Guitar Circle Sundays, 1-16-11

Victor, Alex, Chris, Rick, Dev, Brad, Glenn

C and A arrive at the space around 5:20, where V is present and already warming up on guitar. There is some extra work to be done before the first performance of Guitar Circle Sundays this evening, and some Circlers are arriving early to clean, set up equipment, and tweak lighting, among other things. The group will also be getting a sense of a time table of necessary tasks involved in preparing the space.

When all are assembled, still working, a moment is taken to discuss ideas for a group exercise to be used while present in the performance space. This exercise of attention is to help the Circlers stay grounded amidst the energy and emotions that come from performance, and this kind of performance project in particular. D offers a suggestion which receives consensus.

There is a little time for group warm-up after practical work, during which Lindsay S. arrives (along with another of B's pals, Simon). Lindsay shared a 'bill' with the Circle last March and tonight is generously acting as doorperson for the group on somewhat short notice. It is anticipated that the audience tonight will be mostly family and friends, which is useful and appropriate at this beginning point of the undertaking; no larger-scale promotion has been done, other than a sandwich board outside.

The Circle goes on around 7:40 to an audience of eight or nine quiet, strong listeners.

There is some brief socializing after the performance, and a pow wow after the audience departs and the dust settles. Some points of performance are discussed, including how to handle mistakes individually and as a group. There is another note to be careful about judging audience response by appearances - the Circle has been applauded by hecklers and imbibed by silent auditors.

Without a babysitter, R is forced to depart around 9:00, and the remaining Circlers decide that it is most profitable to spend rehearsal time on The Sunken Cathedral. After forty minutes or so of work, there is a tear down around 10:00.