Can you pick a single favorite show from the past 20 years?

Tarika. Roots music from Madagascar. … No, really. The band Tarika, fronted by sisters Hanitra and Noro Rasoanaivo, were spellbinding. In 1991, Time Magazine voted them one of the 10 best bands in the world on a list that also included U2, Radiohead, Portishead, Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers. There was a silence when the show ended that seemed to go on forever, and then the room erupted in applause and cheers.

Have there ever been booking disagreements between you and the spouse?

I don't understand the question.

Was there a most trying show?

(See Question 15)

Is there a super-big artist folks would be surprised to find out played the Duck back in the day?

Ani DiFranco, the Dixie Chicks.

Strangest request from somebody who played the Duck?

Four wooden clothes hangers, three vanilla candles, two pink Camay (soaps) and one steam iron.

Dead person you wish you could revive to play your venue?

Walter Hyatt, one of my all-time favorites.

Band who played the venue that seems least Duck-like?

Phoebe Legere, American composer, soprano, pianist and accordionist, and centerfold, Playboy, June 1988.

Who are you particularly excited about who's on the schedule for this year?

Carolina Chocolate Drops are making their first Duck stop (June 16).

Act who hasn't played the Duck that you'd most like to book?

Willie Nelson (Rusty said), Kris Kristofferson (Teresa said).

How much shepherd's pie have you consumed in 20 years?

One a day times 20 years comes to …

Do you remember your thoughts when you opened 20 years ago?

What if nobody comes …?

Who was your first booking?

Our opening night was June 1, 1990, featuring the Banded Geckos.

Best part of your job?

There are three great parts. We have been exceptionally lucky to have been found by a devoted group of music-loving regulars. We have met some of the finest musicians in the world. And we have enjoyed knowing so many fine young people who have worked here over the years. They have come and gone — some far away and some still here in Houston. Now they are artists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, preachers, bar owners and musicians, but they are still our ducklings, and we wouldn't be here without them.

Worst part of your job?

Fetching sunglasses out of the toilet.

Was there ever a band that didn't fit on stage?

The first Bruce Cockburn show. An 18-wheeler and a tour bus rolled up and began unloading equipment, which included a Hammond B3, two 48-channel soundboards and 17 guitars. We had to strike 40 seats from an already-sold-out show to make room for all the gear.

But again, because the above-mentioned music-loving regulars are also good sports and are willing to overlook some of our limitations, it all went off without a hitch. We borrowed 40 bar stools from our friends at the Ale House and lined them up on the opposite side of the Hammond. With the raised seating everyone was able to see over the organ, and what could have been a really sticky situation turned into one of the best shows ever.

Anybody ever go MIA before a show?

Yes, but they still play here, so that's better left unsaid.

Any skills you had to learn on the job?

If I have any skills, I learned them on the job. Maybe I will be able to work all the kinks out in the next 20 years.

Duct tape vs. WD40?

Duct tape, no question! Once wrapped in duct tape it won't move or squeak.

What's the best seat in the house?

The baptismal fount.

Is that Vern's seat? (Note: He's a regular among regulars.)

Vern thinks so.

andrew.dansby@chron.com