Fan of the Month!
Interviewed by Kayt
For February we journey to Pennsylvania, where the band has spent many happy hours
entertaining at Musikfest and other venues in those parts. Our Fan of the Month is Paul, the
winner of the balalaika auction at last year's Musikfest. He'll tell you all about that and
more!
For the record, what is your name?
Paul Jeffrey Narsavage
Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
Born and raised in northeast PA, near Scranton. I grew up in a town called Moscow.
How fitting for a RE fan? :)
What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any
obsessions you don’t mind people knowing about?
I enjoy cooking, snowboarding, traveling, etc. Pretty standard "growing up" interests through
the 80's. Obsessions? Ummm... Having fun & enjoying life. I'm obsessed with it... guess that's
a pretty good obsession to have, eh?
Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play…
I used to play the drums in middle-school, and a little piano. But I'm not a musician now; I'd
rather stick to listening.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
First: Just surviving, that's an accomplishment! Second: My house and job... being able to live
on my own and support myself is a great accomplishment!
What are your favorite movies?
I'm not a huge movie-goer... I like light comedies and romances, like "Something About Mary"
or "When Harry Met Sally"... I also like fantasy, sci-fi stuff, like "Harry Potter" or
"Star Wars."
Do you have any favorite books?
The Harry Potter series is great... they are so interesting and entertaining. They really
reach people at many different levels, from child to adult.
What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
I like all kinds of music, but mainly a fan of pop... yes, believe it or not, I enjoy Red
Elvises…and Britney... LOL I also like classical when I want to relax, and dance mixes when
I want to dance. It's all about my mood, I guess. I love RE because they make me want to rock
and have fun!
When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?
Here in Bethlehem at our annual music festival: Musikfest. I’m not sure of the year, but
probably around 1998 or so. They played at the festival and I had heard about them from some
friends. They were/are a Musikfest icon -- people come from all over to hear them and the tents
are always packed when they play.
About how many times have you seen them?
It's hard to count... but I'd say it's around 10-15 times. Every time they come to play at
Musikfest or locally at Sterling or Crock-Rock I make it a point to clear my calendar. They
are so much fun! And I think it rocks that they like playing here so much. We're not a "big
city" by any stretch of the imagination, but they love coming to the Allentown/Bethlehem area
and we love them!
What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
They are fun and creative. They are having fun up there on stage and it shows. I love the
creativity and originality in their lyrics and music.
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled to see them? And do you have a good story around
that?
The Crock-Rock is only about 15 minutes from my house... but it's well worth the drive! LOL...
No, I haven't really traveled far to see them... They come to me, which ROCKS!
Which show is your favorite of the RE shows you've seen?
They played at the Sterling Hotel once several years ago (around 2000?)... It was only the
second time I had seen them. I was in such a good mood and with a good group of friends. We
were a little intoxicated and were screaming and dancing with everyone. They played "Sex in
Paradise" which was a brand new song at the time and I remember following along with the
motions. It was so fun.
Any other standout, all time great memories of shows you’ve seen so far?
Well... Yes... That would be this past August at Musikfest (2004) when I purchased their
original, huge, red, triangular balalaika. The airline had damaged the instrument (broke
the corners), so Oleg announced to the audience that it had served its time well and it was
time that he got rid of it now that he couldn't use it anymore. He said he would auction it
off after the show. I didn't believe it at first, but sure enough, after the show, he started
the bidding. After it got over $300, the bidding basically became between me and one other
person. I don't know who that person was, but I eventually won -- with the help of a friend
who threw in a little extra (to boost my max price). I couldn't believe I had won it... it is
so cool. Oleg, Igor, and the drummer signed it and Oleg sent me the strings. It is so amazing.
I have it displayed in my house prominently. I can imagine someday that the Rock-And-Roll Hall
of Fame will be asking me to donate it to the collection. :)
What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
“A Kegga Beer and Potato Chips,” “Space Cowboy,” “Sex in Paradise,” “I Wanna See You
Bellydance,” “Lovepipe”
What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say
to the band?
Keep rokenrol'n! They are so much fun and should know that their music is so cool! Everyone I know
loves them. I'd love to see them go mainstream.
Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?
Na na na na, I got the balalaika and you don't... Sorry, just had to do a little happy
dance... Keep on being great fans along with me and I'll see you at a concert in the near future! ROKENROL!
Wondering how YOU can become a future Fan of the Month? It's very easy!
Just write to: redelvisesfotm@yahoo.com
to nominate yourself or a friend.
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