Back from Portland's Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Performing sideshow in Portland, Oregon with the Oddities and Curiosities Expo under my own show (my first time doing a 30 minute set without support from a troupe) went surprisingly much better than expected. The only support I had was Christopher, who for those shows performed as The Fiend (he likes the concept of the character, but does not want to keep that name… so we’ll see where that goes over time). We coordinated the trip, ran our own sound and music, and it was almost like we’ve done this before.
Technically, we have done this before. We’re not strangers to being traveling performers. We’re just never in charge of all of it. And honestly, I loved it even though it was a ton of work. My only wish is that we had an extra hand to sell merch when we were busy. I only had my books with me for this show, but more merch is definitely coming.
After 17 years, performing feels so natural. Even if half the time I am rambling nonsense on stage instead of following a script. I used to not talk at all, so I’m pretty proud that I can even think of words while on stage… or even interact with the audience.
Anyway, we didn’t run into any hiccups. The only thing that happened that could have been a disaster, was that my hand-me-down ladder for the Ladder of Machetes act split while I was on it and one of the machetes began to wobble. Luckily, Christopher is my safety and he immediately noticed it. It was thankfully our last show of the weekend, but now I have to find a new ladder to modify.
My next appearance is this Saturday at Artisan’s Books and Coffee in Everett, Washington. I am selling books and participating on a panel with other authors from the Horror Writers Association. I will also be leaving a few books on consignment for anyone who is interested in picking up copies later. It’s not a sideshow performance, but it will surely be a good time.
Stay strange!