NEED Fire Performers?!

[Jonathan "Grimm" Zimmer]

I could not find the admin e-mail address, so apologies for making this a public statement...

Hello,
This is Grimm from Incendium Arts. You may call me Jon if you like.
I had sent an e-mail I believe regarding our fire troupe, and the potential of performing at Hoodilidoo Fest. We recently received a message back (below), and I have to say I was pretty shocked.

If you'll allow it, I will explain why.
The festival circuit is one of dance, expression, and music. Fire dancers are very common in this scene, as there are few things more primal. I have attended many music festivals, nearly all of them having this wonderfully entertaining art form built in, brought for free by the hard working folks that put themselves in harm's way for the sake of your crowds. This brings a great deal of respect our way in some regards, but in others it has become quite the opposite.

If your bands are also on a pay-to-play basis, then what I am about to say is going to carry alot less weight. Regardless, it deserves attention.

Fire performers are for the most part hard working, steadfast, and put countless hours into what we do. We have repeatedly run into the same attitude that we are not on the same level with other performers at an event, often the first ones to be expected to do it for free, even pay to do it. There are many who will, and we are no exception, but we have seen many money making endeavors simply use fire performers as if they should be automatically honored to even attend.

That being said, if Hoodilidoo has not yet seen it's share of the fire community, and you *NEED* fire dancers, here are a couple of thoughts...

If you let the bands in for free, that is the LEAST you could do for your fire performers. You *need* us because it's more than just some band, so please treat your attending fire performers as such. Playing music *usually* doesn't come with a risk of cancer or 3rd degree burns.

The better you treat your fire performers, the more quality you can expect out of your flaming attendees next time. Most serious performers the country over know one another, and we are a tightly knit group. Word of mouth spreads quickly with us, and if your event showed one of us some real love, other talented people are bound to come.

You may find some kids that don't care about that, but you can't expect them to care much more about your event either. Playing with fire in a huge party format has it's distractions, and dangers. Proper safety, relative SOBRIETY, and people who know and care about what they are doing are key in such an environment. This can be difficult to find in such venues, where the easygoing vibe carries a "Do as you will" badge. We have seen many scary evenings start with the words "Who cares, it's not like they're paying us!" and "Can I try that?"

So thank you for listening, and I apologize if this came off callous or conceited. I simply wanted to speak up on behalf of every fire spinner I know, and tell the festival circuit that we deserve better. It is my hope that more music festivals will help us break that stigma, and care that they pocket a profit while we burn ourselves for free. There are groups out there that do this as a career, and put thousands of hours and dollars into making it a real show... only to be offered a discounted ticket.

Good luck in your hunt, and thank you for your interest in Incendium Arts,
Jonathan Zimmer

*Original Message*
A message to all members of HOODILIDOO

GREETINGS FELLOW HOODILIDOO PEOPLE!!!
As the festival grows near I just wanted to issue a little reminder..HOODILIDOO IS ON A COSMIC POWER DATE!!!
THE 4OTH ANNIVERSARY OF WOODSTOCK!!!!!!


WE HAVE A SEPARATE FIRE ARENA AND WE NEED FIRE DANCERS!! THE FIRE ARENA IS COOL AS HELL WITH A LITTLE SECTION WITH BLEACHER SEATS!!!

SO IF YOU ARE A FIRE DANCER OR KNOW FIRE DANCERS PLEASE LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE WELCOME AT HOODILIDOO...
WE ARE OFFERING GROUP DISCOUNTS ON TICKETS AS WELL!!!
FOR MORE INFO YOU CAN GO TO PROPULSE.INFO OR CALL THE HOODILIDOO HOTLINE AT 847-304-8077.

DONT FORGET TO BRING WATER AND STAY HYDRATED AND SAFE!

WE LOVE YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE!!!

HOODILIDOO

[Top Shelf Event Management]

Jon,
To answer the question directly, we here at Hoodilidoo adore fire dancers. I believe this comes from a simple case of confusion. Jimmy's post requesting the support of the fire community is a heartfelt call to arms. Our original concept was for a competitive burn. Putting 8 teams in a tournament throwdown format. Insurance requirements for a competitive burn turned out to be far more than we can handle this year. Instead, we want to welcome as many fire performers as possible into one of the safest pit areas you will ever see. The campgrounds year round calling is as an equestrian training center. The pit is typically a show arena for training horses. It is 2 1/2 acres of pebble sand (completely non flamable performance area) with a 4 foot high livestock fence surrounding it to keep spectators and dogs away while you are performing. There are bleachers to provide a comfortable viewing area for the attendees as well as an elevated stage for the turn tablists that will provide music to accompany your performance. We fully recognize the value of performers of all types, volunteers, vendors, food providers and spectators We do provide the fire performers free admittance as well as a separate camping area in the trees to provide for the unique sleep patterns you maintain. We have several groups already committed to perform and we would like to include you and Incendium Arts as well. Please contact me directly at [e-mail]. The posting has several points and we may have been better served to skip a line in between but the welcome to dancers is a separate statement than the group discount statement.
Thank for taking the time to voice your concerns rather than simply blowing off the opportunity and I hope these answers satisfy your concerns.
Peace
Sean McMorrow

[kellybeez]

absitively! Hoodilidoo is designed by artists of all kinds...you will also have the opportunity to be videotaped (or not) as part of other projects. I adore and revere dancers, and hope to have the opportunity to meet, greet and honor your group. thanks for having the fireballs to say it out loud so we can fix it...peace!

[Jonathan "Grimm" Zimmer]

Hey Hoodlians!
Thank you all or your speedy replies and respectful demeanor, you guys rock and I hope I can make it out! There are some fire people already interested, and a couple of people have contacted me through here. Where should I send interested parties? I have had questions of who to contact to be involved here on Ning, and I'm not sure. Could you guys post something here or on the main page for folks to contact you? Thanks again kids!
Grimm

[Top Shelf Event Management]

Hey Grimm.
Feel free to send them to me either thru ning or they can call me at 304-809-5983 if that will speed up the process. I truly do hope you make it out. For questions pertaining to involvement in the site or ning community have them contact Jimmy Valentine thru this site and volunteers should reach out to kellybeez here.
Peace
Sean