Occupation: Professional drummer
Twin Citian since: 1963
What was your first job here?
Janitor at Cedar Theatre—now known as the Cedar Cultural Center
What do you consider the highest character trait in a Minnesotan?
Loyalty. Nearly everyone who leaves here inevitably returns.
The lowest character flaw?
Passing-aggressive. A friendly reminder: Traffic lights are not a suggestion.
Where do you grab a table when you’re celebrating?
Sidebar at Surdyk’s
What about when you need to commiserate over a defeat?
I’ve been beat; however, I remain undefeated.
Who pours the best cocktails in the Cities?
I quit drinking alcohol when I was 25, so I have no idea.
Where do you go to think/meditate/pray/clear your head?
Bed from 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm two or three times a week
Do you brunch?
Rarely
If so, where?
Nicollet Island Inn. My wife and I were married on Nicollet Island—it’s a special place for us.
What radio station do you tune into while driving?
Classical MPR
Who’s a local media personality who really gets it?
Lynne Warfel
Who is the most important artist from Minnesota?
Bob Dylan
What’s their essential work of art?
Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited, both from ’65. The quality and quantity of songs are nearly unfathomable.
What’s your favorite song about Minneapolis (or St. Paul)?
“Hangin’ Downtown” by The Replacements
I know you teach, but if you could take a lesson from any local musician, alive or dead, who would it be?
Prince
Do you have a local performance that you’re particularly proud of?
Shellac did a few shows at First Ave in the ’90s: doors at 9 am, show at 10 am. I rounded up espresso machines and lots of toasters, then purchased 480 Pop-Tarts and set them on the bar. We let everyone serve themselves.
What do you wish outsiders knew about the Twin Cities?
It’s not eternally frozen, and it’s not home of the 500-mile auto race.
What’s been your greatest achievement here?
Inspiring kids, teens, and adults at drumming lessons to be creative, comfortable, and confident with themselves and to march to the beat of their own drum
Your biggest regret?
Smoking cigarettes
December 20, 2023
6:34 AM