Fresno Famous

There was a moment in mid December, when, if you had asked me about the Rogue Festival I would have shrugged my shoulders and said "Eh." 

I was doing two shows. I knew that much. But, I couldn't tell you much about either. 

Cut to the last two weeks, where I ran nine performances of the two shows, each to full crowds and pretty glorious reviews. 

This is the power of the Rogue. 

Yes, the festival pulls in some heavy-hitting talent and gives audiences an opportunity (a cheap one at that) to see these guys before the really hit it big time (like off Broadway style). And yes, for two weeks there is a sense of community that flowers in the Tower district that is unlike anything that happens during the rest of the year. Those things are great and worth touting.

But the real gem here is the opportunity it affords people like me. I'm no artist (at least not a professional one). I'm just a guy who works for the paper, who writes a blog and likes to perform. And once a year (or every two years) I can get together with some friends and put together a show and be fairly certain there will be an audience for it. If I'm lucky (like this year), the shows will have affects well beyond expectations.

And all you have to do is pay the application fee on time. 

Not that it's all that easy. It stretches the limits of your creativity. You're forced into a time frame. You have to work for it, no doubt. But those are good things. And there's little downside, save for a bruised ego and a couple hundred bucks. 

That's a good catalyst for sure.

I always say, anyone who likes music should start a band. And anyone who likes to perform should do a Rogue show. It's good for the artistic health of the community.

This all comes with thanks to Jamie Holt, who served as the best of creative partners, an excellent whip-cracker and a darn fine actress. There were several points in both shows where I realized she was the star. I was just along for the ride. 

Also: It was a pleasure and a half to share the stage Blake Jones and his band.