BEARAPALOOZA NASHVILLE 2005

I just came back from Freddy Freeman's Bearapalooza in Nashville. Well-known bassist and man-about-town Toshio Mana and I braved the 14-hour roadtrip to "Music City, USA" for the event, which featured music by and for the bear community and their admirers. "Woof!" is the word. The event drew artists from all over the country (and Andy Northup from Canada, making it a truly international event...), including New York City's own Yolanda, Max Christopher, and Ron Morris. Two days. Thirteen performers. One hundred ten degrees-- whoa! A lot of CD's were sold (Of course, just in case the IRS is reading, I can't say WHOSE CD's they were!), a lot of connections were made, and The Nashville Scene (Nashville's equivalent of "The Village Voice") highly praised the event. Best of all, the attendees-- from all over region (The Music City Bears' "Ye Olde Bear Faire" was also taking place that weekend.) as well as the local Nashville population-- absolutely ate it up. Congratulations to Freddy Freeman and all the other performers, thanks to all the volunteers, and a very special thanks to musician Michael West and husband D.J. for hosting me, Tosh, and seven other guys at their house over the weekend. Hugs to all! Stay posted for more pictures from the event and a full review, coming soon!

Bobaloo