Somewhere Sun Times

Somewhere Maine: the Marijuana Musical
will make its debut this Easter (4/20 at 4:20) at the Port City Music Hall in Portland Maine.  Somewhere Maine: the Marijuana Musical tells the tale of a Farmer and committed anarchist in the hills of Somewhere, Maine, who finds that in the blink of an eye his whole world has changed. After “The Crash” he begins to grow marijuana on his farm, while simultaneously slipping into a new identity. Through this transformation “Openly High Farm” and outlaw Country music singer “Johnny Crashed” are born!

This one of a kind musical features original music and Lyrics by Johnny Crashed and the Rednecks,  and recently, we were able to sit down with Johnny Crashed and learn a little more about the the world of Somewhere, Maine.  

Interview with Johnny Crashed

Q. Why did you decide to hold the opening night at Port City Music Hall?
A. It’s a rock and roll venue. They are used to dealing with people under the influence.
 
Q. Tell us a little about your new production, “Somewhere, Maine: The Marijuana Musical” and where you found the inspiration for these songs?  
A. I been growing weed since I was 15 and living with the Micmac’s in northern Maine. I know this world and you gotta write what you know. Most recently, the mother of my children took my kids from me because I choose to grow marijuana on my farm. That builds up a whole lot of resentment inside a man and your choices are limited on how to respond. Theoretically they can't put you in jail for a theatrical production. We'll see.
 
Q. What’s it like playing music with the rednecks?
A. The rednecks drink too much, smoke all my weed, and like to take breaks during band practice for mud runs. It’s like taking care of teenagers. My harmonica player wrecks a vehicle on average once a month. My bass player meditates at bars. My guitar player keeps a Bowie knife strapped to his side. And the mandolin player has a thing for midgets. On the plus side they aren't faking it. Everyone who plays in this band does it to survive. Not financially, but emotionally and psychologically.
 
Q. Is it true there is a nun in the band?
A. Her name is Mother Mary Jane. But if you ask me, most of the time she spends on her knees ain’t for the purpose of praying, if you follow me. Mostly we keep her around to offend anyone who thinks religion should be devoid of sex.
 
Q. Besides the music, how do you spend your time?
A. I think like most healthy men I spend a good chunk of my time trying to figure out how I can have multiple wives. I have always had a thing for sister's and I'm just waiting for the right ones to come along.

Q. You write a lot using imagery oftentimes associated with Christian beliefs while you are well known as a committed anarchist. How do you calibrate one with the other?
A. I got real positive things to say about Christianity when it comes to powerful imagery and their commitment to something bigger than themselves. And their women are sexy! Second only to Amish women in my opinion. As for the historical sins they have committed, they can take that up with their God.

Q. I understand the trade association representing medical marijuana caregivers here in Maine have offered to let you perform at their annual event that you actually founded only to insist that you not play a song called "Hill Cat Shuffle" because it paints a colorful portrait of characters at Harry Browns Farm in Starks, Maine.
A.It's true, the stalinist's fled Russia and are now living here in this state and trying to speak for the pro-weed crowd as if it's unified in its dislike of funny songs. I always tell folks who get offended from being included in one of my songs; "Hey, at least you made an impact!" And the truth is that I've never have had an unkind word to say about Harry. Only those hill cat's surrounding him. Those women have not been de-clawed. Can't wait until they hear my new song "Hippies, Rastas, and Rednecks Held a Picnic". That one should get their panties in a bunch!

Q. Rumors have you working on some new strain of marijuana that has a THC level of 26.8% called "Redneck Revenge" and that you have tapped into some new ingredient that makes it so strong. Care to comment?
A.Two words. Dove Guano. Anyone still using Peruvian Sea Bird shit is missing the boat.  And not only do we use the dove guano but we have effectively trained our doves to transport the medicine we grow to our patients. Barely a carbon imprint. Take that Woody Harrelson!

Q. Your CD, "God, Guns, and Ganja" was used as evidence in your custody trial with your ex-wife. Any regrets on making such a public declaration of your fondness for weed, firearms, and your distaste of much of what passes as spiritual in the eyes of a large part of the population?
A.Take a good look around in this world. Do you really think that I or anyone else who grows weed should be apologizing for what we do? The criminalization of my world is the problem not the people who have been called criminals as they pursue their own health and the the ability to feed their families.
​
Q. What can people expect at your 4/20 production?
A. If they have ever smoked weed, grown weed, or have any interest in that world at all they can expect to see things that they are quite familiar with. The rascals, the resisters, the rednecks, the hill cats, the pill heads, the holy, the unholy, all working towards the same goal. An opportunity for redemption.