scott greeson music

Since 1998, I have spent May through October playing music at fairs and festivals throughout the Midwest. Although the majority of the gigs have been within Indiana, I have traveled as far as Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois to entertain audiences along with the band. During those travels, I have experienced about every type of stage, audience, PA, weather condition and unplanned challenge imaginable. But no matter the circumstance, it’s the people you meet along that way who make singing and playing music so special. We meet folks from quite a diverse set of backgrounds, but the bond between them is the love of musical entertainment and attending live performances. Entertainment is a great form of escape from an overwhelming world, and to able to provide that break for people is an honor.   

One great joy I find in playing music at the type of events we frequent is the opportunity to meet other entertainers. A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about attending the annual booking convention in Indianapolis. I spent time there with three young entertainers whom I have either worked with and or watched grow musically over the past couple of years. While all three are very talented Indiana natives, the one thing I admire most about them is their work ethic. They understand that for most folks who feel called to entertain others, success requires hard work. They are willing to drive endless miles, lug heavy gear, and spend their own money for gear. They do this with the realization that it could take years to break even if at all. In spite of that, they move forward, work hard and consistently treat their fans and other entertainers with the utmost respect and terrific performances. I say, “Hats off to Levi Riggs, D.J. Miller and Jimmy Bussell. I wish you the best and I’m excited to see your careers flourishing!”

Scott and I were changing a creep feed area in the barn and I went to get a couple of the tools from the toolbox Dad gave me from his shop. I hadn’t opened it in a while. The smell of Dad’s shop took me immediately back to memories of working on fence repairs with him; rebuilding horse trailers; constructing pony jumps. Touching the very tools he had used on those projects provided a connection to the man I miss.

Vickie and her dad, James R. Maris, with one of Vickie's Connemara weanlings, Dawn's Maire Shannon (Kerrymor Madison X Realta). Photo taken 1996.

I had recently been helping Mom put together a presentation for a continuing education group about the life of a stateside bride during WWII. It’s just a nutshell of the story I am helping her record, so that it can be treasured for years to come. One of the letters she and I read from the navigator of the B-24 bomber that Dad piloted was a sweet summary, “Jimmy, you could have taken this tin lizzy apart in the air and put it back together again if you needed to in order to get us home. We would have flown to the ends of the Earth with you.”

Almost 70 years after the events of WWII, my dear husband honors the man, the moment and my childhood memories of more recent years, as he stood quietly with a hand on my shoulder while I took in the feel and the smell of my Dad’s shop tools. After just the right amount of time, we went back to work in the barn and finished our little project. It wasn’t a big undertaking, but I know the llamas like the new arrangement, and my Dad would be so pleased to know his shop tools were part of the project.

Each January, I am the guest of the International Entertainment Bureau (my booking agency) at the Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events convention. I think this was my twelfth year to attend this event, and it is always interesting. The main objective of the event is networking and booking various fairs and festivals. Hundreds of folks are in attendance looking for just the right entertainment for their venue.

From an entertainer perspective, it is selling yourself over and over again. However, those of you who know me, know I love to talk. Shaking a couple hundred hands and talking to folks about music is almost as good as a bottomless hot fudge Sunday.

One thing about the event that is unique to the International Entertainment Bureau booth is that it features musical entertainment as well as the clever acts of Silly Safari and Mr. Twister. Silly Safari is one of the most uniquely entertaining, educational, funny and responsible live animal shows I have ever seen anywhere. This year, we worked the booth next to a skunk, owl, blue tongue skink, two dogs and a buzzard. 

If animals or music were not what you were looking for, there was Mr. Twister — a true balloon artist. Once I saw a child ask him to make a John Deere tractor with dual tires out of balloons. He did it — complete with farmer in the cab.

Connemara pony, Dawn's Jeremiah McLane, walking with Scott Greeson.

From Vickie …
We won’t let the other ponies know, but Scott has a favorite. It’s our Connemara gelding, Dawn’s Jeremiah McLane (named after one of my favorite accordion players). Jeremiah had a terrible leg injury in the fall of 2009, and Scott and I spent 89 days bandaging and carefully tending to the needs of our pony as he healed. Jeremiah was already a personable pony, but he became true pals with Scott in all that attention-providing bandaging.

I snapped this photo just a few weeks ago. It looks like Scott is leading Jeremiah out to the south pasture. And, in all actuality, that is what is going on in this photo. But what is special to know is that there is no halter or leadrope on the pony. This is how he likes to walk with Scott. Right next to him, as if he was on the lead.

We’re glad you stopped in for a visit! We look forward to sharing stories with you about our music and adventures in entertaining with the band - venues small and large. You’re certain to see a few posts about our joys of farm life too. See you back here soon!

Vickie Maris and Scott Greeson