Ian Smith and Robert Ruger: Star Mainiacs of March 2008
 

We have dual Star Mainiacs for the month of March.  Ian Smith and Robert Ruger (see the first photo) are our buddies from Indianapolis.  What makes them stand-outs amongst our beloved Mainiacs, is the distance they drive to come to our shows, especially after knowing us so short a time.  Our recent pub sing in Milwaukee meant (checking MapQuest) a 4.5 hour drive - each way - for these two fellows! Now that is dedication.

We met Rob and Ian at Fisher's RenFaire this last October - and they only caught the last song or two in one of our shows.  Then through the intervention of Jon (see below), they were quickly were sucked into the vortex of Mainiac-dom. 

Rob and Ian are two of our newest fans - but have quickly become two of the dearest.  I just found out they are moving farther away, and thus will be less likely to come to every one of our shows.  (Secretly I think they are doing this so that we will be even more impressed with them, when they continue to attend every gig.)

Slightly off topic: Ian and Rob saved a kitty from the cold, adopted him right off the street in this miserable Midwest winter we've been having.  They named him Darwin.  Kindred spirits, and gentle souls!!

When and where did you first see/hear of Bounding Main?
We heard Bounding Main for the first time at the 2007 Renaissance Fair in Fishers, IN.  We only caught three songs that hot (?!) October afternoon, but we were instantly hooked.  We were even MORE hooked when Gina prodded Jon into giving us the fast, FAST version of both CDs after the show.  Naturally we bought both on the spot, and we haven’t missed a major gathering since.

What was your favorite Bounding Main event?
We’ve seen the troupe three times, but the best to date was the most recent pub show.  (That has NOTHING to do with the availability of alcohol -- I swear!  *hic*)  It was a tight space that was well used, a TON of fun, and we got to meet and greet many more of our fellow Mainiacs.

How many of Bounding Main’s CD’s are in your car/iPod/stereo?
All of them!  Bounding Main keeps us company on long trips in the car (most recently on a 700 mile trek to the east coast), and when we’re trying very hard to make things we hate to do tolerable (like dishes… and laundry…)

What is your favorite Bounding Main song?
Though this is by far the toughest question to answer, since we love them all, however there are two that stick out.  For myself, Fareweel tae Tarwathie is Bounding Main at its finest.  It brings a tear my eye every time I hear it.  Rob’s favorite is Blow Liza Blow.  Not easily moved emotionally, Rob gets goosebumps when he hears that one.

Any amusing anecdotes or fun things to share?
I still remember the look on Jon’s face when he returned to the campsite at the Corn Maze and found that everyone was singing Bully in the Alley - without him - at my request.  We all laughed hysterically, but I felt like I’d kicked a puppy afterward.

Congratulations to Rob and Ian, Star Mainiacs of March 2008!