11 Questions with The Poxy Boggards
Now, if you are over the age of 21, and are tempted to hoist a tankard of ale or mead whilst reading this interview with The Poxy Boggards, enjoy! That said, let's meet Stu Venable, one of the founding members of the Boggards and learn more about their blend of music and merriment.
1. For the uninitiated, who are The Poxy Boggards?
Stu: The Poxy Boggards are an 11-man musical group that performs original and traditional music of drinking and revelry. Think of us as a musical version of a kegger. We perform drinking songs, shanties, risque music and the occasional tear-jerker. We perform primarily at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, through we do go out once or twice a year to a local concert venue.
2. How long have the Boggards been together?
Stu: The band was founded in December of 1993, in Long Beach, California.
3. How many albums have the Boggards recorded together?
Stu: The Boggards have recorded 9 CDs.
4. Tell us about your recently released new album.
Stu: Wish You Were Beer, which was released on St. Patrick's Day of this year, contains a collection of songs that range from the very bawdy to sweet and sentimental.
"I Love You Beer" from The Poxy Boggards' new album, Wish You Were Beer
5. Where does the inspiration for your music come from?
Stu: That depends on the individual song writer. We have several, and each would give you a different answer.
As far as our SOUND goes, it is a combination of the vocal harmonies of the madrigal form (where some of us got our start at the Faire), combined with the rhythm of rock and roll and reggae.
6. What can a music fan expect from one of your live performances?
Stu: Ideally, it goes like this: We walk on stage, and the audience see us as a bunch of fat, possibly drunk louts. They are then shocked by our humor. Finally, they'll be shocked by the fact that this bunch of drunken louts can sing in four- and five-part harmony.
A live recording of "Hey Nonny Nonny". LISTENER NOTE: There are some suggestive themes in this one. Mildly NSFW and it might make you blush.
7. Who will your music appeal to?
Stu: We like to think it will appeal to everyone! Because we try to blend older musical styles with a modern sound, the result is both familiar and unusual at the same time.
8. What is your biggest achievement or professional moment to date?
Stu: There are two. For the band: We won the 2004 Just Plain Folks award for "Best Celtic Album of the Year" for our fourth CD, Liver Let Die.
For myself: A song I wrote, "I Wear No Pants," from the Boggards' 4th CD, Liver Let Die, was used in a 2010 Super Bowl commercial (it was the Levis/Dockers ad). (Ed. And here it is!)
9. What else should we know about The Poxy Boggards?
Stu: We should never be hired for weddings.
10. For the person who has never been to Faire before, please describe it in your own words and why this year is especially important for it.
Stu: Faire is a step back into a different time and place. It's an opportunity to forget about the hustle and bustle of modern life for a few hours and enjoy a time when the world was full of lusty song and flowing ale. This year in particular is important as it's the Faire's 50th Anniversary. It's a huge milestone, and now that we've reached that big number, it really hits home that this is an institution that truly spans generations. Speaking of generations, it's also the first year my daughter is going to perform on stage, says the proud dad...
11. Here's your chance to convince someone who's never seen or heard you before to check out The Poxy Boggards. Go!
Stu: We are a stage full of controlled chaos and harmony. Our music will make you laugh, blush, and sing along.
Having seen The Poxy Boggards perform numerous times, I can honestly say it is among the highlights of Ren Faire. Should you find yourself in Southern California on a weekend between now and May 20th, by all means take a journey to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, grab a grilled turkey leg and a pint of whatever quenches your thirst and take in a performance or two from The Boggards!
If you can't see The Poxy Boggards in person, you should check out their nine album discography, available via CD Baby and iTunes. I highly recommend Lager Than Life and Whiskey Business as good introductions. Look for my review of their new album, Wish You Were Beer, once I've made my journey to Ren Faire.
Comments
Post a Comment