Sunday, 11 February 2007

kicking off

Well we are well under way. There are lots of things that will be done differently next time and I especially have learnt tonnes. I have laid in bed thinking about the things I have to do in the morning and am surving on the coffee that Siggy has supplied me and bananas. However, we have lights, sound and stuff. Helen Heath and other poets had an un-scheduled change of venue last night (Sat) into the church, thanks to Margaret's generosity. It was actually delightful in there and suited the intimacy of the poetry. Then the 13%ers Emilie Zoe Baker and Klare Lanson had a storming gig with a small but really enthusiastic audience. They now have two committed 12 year old (Ceris and Hayley) fans and budding 'fannyists'(the new generation of feminists as described by Emilie in one of her pieces).
I am now beginning to get excited and might even enjoy myself. Tonight another bunch of Melbournites are coming to town and will delight a St Peter's audience with the spoken word of Sean M Whelan and the rock music of the Mime Set. There will also be a more local flavour with a cabaret compared by the hilarious Sue E AKA Tyree Robertson. Playing will be, Sheba, Tyree and her new band and there is a rumour that Hinemoana will make a special guest appearance.
But first of all there is loads of stuff happening for the kids. A clown at 1pm, a storywalk with Annabelle Buttons at 2pm and the Fat Teddies at 3pm. And for those with a sense or a taste for rhythm Mabeth of Hands on Drumming has an event to join in with at 2pm. I am not sure when to eat.
On Monday for those interested in politics and who are hopeful for peace should get themselves informed by the documentary 911 Press for change which will be presented by Miles Thompson on Monday night. Check the link

Friday, 2 February 2007

traffic violations and front pages

Paekak's little fringe has been enjoying some notoriety this week. Nigel Swan interviewed me for Beach FM on Thursday. I was amazed at how nervous I felt. I am feeling quite nervous generally. It's scary behind the scenes. I haven't spent much time here before. I've always swanned in done my bit and gone to have fun at the rest of the festival. Forgive me all you organiser types I took for granted.
Anyway back to the notoriety (courtesy of Sandi Hall who is sending out wonderful press releases and being less flakey than anyone else). Then the Fringe Truck got us in trouble. I arrived back in Paekak after the aforementioned radio thingee and Alan Wehipeihana came and told me the police were going to tow the truck, Chris has been trying to get hold of you. Then I went home and Tali from the Kapiti Observer rang me and asked me if I would like to comment on the 'Fringe Truck Incident'. The lovely people at the service station had allowed us to park the truck on the grass verge next to SH1, for everyone to see. However, this was difficult for some people to see properly as they left the service station and one such person complained to the police. The police arrived ready to call in the tow truck. Meanwhile the service station people have called Paul who is cycling over to move it. And Chris from Paekak Auto's gets roped into it by the police. He then tries to prevent a tow away; unsuccessfully trying to break in and calling around to find Paul. Paul arrives to find a $60 parking fine and moves the truck to another piece of grass a bit further away.
Then to top it all off at the same time as this is all going on Amanda Hanan of 'Girls in cars talking about boys' is being interviewed and members of her cast photographed by the Dominion Post. See Fridays FRONT PAGE!