Ep. 5: Dan Cahill- Left Hands and Mismatched Socks

Dan Cahill's long, strange trip from life as a 60's hippie radical to Block Island icon is chronicled in Episode 5.

Before landing on Block Island in 1984, Dan had served as an extra in "Dirty Harry", bumped into Jerry Garcia on a bicycle ride from Seattle to San Francisco, helped build the stage at Woodstock (where he snubbed Jimi Hendrix) and joined the Hare Krishnas to hide out from a certain government anti-narcotics agency.

We learn about Dan's relationship with Captain Nick, Ed McGovern and Lew Gaffet. These founding fathers of Block Island nightlife had PLENTY of quirks and eccentricities which Dan recounts in vivid detail.

Dan admits to spending the first thirty-nine years of his life goofing off. But when he decided to get to work- there was no stopping him. Originally coming to the island for a gig roofing a house, Dan wore a number of hats before signing on with Ed McGovern at the Yellow Kittens Tavern. There, Dan served as talent buyer- booking and promoting shows by NRBQ and Taj Mahal. 

During those years Dan became known as a "go-to guy". When his phone would ring with someone asking a favor the answer was always, "What do you need?". From menial requests to heroic gestures (he once saved a local wedding in danger of being cancelled by a hurricane) Dan was the man everyone turned to at one point or another for help. And he was always happy to lend a hand...if he liked you.

Speaking of hands- we also talk about his founding of the "Block Island Left-Hander's Club", an informal conglomerate of left-dexterous islanders. 

Over the years Dan has developed a certain sartorial style that's become indistinguishable from the man himself. We learn the story of his legendary mismatched socks and how that non-fashion statement was copied by future generations. 

Dan Cahill's love for Block Island is front and center throughout our chat. Take a listen and learn why the man who once spent an entire year on-island without going back to "America" would turn down a trip anywhere in the world rather than leave his island family.

All that and Captain Hank's Block Island Fishing Report detailing the ins and outs of Porgy Season!

So whatcha waitin' for? Reach out ya' left hand and press PLAY Cap'!