Two weekends ago, I played taiko with my friends on a shady plaza overlooking the Charles River, followed by a free lunch. Yes, the Waltham Riverfest was a cushy gig, especially compared to the other gig Odaiko New England was doing at the same time. I’m sure the Boston Pride Parade was a blast, but I’ll take my shady river-side plaza over drumming on a moving trailer in the burning sun while inhaling truck fumes for two hours!
Cat's pre-dawn photo of the moon over Wakefield
Dave sets drums as the sun crests the tree-tops.
Why so early? Fundraising teams had been camped out on the Wakefield High School track since 5:00 pm the day before, each team with at least one representative walking the track at all times during the long night. Our job was to wake them up and revitalize them for the last leg of their 17-hour relay.
Walking the track.
Joy strolls through the "In Cod We Trust" team's campsite.
Playing Reimei at dawn.
Sheilarae and Kristen interviewed on Wakefield Public Access television.
Overall it was a blast. It looked like the night had been a lot of fun for the Relay participants and we’re planning on joining them all night next year.
I don’t mind getting up at 4:40 when it’s for something like this. Sounds like it was a lot of fun.
It was really inspiring. A number of us are talking about going again next year as participants in the relay.