I had two shows this past weekend, and both went rather well. I can’t always make that claim. I did a show in Tuscaloosa last year, and they don’t care too much for Alabama jokes. Much like an under-performing Bama field goal kicker, I feared for my life.
The first show was in West Point. Although I am an Army guy, I’m not referring to the home of the United States Military Academy in Upstate New York along the scenic Hudson River. I’m talking about the West Point of Western Georgia on the banks of the Chattahoochee, where, according to Alan Jackson, it gets hotter than a “hoochie coochie.” Performing in West Point was a dream come true. That’s when you know you’ve made it.
I really did have a great time at Oakhurst Farm in West Point. I met a lot of wonderful people who were there to support the athletic programs of Long Cane Middle School in LaGrange. Most middle school athletics are highly underfunded, if funded at all. We all know how important extracurricular activities are in keeping today’s impressionable youth out of trouble.
The school’s principal, Chip Giles, and I served together in Iraq, where the temperature greatly exceeded the “hoochie coochieness” of the Chattahoochee. We received brownies from his wife, Kelly, practically every day. She showed great support for her husband and the rest of us throughout the deployment.
Chip first attempted to get Jeff Foxworthy, who has a farm near West Point, for the event but settled for this JF instead.
I was more than happy to support him. Also speaking at the event was former Auburn Tiger David Rocker, who is now the head football coach of Point University in West Point.
Thanks to the support of those in attendance, the fundraiser raised approximately $10,000 for the student athletes of Long Cane Middle School.
On Saturday night I, along with my local musician pals Dallas Dorsey and the Rails, had a show at the Event Center Downtown in Opelika. Housed in the original Coca-Cola buildings, the venue retains much of its original charm combined with state-of-the-art additions. If you have never attended an event at this remodeled gem, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
Last weekend would’ve been the opportune time to do so. Our downtown businesses need all the support we can give them.
The show went well. It had been two years since I had a show at the Event Center that was open to the general public, so I expected a larger crowd. In 2012 there were between 400-500 people in attendance. This year, there were roughly half that many. Be that as it may, we had a great time, and I appreciate each of them for taking the time to come support this local guy and his pals.
Some of those attending Saturday night have been to just about every show I have ever done in Opelika and Auburn, and they just don’t know how much I appreciate them. There were others that had been to every show but this one. I simply appreciate the support. I could not do what I do without it.
Through good times and bad times, we all need support, both personally and professionally.
For the record, I love doing shows in Opelika. I love being able to talk about Stink Creek, the Golden Cherry Motel and the road that goes “ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump.”
Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.