the fact that it was at the newport folk festival, such a monumental, historic place.know she was going to do that. we thought it was a jam, she just started singing. we had rehearsed the songs ourselves, and we didn't know whether we should stop or what we should do. so we just sang with her. it turns out, she completely took over the show and became the performer that we all know that she is. and i mean, she'd -- we didn't go to sleep that night. we stayed up until the sun came up, loving what happened. joni flat out, she loves to perform, and she is awesome at it. [applause] >> trevor: when those types of moments happen, everyone goes, you should have been there, you will never get to see it again but i have heard a little whisper that maybe something might happen? >> yeah, we get to talk about this right now. so after newport, joni said, i want to do another show, i want to play again, we got to thinking about it, we decided on another venue, which is gorge out in washington state. it is one of the most beautiful venues in the world. it is called echoes through the

he has sung with paul simon at the newport folk festival, with willie nelson and been the mouse be --turday night live." >> i didn't think it was ever going to happen. >> reporter: how come? >> i don't know. i'm sure somewhere in there it's because i don't feel like i deserve it. experiencing joy is not always easy. ♪ hey, mama ♪ >> reporter: nothing has come easily for rateliff, who was raced in a deeply religious family in missouri. his hometown tattooed on his arm. >> right there. >> reporter: where did you live? >> a little town called hermann, which is this red dot. >> reporter: at 18, he moved to denver with his friend joseph pope iii. what was it that brought you to colorado? >> we moved out here to work with a missionary organization. >> reporter: they were quickly disillusioned and started playing bars like the hi-dive at night. >> this is where we cut our teeth. >> reporter: by day they both got jobs at this truck depot. >> i'm sure he wasn't stoked about hiring us. we looked like ding dongs. >> we have come a long way. >> it was a great way to write. >> i would have my tape