4TH IUKA PARK FOLK ARTS FESTIVAL - THANKS CHRIS!

Occasionally I write about something other than theoconic activity in Central Ohio. Something fun or of interest to the community. This is one of those entries.

Yesterday I attended the 4th Iuka Park Folks Arts Festival. Uplugged and uncommercial. And I'm glad I did. Organized annually by Chris the Anarchist Ryan (Yippie!) the festival is a great way to spend a hot August afternoon. Picture an afternoon of no political posturing and bickering where people just hang out. Kind of a throwback to the Be In.

Iuka Park is located in the middle of the University area, on Iuka Ravine. It's quiet, easy to find, and family friendly. As long as you're not electrifying your equipment or consuming illegal substances the cops leave you alone. A couple canopies, a couple tables. About 60 neighbors dropped by during the 6 hours of free food, free music, and free fun.

Entertainment was provided by Cowboy Hilbilly Hippy Folk (who I missed), bluegrass favs Dottie and Cyde, The Limited, Trains Across the Sea, The Vague, Miles Curtiss, aka Marvin the Robot, local bluesman Bob Sauls, and Old Hundred, a new bluegrass duo (maybe making their first appearance.

We admit we are mad about Marvin the Robot who we first ran into at the 2007 Iuka Fest. Unbeknownst to Marvin, we became a groupie from afar. We think Marvin--or do we mean Miles?-- is visionary. This weekend, Marvin will perform at the Arawak City Garden Fest

This year I became an immediate fan of Trains Across the Sea. I haven't seen such a Wobbly spirit since my old days in the IWW. Go to the Trains Across the Sea website for downloads, pictures, and a lot more including a video of the band's ComFest gig.

I've known Chris for over 25 years. Believe it or not, I always think of him as a cocktail party kinda guy. In fact, I think we went to a couple together. He's always known how to throw a good event. This is one of them.

A big THANK YOU to Chris for all the years he's put into making Columbus a better place to live. And for throwing the Iuka Park party every year. YIPPIE!

Below are some pictures.

THE VAGUE

TRAINS ACROSS THE SEA

DOTTIE AND CLYDE

BOB SHAULS

MARVIN THE ROBOT

OLD HUNDRED

CHRIS @

MINUTEMEN UNITED PICKET TILLER MEMORIAL SERVICE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, June 4, 2009

I apologize for the lateness of this entry. I intended to write a longer piece on the May 31, 2009 murder of Dr. George Tiller in Wichita, Kansas, and local reaction to it. Unfortunately, other matters came up, so I am just putting up pictures, belatedly.

I attended the June 4, memorial service at the Broad Street United Methodist Church. Not surprisingly, a small contingent of Minutemen United showed up to picket. Memorial organizers warned the Minutemen against entering the church and police monitored outside during the hour-long service, The Minutemen remained in public space and did not disrupt the service.

Below are pictures of the Minutemen picket and porn. I asked if Coach Daubenmire would join them. One of the men told me he thought Daubenmire was in Wichita.

I did not recognize the two picketers. If anyone can identify them, please contact me.