Interview with Zik's Jukebox

I have heard it called “the best jukebox in the Keweenaw” before.  It is Zik’s jukebox.  If you’re not familiar, Zik’s Bar is a part of The Pines Resort here in the heart of da Harbor.  Zik’s is dubbed the local bar: the drinks are cheap, the bartenders are friendly and, well, it has the best jukebox in the Keweenaw.  Here he is in all his glory.

As you can see from this picture, he has quite the variety.  Just on these panels, you see everything from the latest hits to the oldies to Johnny Cash.  And don’t forget about the book!  It’s got tons more CD choices!  But I’ll let him tell you more.

Me: Good evening Mr. Jukebox.  Cranking out the tunes, I see.

Jukebox: What did you expect?  It’s summer time.  Whether there’s two or two hundred people here, they always gravitate my way in the evening.  I boost the mood and the energy, you know?

Me: I certainly do.  I always make sure I come here with a fist full of one dollar bills!

Jukebox: I know.  You’ve been pressed up against my glass before.  You like all those weird instrumental songs that nobody’s ever heard.

Me: Sure do, but I get people to dance sometimes.

Jukebox: It makes my night when people dance!  Even better are the hula hoops.  I love watching all you people hula hoop.  

Me: I’m glad.  I thought they’d be a good addition to the place.

Jukebox: Oh, I can’t tell you how great they are.  Some of you chicks can really make them spin.

Me: We’ve got to make our own excitement around here, you know.

Jukebox: That’s what I’m here for.

Me: Exactly.  So how has your summer been so far?  Getting lots of business?

Jukebox: It’s been fine.  We’ve had some big crowds all taking turns at my buttons.  It always cracks me up to watch someone play songs they like, and the next person plays completely different songs.  But that’s why I’m so diverse.  I’ve got something for everyone.

Me: I’ll say.  When I play songs, I like to feel out the crowd to see what will get them going.  People drink more when they hear good music.

Jukebox: Yeah, then the music gets louder!

Me: I know!  Sometimes I can hear you from my house!

Jukebox: Then why don’t you come over?

Me: Because I’m trying to sleep.

Jukebox: Oh, you pansy.  It’s summer in the Harbor.  Who sleeps?

Me: Hey, I’ve had my summers mopping this floor at 3 am.  Don’t get lippy with me.

Jukebox: Hey, babe.  I’ve see you dance with that mop.  I’m just reminiscing.

Me: Careful.  Don’t make me have to edit this.  You were racy enough in my book.

Jukebox: Well excuse me for being a dude.

Me: Fine.  You’re excused.  So what else would you like to tell my readers about yourself.

Jukebox: What readers?

Me: Oh, sorry.  I’m interviewing you for my blog readers.  

Jukebox: You’re interviewing me?  I thought you were just being friendly.  No wonder you don’t have a drink.  You should have told me, I wouldn’t have been so fresh.

Me: I wanted you to be yourself.  You’re doing fine.  So what message would you like to send to your fans?

Jukebox: Fans?  Wow, I’m flattered.  Um, well, this is kind of an inside thing that I shouldn’t tell people, but I suppose I can.  Don’t put too many dollars in me at once.  I’ve been spilled on and ashed on so many times that I don’t always remember what songs people punched in, and I tend to miss some here and there.

Me: Yeah.  You skipped a couple of mine the other night.  

Jukebox: Well, how many did you play?

Me: Nine.  

Jukebox: That’s too many.  One dollar gets you four plays.  Stick with that.

Me: Yeah, but two dollars gets me nine plays.

Jukebox: Not always.  That’s what I’m trying to say.  Take it slow.  I’m getting old, you know.  But I still have my mojo.

Me: I can tell.  I’ve always said you were sort of like a slot machine.  Your customers take a chance when they drop their money in.

Jukebox: Hey, now who’s getting sassy?

Me: I deserve a turn.  Well anyway, thanks for the great tunes.  I’ll see you another night when I have time to dance.

Jukebox: I can’t wait.