Fan of the Month!
Interviewed by Kayt

For the record, what is your name?
My name is Renae Hagen. My daughter who nominated me, her name is Jenny Wisdom ( I just thought I would throw that in because if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be able to write this to you... she's great!!!)

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in Helena, Montana and grew up in East Helena, Montana.

What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any obsessions you don't mind people knowing about?
My main interest growing up was just being a kid. I always tell everyone I had an "Ozzie and Harriet" type of family and we are all pretty close. I liked the great outdoors and was always camping with my family and fishing. I have always loved music and even thought I should have gone to school to work in that area, but went a different direction instead. I don't remember having any special obsessions then, I was just a normal kid. When I got into high school the one thing I really enjoyed as I said was music and so I worked and bought myself a little stereo that I could listen to...it even came with a set of those big bulky headphones...it was great.

Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play…
My parents bought an upright piano and signed me up for lessons. I didn't do too well. I loved to play, just wasn't very good. I was toooo self conscious about playing and found that my fingers would not move freely enough to play. In grade school some of us girls got together and had a little singing group. We would sing for the yearly Kiwanis club at their shows for the local townspeople...there were about 10 of us.

What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
Well, I have two wonderful children who are now grown with children of their own. I put myself through nursing school when they were younger and have been nursing ever since. It was difficult to manage school and the kids because I was a single mom. I am proud of some of my nursing accomplishments and am currently working in an assisted living home. I loved my grandparents, so now I get to hang out with a bunch of Grandmas and Grandpas.

What are your favorite movies?
Well, I really liked "Vamp" with Grace Jones. She doesn't say a word through the whole movie!! I like comedies. I can't stand the bloody hackem-up movies. I would rather laugh and feel good about a show than be all scared and nervous...so...sad shows make me cry. I am into laughter and fun. Will Farrell is really coming up with some good ones. But a good comedy works for me. Oh...lest I forget, "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar..." - now that is a funny movie. Those boys really do look like girls...I am so jealous. I watch that when I am feeling like I need a good laugh. Miss Piggy and Kermit too... He is the perfect man ya know... He loves Piggy no matter what, even if she is a pig.

Do you have any favorite books?
I like more informative books. I am not a novel type. My life is a novel, I don't have to read someone else's...lol.

What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
As far as music, I like all types and listen to all types... Red Elvises is the first band as I said that has made me just want to get up and dance. They have music that just makes you feel great and full of energy. I am not really into country western music, it is depressing....some of it is fun, but as a rule I don't listen to that very much. I enjoy everything from AC/DC to Chris Rea... Bach... All types.

When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?
My first Red Elvises experience was great. My friend Dixie lives in Butte. She called me and told me about them coming to Butte. So, we made plans and away we went. It was a wonderful night, about three years ago. I have seen them each time they come to Helena and Butte. Butte is much more fun, the crowd is more into fun. So all in all, this is my third year seeing them.

About how many times have you seen them?
I have seen them three times. It doesn't seem like much does it?? I would follow them the whole way while they are in Montana, but I work, so that gets in the way...darn.

Interviewer's Note: Three times is great! And since you have enough enthusiasm for 300 times, that's what counts the most. Good job, Renae!

What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
I just like their music. I enjoy watching them perform. They get the crowd going and you really feel like participating in the fun. It is neat the way they mingle with people when they are on break and always take the time to say hello and visit. Not like some bands that slip away backstage during breaks. I love to watch them perform. They are just really fun. The love for music is clear when they play.

What's the farthest you've traveled to see them? And do you have a good story around that?
I have traveled 250 miles to see them. I live in a little town up north called Shelby. I am 176 miles from Helena and another 60 miles from Butte once I hit Helena. So, 250 miles...but it doesn't seem that far when you get on the road, compared to how far they travel to come here. As I said, I would follow them all over the state if I could but my job gets in the way.

Any other standout, all time great Red Elvises memories so far?
Let me tell you a couple of good "memories" that I have had with Red Elvises...

The first time I saw them in Butte I bought a CD to listen to on my way back to Helena. I have a house there and stay there when I come to visit. So the next morning I put in the CD and take off. Now Helena is only about an hour away so off I go... Pretty soon it is about an hour later and I am still not home... Then I started to look around and the scenery was different... It was a real strange thing... I had missed my turn-off coming out of Butte and continued driving along just listening to the music. I was so in tuned with the tunes I ended up going about two hours out of my way just to get back to Helena. I ended up over by a little town called Three Forks, on the way to Bozeman...good grief...but it was a good day for a drive; the weather was great, the sky was blue and I had the greatest tunes in the world to listen to.

When I got back to Helena I had to go to a "woman's weekend" up in the mountains with a bunch of my gal pals. I was telling them about what I had heard and we listened to the CD most of the weekend. One of my pals, Dawn, just loves the song "Love Rocket" so she would sing/hum this while she was at work. She works for the State. One day while she was at work, she was at her desk and was singing along... "I've got a condom in my pocket, I'm going to find me pretty girls," and when she looked up there was a customer at the counter just smiling away. Dawn said she was sorry, she thought she was by herself, and the customer, an older lady, just smiled and said, not to worry, she was enjoying the song.

Us girls took the CD on a road trip to Hamilton and found ourselves singing and laughing with all the songs... I am Norwegian... I even played the song about the poor girl whose boyfriend in Norway won't send her money for my parents... Next thing you know, we are dancing around the living room listening to the accordion music. My parents both used to play the accordion and it was a big part of my growing up. My Grandpa and his brother would come over with theirs and my parents and grandparents and family would play all night long. It was great. So see, I have tried to spread the tunes all over... everyone likes them.

What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
I like them all...each one... Okay, my favorite I would suppose is "Gypsy Heart." But then again, I like "Voodoo Doll." But then again, I like "This Music is Wasted (If we Don't Dance)." But then again... If I HAD to pick, I suppose "Gypsy Heart." I can associate with that the best...so that would be my favorite.

What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say to the band?
I have a friend who owns a bar here in Shelby and I am trying to get him to think about having them up here. It isn't a very big town, but the turn out can be good if I can get him interested in the idea... I'm working on it. I can't think of anything that I can suggest. I think that they are doing a wonderful thing.

What I would like to say to the band?? Thank you... Thank you for putting the motion back into my feet and the spring in my heart... For with your music I just want to move... Sort of like, you put the dance in my pants. Thank you for coming to Montana and coming back to Montana. I look forward to seeing you soon. You really are "MY FAVORITE BAND." Oh, and I love that Big Red balalaika bass guitar...and your suits...the whole thing. Be looking for me, I will be the girl in the green tye-dyed dress.

Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?
Get up off your chair and dance...even if you are by yourself. Remember... "This music is wasted if you don't dance..."

Thank you, Renae, for being our first Fan of the Month from Montana! You did a great job and I know you'll wear the Virtual Red Crown of Fandom proudly throughout May. And big thanks also to daughter Jenny for nominating her FAN-tastic mom!