I don’t mean for my blog to become a travelogue of my weekend escapades, but I’m doing such cool stuff, I want to share!

Friday, April 11, I attended the Spring Art Scene in downtown Rockford. They could not have requested a better day had that option been available. The weather cooperated with mild temps and sunshine, perfect for traversing State street and it’s appendages.

The Rockford Arts Scenes, spring and fall, are pretty impressive affairs. I love that downtown supports the arts– fine and fair, fancy to funky.

You don’t have to wait for a seasonal showcase, most of the galleries have shows and attractions ALL THE TIME.

I was able to meander through Bennie’s Cleaners, one of my favorite gallery spaces, before heading over to the Art Matters Artist Coop Allegory Project, 505 N. Madison. I’m proud to say that In Print is part of this collaboration and even prouder to announce that I have a story posted as part of the inaugural “What Makes a Story Worth Telling” exhibit. You can read it here.

Next, I met my sister at the Irish Rose for a cocktail where we ran into family I hadn’t seen in almost a year!

Jen and I dined at Abreo and it was to die for. Rich and delicious, a complexity of flavors mingling on the palate. Yum.

All of a sudden it was 7:30 and we had to hustle westside for HAIR at the Coronado.

I love the Coronado. I love musicals– I’m a sucker for folks who break into song.
I love Hair. It’s one of my favorite musicals and I have seen it many, many times.
And yet, the highlight of this particular performance was the intermission where we ran into MORE family– these members I hadn’t seen in decades. Literally– decades!

Saturday, April 12, I attended the In Print meeting featuring spoken word poet Christopher Sims. His art is quite a treat. I was also engaged with member readings.
I brought a poem, but did not share. You can read it here.
April is National Poetry Month.

I wrapped up my arty adventures with Rockford REV (Raise Every Voice), Jefferson High School’s All-District Invitational Poetry Slam, where I was a judge. Unfortunately, the only school to accept the invitation was Jefferson! Fortunately, that’s all we needed. The talent this group of students shows is inspirational. And the dedication of the staff that put this event together is admirable. I hope other district kids get a chance to compete next year, it really is a great opportunity.

So there you have it, a weekend chock full of creative stimulation that engaged all of the senses. Rockford gets a lot of shit, but this weekend proves that their art scene is alive– and loud!