There’s something to be said for quitting at the top of your game.
Brett Favre and Lance Armstrong never got that memo.
Mad Agnes did. The folk trio said goodbye Friday to The Minstrel in Morris Township with a show that left everyone wanting more. Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones and Mark Saunders still would be singing encores if the Folk Project allowed it.
Too bad Mad Agnes did not allow video; this was a show that would bear repeated viewing. (Opener Ron Renninger was entertaining, too, as you can see in the video above.)
Mad Agnes harmonies are in the same league as Red Molly, and the group’s repertoire serves enough humor to keep things from getting too precious or maudlin.
Seamlessly, the Aggies shifted from tributes to departed friends and reflections on melting snow to comic odes to chocolate, junk food and cell phones.
“They say I’ll live longer in a girls band. But I think it will just feel that way,” wisecracked the left-handed Mark, whose talents include playing a righty bass guitar upside-down.
Why is Mad Agnes packing it in after a mere decade together?
“We want to open doors to whatever inspiration comes next,” Adrienne told the packed auditorium at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship.
This is her third band with Margo; they miss singing in choirs, Adrienne said.
Plus, she has bought a 212-year-old house in Connecticut and is feeling its tug.
“We’ve been on the road a lot of years,” Adrienne said. “Sometimes, you just need to be home.”
Margo, a Short Hills native who first performed at The Minstrel as a teenager in the 1970s, waxed optimistic.
“You haven’t seen the last of us!” she predicted.
So fans still can dream about catching their dream double-bill: Mad Agnes and Matt Angus.
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Fans got a bonus on Friday with some well crafted tunes–and spontaneous comedy–from Ron Renninger and his Flying Pick. The Teaneck performer specializes in heartache songs. When he attempts happy numbers…look out! Watch the video and join the fun.
Ron also made an appearance at the Minstrel Valentine’s show, a musical free-for-all that won’t be forgotten–no matter how hard the audience tries! A slide show is below. My thanks to Geri Silk and Patricia Brangs for their help with captions.
Minstrel Valentines…click icon below for captions.
Mystery solved! Thanks, Lyn.
The groups that perform at the Friday nite programs, both the pro’s and the
aspiring pro’s are uniquely talented and extraordinary musicians. I travel more
than twenty miles each way to participate and to enjoy the entertainment and
it is mostly worth the journey. The new friends I have made through music
are inspirational and greatly appreciated. To me, the “‘Folk Project” is SO worthwhile !
( ” The mystery accordion player ” ) Lyn
Ron Renningerr is the real thing – wish he had more shows in NYC! Jersey is great but I don’t have a car.
The Mystery accoridian player (from “I wanna be loved at the Valentine’s show) is Lynne Jacobs of Ridgefield Park.
Yes she does play “Sweet Mystery of Life,”
“Lady of Spain”, Rhumbas, Tangos and Clasical music.
She’s been a professional Accordian Player for 50 years and holds a Masters Degree Music.
She’s lots of fun to work with and is a great improviser.