by Clockwork Carruthers
July 28, 2006
The microphone. The guitar. The familiar Canadian smile. That welcoming beard. (The cliche tabular lead to an informative essay). They all belong to Raffi, who has been entertaining children for years and years, and is still seen on VHS tapes in the homes of millions.
Two Weeks ago, the superstar put his famous Taylor Talkamine (seen in this picture from his 1987 concert "Raffi and the Rise and Shine Band") on the market for charity.
Unfortunately for charity, the guitar was purchased for almost a grand lower than the original list price when it was first built. Buyer James Van Der Beek thought it was a good steal.
"It was the exact model Taylor I wanted, only it was kind of used so I felt the original price would've been steep...even for a superstar such as myself." Other celebrities at the auction included Horatio Sanz, Gene Wilder, David Oreck, author and Colonel Sanders impersonator Daniel Klein, and Sean Penn.
Raffi's comment when asked if he was offended by such a cheap turnout on such an historically significant guitar was, "Tingalaaaaaaaaaayo!" Regardless, James Van Der Beek got himself a sweet deal which has made this the feel good story of 2006.
Staff Nincomblogger Clockwork Carruthers did not grow up listening to Raffi, but frequently watches reruns of Dawson's Creek every morning on TBS.