Come Back, RIAF October 2011

I was very sorry that the six-day Ringling International Arts Festival at The John and Mable Ringling Museum, had to come to an end this past Sunday.  Something’s very right when the daily pressing question is which show to pick and go see.

Should it be, the campy, brilliant dance fun of Doug Elkins & Friends’ interpretation of  “The Sound of Music,” or Colin Dunn’s soulful choreographed meditation on his life as a step dancer, or Brooklyn Rider’s electrifying string quartet that made Beethoven rock?  Every day was Christmas morning.

If you were lucky enough to go to the festival frequently, then you probably got caught up in the can’t-believe-it buzz so many people were feeling from the sheer variety and number of performances.  In fact, even the actual scrambling between events became an enjoyable performance piece itself as streams of people flowed between afternoon and evening shows, studying their tickets to determine which Asolo was the right Asolo. 

Then, if you threw in the ongoing program called Ringling 360 (the very apt name given to museum events planned around RIAF), you had a veritable three-ring circus, if you pardon my John and Mable.

By the second day, strangers started recognizing each other, albeit with some understandable confusion.  “Wasn’t that a great panel at the art forum?”  I’d hear one say.  And then “Oh, sorry, I must have seen you at the Jazz Sunset.”  Opinions were offered to new friends.  “If “Canta Tango” is sold out, and you like great singing, head for Meklit Hadero.  She’s wonderful even if she doesn’t come with that incredible pair of tango dancers.”

And just when you thought you were completely 360’d out with all the forums and workshops and performances, you suddenly realized that you had forgotten to see the Zimoun kinetic/sound sculpture show which just opened at the museum.  

It sounded incredible and you really wanted to go, but you were too exhausted from all the running around.  Not to mention, by this point, you were also lightheaded from the weight you lost on the RIAF diet, because frankly, who had time to eat?

The plan was to go see the Zimoun exhibit during the opening night block party in the Ringling Courtyard.  But first, you got caught up with the musicians known as the Asphalt Orchestra. They weaved through the crowd, trumpets and saxes blasting, in funky juxtaposition to the replicas of ancient sculpture that surrounding them.

And how could you pull yourself away from watching all the talented RIAF performers walking and dancing around the museum courtyard that night?  They were so free and so gorgeous and so absolutely nothing at all like you.  Of course, there were also Baryshnikov sightings to be made and fireworks to watch.

Zimoun did not disappoint. I could cut and paste the description of how the DC motors, cotton balls, and cardboard boxes work together to create unique and powerful sounds and designs, but I’m not technical enough to really explain it.

Fortunately, motor knowledge is not important here. The elegant effect of each of these five whimsical installations set within its own pristine showcase had little to do with mechanics.

I’m not ready to say goodbye to all the diversity, talent and fun that RIAF brought to Sarasota.  Couldn’t it be longer next year?  This time I’ll be ready- I just joined a gym in anticipation.

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