5 Questions For Fans – Miss Joni
Early July brings us back around to 5 Questions For Fans and this time we’ll hear from Joni Beard, who I’ve known for years and admired for just about as long. Joni is a 25 year old music lover/promoter living in a 54 year old medical office manager’s body. A lover of all types of music, but a friend and supporter of many Texas/Red Dirt artists. Although she just has one son, 26 years old, she has threatened to adopt several musicians throughout the years! Joni lives in Fort Worth with 4 dogs and started the Clubhouse Concerts Series in 2002 – now located in the Upstairs at the White Elephant room.
1) If you had to pick 2 albums that you would be the only music you could listen to from now on, which would they be?
2) When was the first time you realized that music was going to be an impacting force in your life? Or perhaps a “turning moment” in your love of music.
My mother was a huge influence on my musical “upbringing”. When I was in junior high, we went to Los Angeles on vacation and we “ran into” her favorite musician – Paul Simon. Got to visit with him and have our pictures taken/autographs. It was the first time I realized that musicians were just like everyone else and very approachable. She was always the “cool” mom – all the guys hung out at my house in high school listening to HER record albums with her. I have a photo of her in a Jerry Jeff Walker tshirt when I was in high school (early 70′s). With her “genes” there was no doubt that music wouldn’t be a huge part of my life.
3) Do you have any words to live by… something written in a song or spoken/quoted from a musician?
“No one ever said this life would be fair or easy and a quick road will almost always charge a toll” ~ Dub Miller
4) Any concert/road trip/meet & greet/restaurant/hotel advice to share? Choose one…
I’d have to say that the first Greenfest, Waco, January of 2002 ranks up there at the top. That is where Jackie (my niece) and I met Emily Robinson – who became one of my best friends, fellow Clubhouse girl and road trip companion. Although I am old enough to be her mother, age doesn’t matter when you love the same music.
5) Tell us a story that sticks out in your mind when you think about all your experiences in this music scene.
There are so many memories. I remember the first time I met Ryan Bingham. It was his “cd release” at the Clubhouse for Wishbone Saloon. The next day I rode with him back to New Braunfels so he could play at Guadapalooza and we drove back to my house at midnight so I could be at work the next day at 8am (round trip was about 8 hours). We talked the entire time, never even turning on the radio. I am so proud of him and what he has accomplished since then.
Who should I ask these questions to next?
I elect Donovan Dodd. Donovan and I met years ago at the Gypsy Tea Room. He “protected me” from some jerks that were infringing on my space :)
He is very knowledgeable about music and I’m sure has MANY stories he can share with the Galleywinter readers.
Previously, 5 Questions for Lori Allen, Josh Nichols, Ryin Jones, Heather Jank, Meg Ruffing and Suzy Johnson.
pat on July 3rd, 2009
Proud of you, woman! You rock.