Woke up early on Saturday, at 4 am, with a massive hangover, took three Excedrin and wrote in my blog. Later, near noon, Megan and I walked downtown to attend the Via Colori festival. According to their literature Via Colori is “an upscale painting event which donates to not-for-profit organizations.”
By walking we figured we’d avoid heavy traffic and downtown parking. Shockingly, only a few hundred people roamed the cordoned off streets—mostly artists and friends. What kept the masses away is a mystery; probably the ungodly heat, or maybe not just insufficient buzz around town. Freddytown is notorious for its silence. Anyway, we stayed an hour or so; some of the art worked, most was mediocre, but what can one expect from chalk etchings on pavement? And why the fuck are these artists using chalk anyway? Paint was used in all the other sponsoring cities—and the tradition of street painting, not street chalking, dates back to 16th century Italy. But leave it to Freddytown. There’s probably some lame-ass city ordinance prohibiting the defiling of Freddytown’s precious streets.
With rain in the forecast for Sunday, things can only get worse. How do you draw with chalk on a rainy street? Also, the main stage for the performances had no covering, not even a tent to shade the players. We’re talking about the possibility of heat strokes. A few concessions dotted the streets, selling ice drinks, cup cakes and hot dogs. Boring, boring, boring! Boy I’ll be sure and mark this one down on next year’s calendar!
On the way home Megan and I stopped by Capital Ale to get out of heat and catch a brew and burger. I thought I could kill two birds with one stone by gathering info for a review. The hostess informed us of a 30 minute wait so we segued over to the bar (one of my favorite locations) and cozied on up. I needed a cold beer! Fast! But it wasn’t to be. We waited patiently for a good ten minutes and never received as much as a hello from either of the mentally challenged bartenders. Sure they were busy, but I’ve seen much worse. Had we been the only ones rolling our eyes I would have cried foul, but half of the bar hadn’t been served. Finally we just said “fuck it” and beat feet. So as it stands now the Capitol Ale House review is officially on hold. Fuck em’ I say!!!!
Later in the evening Megan and I attended the Family Weekend—Music Department Showcase—held at the Dodd Auditorium on campus. Megan was playing so I figured I’d tag along for moral support. Several acts from the department performed, including the prestigious University of Mary Washington Philharmonic, which will be doing pieces from the original “Fantasia.” October 22—a must see I’m told.
The orchestra was outstanding. They offered three pieces: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach, Shubert’s Ave Maria, featuring a scintillating solo from concertmaster Megan Bevill, and a rousing version of Jerry H. Bilik’s American Civil War Fantasy.
The other performances by the UMC Concert Band, the Faculty Brass Quintet, and the Choral groups were decent, though a bit on the boring side. At least the brass bands kept me from snoring; on the other hand, the choral groups could have been billed as a sleeping pill; and the Jazz Ensemble did not impress—way too many tired solos.
Interestingly, the most entertaining performance was turned in by The UMW Show Choir. They were so terrible that I found myself almost laughing out loud through their two numbers. Their version of Don’t Stop Believin’ could have turned me into an atheist. It was simply terrible!
It was as if I were battling through a bad act from America’s Got Talent. Believe me, this group wouldn’t have lasted 20 seconds before receiving the XXX axe. The vocals hurt my ears, the costumes were tacky, and the dancing was pathetic. One dancer/singer reminded me of the late Chris Farley (this kid had to be packin’ a good 300 pounds) of Tommy Boy fame; I was just waiting for him to fall of the stage break his neck. Yikes!!
What really amazes me is how the music department has allowed these folks to exist. They are a total embarrassment! Perhaps the department should bill them as a comedy routine. Who knows?
On a sadder—and scarier—note, Dr. Kevin Bartram, conductor of the orchestra, suffered a minor heart attack following his performance with the Brass Quintet. He collapsed off stage and was rushed by ambulance to Mary Washington Hospital. Sources say he’s doing well and is currently in ICU. We wish him a speedy recovery.
And so it goes in the flames of Freddytown...
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