By Edward Paik
Internationally touring folk singer Jim Page opened Sunday’s musical lineup at the 9th annual SF Oyster Fest. Page has recorded nine albums since 1993, and has been performing songs of protest and politics that garnered him fame since the early 60s. Born in Palo Alto, the Seattle native returned to his Californian roots this weekend and told All Shook Down why festivals and oysters are still his thing.
How long have you been performing on stage?
Jim Page: 40... Hold on a sec. Are you serious? 43 years. (laughs)
What is your fondest memory of performing in this city?
Page: I grew up in San Jose, down the Peninsula. My parents are from here. Yeah, probably my fondest memory is playing at the Waldruff, which I use to play, that closed. When did it close anyway? [1978] or something like that. I used to play in the 70s and I played the Fillmore and the Great American Music Hall, but for some reason my fondest memory is the old Waldruff. I don’t remember the cross streets but the people who are old enough remember. It was a great audience. It’s a nice small intimate club, it would hold maybe 200 people, something like that. I use to play there regularly with Mike Bloomfield.
So what did you see in the audience today, and what about festivals attracted you to the SF Oyster Fest?
Page: I saw people arriving slow because of the [Bay to Breakers] you know. People couldn’t get here as fast as they’d like to probably, but what I like about festivals is that people have their blankets out there lounging and there going to spend the day with music and the drinking and the food, and it’s just a wonderful family thing. That’s what I like about festivals.
Do you like oysters by any chance?
Page: Yeah, of course! I love oysters. I don’t know the types of oysters, but I know I love them. They taste like the ocean.
More Oyster Fest coverage over here.
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