comments and critiques of third year sought

[Merlin the Elder]

I liked VaNa MaZi as well, Zardoz. Even bought one of their CDs.

If I may, I'd like to offer something for everyone's consideration.  Some of this I base on assumptions, some on experience. Circa Paleo is obviously a very successful act. As such, they would more expensive to hire than an act that has less of a following.  Sherwood is growing at a good pace, but is still a young faire. As a past music promoter, I would look at last year's opening weekend attendance and would have to consider cutting some entertainment costs until I felt the early weeks' gate would cover the cost of said entertainment. Remember, this is business.

I'm not privy to attendance statistics, but I can say that this year's opening weekend there was a noticeable increase in numbers. Hopefully the 1/2 price tickets resulted in more than double the people. As gate increases, the chances of being able to afford more expensive entertainment also increases. They're so tightly dependent on each other though, sometimes it's necessary to creep them both up together slowly, that is: better entertainment equals more ticket sales...to a point.

I did enjoy Circa Paleo last year. I would not have minded seeing them again a year later, but I didn't lose any sleep over not seeing them. I would have thought that those who frequent TRF would have been able to live a little longer than a couple months without seeing them again.  It's unreasonable to believe that the artists who make up Circa Paleo came out of the gate seasoned professionals with extraordinary stage-presence. It very rarely occurs. At once time, they were like VaNa MaZi, and were struggling to build their show and following.  If you aren't supporting new talent, you aren't really helping anyone, in my opinion.

Texas is blessed with several good faires, 2 of them major, and a third, Sherwood, about to take their place beside them. It would seem to be a shame to have Sherwood become nothing more than TRF West or Scarborough South, don't you think? Despite how great those faires are, Sherwood needs to have, and maintain, and identity all its own. Though I've not been a TRF attendee for quite some time, I am a regular to Scarborough. If I could not expect to see different shows at Sherwood, it's very likely that I would not expend the added effort of driving an additional 6 hours to go there. As it is, Sherwood offers me a unique faire experience with the entertainment, and even most of the shoppes, and it will continue to be on my annual list as long as I can afford it.

Then again, I could be all wrong...

[Stalkwell]

Perhaps a nit... but terminating nits with extreme prejudice makes for a great faire

The other night we were trying to direct people to our car, but realized there were no row designations to key off of in the main parking lot.

Might help...

Stalk well...

[rengypsy]

but we do have row signs numbered...i think...at least we did.  will check.  thanks for the heads up.  on it.

[Zardoz]

Merlin, The Circa Paleo thing is more about logistics than money. In fact, Kelly, Josh and Jay have been at faire running their coffee and hooka tent, but Jenny has been in California.  

Actually, Circa Paleo did basically 'come out of the gate' with a pretty polished show and following! Long story short; Jenny had been in another popular band, 'E-Muzeki'. That band broke up for the various reasons bands do, and some members re-formed as 'Wine & Alchemy' who play at TRF and Scarborough, and Jenny formed Circa Paleo shortly after.  Jenny personally had a big following, and even though they were a late entry, not in the programme, the first year it only took a couple of weekends at TRF for them to draw a big crowd.

I love violin, and I really liked to hear Jenny play since the E-Muzeki days, and I enjoy Circa Paleo more, since she is the lead in it.  They are all lovely and talented folks, always warm and friendly, remembering my name when we meet, and taking time to talk. And I find the music very soothing and/or energizing as the case may be. Not to be too dramatic, but I'll say having those CDs has really helped me get through some of the crap I've had to deal with in the last year. So yes I do really miss hearing them, but I should say it has not deminished my enjoyment of SWFF.

I agree with you 110% about supporting new talent, Josh recommended I check out VaNa MaZi, and I've been promoting them to folks when I can.  

PS: Sorry to hijack the comments and critiques thread!