Someone brought an old piano to Artica. What a great idea! I've seen outdoor public pianos only in a few places, particularly in Belfast, Northern Ireland. People love them.
Anyone who could play was invited to have a go at it. This chap was improvising until he saw me and my big lens when he, shall we say, struck a pose. He had more piercings than I have prescription medications, which is saying something.
More of this tomorrow. Big travel this week.
One of the first acts Saturday on the Artica main stage. I think he calls himself Eldraco but that part of the program was a little confusing. He was a terrific showman (love the coat but I wish more were visible) and had a powerful voice. Something that was odd, though, not seen here, is that there were three female backup singers in a line at the rear of the small stage, just dancing in place and adding musical punctuation. That may have been common in the 60s but I found it disconcerting in today's entertainment world.
Artica, The Lou's wacky, almost anything goes festival of performing and visual arts, is back with us this weekend. The opening Saturday always has a parade for everyone (there are few spectators except the photographers) at exactly 1:11 PM. The reasons for that are lost in the mists of time. Here, the inimitable Audrey Simes, seen at so many interesting local events, struts out as drum major.
I told her I can never guess what fabulous costume I will see her in next. She said this was something she, oh, just threw together that morning.
But I have to say I'm not certain that this is a parrot. It's colorful enough but smaller than I would think. If any avian experts out there can provide any help I'd welcome it.
Another scene from Tower Grove Pride. I'm pretty hard up for material but Artica is this weekend, which is an image gold mine.
Late post. I'm surprised by how busy some days can get for a retired person. Anyway, after the last two days of posts about political extremism, I thought that something decidedly unserious was called for. This is one of those inflatables that gyrates wildly, usually to attract attention to a business. Seen at Tower Grove Pride.
