Sailors, Maggots Highlight Grind

text and pictures by Dave Lieben

Scenes from South Pacific and a skit featuring maggots were among the highlights of October's Monthly Grind at the Saxman Tribal House Saturday evening.

The show was hosted by the inexplicably single Mark Jaqua. He started the show by playing a hilarious song about tourists. He got the crowd to join in the chorus with him: "Welcome to Ketchikan, now won't you go away?"

Next was the First City Players cast from South Pacific. Dispelling the myth that men aren't interested in theater, there were approximately 20 "sailors" on the stage. You'll definitely want to catch the whole play, which will be at the Kayhi auditorium from November 4th through the 7th.

Next up was the duo of Sher Schwartz and Terry O'Hara, who were joined by various friends for various songs. The highlight was an excellent original song about a boat trip called Seas of the Southeast.

Bud & Lou performed the classic Abbott & Costello skit Who's on First.

Jay Snodderly, who had earlier accompanied the South Pacific numbers on the keyboard, returned with his accordian. His selections included a couple tunes from the movie Flying Down to Rio.

Next was the ever-popular intermission, featuring lots of fabulous desserts and socializing. This reporter mistook a container of honey with the top sitting loosely on top for a squeeze bottle and made quite a mess.

At some point, there was a guest appearance by the Maggots. Their uproarious skit included a tip of the, uh, maggot part, to the classic movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Chris Wilhelm played some excellent instrumental tunes on acoustic guitar. One was dedicated to Lillian of Parnassus bookstore fame. Chris is working on a cd, which hopefully will be available soon.

Next up was storyteller Cairn MacGregor. Cairn, who co-hosts a show on KRBD on Monday evening, told a story, which he assured the audience was a true story, which I won't attempt to summarize.

Rounding out the night in style were the Seizure Sisters, fresh from receiving makeovers at Nordstrom's. One was holding a chicken, leading another sister to say "I think there's a good chance someone'll take her home tonight.... I'm talkin' about the chicken."

The next Monthly Grind will be on Saturday, November 20.