Except for a perverse fondness for cocktail parties, Bastardette likes to think of herself as an anti-social misanthrope. I mean, is there really a choice between an evening with Dale Hinman and a half-baked family get-together?
Yet, Bastardette confesses to an exception to misanthropy. Community “outreach” for Bastard Nation and adoptees. She seldom misses the chance to table an event or blather to a captive audience. Thus, she jumped at the chance for Bastard Nation to co-sponsor, with Chris Anarchist and Yippie! the 2nd Annual Iuka Park Folks Arts Festival & Family Picnic in Columbus, Ohio last Sunday. Low key, unplugged, and easy. Especially when somebody else is cooking.
Iuka Park is located in the middle of the University area, on Iuka Ravine. It’s quiet, easy to find, and family friendly. As long as you’re not electrifying your equipment or consuming illegal substances the cops leave you alone–even with a Bastard Nation flag flying. A couple canopies, a couple tables and a homemade stage (which we didn’t use) was all we needed. A storm threatened early in the day but didn’t pour all over us until around 7 PM. About 100 neighbors dropped by during the 7 hours of free food, free music, and free fun.
Entertainment was provided by Columbus activist (and cook extraordinaire) Connie Harris, bluegrass band Katy Whomp Us, father and daughter duo the Michaels, Miles Curtiss aka Mark the Robot, the bardic goddess Victoria Parks, and Unititty. The Afro-Brazilian Columbus T.A.B.C.A.T. (easier to watch than explain) closed out the day–unfortunately caught in the rainstorm and forced to move under a canopy; thus limiting their performance perimeters. (pictures in order below), We had a little bit of Bastardy, a little bit of Bush, a little bit of Diebold. Hey, it’s Ohio!
A few years ago I wrote Tips for Tabling. I’ve sophisticated the method up a bit, but you can get the idea. You never know when you’ll talk to somebody and really make a difference. Some of the staunchest Bastards (and bastards) I’ve known I’ve picked up at local events. If you wanna change the world, start with your neighborhood. BN plans to co-sponsor next year’s picnic.
oooooh ooooh I’m going next year, thats final!
You’re welcome, We’d be really impressed to have out-of-towners.