pavlovsdog

Well we started our tour yesterday. The first show was a little rough because it had been a few days since we've last rehearsed it. I dropped an important line, but I'm not sure if the kids even noticed though. You see, I think they tuned out after about 20 min. It's a funny thing to witness; the exact moment a group of 1-3rd graders brains switch off. It's like a tsunami of lost attention sweeping across a sea of restless energy. Heads turn form the stage, to the ceiling, to the adjacent kid, to the confetti on the carpet. Little bodies bob around as if possessed by some supernatural force. Once the wave breaks, it's impossible to recover them. Once in a while one might float back to shore, but they don't stay for long. I can't blame them though, they're only youngsters. The real blame belongs to the playwrights who think a big talking dog can hold their attention for 45 min.
I don't play the dog though. I play the victim of the bullying, the one who the big talking dog helps stand up for himself. It's a good message, even if it isn't entirely getting through to them. It's pretty rewarding though when one of the kids comes up to you and says "I really liked it when the doggie helped you stand up to the bullies."
They sure are cute kids. Despite their attention handicap it's fun working with them. Most are a lot more willing to participate in the workshops than their older counterparts. Of course it very hard keeping their focus. They' all want to be your best friend. They'll give you things, run up and hug you, draw pictures for you, and sometimes perform tricks for you. All this wouldn't be so bad if all 15 of them weren't doing this at the exact time you're trying to explain to them the subtleties of fending off a bully. At least they're excited though.

Last weekend I saw I love You But I've Chosen Darkness, and She Wants Revenge. I liked them both. They both were kind of New-Waveish but "Darkness" had more of a multi-layered synthy sound like Depeche Mode, and "Revenge" had more of a danceable sound like New Order. The only thing about She Wants Revenge that turned me off is the fact that I kept saying to myself; "These guys look and sound exactly like a west coast Interpol." The Interpol show at The Orange Peel back in 2004 was amazing. These guys weren't quite there, but it was a good show.

Sunday I went to the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival. (The link is to my journal from last years festival.) It's a festival celebrating local Asheville artists and bands. It was fun, but afternoon thunderstorms put a damper on some of the event. I managed to take some pictures before the deluge, but the film isn't developed yet. Look for some of those in the future. One highlight of the festival was seeing The Rebelles Burlesque again. Honestly I'm sick of telling you guys how awesome these ladies are. I wish most of you could, or would, see them for yourselves. It'll leave you praising the "G"

In other news I've fallen victim to the lures of the "Contra-dance". Watch out I may soon be wearing long skirts and twirling around in circles. Stay tuned for updates.