I have read the critical reviews from some of our neighboring Tribes about the sound at the Star Hall performance. Here is a critique from the man behind the curtain. I am the person that everyone, who was pissed, should find accountable. I was the man behind the curtain, trying to control a rapidly crashing sound system.

Putting together a low cost Belly Dance Festival requires borrowing. While Star Hall is a beautiful venue, the sound system sucks. We used our connections to borrow a sound system from one of our supporters to supplement the existing sound system. As everyone knows, the first half went OK, but as the evening progressed our borrowed sound system lost one channel after another. As the evening and the sound got worse, I appreciated everyone's suggestions.

But here is the problem, I am a professional DJ, but not necessarily a professional sound engineer. Everyone who came back stage to offer solutions didn't have any better solutions. We were all stumped. Everything should be working. Well except one thing: the PA system we borrowed was burning out channels.

All of us backstage knew the drama. If the audience could see the non-verbal communication between the dancers and me, "the man behind the curtain", they would have known that I was doing what I could.

I have to give kudo's to my friends Amy and Rachelle, with Unmata, who turned the absolute end to our PA system into a shear stroke of genius. I refer their performance as the "Tourette's Dance". Amy and Rachelle you are amazing.

Amy, thanks for the support, and love. Next time I see you I promise I will bring Red GatorAide for your trip..

And last but not least is my friend Anita, who climaxed the evening while dancing with the drummers "It Is What Is Is." Anita, you are a great wonder to watch while you dance. (Plus you are a great traveling partner). And Anita, thank you and Fat Chance for the T-shirt..

To those that think we screwed up the sound. We probably did. We cut corners by borrowing sound equipment rather than buying professional sound.

But as Jamilla said: Shit Happens.

But the key is: There is No Business Like Show Business

There's no business like show business
If you tell me it's so
Traveling through the country is so thrilling
Standing out in front on opening nights
Smiling as you watch the benches filling
And see your billing up there in lights

There's no people like show people
They smile when they are low
Even with a turkey that you know will fold
You may be stranded out in the cold
Still you wouldn't trade it for a sack o' gold
Let's go on with the show
Let's go on with the show!
The show!
The show!