Swinging down through the Chicago Loop with the great Cher and Christina belting out about burlesque("show a little more, show a little less, let them know what's in store, welcome to burlesque!), we started out our journey to Gold Coast in high spirits.
When we reached the lake we could open the windows and feel the great breeze off Lake Michigan.
And that's what my tent has: a great view of the magnificent fountain in Grant Park and a cool breeze. Our booth is backed by huge trees that offer total relief from the noon sun. Amy handed out water jugs to everyone and there are tons of ice and water available at all times for us.
We were the first group to set up(we pulled in right by our booth. I owe that all to a fellow AFIer named Robert Campbell. He stalled unloading and saved a loading space until my husband arrived. Thanks, great guy!)
We left at 4 pm as the next group was arriving. I must say it was an impressive sight to see all those white tents....and that was just half the number.
I feel like Christmas Eve. I just can't wait to wake up tomorrow.
Comments
I have to sum up what I have heard back from fellow artists to put this show in perspective.
Three other artists did well at this show( one of them said it was her best show in 10 years.)
I think location is everything.
Every artist in our "alley" did not do well.....so if you are not on the central circle, in that heat, people were lkess likely to come down....they stayed with the crowd on the beaten path.
This is just a theory thrown into the wind.
Take it as that.
I would do this show again in a heart beat. Any Amdur Production is worth it. The set up was a breeze...honest! Take down was really just as easy. It took 90 minutes to lock and load....and ride out of town. We bought an I-pass, so we flew through the tolls. I was in my hot tub with my 2 inches of whiskey before midnight.
Amy's staff is superior. Security was tight. Everything was clean. Judges introduced themselves and asked questions. Amy herself was visable many times. Rules were followed. I saw no buy/sell or other unethical conduct. The music was pleasant and not overly loud. (They had my favorite smoothies booth!)
I realize now that the people were hot but also not as amiable as in Arlington Heights. But that's the big city for you, I guess.
As Dan was going for the car and I sat with all our packed possessions, the tents were all down....I could finally see the city. In the early evening hush as I turned around, I felt as if I were on some alien planet:surrounded by flashing glass, hulking shapes that scraped the heavens, brilliant hues of lights....Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Turning again, I was reminded of the fountains in Europe. There was the breathtaking, multilayers of the towering Grant Park fountain, awash with lights at night.
C'est la vie!
I am grateful to not be blown away to Kansas, Anita!
This way I can play another day!
Hey Christine,
Where was your booth?
Linda I'm glad you had a decent show and you're right, the organisers can't do anything about the weather and people being too hot to buy! Making $1K over expenses isn't bad - you may not be able to live on it at that level all the time, but a profit is a profit!
Christine, glad you had a great show and that the moon and stars seemed to align for you this year!
MAJOR CORRECTION:
The AFIer would held a car space for us was ROBERT COPELAND!!
Hey, that reminds me.....where were my fellow AFIers at 11 am on Sunday morning?
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