The heat wave finally broke, and I had the good pleasure of performing at the fun Escondido Street Faire this past Sunday. They claim to be the second-largest street fair in California, and it was big!
There was a line-up of talent such as teenage thespians re-enacting scenes from musicals, cute little cheerleaders—who stayed through my set to cheer me on—and several musical groups. I had an opportunity to meet a couple of the guys from a rocking local country band called the Sumbucks, and they were super.
The acoustic set started with a couple of my original songs on the ukulele. I switched between ukulele and guitar while my good friend Micheal brought the beats on the cajon and djembe.
One of the crowd favorites was a song called, “Winter.” I explained to the crowd sitting in the warm Sun that this slower, more intensely deep vocal song was a metaphor for trial, but that perhaps singing about winter would help to cool them down a bit. I’m not sure it worked to cool them off, but the snow cones some people in the crowd were eating undoubtedly did.
The crowd was NOT shy! When I asked them which festival foods they had already devoured, they shouted “popcorn” and “caramel popcorn!” My response was, “Now you’re speaking my language.” I mean seriously, who can go to a festival without partaking of delicious caramel corn, funnel cake, corn dogs, or…the list goes on and on.
I got some positive feedback from listeners in the crowd. I always appreciate any feedback, and one gentleman even came up to the stage in the middle of my third song to say something nice. He looked so serious as he approached, so at first I wasn’t sure if he was rushing the stage to attack me with a corn on the cob or something. Ha ha!
Escondido was one of a several San Diego-area cities hit hard with summer wildfires. When I think about the intensity of that heat and how our brave firefighters and first responders moved boldly into those flames for the sake of others, I am overcome with awe. The fires were mostly under control by Sunday and we saw a number of fire trucks heading back home on the freeway.
The air was crisp and fresh as I was singing on stage. The only smoke I detected was that alluring scent of the many foods grilling just across the way. It was a breezy day, and a day to appreciate the fact that the good people of Escondido were relaxed and calm now that the crazy fires had been subdued and contained. It was a blessing to see people enjoying the day.
I love Escondido. I hope to return to share music there again!
Three of my cheerleaders watching the show.