Visual Poi @ Westwood Audi Opening

It's always a delight to get to perform with the Boston Circus Guild! This wasn't just about Audi, this was Audi, Acura, and Porsche in conjunction with the non-profit Right Turn throwing a benefit fundraiser to help disadvantaged youths turn their lives around.

I paired against Little L on hoops, and opposite Alexis on cyr wheel for the run of the show. Clearing out a space in these sort of open floor situations with enough space to spin Visual Poi is always a bit tricky, but I was able to keep myself to the side of the aerial rig and in front of Jammin 98.5 (Matty in the Morning) and managed to lock that site down with Little L for the full two hours.

Programing the Visual Poi is half the fun of these events. Exploring how car images and logos play out was interesting; making sure they weren't getting too distorted as to be unrecognizable, and so on. It was also a great excuse to go through the entirety of the new Visual Poi Zone website and collect some new flame graphics for use.

My only wish would have been to have had a main-stage act; something where I could have really shown off the capabilities of these instruments. As it was, I stuck to 8 second rotations - assuming most music being played at the event would kick in at 120 bpm, and shooting for 4 bar phrases.

Visual Poi & Fire Show @ Brampton, ON Tree Lighting

I swear, Canada's this bastion of artistic acceptance. Everything from the lack of red-tape to cut through in order to perform legally as an American to the social acceptance of "Artist" as a job title.

I had the pleasure to perform for the City of Brampton at their annual Tree Lighting event. There were ballet dancers, character actors, and laser shows. I was there to main stage a Visual Poi show, immediately followed by a fire show. The crew even went out of their way to provide a canvas tarp to roll out for the fire breathing finale - in order to help keep the stage clean and clear for the act immediately following.

The crowd was nice and appreciative. I do believe they had it down - no one wants this 15-30 minute show. Audiences only have the attention span these days to focus for 4-7 minutes per act, tops. I may need to start trying to educate the American clients I work with to adopt a similar attitude, though I understand that to their mind it's a "band-for-your-buck" sort of mentality.

Will I get to do this again? I'm unsure. I would like to, but I suppose it really depends on whether or not someone more local steps up to fill the specific performance roll that was left empty with Terrance Drake retired.