4.4.08
Questions for Eugene Martinez
Our Man in Italy The News Editor of the HVBA Website talks about how he found us, why he is still involved with the organization and tidbits of interest.
Q How did you find the HVBA? I didn’t find the HVBA. I was pushed toward it by two of my very very VERY best friends in the world, Pat Dinges and Wayne Fugate. I was at a pretty low point in my illustrious life. I pretty much sucked at the mandolin, and knew it – and I had no intention of going public with that news. But they just kept at it and at it and at it. Relentlessly. Told me that there was no point in playing if you don’t play with people. Kept nagging me to go to Pirate Canoe. Eventually they wore me down. The smile that night put on my face is still on me. I still suck at the mando, but don’t care anymore if people know it!
What? You actually commuted to the jams while living in Italy? Wouldn’t anyone?
Why are you still involved? I stay involved with the HVBA because I love the people who are the HVBA and because I think it’s a vital and important organization that does a lot of good and can always do better. I used to think that you can’t make old friends. The HVBA taught me that nothing can be more false. I’ve made some of the best friends I’ll ever have in my life through this organization. And that’s why I stay involved. Oh, also… see number 4.
What is the state of bluegrass in Italy? Miserable. Absolutely pathetic. There is one very fine Italian bluegrass band, Red Wine, based in Genova. They’ve been at it for a long time – in fact, they just celebrated their 30th anniversary with a sold-out concert – and they sure deserved it. They’re a group of real quality musicians, they love and understand the music. But other than them… nada. Which is another reason why I stay involved with the HVBA – it keeps my attachment to this music alive.
Tell me about your role in the HVBA. My role in the HVBA. Oy. Officially, I’m the Editor of the website’s News tab. It’s not too easy for me to keep my finger on the pulse, living all the way out here in this Bluegrass Yennervelt, but I try to do my best. Unofficially, I’m a general nudge, snoop, big mouth, big nose and general pain in the ass.
What other interests do you have? I’m a news junky. I’m a history and art history maniac, which hopefully will soon lead me to my new and exciting career. I’m a vegetarian animal-rights activist, a card carrying member of the ACLU and I try my best to do my part, in my small way, for a variety of progressive causes. And then there are the dogs and the birds…
How many f***ing dogs and parrots did you say? There are 9 f***ing dogs and 6 f***ing parrots. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to move the f***ing parrots here yet, so my poor, big-hearted and long suffering sister is taking care of them until I can. By the way, she’s also an HVBA member and big fan of the org!
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED VIA EMAIL BY MATT BOWE
Photograph by Sandro Botticelli
Written in the Style of the NY Times Magazine Interviews