Mike Settles: Loosen Up with Quentin Flagg

Quentin Flagg

A child of the 1960s, I am always making references to rock songs and performers in my sermons. Karen, a parishioner at my church latching on to my appreciation of rock, invited me to see Quentin Flagg perform.

Karen Smith, a regular

As Sara, Quentin’s wife describes “He delivers a high energy performance of 1950s and 60s rock and roll”.

And it was high energy! Before the show, dressed in black suit and teal tie, Quentin almost looked like a pharmaceutical sales person. As the show progressed he more and more assumed the appearance of a well-performed Elvis. In fact that is where it all began for him twenty years ago. He publicly performed a tribute to Elvis and decided then and there that he wanted to do that for a living.

Quentin’s performance is much more than a tribute to Elvis or any other artist. This is not a hobby for Quentin. This is his profession. This is his achievement of self-actualization, a rare thing for anyone to accomplish.

audience

As he began his first song, the audience participated in finger-snapping, hand-clapping response as Quentin’s vocal abilities and dance moves carved broad smiles upon the faces of everyone there.

A regular on Thursday nights, the crowd also is regular in attendance. Being in an audience of about eighty people, we were not merely paid spectators, Quentin creates a sense of community. And Quentin recognizes this community. Addressing many people by name he declares…”this one is for you!”

Yes, Quentin started out the evening looking very polished. But as the songs sang through, and especially during “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” the teal-colored tie came off and the well-styled hair loosened up.

Quentin signing photos after performance

fan in Quentin t-shirt

He reported, just before singing Buddy Holly’s “True Love Ways” that he sang that song on his wedding night. The audience sighed in emotional punctuation to this report. He went on to say that Sara, his wife, cried as he sang that romantic song. I assumed he meant that she cried from a sense of stirred love for him rather than displeasure.

Sara

Oh yes, Sara…she keeps him straight on his set list. And she also teaches first grade in Knox. I’m sure teaching provides her with “entertaining” opportunities as well!

Quentin caused us all to loosen up a bit. You’ll loosen up too!

Come on out to the American Countryside Farmer’s Market at 22751 County Road 26, Elkahrt Indiana, 46517 on Thursday nights at 6 PM

Entrance fee is $5.00 (you can’t beat that!)

Oh yes…and tell him Mike sent you!