Early Morning Musings

I’m sitting around in front of the computer, waiting for some Goody’s powders to kick in so that I might be able to get some sleep. My neck was hurting when I laid down last night, but I figured I could take the pressure off of it and get some sleep. That didn’t work out too well, and I wound up getting back up because I was so uncomfortable. Thank the gods for Goody’s powders.
I also had a lot going through my mind. I’m hoping to get some things rolling with the Capt. Thornton festival this week. I need to nail down a location for the thing if I’m ever going to have a chance in hell of getting it rolling. I really don’t think anyone is going to take it seriously until then. I’ve been a little underwhelmed by the response I’ve gotten from certain quarters so far, because I was really careful about initially inviting about a dozen artists whom I thought would be interested. In the end, though, I’ve really only talked to two.
I had nice chats with two gentlemen last Friday; one who represents Levi “El Matamugu”, a reggae artist whom I’ve invited to play the festival, and another who represents a local Southern rock band, Rebel Pride, to whom I also extended an invitation. Both men were informative in supportive, and both offered to help me if they can, sharing contacts and the like. I very much needed those discussions, because my twin demons of Hope and Doubt have been warring for possession of my soul again.
I really do feel like this festival is possible, but I have to admit that it terrifies me. As much as I keep telling people that festivals don’t spring from pre-made corporate festival kits and that someone has to get the ball rolling, there’s that old voice in my head that keeps asking me, “what makes you think you’re the guy?” It doesn’t take much for me to admit that I really have no idea what I’m doing here. I mean, some of it is obvious, but I’m sure I’m going to make mistakes along the way, and time is running out. This has to be up and running by November 7th. Yikes!
Well, my neck is feeling a bit better. I’m going to go back to bed and see if I can get some sleep. I’m planning to head downtown in the morning to see if I can figure out who can tell me what libations are needed to be able to use Vinoy Park here in Saint Petersburg. But I also researched Coachman Park in Clearwater a bit, and have to admit that I was impressed. Coachman actually is much more attractive, from a facility standpoint (Vinoy Park has no facilities, and all staging and bathroom facilities would have to be brought in), but is on the Gulf of Mexico instead of overlooking Tampa Bay like Vinoy Park. Apples and oranges, I know. It’s still a part of the Tampa Bay area.
Anyway, hopefully I’ll be able to get my brain to shut up long enough for me to get some sleep. I’m definitely going to need it.