Getting Out From Behind the Stage

Mindy Johnson, KCIF Director, former Boulevard Stage manager and teacher of the year tells us what she's excited about experiencing as a newbie this year.

Well, as a new board member, I’m busily learning the ropes. Having been kept backstage for a few years, I’m excited to check out the rest of the festival. We’ve grown by leaps and bounds, and beyond seeing glimpses when I was running from Boulevard Stage to Terrace Stage to the Green Room, I know I’ve missed out on lots of good stuff.

One area I’m excited to get to spend time at is our Heritage Area. Often times when I tell people I volunteer with Irish Fest and I take Irish dance lessons, the response is “Wow, so you’re Irish, huh?” Truth is, I have no clue. We can’t trace that side of the family, so no one really knows. I could try in our Geneology Area, because I’m sure Barb would be able to help me figure it out. She knows LOTS of stuff. However, if we couldn’t, I could just jump over to the Heritage Stage to learn how to speak Gaelic or cook a good Irish meal. If I’m really feeling talented that weekend, I could try to learn some fiddle or even the bodhran. Or, maybe ladies, you’d like to meet our Gaelic Footballers? So, while the Irish seem to be known for many things (see Barney’s earlier post about a pub), there are lots of things that are part of the Irish culture and we are doing are best to share them with you.

So, come over and join me this year in Heritage Area and who knows, maybe you’ll learn something new to impress your friends or that guy (or girl) you meet at the Festival.

Mindy