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

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!

catching up

I am not feeling very on top of everything, but rather slightly to the left of centre. My blissful holiday has ended with a bit of a bump - small town politics and lots of catching up. However the sky is blue, the music is playing and there is a sweet breeze blowing. I am now going to get back to making things work properly.
I am beginning to see posters for individual gigs which are really exciting. Like the one for Diane Spodarek's 'Marley & Rachel and A Body Part' with an image we will all remember and the very cheeky knit wear number from 13% Punk. I am so looking forward to seeing everything.
We have now got a festival with extra added music. The J Birds and Ziggy (who will be playing inside a giant picture frame) being exciting late comers and Home Fire Burning and Candela confirming. So dust off your red shoes and get ready to dance.
Now acts are seriously signing up for the cabaret night on 11th Feb and 3rd March. The comedy night is on the of 22nd Feb. Tyree Robertson will be appearing as the charming Sue E to compare on the 11th. Prepare to be outraged in the best possible way. If you feel you've two minutes of stupidity you'd like to share or a short set of songs, some puppets, a monologue, some magic, a multi-media wotsit or some strange hybrid let us know. It doesn't have to be ready for Broadway, just show us what you got.

Paekakariki Fringe Program Published

The program has now been publised. Corrections, comments etc to Jess@virtual-cert.com please.

Now that the silly season is ended life and the organising of festivals must go on. Winnie Laban's office confirmed that she will join us for the launch on 9 Feb. Also confirmed are Lewis Scott, Apirana Taylor and Lyndsay Rabbit and a very nice man from Kapiti Office Products in Paraparaumu has offered to sponsor us. For now whilst there's still time for skiving I've got to have a word with the Tasman Sea.

joy riding

I feel like I am chugging up to the precipice of a rollercoaster. I am travelling more and more steeply towards the moment when gravity will take control. Soon I will hurtle through christmas, parties, presents and all, career sideways around the summer holidays, slip, slap, slopping on the way and then plummet several thousand metres towards the Fringe. Time is rushing up to meet me like a rhinoceros. I must remember to take a breath.
I am getting close to having enough confirmed to go to the printers. The plays are being cast. There's a few new ideas. Ziggy emailed me about some original music he would like to perform inside a giant picture frame in Cambell Park. Holly Ewens and collaborator Andy Hummel have come up with a bit of a twist for her second music event. I don't want to give any suprises away but it's now called 'The Blind leading the Blind'.
I am so pleased that we have such a good balance between music, writing and visuals. I would like there to be more installations though. Any wacky or weird ideas out there. I know some great places to put stuff.

rain makes it green

whilst I am sitting at the computer and talking on the phone today the rain is swelling the ground and growing that lush greeness out there.
I am already having a good day. After playing a bit of phone tag I got to speak to Lorraine from R-30, 'comedy for those who would rather have a nice lie down'. They are now confirmed for Sat 24th Feb. Another night I am looking forward to. Details and pictures will be on the website soon. I also had a chat with Artis who wants to put a blackboard music event on in the sand dunes. He is chasing the right permissions and logistics. I will hear back from him on Sat and will post any news.
I just got a phone call from Lewis Scott who had read an article in the Capital Times about Paekakariki's fringe. I was a bit suprised because I didn't know we had an article in it. He said I should speak to Apirana Taylor and Lynsey Rabbitt about a performance poetry gig with him. So I just did and they are going to look at the dates. So there you go.