Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt

I’m trying to get everything in some kind of order these days. I have mental lists of tasks and bullet points I have created that I somehow believe will make things go smoother. Things haven’t been that rough.. things just have been different.

As with this blog I have all the best intentions on seeing so many projects through.  I have a slew of projects on my plate, all delicious and very involved.. which is really the only reason I choose to do anything these days. I am also on my second leg of my health journey, and while that is really involved I am fighting everyday to keep it on the back burners while keeping my creative work flowing.

I have a new day job after being laid off for almost a year I am back in the workforce, 9 to 5 drudgery that I thought I was somehow done with. I can’t tell you just how much this cramps my style, man. But at least I have money to spend when I go out, money for bills and a general sense of productivity that I was unable to capture while I was hustling for that long time. I just resigned from the nonprofit board I was on for the past year. I went to my first event as a non-member yesterday and it was very enjoyable. By stepping away I feel that other members that were not always present will have to step up. But whatever.. I’m done with it and now I am free.  My performance yesterday at this event was off the charts..I rarely boast about my work like this..I’m pretty modest and almost always self-critical.. but yesterday was different. The combination of stepping down, feeling healthy and somewhat more prepared for performance, along with the amazing performance space made for a stellar moment. I love the feeling of performing.. it is everything to me and is really the only reason I push myself to continue to create new pieces.

The most interesting development so far has been the evolution taking place with the project Your Loving Son.  Though this project I have met some amazing young artists, namely the performance troupe called Avant To Leave this Planet.  If I had to describe it to someone who never witnessed any time of real avant performance I would say it is a vaudevillian/burlesque/LGBTQ/Experimental showcase of a variety of talents and spirits. Every show is different and the energy that follows each night is it’s own show in itself. The average age of the performer and spectator is decidedly young in comparison to my age, however I feel that I have always been welcome and appreciated both as a performer and a spectator. I had the good fortune to perform my poetry not long after the release on my book and soon thereafter got to perform with our duo Your Loving Son. We are slated to perform again in October and Carlos and I are extremely excited for the chance to really put something special together.  

I love these young artists with all my heart. I have really gotten to know some of them and being around their energy and creativity is inspiring and wild. I am learning more about what it is like to be a young creative in this community at this time in history. The political tensions notwithstanding, there is a real joy in participating and witnessing these shows.. these events.. these happenings.. Last night I was struck by each and every performance, every moment was a piece of art ready to be indulged in, a wide open pool of color, noise, tulle, skin, makeup, suitcases, bright lights and exhilaration.  The room was electric and each performer took us all on a magnificent ride.

So, a tour in in the works for next year. I am planning a short tour for spring.. I would ideally like to hit Denver, N Mexico, San Francisco, NOLA and the Valley, Tx.  Maybe Austin and Houston on the way to the valley. End back in DFW, and have a big show at the end with the Mad Swirl folks maybe.  Just starting this up and making some plans. So little time, so much to do.

How many times will I post here? I vow to make it more than once a month, or once a year. Blogging is good practice and should become at least a weekly habit. Please also read Harry McNabb’s  Social 0nanism and Susan Duval’s  Dante's Easy Bake Oven and if you have one too please pass along.

Until the next open mic.