Here's what i sent to Tim Walther. I ask that others who feel similarly do the same.
Info@allgoodpresents.com
This email is intended for Tim Walther.
Hello. My name is Aaron Stein. I am a long time fan of DSO, having attended nearly 400 shows since 2002. I am a friend of the band and well known by many as a deadicated dancer and musician. I attended "Gratefulfest" at Nelson Ledges from 2004-2011 and DSO jubilee from 2012-14, 16-17, and just this past weekend. I'm including all of this Not to brag but to give you a sense of my involvement in the DSO family.
First of all, i appreciate what you do. So thank you.
Many of us were very upset this past weekend by the choice to fence off a large area stage right for "performers". I didn't attend last year but I'm told the area was more off to the side. As I'm sure you are aware, and as Jerry has been explicitly quoted, this music is dance music. This Music is not about performers and spectators being separate- we are all the show. This Music was born of the Acid Tests, in which everyone was the centerpiece of the show. If dancing wasn't a part of it, i wouldn't be part of it.
Legend Valley is terrible for dancing. Uneven ground and rocks everywhere make it not only difficult to move gracefully but frankly are dangerous. Now the best area for dancing is stage right (crowd left) up front. The first night it wad wide open (as well as every other year I've attended). The third night started open and they had the audacity to move us DURING THE LAST SONG OF THE FIRST SET. they didn't even begin their stuff until set two so they easily could have waited until set break. The dancing occurring Sunday night was some of the best, most communal, blissed out that I've ever experienced (need I cite my credentials again??).
On night two there was a lady on a pogo stick like thing, bouncing around. This was unsafe. My friend, who was outside the fenced in area, got hit in the head by her hula hoop. It left a bump, but more importantly it was a shock that took him out of the moment and ruined his show. Frankly, you are lucky that he doesn't want to press charges. Another friend got whipped by her as well.
Need i say anything about the inherent danger of fire spinning? It smells horrible and is certainly not healthy. The whole thing is really quite distracting from the show- the show that we are a part of and in which we are performers. Am i saying to not include it? Well, i don't care for it but i imagine some people like it. Please move it somewhere else next year- not right next to the stage, not in the only viable dance area.
Please consider what i have said here. I want to continue to support your productions but if this isn't changed there will be many upset fans- deadicated fans who travel far for these shows (as far as Washington state). Maybe back by the soundboard is an appropriate place. And maybe don't include the fire spinning at all.
Another consideration might be having a designated dancing section. Once again, this is dance music.
Thank you for listening. I will be sharing this email on the DSO forums and you can expect to receive more emails of this nature.
Aaron Stein
