Wow, it just does not cool off here in the Valley of the Hops! But this has not stopped the Yakima Folklife Festival from happening again for the 25th time. And even though this photo at left was taken while standing right in the middle of downtown Yakima there is a good life going on here and Folklife was rich evidence of that.
With tons of music, lots of people crowding into several downtown venues and sweating it out in Franklin Park, this three day festival turns out to be a blast. Listened to bluegrass, folk singers, serious wymin singing Corey Hart covers, young men blowing fantastic brass, and a super charged Celtic remix update electric foursome called Occam's Razor. Good Times!
Also fit in some more town exploring as I look for where a play might happen in the Valley. Went back to Naches up the river from Yakima itself. So beautiful. Picked blueberries with my sister-- it is now clear that bears are not paid enough for the work they do. And marveled at the orchards against the barren hills.
And then went down valley to check out wineries and got a tasting of not just the vino but a very diverse selection of worlds that exist next to each other. Were in Prosser where the wine craze began and then down the road to Mabton where the wine money does not seem to have yet seeped.
All this travel up and down the hot roads of the wine country is just part of the work underway here as I set up the DXM office, get the systems up and in place for stuff down the road. I think I am getting close to the selection of a community to work with. Am in conversation with the parish community of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Lots of Hispanic families, and big church, and a supportive pastoral team- i.e. the people we will be collaborating with if a show goes forward. Am thinking of a Christmas pastorela in late December with lots of kids, grandmothers, young adults and mariachi music.
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