da blogs da thang

Last night as I shared dinner with a few of the out of town Rogue performers talking shop, it struck me that… I like this, I really like this. Conversations flitted between discussions on the substance and mechanics of their individual shows to touring adventures with the unique features offered at various festivals of this ilk on the circuit. I felt connected again in a very real way to the creative world I used to live and thrive in. A world that I’m preparing to swim in again soon.

I ruminated about this just before I slid into dreamland last night. There are a few  impressions that instantly came to mind. These provide an inkling that after 9 years this festival could be arriving.

Earlier in the night as I turned up at a venue to catch a show the line literally snaked around the corner. This was a brand new show that only started up for the second half of the festival. The crowd was equally made up of regular folk and regular theatre audiences… both types a good thing. Plus, the line was being worked by performers… though most of them were the out of town types. (This is an aspect of marketing is something that still needs to sink in with most local performers.)

On Wednesday over at the Starline Grill… the place was packed with Suicide Lounge on tap for the evening’s entertainment. A great mix of performers, audience members and volunteers made up the crowd. Half way through their set the band invited performers to plug their shows… which they did to robust support from everyone there. A friend I was sitting with beamed and said. “This is what this festival is about.”  The festival buzz was definitely palpable that night.

On another occasion while having a drink, a local musician friend cornered me with his views on the lack or at least the lower average of original offerings that were locally produced. This has actually been an ongoing topic of discussion by a few over the last couple of weeks. A healthy and lively discussion I might add. One I can hope lights multiple fires and transcends into action not only for the festival but becomes part of the local creative landscape.

So, I am counting all of these this week. The question mark in the title is an indication that the festival is not quite there yet… but these impressions that I have shared (and if paid attention to) indicate the station may not too far off in the distance.

Rogue time is a good time for that… at least for me it is. They may be performer friends from far and near or those of the more “civilian” variety with whom I have not connected with in a while. With the concentration that occurs at the Rogue chances are good I will run into many of them.

New friends at this time are usually of the performer/artist stripe. Engaging and sharing ideas always perks me up. But more importantly I get to be introduced to them as people. This takes on a slightly different curve with those who I’ve already come to know. I am always intrigued by where they are (and headed) on their journey.

In years past this time to reconnect always seemed fleeting simply because of the frenzied pace of producing the festival. Quick “hellos” and “see ya soon” was the order of the day. With the latter perhaps returning the same time the following year. Though I do not produce this event any longer and actually have the luxury to engage in conversation (for the last 3 years)… the time still seems fleeting because these 10 days still go in the blink of an eye.

So, I savor this time knowing for at least once a year for the talent that inspires and the warmth that provides a new kick start to keep me going. And in the place in life that I’m currently at that counts to me more than they’ll ever know.

“Click the flashing button to find out about Da Count.