Sunday: "You're naked!"

[vakkotaur]

After having seen the alleged faire Saturday and with a few exceptions (RST, for example) not thinking all that much of it, I decided that I wasn't going to bother with garb for Sunday. That way I wouldn't have to deal with driving home in garb, or with doing a parking lot change. I didn't expect to be around all that long, so didn't put on any sunblock either. Though I didn't get a burn, or at least not much of one, that might have been a mistake. I did take some naproxen - and naproxen and sunlight supposedly don't play nice together. Still, no skin reaction, but I wonder if it let whatever did hit me, hit a bit harder than it otherwise might have. I did have a wrong turn this time as I followed the majority of traffic and didn't see a sign at one fork in the parkway - fortunately I know just enough of Des Moines that was only a minor nuisance. I still wound up in time for the opening gate. I should have gotten more lost.

The opening ceremony started at 11:00 AM rather than end at 11:00 with the gate opening at time listed starting time. Does this batch of royalty need a captive audience? (Jay and I made a point of being "late" to IRF Sunday after seeing the opening Saturday.) If that wasn't enough, the Queen mentioned that many performers were working for only for tips. That might well be true, given who puts on this faire, but does telling the attendees that you're cheap really make them tip more? Or does it send another message? I can think of a few. ("Guess which acts aren't good enough to get paid?" "Oh, so it doesn't just look cheap, it really is cheap." "At these ticket prices, for this you expect me to tip?" and so on...)

Dressed in mundanes, I was almost not noticed or so was claimed by one. More often I got the "You're naked!" exclamation. Since I'd been invited (commanded..) to see the Vagantes show, I made my way to the Pirate's Cove area. This was another rather hidden place, with even less of a trail to it than to the RST/Shattock area. It's not good when acts have to send people out to round up an audience - and this seemed to be the theme for the weekend.

The Vagantes show... needs work. While I was early, I should not have seen that much loud preparation. If I had been the only one there, I might allow for my being a semi-insider to things, but I wasn't the only one there - and even if I had been, isn't it better to act as if there is a crowd? One day, there just might be. The act itself is a bit of a sketch comedy show. It starts getting a few folks from the audience (I'm generally not a fan of this as too often it makes fun of the people rather than letting them have fun - this was the only time I wished I'd worn the fair garb. Fortunately I was not dragged into things) for a story that really doesn't need the effects called for - and most saw that. The changes from sketch to sketch felt awkward. Imagine your least favorite episode of The Muppet Show. Now imagine it played at half speed. There were some good lines, but I don't blame those in the audience who left early. I was staying just to be polite.

I watched Danza Mystique's performance, or part of it. They have a new bit with a head-mounted candelabra which looks neat, but doesn't work too well if there's any wind at all. I saw them again later and they were, as usual, quite good. Nasira didn't have the IRF film, but there's always the Siouxland Harvest Feast, or mail if it comes to that.

I caught another RST show, and yelled too much again. After the show I managed to get a few more pictures of some of the RSTers (Hrm, is that the right term?). For once, there was a nice grass and woods background that didn't scream "bad show site" for such photos. I hope they turn out as good they looked in the viewfinder. I'll find out later this week.

Then I noticed it was after 2:00 and said my goodbyes to a few folks. It was good to see ginafae, and Danza, and the ponies (and the humans with them). I am always amused by Jennifer (I think that's her name) thanking me for my help. I keep wondering what help. Sure, I traded off $60 worth of $2 bills - she charges $3 for rides, and tends to get a lot of fives and larger bills, but that was about it. Just as surprising was Nasira's thanks for contributing my "energy" to things. I wasn't of those up and dancing! Or even drumming. I was just there. (Was the audience that blah? Or is Nasira just that polite?)

The drive back was uneventful. Then I got home. Actually most of the evening was uneventful too, aside from being rather tired. If only that's all it had been. At least I feel (a bit) better now.

Comments

[foolscap001.livejournal.com]

Perhaps a link to the comment form for the event is called for.

I regret not being able to attend; RST is always worth seeing, as is Danza Mystique. There were people there I'd like to see again and others I'd like to have seen for the first time.

I think Iowa could use some of the competition that makes the free market work.

[irpooh.livejournal.com]

"Alleged Faire" ... rather amusing in light of an email I received from a theater friend Monday morning... "I heard there was going to be a faire in Des Moines. Will you be at it?"

I'm happy to know that Foolscap001 and I were able to share two meals with you and some good, if unremarkable conversation. You did forget to mention that you learned some ASL and were sworn NEVER to use it - just recognize it when you see it signed by Zilch's interpreter... GRIN!

[vakkotaur.livejournal.com]

I've been to worse - again more to see some folks I know than to go to a faire. That seems to be how it goes most of the time now. I'm already planning on a return to Huntsville rather than Des Moines Spring Faire. I'll miss a few folks, but I expect I'll have more fun in Alabama.

I don't know I can recall all that much. Okkay, there is one bit, and yeah, that's a good one to not use.