Derby Day

Better late than never. This is what happens when you don't have staff of writers yet. I recently had the pleasure of performing at Derby Day in Derby Connecticut on Saturday, June 26th, thanks to our recent affiliation with the Valley Arts Council. I must admit, I was a little apprehensive. I had never done a street festival in Derby and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a beautiful day. The ride from my house was effortless and I found parking a few feet away from the entrance. I planned to bring jewelry and CD's and my drum, but I ended up leaving everything in the car except for my Street Performing Case (This is a big travel tote on wheels with a pull up handle that I can put my Street Cube and other stuff. It is large enough for me to have put my jewelry, CD's and drum, but I did not prepare my case in advance. (Remember the importance of preparing in advance. This way you don't forget things.) With a deep breath, my son and his friend and an open heart, off I went to play my heart out. My partner in crime, Moonshine Kellie and I set up at the entrance of the Derby Green under a nice big tree in what appeared to be the children's area. There were lots of games, activities and people. The first songs are always the roughest as you get your sound and feel correct. As we were setting up, a 4 piece "barber shop" style band came over and proceeded to play a song. I am sure the expression on my face said everything and one of the members assured me that they would only play one song. As we played people stopped to listen, sat down and chilled and the people in the tent next to us encouraged us to keep playing. Some people put money in the tip basket. After an hour or so, we moved on to the next spot right on the street in between The Hill Health Center tent and a toy tent. The vibe was great! People stopped, tipped and applauded. I was feeling the love and the kids were having a ball. The music flowing onto the street, and latched on like a soundtrack to the sights and sounds of kids playing, families walking together, merchants hawking their wares and scents of various foods dancing in the air. I was at home. I felt like I was in NYC. People got it. Unlike a lot of cities in CT, people in Derby seemed to fully embrace and understand the Street Performer and the natural thing to do was to listen, applaud and tip. Simple and fabulous. Its amazing how some of the biggest ideas can come out of the smallest towns. Thanks Derby CT. and everyone at The Valley Arts Council!