Almost ablaze, still you don't feel the heat.

High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, CA - July 3 - 6, 2008.

While the firefighters fought to control the blazes, several thousand people found ways around the fires to make it to the High Sierra Music Festival this past weekend. This was my second time attending the High Sierra Music Festival. I went as a patron in 2002, w/guest passes from Bruce Hornsby. I had a great time that year, went to a lot of the play-shops, ran into old friends, played for 3 days straight.... This year I had a great time as well, but the experience was wholly different.

After working with a number of the people from the High Sierra staff at Delfest, I really wanted to come out for this festival. I called Theresa, who I know from Rex Foundation, as she is the new Associate Director, but she also works with High Sierra. I told her that if she could get me a good gig, I'd love to come out. She decided to use me in the FestivALL (VIP) hospitality area. It was the perfect job for me, really. I got to see the music on the main stage and I got to schmooze with all the FestivALL patrons, and enjoy the comforts of backstage life. Most importantly, I finally got to work directly with Theresa! We have been working pretty closely together via phone and e-mail in coordinating the Rex Jams, but it is so nice to now have a face and a personal energy to put with the voice and the e-mail. It was awesome to work with her - such fun. She worked tirelessly - crazy 20 hour days - and managed to keep a smile on her face and a positive attitude. AND - we raised a BUNCH of money for Plumas County Schools' music and arts programs through the Rex Jams at High Sierra. ROCK ON, T!

I know it's all about how you handle yourself with people and continuing to "put it out there." I feel like I was able to strengthen some relationships that were started at Delfest and I also made a few new great connections. One new connection was made through one of my FestivALL guests, Devorah. She and I had been talking about our goals and she insisted that I should meet this friend of hers, who produces a festival in California in the early part of the season. She introduced us, and we chatted and he seemed very interested in what I wanted to do. I was extremely encouraged when he gave me his card and told me to send him my resume. As it turned out, I ran into another friend (quite unexpectedly) who also knew this same man, and suggested I meet him. It was almost cosimc when I told him I already had. Anyway - I take this as a positive sign. I did send out my CV this morning, and I'm feeling really good about it.

While I spent most of my time working or sleeping, I did get to break away for some fun and visiting. I had the chance to check out Heather Munro Pierce's TransDance play shop. Now, we all know I will always be partial to the 5Rhythms, but this was so nice. I have often thought it would be great to have a 5Rhythms class outside, and now I know it would. Doing a spiritual dance practice with the sun shining on your face and the breeze rescuing you from the heat was truly delicious. The worst part about it was that I didn't get there until Sunday, so I missed the classes that were offered on Friday and Saturday. I also got to visit with my friends, Angelo and Beth DiGangi, in their Tie-dye booth. Angelo and I are from the same hometown . In fact, it was in his truck - in the parking lot at Hobart Beach on Eaton's Neck that I first.... (GET YOUR MINDS OUT OF THE GUTTER!!!) ... I first drove stick shift. ;-) Angelo was very brave and patient!

There were other people I met, who I think are significant - Massage Dave, Supply Goddesses Tamara and Sharon and Sharon's lovely daughter Corine (and Corine's friend Sam), Freda and Michelle - my co-FestivALL Goddesses, Kenny from backstage security... and of course Jim and Eddie, who gave me a ride back to Reno on Monday. ... that's a lot of significance.

I only just got home yesterday, and I'm off again in the morning for All Good. I will not only be running the Rex Jam at All Good, but I am also staffing and coordinating the beer tent in the VIP area (top of the hill). It's going to be kind of a long weekend, but I'm sure it will be great. I'm looking forward to working with Jen again - She helped with the Mountain Jam Rex Jam - as well as welcoming my friends, Butch and Amy, into the Rex Fold as beer tent staff. It's gonna be a good time!