By day, Jayson Triplett is a mild-mannered adjunct art instructor teaching foundation art classes. But when the stars line up just right and on special occasions, like the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival, his alter ego takes control.
As Ming Donkey, Triplett is one half of Super Star Donkey Donkey, a musical collaboration with "cousin" Eugene Donkey, who periodically delight local fans with their special brand of roots rock.
Triplett said his musical offerings blend a variety of musical influences, including punk and outlaw country, but he's most influenced by American roots music, found far from what many consider centers of popular music.
"A lot of what we do is inspired by street musicians and folk artists, and the common thread of the stories they tell in their music," Triplett said. "Within it, you find the common themes of escapism, love lost, redemption, and death. The stories they share are the same, but come in a wide variety of packages, and I try to capture that with the music I produce."