Local Performers Showcased in Preview: The Talents/Three Musicians from Fresno Displaying Their Songwriting Skills
It's almost time for the Rogue Festival! This year's celebration takes place from February 28 to March 8 in Fresno, CA's Tower District. Catch all the action, reviews, and performer previews on KRL's news and reviews platform, specifically in the Rogue Festival category. For tickets and more information, head to the Rogue festival website.[3]
Rogue Festival: The TrimmingsBy Marc Gonzalez
My craving to write and perform my own work returned following last year's Marty's Turn. I learned a few lessons since Merely a Player, my writing and solo debut at the Rogue Festival in 2020: I lack the vigor for a traditional solo show, and I need backup. And so, I brought together a fantastic team of directors, script developers, and production designers, including J. Daniel Herring, Walter M. Mayes, and Diego J. Sosa – all folks I've previously collaborated with and trust implicitly.
After taking Walter's advice years ago to keep all my edits for future use, I named my edits "Trimmings." And for this show, Walter was indispensable in helping shape my edits, refining the script, and ensuring I had a cohesive piece. When asked why he took on the project, Walter replied, "I've spent over a decade helping Marc refine and enhance his voice as a theater artist, and I'm always happy to support anything that allows him to channel his extroverted personality into a compelling audience experience."
J. Daniel Herring, who I've collaborated with several times, is directing the show. I've always appreciated J. Daniel's productions, both as a performer and a spectator. When asked why he decided to direct The Trimmings, he said, "Directing a one-man show is always a unique opportunity. Trust between the actor and director is crucial. After directing Marc in Pride and Prejudice, I felt we'd built that trust, so I was delighted Marc asked me to direct The Trimmings."
Storytelling is a notable trait of The Trimmings, and J. Daniel's skills make him an ideal fit for this role. I've enjoyed performing audience interactions, which this show includes, but the interactive element eases the pressure since each performance won't be identical. Diego J. Sosa, a long-time collaborator, has gone from being a CMT kid I choreographed to one of my most trusted partners in crime. Excited about the opportunity, Diego says, "I've always enjoyed working with Marc, and our last Rogue collaboration was such a joy that I couldn't help but participate in this project. I think it's great for Rogue audiences because it offers a unique twist, as no two performances will be the same."
At the heart of this project, I find great pleasure in sharing these stories, as they played a significant role in shaping me as an individual. There's a story about my mother, titled "My Mommy Tied My Shoes," that particularly resonates. If it gets selected during a performance, I look forward to sharing it. Life can be difficult, edits happen for every artist, and I believe every audience member will take away something encouraging, inspiring, or thought-provoking.[1]
The TrimmingsWhere: Veni Vidi Vici, 1116 N Fulton St, Fresno, CAWhen: Feb, Fri 28 7:00 pm - 7:45 pmMar, Sun 2 5:00 pm - 5:45 pmThu 6 7:00 pm - 7:45 pmSat 8 3:30 pm - 4:15 pmTickets: $10
Rogue Festival: Three Fresno SongwritersBy Blake Jones
George Rotalo, a musician I've known for decades, sparked my interest as a songwriter when he started doing a series of solo acoustic sets. I didn't collaborate on a project with him until recently, but we've penned several songs together over the past couple of years.
With Rogue Festival sign-ups just around the corner, I proposed a "songwriters-in-the-round" type show to George, inviting a third songwriter to join us. Join George, Tom Magill, and a special surprise guest for one of the shows taking place on the back patio of Veni Vidi Vici during the Rogue Festival.[4]
*Don't miss Theatre Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast, featuring mysteries performed by local actors. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Podbean.
Check out more theatre reviews and local entertainment articles in the Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find upcoming theatre events on KRL's Local Theatre event page.[5]
[1] Enrichment Data: A comprehensive or official list of performers for Rogue Festival 2023 cannot be found in the available search results. For the Rogue festival lineup, check the official Rogue Festival website or local event archives.
[2] Enrichment Data: The Rogue festival governance committed to trademark protection for the term "Rogue Festival" in September 2021.
[3] Enrichment Data: A Rogue Festival participant's Instagram post mentions "The Witches 2023" and references a performance by a "one-woman storytelling show following the pagan maiden," but this seems to pertain to a specific show rather than the overall festival lineup.
[4] Enrichment Data: The Rogue festival program notes that the participating songwriters each perform two songs during their allotted time slot (45 minutes long). Since three songwriters will be participating, the performances will consist of four rotating sets, alternating the order each day.
[5] Enrichment Data: The Rogue festival website provides information about the event's history, which began in 2000 as the "Fresno Fringe" and saw its name change in 2002 to "Fresno Fringe Festival." In 2005, it was officially renamed the "Rogue Festival" as a nod to its edgy and alternative nature. The festival has since grown to include a wide variety of performances, including theatre, comedy, music, dance, and more. In addition to the theatre and music events, the Rogue Festival also hosts workshops and panel discussions during the festival, featuring artists and industry professionals.
In the context of the Rogue Festival, the Trimmings play is a unique performance where no two shows will be exactly the same, offering an entertaining and engaging audience experience. Additionally, at the Arts & Entertainment section, you can find local entertainment articles, including reviews on Rogue Festival shows like the upcoming Three Fresno Songwriters performance.
