DON How ya doin’, Kim? KIM Not bad. Wh...

DON How ya doin’, Kim?

KIM Not bad. Why are you so down?

DON Nothin’ worth talkin’ about.

KIM Come on, Don. What’s up?

DON Went lookin’ for a new gig again. Two more joints. (to waiter) Jim Beam, straight up. (to Kim) You set?

KIM (points to glass of beer) Yeah. Same old, same old?

DON Same old tune. One only books rock bands. Says they draw bigger crowds. Other one specializes in country. Thought I might slip under the wire there, but no such luck. The things I like to sing about aren’t at the top of the country music charts. I ain’t interested in done-me-wrong love songs or ones about men who can’t get their acts together.

KIM Well, that’s kind of a problem, given that country music practically began in West Virginia. WWVA Jamboree has been around longer than I’ve been alive.

DON Longer than I’ve been alive, too. But it just don’t make sense. World’s gone flat-out crazy and needs honest folk songs more than ever. But they’re not nearly as popular as they used to be.

KIM Well, maybe someday they’ll make a comeback and you’ll be discovered.

DON Afraid hardly anybody’s even lookin’ for folk talent. About the best I’ve been able to manage is a late-night appearance on public radio.

KIM Just keep postin’ your songs on the Internet. Maybe someone will hear them who can help get you out there.

DON I’m not holdin’ my breath.

KIM Well, maybe you’ll have to do what your dad wants and take over your uncle’s medical practice when he retires. At least, as an eye doctor, you’ll be able to help people see better.

DON I can help people see better with my songs. Besides, four years at West Virginia University was enough for me. Gotta admit, though, it was good for me, and I’ll be eternally grateful to my parents for sendin’ me. It helped me think clearer about things and write deeper songs.

KIM I hope my four years there does me as much good. Just two more to go, and I’m free. Can’t wait to get a career goin’.

DON I don’t worry about you. You’re whip smart.

KIM Thanks, Don. I like the songs you write. Always have. And I know this. If anybody can figure it out, you can.

DON What makes you so sure of that?

KIM (takes his hand) Well, maybe it’s because of what we have together.

DON Yeah, well, together -- that’s a mighty fine word. Too bad the world doesn’t make more use of it. (gets excited) Hold it. You just gave me the idea.

KIM Mind tellin’ me what it is?

DON Together ... united we stand. All that kind of stuff. Why didn’t I think of this angle before?

KIM What?

DON I’m gonna contact all the folk singers I know around here and see if they want to put on a folk festival.

KIM How’s that gonna change things?

DON Don’t you worry about that. (points to temple) I got the whole idea right here. (hits table) Damn! This is hot.

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