True Stories of Free At Noon: I sang “Seven Year Ache” with Rosanne Cash

Of the 450-plus Free At Noon concerts we’ve had at XPN over the last decade, rarely – if ever – has a member of the audience been asked to come on stage to sing or dance or play a drum with a band. But Rosanne Cash changed that when she asked XPN member Joanne Margolis to join her on stage during Rosanne’s Free At Noon performance to sing “Seven Year Ache.” Below is Joanne’s story about it:

I love to sing, and I sing every chance I have the opportunity. I usually sing Karaoke at a local bar in my neighborhood on Friday evenings. One of my favorite artists has always been Rosanne Cash, and particularly her song “Seven Year Ache.” I won a Karaoke contest singing that song.

When I just recently renewed my membership to WXPN, I had asked the membership assistant if she would be so kind to put my name on the list of the sold out Free At Noon with Rosanne Cash. Not only did she do that, but I received my new membership card within 72 hours. When I heard Roseanne warming up before her set, I thought – gosh wouldn’t it be great if I asked her to sing “Seven Year Ache,” and then having her ask me to song it with her. Well! Today that wish came true. During her encore, she said that she had a request for that song (I had asked her to sing it) then she and I started talking and I told her that I sing it at Karaoke and actually won a contest singing that song!!

She asked me how much – which I replied $500 – and she invited me on stage to sing it with her!! I was in a state of shock!!! Great things come to those who support a great radio station!! If it weren’t for XPN and Free At Noon none of this would have been possible. As (XPN’s) Helen Leicht said after I stepped down from the stage “What a moment!” All I can say is it certainly was.

Below, watch a clip of Joanne and Rosanne singing “Seven Year Ache,” via YouTube user Donald Groff.