5 Questions with The Jorgensens on 25 years of summer residency at PD Pappy’s restarting May 19

You have to love a 25 year gig in the music industry. We celebrate the occasion with the performers (The formidable Jorgensens), the host (PD Pappy’s in Stillwater MN) and the happy fans by learning a little bit more about it.

How did you originally get the gig at PD Pappy’s?
In the late 90s we had a Wednesday night residency at the Whiskey Junction in Minneapolis. Greg Lindow, the owner of PD Pappys, came out to see us and asked me if I wanted the Sunday slot. I wanted to play it cool and say “let me think about it and I will call you next week” but I more or less jumped up and down saying yes and thank you. When we started PD Pappy’s I was 28 years old and even though that sounds young I had been playing everywhere they would have me since I was 16. In 1998, I had my first solo album American Bordeaux coming out and I needed a gig like this to help get things rolling. I’m still grateful to Greg for hiring us, and current owners Ryan and Kelly Marsh for keeping the tradition going.

What keeps you coming back?
It’s the people 100%. This show has given me the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people. I have made so many friends, I have played for their weddings, anniversaries, engagements, birthdays and even funerals. Now their kids are coming with their children, it’s mind blowing. I hear a lot of “Hi Kurt, I’m Maddi, my mom loves you!”

What feels different taking the stage 25 years later?  And what feels the same?
Some of us have gotten older, some of us have gotten younger, the band and the fans. Ultimately my job is to make you feel something. I love when we all leave with a smile on our face and nothing about that has, or will ever change.

What have been some of your proudest moments in the last 25 years (on or off stage at PD Pappy’s)?
I got sober in 2004 and my connection to music grew deeper as my motivation and focus became clearer both in my personal and artistic life. My sobriety is something that I carry with me from morning till night and it has given me new opportunities to help others while keeping myself on track.

Can you share one story that exemplifies your relationship with PD Pappy’s and the fans there?
The Sundays before Memorial Day and Labor we do a music marathon. We start at 4:30 and play as late as Midnight. Astonishingly, 90% of the people who show up at 4:30 are still listening, dancing and singing with us to the last note. We’ve been doing it for 25 years and the marathons are an example of how the love of music ties the band, venue, fans and the longevity together.