Meet the Colonel of the Cracker Brigade

After he retired from police work, Rod Hendrick developed an interest in storytelling, then developed his own style. He now performs regularly.

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 31, 2001

HERNANDO -- As a member of the Miami police force, Rod Hendrick heard plenty of stories. Now in retirement, he has become a professional storyteller, a hobby that became his vocation.

He works regularly at both paid and volunteer gigs. For many years, Hendrick has performed at the Will McLean Folk Festival in Dade City, where his folksy manner and humorous stories keep the crowd's interest alive between musical acts. He often works as the emcee for folk festivals and concerts.

His interest in storytelling came after he retired to a large home near the Withlacoochee River. He listened and learned the art from masters of the genre, such as Jerry Clower and Justin Wilson.

"A lot of my style comes from watching those guys, but over the years, I've really come along and developed my own style, which makes it a lot easier for me to get into character and tell an interesting tale," he said.

He honed his skills by joining the Ocala Storytellers Group.

Hendrick, 64, regularly invites groups of musicians and other storytellers for back-porch jam sessions at his home, usually themed around chili and corn bread cook-offs and holidays.

The events often feature a couple of the region's top folk musicians and storytellers, and the nights' entertainments are a classic study in Old Florida charm.

With his white, wide-brimmed hat, Hendrick has developed his onstage persona, "Col. Rod Hendrick of the Cracker Brigade."

"It's just a show-business title," Hendrick said, "but it seems to let people know a little about me even before I get onstage."

Hendrick strives to make an intimate connection with his audience.

"It's all about body language, when to look serious and when to let the audience know you're just kidding around about something. Lowering my voice to just above a whisper during dramatic parts also works well for me," he said.

He is also starting to compose short stories, which he e-mails to friends.

"I'm just doing it for fun, especially the writing, but people hear my stories or read them and usually get back to me and ask me to send them another one," he said. "It's very satisfying."

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