Well that didn’t tell me anything new or help you understand what I do! I guess emceeing means a lot of things to me, from simply announcing the artists, and there’s a personal and honest way of doing that, to playing a major role in creating the context or energy and vibe of the event. Much depends upon the format of the event: multiple stages, multiple MCs, multi day event, type of music, day or night, time of year, hospitality of venue, vision of the producer and endless other influences. My primary responsibility, as I see it, is continuity and community. I love to share the stage with other MCs, spoken word performers and non-profit representatives. Part of my job is public information, first aid and lost and found locations, letting the audience know about other parts of the event and of course “Lost Parents”. 20 years ago it dawned on me that 90% of the time we have the child; it’s the parents we’re looking for. But, to me, the most important part is helping to create for the audience the most incredible, thought provoking, community forming, funny and rich experience possible.

I am also available to assist the Stage Manager (if he or she so wishes) in keeping the show on time… 1) to protect the promoter if he has a curfew and 2) to respect all artists on the bill to ensure that they are given their contracted time on stage. 30 years of doing this and a lot of silver hair seem to make this easier every year. I have worked with most of the artists on the northwest festival tour.

I believe that between act DJs are there to fill background house music when there are no public service announcements, no speakers or “tweeners” and should play in context (to the artists performing) and softly enough for the audience to communicate with each other and for the stage crew to be able to do so as well. In the one instance it creates community and in the other it helps the show to run on time. A show is designed with a rhythm and it is part of the MC’s job to maintain and enhance that rhythm.

Venue design:
I am a Virgo (blue planetary eagle, Mayan; wooden rooster, Chinese), so I have been helping promoters organize and design their shows and putting together a few of my own since my Family Dog days. With my experience gained as Chet Helm’s partner on the Family Dog’s Tribal Stomps in the 70’s, I developed French’s Campground into a festival venue in 1980 which served Reggae on the River’s growth from 1,000 attendance in it’s first year in 1984 to 20,000 in the year 2000. Then we had to work on the new set of problems that success brings and that’s “another story”. Part of which is that I co-wrote one of the only Environmental Impact Reports ever written in the state of California for an annual festival for Reggae on the River. As one of its founders, I helped oversee all aspects of its development and design during its first twelve years. The site served until it moved 24 years later in 2006. I also helped the City of Eureka design its site for Blues by the Bay, now in its 7th year. And as a back-up manager for the Oregon Country Fair, I have assisted in its public relations, emergency response systems, general planning and basic operational and site development for the last ten years.

Public Relations:
I handled all county, state and federal agencies and much of the media relations for those 12 years of Reggae on the River, through some very interesting times. I understand what they need to feel comfortable with your event in the case of agencies and what they need to support your event in the case of the media. I have done radio and television interviews for the Oregon Country Fair for the last 8 years. During a period of “hands across the water”, while I was President of the Mateel Community Center (I was on the founding Board of the Mateel and served for 8 years), I served as the Chairman of the Marketing Committee for the Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Mediation:
I am a trained, certified mediator having received my training through Humboldt Mediation Services. Aside from the obvious resource the training is at moments on any stage, I work as a “family” mediator (as well as some spoken word and MC “play”) at the Oregon Country Fair for the 3-4 weeks I spend with the Fair as a Back-up Manager. This is a very old (38 years), entitled, diverse and vibrant community. It is an event of immense proportions, wise systems and great integrity. It is probably my most challenging and rewarding work.

Spoken Word:
I suppose this is what I have been doing as an MC for 30 years, but the last few years I have also just done spoken word performances (from 10 minute presentations to a 1 hour lecture and discussion period) and appeared on panels with subjects as varied the 60’s and their legacy, to patriarchal religions and their legacy, to event management and philosophy.

Hospice:
I received my training through Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice. It gives me perspective.

So…….I am available for any and all aspects of event production listed above (and many not listed). Rates are variable, a sliding scale of orbital* proportions.

* orbital, adj., “What goes around, comes around”. Doug’s Dictionary