Festival en el Barrio, Tucson Style

I knew it was going to be fun when I saw this bucket just beyond the ticket tent.

They were free and it was hot so I took one and squirted C & B when I caught up with them at the beer tent.

We watched big and small people play big and small chess 

 as we hugged and smiled and admired our recovering and reducing selves.

There's nothing like old friends.

We were at the Festival en el Barrio, a benefit for KXCI, our community radio station.

 It was a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, and Tucsonans were out and about.

Typically, it was full but not crowded.

 Roadies are roadies no matter the venue,

but Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta are one of a kind.

 In between sets there was time to go to the Animal Farm truck for the best hamburger I've ever eaten and then to return to watch hula hoops in action.

 There were many excellent shoes,

 and even more excellent hats.

But mostly there was Tucson.

The big blue sky, the soft breeze, the heat and the tattoos and the music.

I was recognized and appreciated and hugged and admired.

The admiration still feels odd, but I smile and return the compliments as best I can.

If I have to be associated with anyplace, I'm certainly glad that it is here.