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Many years ago my Dad went to work as a dishwasher at Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Paul. His boss was a woman named Maxine. They became real good friends and her family referred to him as Grandpa Bill. Maxine and Dad never lived together, but they ended up living in the same high rise apartment building next to St. Paul Ramsey Hospital on University Avenue. When Maxine died, I attended the funeral and Dad surprised me by asking me to sing “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Amazing Grace” during the service. There was no piano, so I had to sing “a Capella”. It was ok.

One of the pieces of furniture that Dad brought with him when he moved in with me was a corner unit with glass shelves and a glass door that had belonged to Maxine. Her family had given it to him. After Dad passed, I had to clean out his room. One of the items in the cabinet was a small green egg with silver decorations and a seam abound the middle. I was curious to see what treasure was inside, but when I pried it open, expecting to find a doll, what came out were ashes! “OH MY GOD! IT WAS MAXINE”. I spilled a little in my haste to put it back together and quickly put it back in the curio.

The show this week is a live broadcast from the Keller Auditorium in Portland, Oregon. Special guests include Tune-Yards bringing a road case full of energy and musical influences, pointed lyrics, and songs from a new record out later this month. Folksinger Willie Watson will stop by, along with ‘a Capella’ gospel masters The Fairfield Four, who made an appearance on Willie’s latest album. Inseparable comedians, The Lucas Brothers, Keith and Kenny, share tales of a few outlandish sibling adventures. Singer Madison Cunningham is back with the band (Rich Dworsky tickling the ivories, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Mike Elizondo, Brittany Haas on fiddle, and drummer Ted Poor) for Chris Thile’s Song of the Week and a full slate of music. There will be scripts — funny ones — from the merry band of actors, Serena Brook, Tim Russell, and Fred Newman; a report from Out In America by correspondent Tom Papa; and public radio’s first and only Instant Song Request line. It’s two hours of live radio you won’t want to miss. Tune in on your radio or smart phone.

“If pleasure exists, and we can only enjoy it in life, the life is happiness.” Casanova