Lori and I left Ashara's at around 2.30am (quietly sneaking out the door) mindful of a full day's activity to come. Saturday dawned fine and much cooler than the night before - thank god. I've already said I'll never complain about Auckland's humidity ever again, but at least everyone else was as hot and sticky as I was! We arrived back around 10am to grab a quick bite to eat, and to help with some final preparations and the loading of vehicles. We then set off for the church hall, arriving around noon, with the performances already underway. The performances! What can I say that hasn't already been said? I've heard the music from previous fests, and have been impressed by what I've heard. But either people have been holding back, or everyone just found a higher level this time. There wasn't one performance that didn't scream "You should be doing this for a living!" Of course, some people are, and it was obvious why, but there were many others, some nervous, some inexperienced, but all incredible. For someone (as Kerry has pointed out) that didn't get the kd lang or Melissa Etheridge gene, it was almost disappointing not to be up there too. Far less embarassing, but disappointing. I won't describe every act I saw - and unfortunately, given the overwhelming desire to actually talk to people as well as listen (I've always liked the sound of my own voice too much) I did miss a few. Just an extra reason to look forward to receiving the CD's of the event. But some stand-out performances (for me), in no particular order: Alison, Les I, and Claudia - Alison had been stressing about this all afternoon. God knows why, it was absolutely perfect. Gregg - everyone loves Gregg, and with good reason. The man can SING. And play. And he looks pretty too. Didn't quite make "the list" but definite under-study material. John Van Tiel, Claudia, Les R, Chris - apologies if I missed someone (I feel like I did). A Crowded House song that was really special. Thank you so much. Marcel - say what you like about the man, but he can PLAY. He is an incredible musician that I felt privileged to hear. And last (definitely not least): Claudia. I could listen to Claud all day, all night, all week, all year - you get the picture. Absolutely wonderful. Now remember, I said everyone was wonderful, and I meant it. But if I'm going to keep these posts from reaching the size of a small novel, I need to be selective. Just take it as read that if you performed, I loved it and thought you were great! One other moment that stands out was the presentation. During the evening, there were several breaks in the performances for various announcements, including the raffle, giveaways, house-keeping matters. What I didn't expect was to be singled out for special attention just because I had travelled the furthest. I know everyone was blown away by the fact that I borrowed money to make the trip, but I'm damn sure other people suffered worse hardships that having a small payment to a bank for a while after they got home. But I was deeply moved by this gesture, and while I never mind being the centre of attention as a result of my own actions, I always feel profoundly embarassed to be singled out like this. Please note that my reluctance to speak or even stay on the stage for more than two seconds was not because I did not appreciate the gesture. Absolutely the opposite is true. For the record (for those nosey people who didn't see) Ashara presented me with a hand-thrown mug - a Topsfield souvenir. Ric (who unfortunately I didn't get the chance to meet) must have spent literally hours making up five tapes of randomly ordered Joni songs - I think every song she's ever recorded. Ric, I haven't thanked you even privately yet (and I will) but want to publicly acknowledge this wonderful gift, which I appreciate more than you know. If I ever needed the comfort of Joni on a flight home, it was on this trip. The rest of Saturday was much the same - listening to people perform, chatting outside with the other smokers, telling bad jokes, going on liquor-runs, drinking the liquor - you get the picture. The church "gig" wound up around 11.30pm leaving us half an hour to clean up and get out. Which we accomplished with ease. As well as having the best taste in music in the world, Jonifesters are also incredibly efficient at sweeping and mopping. Although a couple of people (I won't name names, but they know who they are) got a little over-excited at trying to inhale the helium from the balloons, when they should have been working. I, on the other hand, know where my priorities are (and I couldn't get the damn knot undone anyway). After the church it was back to Ashara's for more music and conversation. A few of us gathered in the TV room, hereafter known as the home of the "lesbian sofa". I won't go into too many details about the circumstances surrounding the naming of the furniture - it was one of those "you had to be there" kind of deals. Suffice to say, we upset the dog, alienated the cat, and Yael probably thinks we're emotionless, tactless idiots for giggling hysterically through her song. Yael, I apologise, and while I don't like casting blame, I would look in the direction of a certain bee-keeper, who while presenting a facade of caring and compassion at all times (and she does possess these great qualities) also possesses the driest, most devious sense of humour, and some people just could not control themselves! After things settled dowm, and I had left the room to compose myself (unsuccessfully, I must admit) a few others arrived back, and an impromptu concert began. Everyone seemed to have a song, but the highlight of the evening (and I would have to admit, probably the musical highlight of the trip for me) was hearing Paz, Marcel and Victor performing CSNY songs. Paz and Marcel on guitar, Victor on guitar, flute, or whatever else was lying around - to paraphrase something Bob Muller said at one point, somewhere in the world, someone is inventing a new instrument, and in 24 hours, Victor will have mastered it. Victor, I am in AWE! But these guys ROCKED! It must be so wonderful to be able to pick up an instrument like that, and just play. Saturday wound up around 4am, after several hours of listening to music, and chatting to various people. It was too cold to sit outside and chat (even making use of the Paz sandwich), and there was another full day ahead of us. Part 3 to follow..... ____________________________ "To have great poets, there must be great audiences too." - Walt Whitman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hell's Personal Photo Page: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~hell/main/personal.htm Visit the NBLs (Natural Born Losers) at: http://www.nbls.co.nz
