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How did Plainfolk come to be?
- The original three members of Plainfolk (Barry, Charlie and
Dennis) were high school buddies. They had a common
interest in music, involved in Glee Club (that's right),
musicals and church choirs. But their first real folkie
public appearances could be traced to performing at Folk Masses
in the 70's. After high school and a seven year hiatus
they regrouped and formed Plainfolk inspired by Dennis impromptu
appearance with a "pick-up" group one St. Patrick's day.
In 1978 they convinced Jack Hines , owner of the renowned
Tipperary Pub to give them a chance. They loved the
attention and were embraced by the audiences. A couple
years later they added Johnny (Dennis's brother) on bass.
Add a few more years and they added Tom who had been a Plainfolk
devotee. Eventually Dave was drafted after adding his
talents to the recording of "The View" CD. And
nowadays Eric also joins us as often as he is able.
How did you choose the name Plainfolk?
- Charlie is credited with that - convincing the other band
members that we were just plain folk ourselves and that was the
type of music we did/do. We bought it.
When are you going to retire?
- When the equipment gets too heavy to carry or no one bothers
showing up anymore. We may have to call ourselves
Perpetual Folk pretty soon.
What ever happened to Tom?
- When the Plainfolk 401 program matured, Tom decided to
cash-in and eventually moved back to his native state - New
Jersey.
When are you going to release your next CD?
- When we have 10 new original songs and a stash of cash.
But 2006 may be the year. It could happen. If we
maintain our consistent CD production rate then this decade is a
safe bet.
Why don't you ever play near my town?
- Our week-end furlough program prohibits travel over certain
distances. We'll actually play most anywhere we're invited
- the hard part is getting invited.
Are you full time musicians?
- Heck, we never considered ourselves part-time musicians.
We just like to have fun trying to sing and accompany ourselves
at the same time. We're still amazed audiences seem to
enjoy watching that.
What was the best venue you've played at?
- The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC was certainly an honor
and a thrill - both times. But we do enjoy smaller
intimate clubs where we can establish a rapport with the
audience and heckle them back. The Tipperary Pub will
always be a favorite. May it rest in Peace.
Otherwise, The Muse and The Green Rooster are current favorites.
What is your most memorable gig?
- Performing at Mechanics Hall was exciting - every time! The
Kennedy Center as mentioned. But our very first gigs and
knocking knees stay indelibly etched in our minds.
What's with that guy Bob?
- We have to wonder about that too.
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