Next Friday night will be anything but typical at 40 Watt Club – with stories of a grandma’s wooden leg and a boy falling down an elevator shaft put to bluegrass music.

Johnny Roquemore writes comedic lyrics he puts to music with his band, Johnny Roquemore and the Apostles of Bluegrass.

His songs show his “unusual world view.”

“I’m usually pretty surprised how excited they are,” said Roquemore of audiences.

The band has brought in more of a younger, college crowd through their comedic lyrics, Roquemore said.

He said students are more attentive and excited if the show is funny.

“The younger crowd is starting to get turned on towards it,” said banjo player John Nipper.

Nipper said a younger crowd is beginning to get into bluegrass because of its high energy.

Rich Mullinax, upright bass player for 16 Tons and the Blackmon Brothers, said comedy is a tradition in

bluegrass music and early bluegrass players were expected to be comedians as well.

As bluegrass has developed over the years, comedy has had less and less of a significant presence.

“I think there isn’t enough comedy in bluegrass,” Mullinax said.

At the show, Mullinax will perform with 16 Tons and David Blackmon.

Mullinax said 16 Tons’ music is more of a straight up bluegrass, while David Blackmon’s music infuses jazz and blues.

Bluegrass music, itself, is a fusion of Irish and Scottish fiddle and Southern blues.

These styles came together when Irish and Scottish immigrants settled in the region, Mullinax said.

He said bluegrass music always lacks drums. Instead, the upright bass keeps the beat for the band.

Mullinax has organized several different bluegrass nights over the years in Athens. He said the style of music has been well received no matter the venue.

“Athens is open to all styles of music,” Mullinax said.

Johnny Roquemore also said his band has been well received in a wide variety of places, including Jekyll Island where it played for a wealthier, older crowd who had never even heard bluegrass before.

“We had a fabulous time presenting bluegrass to them,” Roquemore said.