One Down, Two More to Go

Last night's performance went well. It looked like a good crowd, but you'll have to forgive me if I can't give an exact head count. After all, you must remember: Carlos is the one confessing to the audience for 45 minutes, and not me. I'd like to thank everyone who showed for opening night.

I think the listing as one of the Festival's "5 That Sound Cool" in yesterday's The Fresno Bee definitely gave the show some exposure. I've been happy with the attention the show has been getting. Don't forget that there are still two chances to catch the show, which will be on Wednesday, March 4th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 7th at 6:15 p.m. at the Spectrum Art Gallery at 608 E. Olive, Fresno, CA 93728.

I need to give thanks to the following people who have helped me in some way or the other with promoting my show:

-to Community Alliance, The Madera Tribune, and The Fresno Bee for publishing information regarding my show;

-to Aileen and Tony Imperatrice for allowing me at the last minute to give a teaser at Ashtree Studios (1035 N. Fulton, Fresno, CA 93728) as part of Rogue Hop back on Thursday, February 26th. Don't forget, check out Aileen's artwork at Ashtree Studios and get a chance to "Meet the Artist" on Sunday, March 1st at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, March 6th at 6:15 p.m. Additionally, don't forget about Tony Imperatrice's "My Big Organ Show," which has showings at Ashtree Studios on Friday, March 6th at 8:45 p.m. and Saturday, March 7th at 2:30 p.m.;

-to Veni Vidi Vici's (1116 N. Fulton, Fresno, CA 93728) for allowing me to me to give a teaser back on Thursday;

-to Spectrum Gallery (608 E. Olive) for being a cafe venue as part of the Rogue Festival, and to Bruce and Brad (the venue managers) for their help with my show and other shows that are taking place there;

-to the following Tower District establishments for allowing me to distribute fliers for my show: Irene's Cafe (747 E. Olive), The Revue Cafe (620 E. Olive), Spectrum Art Gallery (608 E. Olive), Ashtree Studios (1035 N. Fulton), Palomino's (805 E. Olive), The Tower Theater (815 E. Olive), Piemonte's Deli (616 E. Olive), and Bobby Salazar's (725 E. Olive).

-to the faculty, staff, and students at the Madera Community College Center for their interest in and support of my artistic endeavors. Specifically, I'd like to thank Jay Leech, my friend and colleague, for his help with the promo videos that have been part of generating interest in the show;

-to the Rogue Festival coordinators in general for allowing me to perform and share my talents
with others;

-and, most of all, to my wife Stephanie for her constant support in all that I do and, for this show in particular, for your suggestions, your help with my show's props, and your taking a photo that has unexpectedly played a big part in getting exposure for the show.

Tonight's Opening Night . . .

Tonight is the first showing of "Confessions of a Karaoke DJ." Again, it will be at the Spectrum Gallery (608 E. Olive, Fresno, CA 93728), and it will start at 7:30 p.m. If you are familiar with the Tower District, the Spectrum Gallery is next door to Piemonte's Deli, which in turn is next door to The Revue cofee house.

Last night, the Rogue Hop went on, which allowed the various Rogue Festival performers to give teasers for their shows. I did just that at two different venues. Due to cancellations from a couple of other performers, I was able to share information along with a segment of my show at Ashtree Studios (1035 N. Fulton St.) at about 6:20 or 6:30. (I forget the exact time.) I also gave a teaser at Veni Vidi Vici (1116 N. Fulton St.) on their patio at about 6:50 p.m. Hopefully my teasers generated interest from those in attendance.

Even if you do not get to see my show, I encourage all of you to see any of the shows that will be part of the Rogue Festival. Keep in mind, however, that some shows have material that may not be suitable for all viewers, so be sure to check the Rogue Map and the Rogue Festival website for ratings and information. (My show is Rated PG-13, so keep that in mind.)

My Show Has Gotten Press

Back on Wednesday, February 25th, The Madera Tribune mentioned my show on the front page along with an artist from Madera whose work will be showcased as part of the Rogue Festival.

I just found out that my show is mentioned in today's edition of The Fresno Bee. My picture (which you can see is the first posting on this website)is on the front page along with other Rogue Festival performers.

In the entertainment section, my shows is mentioned as one that sounds interesting. If you wish to read it, click on the following link: http://www.fresnobee.com/entertainment/story/1226014.html

News from North Carolina

I just received word that three of my poems will be published in the 2009 issue of The Broad River Review, the literary journal for Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, NC). Last year, two of my poems were published in that journal, so I am incredibly excited to be published yet again.

A Few Resources for the Uninitiated

For any of your novices to the karaoke scene, there is a place online where you can hear people doing renditions of your favorite songs. If interested, visit http://www.singsnap.com/

There is also a magazine that deals with the karaoke scene throughout the world. Guess what the name of the magazine is? You guessed it: Karaoke Scene! If you'd like to check it out, visit http://www.karaokescene.com/

Finally, the only film I have seen and know about that focuses heavily on karaoke is a film titled Duets. This film stars Huey Lewis, Gwenyth Paltrow, Paul Giamatti, Andre Braugher, Maria Bello, and Scott Speedman. If you've ever heard Smokey Robinson's "Cruisin'" covered by a man and a woman on the radio, you have this film to thank. (You should be able to rent it at any Blockbuster or Hollywood Video.)

One More Week to Go . . .

Well, there is only one more week until the Rogue Festival begins. One week from today will be the first chance to catch "Confessions of a Karaoke DJ."

Don't forget that Rogue Hop will be going on next Thursday at Veni Vidi Vici. You can catch a glimpse of my show along with others as the performers give ten-minute samplings.

I should also point out that the Rogue Maps are available. For those of you wondering what I'm talking about, a Rogue Map is a booklet containing information about the various shows and artists who will be participating in this event. There is even a grid on the back pages that is similar to a TV Guide, showing you what is being performed along with when and where. This is especially helpful if there are two shows you'd like to see yet are going on simultaneously.

If you visit The Fresno Beehive online, you will see various fliers of Rogue Festival shows under Mike Osegueda's blog. The link is http://www.fresnobeehive.com/archives/2009/02/post_no_bills_r.html

Rogue Flier

Plugging Other Rogue Shows

Yesterday, I had the chance to meet some fellow Rogue performers and exchanged fliers. I'd like to highlight those shows right now:

The Acoustic Kinetic Collective Show
This is a dance performance that will be taking place at Starline (833 E. Fern Ave., between Livingstone's and Starline Grill). It will be four different nights, and the cost is $5. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/acoustickineticcollective

Annette Ash: Houseboats, Headwinds, and Highways
I have heard Annette Ash perform with her band. Definitely worth checking out if you get the chance. She'll be performing at Palomino's Restaurant (805 East Olive Street)on four different nights. The cost is $8. For more information, check out http://www.annettesmusic.com

Cupid is a B*tch . . . a musical about true love
The guys in charge of this one did last year's "Shakespeare is an Idiot." This sounds funny, and will be at Diana's South (726 N. Fulton). The cost is $6. For more information, check out http://joshwillidiot.blogspot.com

Dream of Scheherazade
This is a belly dancing performance that is put on by the Ananka Dance Company. There will be four chances to catch it at Diana's North (826 N. Fulton). The cost is $7. For more information, check out http://www.ananka.com

The Magic and Comedy of Tony Blanco
As you can guess from the title, this is a family friendly show that features magic. It will be playing on four different occasions at Dianna's South (726 N. Fulton), and the cost is $7. For more information, check out http://www.tonyblanco.com

For more information about these and any other shows, don't forget to visit http://www.roguefestival.com/rogue09. You can also click on the Rogue Muse on this page to be taken there directly.

Praise from Last Year's Rogue Performance

When my wife and I performed in the Rogue Festival last year, we received the following comments regarding our show, "The Siren and the Postmodern Psalmist" (Available at http://roguefestival.com/rogue08/?p=108):

259. Boris O said
in March 5th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
i went to see your show and it was impressing.I do like the way your wife sang and her voice was glorious.you, you are genius, your poetry was fantastic and wonderful especial the one about september 11. it’s was a great moment and i think everyone should go and check it out.

315. LIzzy said
in March 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Wow! I enjoyed the show. It was my first live performance and I loved it. Prof. Greggory, that was a preformance, it was interesting and fantastic, it was great poetry and your wife was awesome, she has a beautiful voice and the choice of song was just, wow. I liked it alot I am looking forward to next years rogue festival, and for more of the Siren and The Postmodern Psalmist. Great job and congradulations for the success.

320. tadious said
in March 8th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
It was my first time attending to this festival and I really enjoy it. The combination of poetry and song was beautiful. I like your wife voice. She got beautiful voice that I enjoyed listen to. Also your poems were great. Specially the one about sep.10 and my favorite one about the chicken. It’s a great place to take your girlfriend because the setting of the place and the whole show is wonderful. I got big points from my girl for that thanks to you….
Ps. Every one should go check the show out…its really good

342. Gene said
in March 10th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Your show was every good and interesting because I haven’t been to the Rogue festival before but i enjoy your show. Your wife’s singing was wonderful and the song choice were perfect too. Your poems that you read were good and very deep. My favorite poem got to be 9/10 and the one about the boyfriend and girlfriend trying to be friend. All and all it was a good show and I enjoyed myself.

347. magdalena Lemus said
in March 10th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
The Siren And The Postmedern Psalmist was a wonferful show, in a very nice place, all together creared an ambient of romance, I really enjoy the show so much.

360. DER YANG said
in March 12th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
well,
i really enjoyed the poem along with the jazz music.
i find the poetry about sitting alone very fascinating. it takes a lot to just try and make friend with a past history together. i really enjoyed the decription of gregory ramirez’s poem about 9/10. i remember sitting in class and my whole class was about about 9/11. the whole theme of the music with the poetry was very moving.

385. Kauly Cha said
in March 15th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
The show was very entertaining. The combination of having the singer (your wife the Siren) do her part in the play brings out a huge background of life. Her choices of songs were beautiful. I really enjoyed the poems you wrote for her as well.

387. christineh4 said
in March 16th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I thought the duo was great. I liked your poems, and your wifes songs.It was a nice experience!

Don't forget to post comments about your interest and your thoughts about my show at http://roguefestival.com/rogue09/?p=162. You can also leave comments and get information regarding other shows at http://roguefestival.com/rogue09.

Community Alliance Article

"Community Alliance," a Fresno newspaper which is "the voice of the progressive movement since 1996," just published an article relating to the Rogue Festival.

That article mentions my show. Be sure to check it out. You can pick up a free copy of the newspaper at certain businesses within the Tower District, or you click on the following link: http://www.fresnoalliance.com/articles_february_2009.htm

The Rogue Website and Rogue Hop

You can access include information about this year's Rogue Festival and the other shows that will be a part of it (including mine). Be sure to visit http://roguefestival.com/rogue09/.

I should point out that they are updating the content on it, so information may change from day to day.

If, after seeing the website, you become even more stumped about which shows to see, there is something called Rogue Hop that will take place on the first day of the festival, which is on Thursday, February 26th. As far as I know, there will be "teasers" where performers will speak and/or give a sampling of their show for a maximum of ten minutes. It will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and I will be doing it at approximately 6:50 p.m., but I should note that the time is subject to change.

The teasers will be at Veni Vidi Vici's, which is at 1116 N. Fulton (across the street from the Babylon parking lot). There will also be teasers at Ashtree Studios, which is at 1035 N. Fulton, Fresno, CA 93728. (I'll be at Veni Vidi Vici's.)

Definition of "Postmodernism"

The following is a definition of "postmodernism," according to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) online, which is a word that may have some relevance to the upcoming show:

[< POST- prefix + MODERNISM n. Compare POSTMODERNIST n. and later POSTMODERN adj.]

The state, condition, or period subsequent to that which is modern; spec. in architecture, the arts, literature, politics, etc., any of various styles, concepts, or points of view involving a conscious departure from modernism, esp. when characterized by a rejection of ideology and theory in favour of a plurality of values and techniques. Also in extended use in general contexts, freq. used ironically.
Typical features of late 20th cent. postmodernism include references to, or the use of, earlier styles and conventions, a deliberate mixing of different styles and media (often with self-referential or parodic intent) and the incorporation of images relating to consumerism, mass-communication, etc.

1914 J. M. THOMPSON in Hibbert Jrnl. July 744 The raison d'etre of Post-Modernism is to escape from the double-mindedness of Modernism by being thorough in its criticismby extending it to religion as well as theology, to Catholic feeling as well as to Catholic tradition. 1926 B. I. BELL Postmodernism & other Ess. I. vi. 54 The Spirit of the Living God will create Postmodernism. 1942 H. R. HAYS in D. Fitt Anthol. Contemp. Lat. Amer. Poetry 601 His sonnet on the Swan..is the manifesto of post-Modernismone of the significant landmarks in world literature. 1969 L. FIELDEN in Playboy Dec. 151/1 Cross the border, close that gap: post-modernism. We are living through the death throes of literary modernism and the birth pangs of postmodernism. 1979 Time 8 Jan. 53/1 The nearest man Post-Modernism has to a senior partner is, in fact, the leading American architect of his generation: Philip Cortelyou Johnson. 1985 Crit. Q. 27 4 Postmodernism has been described as both an extension and intensification of modernism and as a reaction against modernism. 1994 Laywitness July-Aug. 2/1 Some years ago the Latin Liturgy Association, hardly a herald for cultural postmodernism, offered a videotape of the coronation of Pius XII.

Show Promo (Short Version)

Teaser Video