Joel Najman (and his beard)
Joel Najman has been the host and producer of the weekly rock-and-roll-history program “My Place” on Vermont Public Radio for 30 years. That’s a remarkable accomplishment, one for which he was recently honored by the Vermont Legislature with a resolution congratulating him on his three decades spinning the classic (and not so classic) songs that compose the rich tapestry of our collective musical past — and more importantly, unearthing the stories behind them.
Najman’s show is as much a celebration of early rock and roll as it is a history lesson, and it is entertaining and educational in equal measures.
The anniversary love for Najman continues this Saturday, September 28, as his esteemed employers are throwing a celebratory sock hop called VPR A Go-Go, a 1960s-themed dance party at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.
The party will feature prizes for the best ’60s hairdo, a Twister competition and go-go dancers. It will also, of course, feature the host with the most himself, Joel Najman, spinning the platters that matter. Oh, and Najman’s beard. His totally awesome beard.
In anticipation of that party — and because we profiled Najman for his 25th anniversary — we recently got in touch with Najman’s incredible Rip van Winkle and asked for its thoughts on 30 years behind the mic. Here’s what Najman’s typically silent partner had to say.
SEVEN DAYS: 30 years. Wow. What are your thoughts about three decades in the biz?
JOEL NAJMAN’S BEARD: Well, it’s certainly been a hairy ride. But I like to think there’s been a lot of growth, too.
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Great article–fantastic humor!
“Thought it’s not fancy and it’s kind of bare, nobody goes around and bugs us there at my place, at my place…” Congrats to a show I’ve heard many times over the years, “our weekly get together”. I believe there’s no podcast so just tune in Sat at 8 pm ET on VPR and at VPR dot net.