Fresno Famous

(cue: lone trumpet theme from "The Godfather")

TOM: Isn't it enough the Rogue takes over the town for 2 weeks out of the year - do you want to take over everything, Mikey?!!

THE DON: It's not a take over; it's business, Tom... just business. And don't call me Mikey.

TOM: Sorry. So, what is really going on here?

THE DON: This Rogue Year Round is an extension of the Rogue Festival. We hope to bring performers and artists who performed at the festival to more venues in and around the Fresno area.

TOM: But why? Isn't there enough going on already?

THE DON: There is never enough. See Tom, for many performers the festival is a once a year, one shot deal. We want to encourage these shows developed for the annual festival to continue evolving into bigger and brighter possibilities. There's a lot of talent in this town. Many of these shows could go far — even to other fringe festivals.

TOM: The more you do it, the better you become… and we could also get a better and better festival each year. Yeah, I see. (eyes widening with fear) Wait a minute! It's about... GIGS, isn't it?

THE DON: Shhh… not so loud. (looking around furtively) Yeah, that's part of it. And don't call me Mikey.

TOM: Sorry. I beg your forgiveness.

THE DON: Given. Just this once. But this is your last warning.

TOM: Taken. So, with more and more performers gigging year round, more businesses will take notice and more venues will open for performance! Performers get gigs; people come to the shows and the business… and businesses around them make money!

THE DON: I've always said… the arts are good for business. It could very well be an offer they can't refuse.

TOM: So, where and when do we start this operation?

THE DON: Full Circle Brewing Company, 8 PM, Thursday, June 22nd.

TOM: Who do we have?

THE DON: We're starting with those two in the picture up there. There's more information at this link. http://roguefestival.com/ryr/rogue_year_round.htm

TOM: How much?

THE DON: Five bucks.

TOM: Five bucks?? FIVE BUCKS??? But Mikey, five…

BLAM! BLAM!

(Tom falls to the ground and a crimson pool widens around his body.)

THE DON: Sorry Tom. You were never a good wartime Consiglieri... and I did warn you never to call me Mikey.

(cue: lone trumpet theme from "The Godfather")