An Interview with Kathy Sparling

Q. How did you become a Sundodger?
A. Well, my induction was long and torturous and consisted of several parts. First I had to have a mutual friend beg, like a proxy Lucy Ricardo, to pleeeese let me sing in the band. This went on for about a year or two. Simultaneously, I unwittingly "auditioned" for Al Dodge by occasionally singing in his basement with his wife's jazz band and not offending him by trying to sound like Billie Holiday. Then I had to agree to learn to play the ukulele, so I wouldn't be just sitting there looking bored or uncomfortable during instrumental numbers. Finally, I had to play with the whole band outside at a yard sale and demonstrate my ability to avoid the sun. That was pretty much it, except at some point I did have to buy a special hat.

Q. Was all that worth it?
A. I still can't believe my good fortune at getting to play and sing and be exposed to all this great, underplayed music, all by fraternizing with such nice and talented musicians. I don't know of any other band where I could sing lines like "list while I woo thee with soft melody" or "life's no gloomy race, light your happy face "without a trace of irony and with an accompaniment entirely respectful of each song.

 

I got to study ukulele with Al Dodge (he only kept me on as a student briefly -- all errors or omissions in my playing are mine alone). Because my fellow band members are long-time collectors with really interesting and sophisticated taste I have access to many thousands of rare recordings and pieces of sheet music, and sometimes even first right of refusal on unique and wonderful instruments. Fred provides high-end ice cream at rehearsals. It was definitely worth it.

Q. Speaking of collecting, how many ukuleles have you acquired since joining the band?
A. Oh, only this one, and this one, and this one and this one, and this one, and this one, and this one. Please help me.

Q. Any other musical interests?
A. This is strictly between us, but I actually like contemporary music too. When I am not Sundodging, I have been writing and singing some original material.

Q. Any other thoughts about the sun?
A. Generally speaking, it is way too hot and way too bright. Also, one of the very few numeric facts I have memorized is that it is 93 million miles from the earth.

Q. Is this really an interview or did you just make all the questions up yourself for this bio page?
A. I decline to answer that. It seems rude, and you seemed so friendly before!