March 14th will go down in history as the day two legends finally performed together: Willie Nelson and Kermit the Frog! Thrilling audiences of Nelson’s Luck Reunion Festival, Kermit made a suprise appearance and performed a duet of his classic, “Rainbow Connection” with Willie.
I have had a few opportunities to be a footnote in some Kermit performances, from appearing alongside the famous amphibian in American Banjo Museum’s “BANJO ROOTS” video, as well as providing tracks for a few projects including a recreation of “Movin’ Right Along,” Schoolhouse Rock’s 50th Anniversary Sing-along and even providing an original song for the Oris Watch company. But to be part of the magic in front of a live audience was truly incredible.
I joined Matt Vogel (Kermit), Bradley Freeman Jr. (Sesame Street), Alex “Jurgen” Ferguson (Sesame Street/Creature Shop) and Michael Steinbach (The Muppets Studio) in Austin, Texas for one of the coolest things I could ever have a chance to be part of.
NOTE: KERMIT IS REAL. KERMIT PLAYS HIS OWN BANJO. I feel I have to mention this as talking about technicalities with a performing Muppet seem to confuse brains that need to SEE a human helping Kermit perform. While I was in attendance with my banjo, my involvement was solely to help those who struggle with the reality that Kermit is alive, cope. Seeing a human playing a banjo in the wings helps those people sleep at night.
For a full breakdown of the magic listen to Matt Vogel’s podcast, “Below The Frame” featuring Bradley Freeman Jr. and myself reminiscing on our recent trip:
Part 1
PART 2
At the end of the night Kermit was brought back out with the entire family for the closing medley including, “Let the Circle,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Oh, Lord it’s Hard to be Humble.” I got invited out to be part and will never forget Willie smiling across at Kermit and me as we played and sang along.
Many thanks to all who make Muppet Magic happen: Michael Steinbach, Bradley Freeman Jr., Alex “Jurgen” Ferguson and Matt Vogel. Here’s hoping we’ll be ‘on the road again’ sometime with the green guy…
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