ROGUE REPORT March 2

My Impressions - by marcel nunis

Ever walk into a hair salon and find the media lights of a TV crew outside while a magician does his tricks inside? Or walk into an art gallery and find everyones heads bopping to the sounds of live hot jazz? That's what it was like at last nights ArtHop. It's a sure indication that the Rogue has arrived.

Acts were doing samplers of their shows at several locations between 5 and 8 PM. Over at Full Circle Brewing folks were starting to trickle in around 7 PM.

When I got there Jose DeLoza was singing the promo for his how on the stage. Smiling people were milling about. Performers were streaming in to check when their sample slots were happening on stage. Blake Jones, the host of the evening was mingling and making everyone feel at ease.

One by one the acts pitched their shows. Some stood and pitched while others did excerpts of their shows. It felt very much like a family reunion... with the addition of new extended family members. There were returning acts from far and near. There were new acts from far and near. Mostly there were friends getting reacquainted and new friends being made.

Show flyers were being swapped like it was a trading card convention. Buzz was floating about the anticipation of hot shows. Connections were being made. Handshakes and hugs exchanged... pats on the back... general goofing around... tasty beer being poured and drunk. A good start to this edition of the Rogue.

Yes, the Rogue has arrived. Tonight the marathon begins.

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