Para los que gusten de leer los desvaríos de un hijo de la noche

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Of failed concerts, weapon injuries and overall good days.

So, mes chês lecteurs, I've been gone for a while, but I'm back and posting.

If you are wondering about the title, it refers to the Mandragora's Fest, which was a mini-treffen attempt here in Mexico City. The concept was nice, and the event itself was not so bad. There were many medieval attractions (I actually hurt my hand with and arrow, a huge splinter stuck in my finger whilst I was shooting it) quite a few gothic and medieval stands and good fun. Joculatore Domini deserves a special mention, as they not only knew their instruments but also had the charisma to make quite a great show. Oh, there was also an "Arabian House", with bellydancers and hukkas (water smoking-pipes). Overall it was a nice day. I got my rear end handed over to me by my dear lady in sword combat, but took my revenge in what we call cotton swab combat (The combatants are placed with little space to move or maneuver armed with staffs that have big stuffy ends. They must then attempt to knock the other opponent off his or her place).

But it was far from perfect. It was unorganized, and the stands were scattered all over the place like an mp3 on a FAT32 partition. And it was not a small place, mind you. Security at the entrance was adamant about removing any metal spikes, and everyone complied only to find out that they were selling spikes, swords, maces and daggers inside.

And then things took a turn for the worst.

The local bands played, and after that there was an hour long wait before Clan of Xymox climbed on the stage.

So, Xymox, plays and everyone is hopping happy, until the manager of Atrocity asked them not to go through the whole repertoire because they had a plane to catch at 6 am (it was about 1 am at this point). Xymox tells him to go to hell, he pulls their plug. Then As it was Atrocity and Leave's Eyes turn to perform, the generator went out and stayed out for quite a while. When it came back, the surge disabled Atrocity's equipment and they couldn't play. They tried to save the situation by singing acapella, but the crowd was somewhat aggressive and they got insulted off the stage. After that, they told us that To/Die/For would be playing later. We went to a nearby bonfire and heard some people play the flute and enjoyed ourselves for a while before leaving. We'd been standing or walking for almost 12 hours straight, plus it was freezing out there, so we didn't stay to see the last two bands. It was a shame that the concert was not so good due to the lack of proper organization, but all in all it was a good event, hope they learn from their mistakes and make a better one next year.

Rêves Doux

5 comments:

Julie said...

Nice review, dear ^^. I'm glad you acknowledged my victory over your more agile, elongated, ferretish self.
Let's hope the organisers have learned a couple of lessons and next year things go better.
Also, start saving for Xymox, Atrocity and Leaves', as they have promised to come back.

Alzirr Mortis Vyktor said...

Oh, but there will be a reckoning, love. Next time we fight you won't be so lucky...(I hope)

Anonymous said...

So my absence spared you your second defeat of that freeze night

Alzirr Mortis Vyktor said...

Maybe, maybe not. We'd have to try it some day...

Anonymous said...

Damn... how I wished to go... then again it is soothing to know that I missed some anger due to that lack of organization (it simply is stupid to go through a mass event of more than 12 hours somewhere near the Ajusco without thinking ahead to buy/rent an electric generator... having so much faith in this city's electrical power is comparable to praying for a miraculous healing on an aids patient).

Anyhow, it does sound fun... spikes, hookas, weapons, injuries, and mad vocalists being driven out with insults (though this is something to be ashamed of... it is still a colorful story lol) sounds like a place to be... next year count me in for the medieval agro.