I was on the New Haven Green tonight. I was the only one wearing a suit and tie–probably the only guy wearing make-up too, though you can’t always be sure.
It’s the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, a New Haven summertime staple. Many of the acts are a little too narrowly targeted for me, but fans are attracted to their niche and that’s good for New Haven. Getting people in-town at night is not easy.
Thundershowers had been in the forecast, but after a few afternoon sprinkles the clouds broke. The evening air was warm and humid. The breeze was mostly a no show.
My job this evening was to bring Ben Allison and Man Size Safe on stage. Ben is a jazz bassist of note. Though originally from here, he’s now an international name. I stayed through his first three songs and thought he was very good. Of course, I’m not sure I’m qualified to judge jazz.
I did my thing and then, as I stepped off stage, explored the concept of stage fright. I have none. There is no audience large enough to scare me. Maybe I’ve done this too many times. It’s totally painless for me. I’ve been told, most people take the opposite view of doing anything in public.
As the fourth song began, I turned from a few friends and walked back to the station. Time for dinner.