Banjo philosophy
COLUMN
By Evanthore Vestergaard
Journalist and Composer
Coming into my regular café haunt last Sunday with freezing pneumonia after being away for a few days and I hear – a banjo player! Think the USA must have invaded West town.
I search feverishly for a note, for if there is anything which can get banjo players to stop, it is to put a real note before him. The banjoist it turns out is a she and Danish through and through.
I have already got my wine, so it’s too late to go. See a fine young man going round and arranging the tables, setting up a camera and talking without end about Richard Rorty – I am curious. Rorty is a famous American philosopher and author, HELLO! But the young man, who I thought could be USA president in 30 years, turns out to be a Professor – and German through and through!
Oh God!
Has the USA invaded Café Ib with its ultimate weapon – the banjo? Is the University expanding!
What happens?
Well, the banjo lady sings some more melancholic songs about love and nymphomania and the German Professor, who could never be USA president, breaks in with stories about Rorty, Habermas, Heidegger and Derrida. There are readings, recollections and lectures on a high philosophical plane on all the world’s philosophers. IN IB. Ib Rehne. Cairo!
I find myself at a philosophical symposium with banjo music. The poster says that the performance is called Reading Rorty Memorial. The participants break out into many tongues.
The world has come to Aalborg West town – the regular customers listen with open mouths and ears.
I say something – the Professor answers. Applause! I’m taking part in an academic revolution in the town. More, more, more!
That was yesterday. I have freezing pneumonia. Did it really happen or was it delirium? I hope I was awake!
“I’m taking part in an academic revolution in the town. More, more, more!”