great moments in fandom
As I write this I am sitting at the IT desk at UTS, and there is a huge crowd of Harry Potter fans collected in the foyer area outside. They've been singing songs, but now are all lining up for a group photo. And why? Because a web-based podcast (Mugglecast, for those interested) just had a live show in one of the rooms here. Basically, these are fans of a show run by and for fans of a book. Several degrees of fandom. The presenter (for those unintiated, a podcast is like an online radio show, designed to be played on ipods. Or something like that. You can also podcast lectures, etc.) came to Australia all the way from the US for this event, all paid for apparently, this thing makes good money from advertising. This guy is all of 19 years old, and he is currently surrounded by a huge crowd of teenage girls wanting his autograph, to talk to him, etc. Crazy, but impressive. He wielded a microphone pretty well though, from the sound of it, despite technical difficulties.
I'm pretty much in favour of all this, people making communities, having fun. Because being a fan is fun sometime, although I'm not going to go around asking people to sign my underwear (as is apparently happening over there. Not so sure though... Largely this is a wholesome event, with an 8 year old girl running around in an excellent Hogwarts uniform costume. And balloons).
O.k., so most of that was actually written the next day, i.e. today. And I think that this would be a good time to reflect on other events of the week.
Say, Monday night, Cat Empire concert at the Metro.
I have to admit, I turned into something of a fangirl myself this night, and may have spent some time considering Felix to be the coolest man alive. Anyway, a top gig. I went with Sylvia, Chris and a friend of Chris', and we ran into a bunch of people from church, which was nice. Also nice was the fact that we were in about the second row back from the stage (standing that is, so exact position tended to fluctuate). I was so annoyed that I forgot my camera... But I digress. Support act were this funk/jazz/soul band called The Bamboos, they were fun, good music, they all wore suits and the trumpeter and saxophone players all moved back and forth in time, which was something of a highlight. Good music, good vibe, good fun. But nothing compared to the Cat Empire themselves. This has something to do with the fans, it's usually the problem with support acts. And though the crowd were clearly enjoying The Bamboos, they just went crazy for Cat Empire. There was dancing and jumping and singing. The music was mostly stuff from the new album, the band seemed to be having fun. Always fun watching the antics of the trumpeters/back-up singers. Lots of solos, some dancing around on stage, some covers, a few oldies thrown in which people went wild for. I spent alot of time jumping around with a big grin on my face, which is worrying as there was a video camera around, but whatever. In summary, as I said, a great gig, turned everyone into crazy fans.
And now? Back to the essays... Maybe I'll just head out and buy that Cat Empire cd though... :)
I'm pretty much in favour of all this, people making communities, having fun. Because being a fan is fun sometime, although I'm not going to go around asking people to sign my underwear (as is apparently happening over there. Not so sure though... Largely this is a wholesome event, with an 8 year old girl running around in an excellent Hogwarts uniform costume. And balloons).
O.k., so most of that was actually written the next day, i.e. today. And I think that this would be a good time to reflect on other events of the week.
Say, Monday night, Cat Empire concert at the Metro.
I have to admit, I turned into something of a fangirl myself this night, and may have spent some time considering Felix to be the coolest man alive. Anyway, a top gig. I went with Sylvia, Chris and a friend of Chris', and we ran into a bunch of people from church, which was nice. Also nice was the fact that we were in about the second row back from the stage (standing that is, so exact position tended to fluctuate). I was so annoyed that I forgot my camera... But I digress. Support act were this funk/jazz/soul band called The Bamboos, they were fun, good music, they all wore suits and the trumpeter and saxophone players all moved back and forth in time, which was something of a highlight. Good music, good vibe, good fun. But nothing compared to the Cat Empire themselves. This has something to do with the fans, it's usually the problem with support acts. And though the crowd were clearly enjoying The Bamboos, they just went crazy for Cat Empire. There was dancing and jumping and singing. The music was mostly stuff from the new album, the band seemed to be having fun. Always fun watching the antics of the trumpeters/back-up singers. Lots of solos, some dancing around on stage, some covers, a few oldies thrown in which people went wild for. I spent alot of time jumping around with a big grin on my face, which is worrying as there was a video camera around, but whatever. In summary, as I said, a great gig, turned everyone into crazy fans.
And now? Back to the essays... Maybe I'll just head out and buy that Cat Empire cd though... :)
A few weeks ago, I found out someone in my growth group makes costumes... unfortunately only the ones that are made of fabric (eg period dresses). Yet, I continued pestering to make me an Imperial Stormtrooper costume in time for Halloween.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should just pester for an Imperial Officer uniform. :-)
Oooh, costumes! I like period dress, especially 20s style... So, are you getting an Imperial Stormtrooper costume? That would be pretty cool... Although difficult to make I think.
ReplyDelete