If you’ve wandered around Ypsi over the past few weeks, you may have come across a fellow from Missouri by the name of Jay Parks, beating on an elaborate little drum kit that he’s built into the back of his truck. My most recent encounter with him was yesterday, when I was walking my dogs down Pearl Street. Parks, who had set up shop across from the bus station, was jamming along with Supertramp. After having passed by a few times, I introduced myself through his window, and we talked for a while… The following video was shot about five minutes into our conversation about hernias, pipe organs, religion, classic rock and how bad Michigan’s roads are on in-vehicle drum kits. I hope you enjoy it.
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Fuck, this is magical.
http://m.newstribune.com/news/2013/jul/22/beat-different-drummer/?templates=mobile#.VeyCqo29Kc0
We just passed him on Cross and were wondering what was happening.
He’s in town from Missouri for an operation, staying with a relative somewhere between here and Detroit. I guess this is how he spends his days. It’s a pretty awesome thing to just stumble upon. I’d seen him a few times before stopping to talk. The video isn’t great. Our discussion leading up to it was better. I thought that this might give folks a sense of him, though.
We passed him when he was across from the transit center. Very awesome–thanks for the info, Mark!