Friday, January 04, 2008

Things that can screw up a street show

I like marching bands as much as the next guy. . . just not in the middle of my show. Luckily, that didn't happen. I was notified 20 minutes before the band came through; and came through they did. . . all million of them, marching from one end of the City Walk to the other. There must have been 100 trumpeters and as many saxes, maybe 20-30 big brass tuba's. Quite a scene on on new years eve.

I haven't worked since that night. Weather and health wonky, as we host a gray and drizzly Seattle Day.

My last shows of 2007 were mediocre. I wanted to do my best work and tried to make that happen but some things are out of my hands. People were way more distracted than normal. I was happy to be done by 8:30PM. Kayma has been here with his baby and Dack is visiting as well. Our house a whirlwind of activity. Later I'll head to the City Walk, pick up the Jan. schedule and if I'm on it and it's not raining I'll work this evening. Not feeling so well. Won't bother me if I have to stay home and in bed.

Dack and Polly are at the Dali Exhibit, Kayma is getting some passport issues resolved. . . hopefully and I'm laying low, watching ER on TiVo.

2008

The new year brought, out of town visitors, chaos, an infant, Grateful Dead Music, dancing and a magic session that lasted till 5AM on Jan. 1st.

Where to start, what to say, how to do it. Getting sick. Feel a sinus infection coming on and feeling a little out of it.

Spent New Years Eve out and about. The evening started at the City Walk till I got kicked out of there. Evidently no street performers were allowed to work that night. I didn’t know. I received this email a few days later.

“The schedule will not be out till Thursday of this week.
 
I have Caught a few people showing up on days they are not scheduled . If anyone is caught doing so, they will be terminated on the spot. You will be escorted out without any explanations .
 
Also, Not everyone that turned in their schedule will be placed this month. Just because you turn in the schedule it does not mean I am obligated to set the dates.” Yow!!

From there, I headed to Hollywood & Highland where I did a couple of shows. The plan was to meet Aaron Fisher and his girlfriend as well as another magic buddy named Josh at his place in Hollywood before heading to see a Dead Cover Band in Santa Monica. New Years Eve was fun. Polly was back at home entertaining her old friend Dack, Also in from out of town, my buddy Kayma and his infant daughter. We've had a house full of guests and plenty of excitement and drama.

I for one will be happy when things are back to normal. I like our friends, but I also like my minimalist life stye and lack of day to day drama.

My favorite part of New Years Eve, was the magic session back at Aaron Fisher's pad. Simple, humble and direct we all did some tricks, talked technique, presentation and performance. Good time had by all. Thanks Aaron for a good time!