Dispatches from North Dakota: The Make-Believe Cowboy
[Ed. note: DJ is one of our managers during buyback season. He has such an interesting story, I asked him to share it in a series of blog posts. This is post #1. His second hilarious post is here.]
To many citizens, North Dakota is a mystery.
Not an intriguing “who’s-that-attractive-woman-giving-me-a-come-hither-look?” kind of mystery. More like a “what’s-this-unidentified-piece-of-food-stuck-between-my-lower-incisors?” kind of mystery.
People envision ND as a cultural wasteland where it snows all year-round and everyone walks around saying “you betcha.” In fact, disturbing amounts of people I have encountered base their entire understanding of the state from the movie Fargo.
The potential inaccuracy of that film notwithstanding, North Dakota is filled with oddities and idiosyncrasies.
But tucked away in the southwest corner of the state, beyond the prairies and the World’s Largest Holstein Cow is a magical hamlet filled with geological wonders and historical country-western themed musicals.
And this is where we find our hero… ahem… me.
I’m DJ.
During the last decade or so, I have had the unparalleled opportunity to make my living primarily as a professional musician.
If you are a person who enjoys financial stability and security, a home and a hot dinner to return to each evening and/or a life free from the stench of unwashed bandmates, then this is not the occupation for you.
However, if you find yourself with an unwavering passion for your art, an itch to travel, openness to adventure and a willingness to laugh at yourself and your situation, then you might entertain the option.
It also helps to know how to play an instrument- although, sadly, this doesn’t appear to be a requirement for everyone. (I’m looking at you, Jonases.)
In 2001, when I was studying guitar as a freshman in college, I got a summer gig.
Playing music.
For money.
I was out of my mind with joy. I signed the contract, but I knew very little about the gig itself. I knew it was in North Dakota, a state I had yet to visit, but other than that, the details I had were sketchy at best.
I made the long trek through the Midwest, across the ND border and past the fields and field and fields and fields that accompanied my westerly path. Several hours into the state, flat plains begin roll and open up. But it’s not until about 5 miles before the exit for Medora that the bottom drops out and the North Dakota badlands make themselves known.
Eight years later that staggering view still makes my blood pump a little faster on my way into work.
The Show
Breathtaking as they may be, the badlands are just a backdrop for the Medora Musical. Every night from roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, I put on my cowboy outfit and, along with the rest of the Coaldiggers live onstage band, I play breathless renditions of country classics and modern favorites while the Burning Hills Singers regale the audience with showchoir harmonies and synchronized dancing.
(cc) Flickr user minnemom
At this point you’re probably wondering if there’s someone in the show who portrays our nation’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. Don’t worry, there is.
TR spent some two years out here in the 1880s and left an indelible impression on the area and its people.
So much so that a good portion of the second act of the Medora Musical is dedicated to an enthusiastic re-enactment of Teddy’s charge up San Juan Hill during the Mexican-American War.
Pyrotechnics. Horses. The works. BOOM.
All this followed by the inevitable patriotic finale, the goal of which is to have every single member of the audience leap to their feet and exclaim “I LOVE THIS ******* COUNTRY” as the mobile onstage set pieces slowly move apart to reveal a massive American flag.
Over the top? Perhaps. Who’s to say? The legions of people who flock to Medora each summer (and there are legions) seem to think it’s just what the doctor ordered. And who am I to argue?
For me, it’s just an excuse to play guitar and avoid growing up and getting one of those REAL jobs.
DJ, This is great. I’ve visited the ND Badlands a few times and your description of it “taking your breath away” is accurate. It is a site to behold. No wonder Theodore Roosevelt spent so much time out there.
The show seems remarkable and the pictures of it on the site are top-notch. I can’t wait for Post #2.
Kris
yeah man, great post. This really makes me want to visit ND. I never have. If you’re going to be there through Labor Day, maybe we can load up all the Fools in a van and head up to see you.
Side note: I was listening to the Slate Political Gabfest this week and they strongly recommended the book The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. I’ll get us a copy to share.
Thanks guys. I get so used to this place that it’s nice to have a little renaissance period to reflect on how great it is.
I’d love to see you guys up here, so let me know if we can make it happen!
Luke: the book sounds interesting, keep me posted on how it is. Post #2 soon.
If you aren’t a North Dakota Ambassador yet DJ please become one at http://www.luvnd.com. Your story is exactly why we think North Dakota is great and we love people who tell others…just like you did. We’re reposting a link to your blog and telling folks…DJ knows!
Thanks Sandy! Looks like a cool program, I’ll check it out.
It is so great to see an out-of-stater who has so much love for ND. I know how sad you are to leave every year at the end of the summer. All you talked about all winter long was how excited you were to get out of Nashville and head north to the Badlands. Haha, I even remember you calling me up one day to tell me that, just for nostalgic purposes, you were wearing your leather fringed coal-diggers shirt to your day job. I think that, were it not for your Teddy Roosevelt-themed bedroom in Tennesee, it would have been very hard for you to be away for so many months!
Welcome home and have a great summer! Some day I am sure we will hear you saying “I would never have been DJ were it not for my time spent in North Dakota.”
Thank you, Beth. Shouldn’t you be working right now?