And the Band Began to Play ...

TUESDAY, DAYTIME

That's right, today was the start of the 2007 edition of the SouthSide Film Festival. Filmmakers begin to trickle into town from around the Country and from around the World. The amazing thing that in spite of any language barriers, the
language of film is Universal, and there is a mutual understanding. It's is truly an
amazing thing to be a part of and it sends goosebumps up my spine as I watch the
networked and bonding going on between filmmakers and between filmmakers and our entire SSFF crew.

Tuesday was just alot of last minute details, blended with a little pleasure. I had my daily "rounds" to be made, contacts to call, and details needing my attention. I gave it my normal 200%, and was fairly successful in finishing my "honey do" list, and putting out any last minute fires. With my tasks under control I indulge in some REAL pleasure... a Segway tour of Bethlehem provided by Bob Palik at Segway of the Lehigh Valley. Bob is allowing me to ride a Segway on Friday and Saturday during the Festival. So today was my "training ride", and it was much more than that, as we ended up taking Boob's Inaugural tour of Bethlehem.

Mel, Clayton, and I were put through the paces of instructional training in technique and safety. Before we knew it wee were on the street and cruising, first at the governored 8mph, then to 10mph, and then to the max 12mph speed. We were ready for the "streets" We wove in and out of the Bethlehem Steel site, wound up
onto and across the Fahy Bridge, and then proceeded around City Center and down
Church Street. These machines are intuitive, and amazing, as long as you learn to
become "one" with the Segway. And you do, as I found myself forgetting that I was
pushing and pulling just slightly on the handlebars and making the most minor of
adjustments almost automatically. After we finished our North Bethlehem loop we
returned to home base, said our goodbyes, and went our separate days. A good time was had by all!

Bob Palik discusses the Segway with Clayton and I

My afternoon was just more of the normal routine of "everything is NOT ROUTINE", and it happens to be what I have become accustom to these days. It helps the adrenaline. And I even found some time for a little more selfish behavior later... a cigar with boys while sitting at the outside patio in downtown Bethlehem. A time to reflect, relax, and respond (to a constantly ringing phone). All's well But alas, again it time to put my nose to the grindstone and dig in as we prepared for Tuesday night's reception and opening screenings.

TUESDAY NIGHT...

The band played on, literally.The evening started with an opening reception at South Bethlehem's Home & Planet, an occasion that seems to be becoming an annual tradition. The filmmakers,festival goers, and volunteers, and staff all mixed to the wonderful beat of Real West, a lyrical trio of talented musicians: bass, acoustic guitar and keyboard. With tongue-in-cheek lyrics the band paced the audience, though unfortunately they were drowned out by the din of the crowd. Though a bit "close" the air was also warm with the anticipation of good times and great filmmaking. The crowds will NOT be disappointed. And I HOPE they find their way to South Bethlehem to experience a small-town Film Fest, filled with friendship and excitement.

More to come...