Looking back and then forward to autumn...

After a lovely weekend – a last visit to the Sawdust Fest and a surreal and memorable send-off to the Moonlight's season and fantastic production of Les Miz – it is a happy thing to think ahead to the next chapter. I enjoy summer, but I think I like autumn more. I know I'm in the minority, but I love it when I feel that first nip in the air (which is still a ways off). I love apple season and harvest time. My creative impulses often are heightened when our corner of the world goes from that extroverted time of the summery outdoors to the more introspective, buttoned-up fall.

Specific things I'm anticipating are a trip to NYC in a couple of weeks (lots of friends in shows as well as a certain guy turning 40), followed closely by a quick trip back to Wichita to take part in their annual gala fundrasing event. It will be a great time of friends and fun and a little hard work. Can't wait! Then October will be filled with art and new possibilities, capped off by the start of my next show's rehearsals on Hallowe'en. I am so looking forward to taking part in Plaid Tidings at the Welk Resort Theatre. It will be a wonderful thing to spend the holidays performing great music and bringing the laughs alongside friends Kevin McMahon, David Humphrey, and Ryan Drummond. I look forward to a visit from the family early in the run. That will be lovely and I know they'll love the show.

Well, how's that for a quick summary of a few months of my life? I wish you all the best in all that comes next. Take care, all. Peace and love.

P.S. In response to my post a little while back about the history of my hiking trail, my brother Jordan found out that the estate comprising a portion of the trail wasn't owned by a Lila Wilacre (who?) but a silent movie cowboy named Will Acres. Thanks, J, for doing a little more digging. Now I want to find out more about this Will Acres guy.

A farewell to summer.

I'm getting ready to hit the road again in a southerly direction. A couple of great summer institutions have reached the end of the season and I want to see them off. First, the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach has become a happy stop on treks through Orange County. I love chatting with the artists, grabbing a beverage and sitting a while to listen to the great live bands. I'll miss that funky Laguna summery vibe. But I'm glad to note that while you might have to look harder for that vibe in the off-season, it's still there and being enjoyed by less people. More parking for me! Ha!

Second, the Moonlight Amphitheatre has reached the end of this wonderful summer season. I saw their fantastic production of Les Miserables on Friday night and I'm going back for a second and final helping this evening. Can't wait. Emotions should be incredibly amped up not only because of the closing of this special show, but also because it is the last night a show will be seen on this stage as we know it. As I mentioned previously, this stage will be torn down and a brand new updated and more versatile stage house will take its place next year. So this is a closing of a chapter of sorts with the anticipation of a more exciting one to come. After ten shows I've taken part in on that very stage myself, I'll definitely be nostalgic. So many of my life-long friendships have been made and cultivated there. I hear we may have the opportunity to grab a piece of the stage before it gets scrapped, so that will be neat. I'm looking forward to see who comes out of the woodwork tonight. The crowd is expected to be record-breaking. I just hope I get a spot on that back wall.

Well, take care all! Happy end of summer. Peace and love!