size. Turquoise in a silver setting. Mine was wampum with some very clear whites and purples set in silver. Hmm, I think to myself. I’m not getting the better deal, but the experience might make the trade worthwhile, eh?
So right in front of about 15 people I shock him by ending the shared laughter with, “yeah, sure.” He asks if I’m serious and I take mine out and hand it to him. He takes out his and makes the trade. We each go our separate ways having traded something at the 11th annual NAMMYS.
Pictured are Yaqui classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala and Flamenco dancer Rose Fernandez.
See this video short (and others) from this year’s NAMMYS at http://www.makingyoutubes.com