...that with every event that we have the opportunity to present, it always begins with an intention. For Alma Paradiso '08, the intention shifted somewhat from what we had originally imagined for the event, 3 years ago. It wasn't a shift in the desire to have a beach party with our friends and family on some remote beach where everyone had the ability to create paradise as they saw fit. It wasn't a shift in the commitment to having amazing performances, music, and atmosphere. It was simply a shift in the location. It was an amazing journey. As organizers across the board to every participant and even to the people that live and work on the island, our trip to Catalina was an experience unlike any other. It was everyone's first time with this event, and we want to sincerely thank everyone that made this journey with us. It is a testament to your faith in us that you would go on this adventure with us, and we are truly humbled.

As all of our friend and family neared the island, a boat ran alongside ours Captian'd by Big Cheese and Squeeze displaying a Welcome to Alma Paradiso banner ( and something about pirates...). That really seemed to set the stage for the event. Beautiful water, gorgeous location, AMAZING food, bangin beats, and YOU. We were very proud of this event and of all of you for making the experience beautiful, from start to finish. Thank you SO much for trusting us. Thank you SO much for bringing all of your laughter and color to our paradise. Thank you SO much for all of your smiling faces that remind us with every person why we do what we do. YOU are amazing.

As you can imagine, there are some folks without whom these events would never go from the insanity in our heads to actuality. As always, our brothers, Turo and Flash are absolute troopers. Nothing at these events gets built without one or both of them busting ass to see it done. These are our guys, and they are as much responsible for this event happening as we are. Similarly, Auriel took on a HUGE responsibility in coordinating all of the tickets, placements, and getting people where they needed to be. We would have been weeping in the fetal position in the corner, shaking, muttering something about vegan meals were it not for this beautiful angel. Fluid Sound has been our wingmen for almost every event we've done and they have never had anything short of brilliance when it came to the beats that rocked your booty. Specifically, Kiwi. That guy busted ass to make sure that we had sound when we needed it. If you see him, you owe him a leg humping. Also, our hats are off to the Rangers of Two Harbors Campground and all of the locals that went out of their way to help us make this event happen. There was a ton of behind the scenes happening, but with their help, everything worked out beautifully. Last, but certainly not least.... the crew of the Phat Elvis Chicken Shack. Viagra and his band of fearless culinary wizards kept our bellies full with some of the most delicious yummyness that we've ever sampled at any event. The entire crew worked tirelessly the entire weekend to feed all of us with a menu of awesomeness that surpassed even the diversity of our musical lineup. These guys are all owed our most sincere gratitude... and yours too! If you want to drop a line to any of the kitchen folks, thanking them for working their asses off in the heat so we'd have something to eat... PLEASE do! They'd love to hear it. You can contact them through Viagra at << marc_bruce@yahoo.com >>. They would really appreciate any donations for the kitchen crew.

Photos:
gallery.mac.com/turois#100...seljs&sel=3
www.curiousjosh.com


Till next time,
Blue & Saynt