Rockford Day takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month (8/15) and our main area code is 815. Now you know why today is Rockford Day.
The first Rockford Day took place in 2016. Since then, the city’s small businesses and non-profits have offered specials and discounted rates to celebrate the day. For instance, if you go to a local restaurant and if you say, “Happy Rockford Day” you’ll get a 8.15% discount off of your bill. If that doesn’t make you have 8.15 orgasms, I don’t know what will.
***
When I studied foreign languages in high school and college, the teachers and profs encouraged my classmates and me to choose names that reflected the language and culture we were learning. So in Spanish class, I was Constanza. In Greek class, I was Konstantina (Κωνσταντίνα). In Russian class, I was Konstancia (Констанция).
This wasn’t the same as being called “Punky” or “Muffy.” These weren’t nicknames, for crying out loud. These were cultural expressions. We were expected to think of ourselves — and each other — existing in the culture we were studying. There were giggles at first, but by the end of the year, we were addressing each other with serious respect and admiration for each other and the cultures we were studying.
***
Going from “Connie” to Constanza/Konstantina or Konstancia put a peculiar grit in my heart. It made me itch for something else, something beyond Rockford.
Being a foreign version of myself challenged me to think in new ways, not just about myself, but about my classmates, teachers and profs. There are still some classmates and teachers I automatically refer to in their “foreign” names. There’s Alexandros, Boris, Hermana, Mercedes, Rodrigo…to name a few. I may think of them very often, but when I do, I feel happiness for them. I also feel the grit shift a little bit in my heart, and I go back to longing for something beyond Rockford and Rockford Day.
***
A few days ago, I read the book Constancia and Other Stories for Virgins by Carlos Fuentes. I bought the used book from Powell’s Books Chicago simply because my name (a version of it) is in the title. You might consider this is egotistical. It is! But it’s also therapeutic and mind-opening, so if you ever see a book with your name (or a version of it) in the title, grab it!
Fuentes’s “Constancia” is a 61-year-old menopausal Andalusian who likes to take naps. I’m a 54-year-old perimenopausal Rockfordian who likes to take naps! I found myself laughing and sighing as I read her story and before I knew it, I was transported to that “place” that only exists when I think of myself by a foreign name, studying a foreign language. I love it so much.
Here is a short slideshow that explains what I mean:
***
My kids took ballet lessons for several years. They learned some French along the way and, for a short time, studied the language through Rosetta Stone, an online language-learning program. One early morning Angelo, then a very sleepy six- or seven-year-old, came down the stairs one step at a time. Before he reached the bottom, he paused and said, “Bon jour, Maman” in perfect French, then turned around and went back upstairs.
Since then I have never heard him utter a single word of French. Was he sleep-walking? Sleep-talking? It was a delightfully strange and fleeting moment. I saw him in a whole new light and was instantly reminded of that feeling of being in Spanish, Greek and Russian classes. Angelo starts high school this year and I was delighted to see that he signed up to take French.
***
Thanks for reading. I had to write this quickly because this Rockford Day, I’m going to Madison, Wisconsin! -Connie
P.P.S. I also studied Latin. I didn’t have a name but often went by “puella” which means “girl.”
I’m a road-trip kinda gal, but a few days ago Jesse asked if I wanted to fly to Boston with him. I was packed and ready to go faster than you can say Beantown. Though I had only been there once, briefly, ten years ago, I love Boston; plus I was eager to spend some time alone with my man.
It was a quick trip — we only had one full day in Boston. Jesse had to work and I was there to research The Quarter Millennial Experience which is a play I am writing. The QMX takes place on a commuter train in Boston so I visited places that would be familiar to the characters: the Freedom Trail, a train station, the North End (Boston’s Little Italy), the Holocaust Memorial, the Irish Famine Memorial, Chinatown and two museums. I spent a grand total of $15 — the price of museum admission.
Walking around Boston. I was headed to the Old State House which is the red brick building in the center.
While I walked around Boston and people-watched, Jesse had a site visit for a multimillion dollar show he will be working on next month. His work-day cost several thousands of dollars. When we met back at the hotel that afternoon, he said the information gathered at the site visit could have taken place over Zoom and a couple emails.
The difference in the way we “spent” our days is representative of how my husband and I spend our lives. He’s a spender; I’m not. He’s strategic and corporate; I’m artistic and have a short attention span. He’s the best at what he professionally does — always in demand. I’m…dispensable. After twenty years of marriage, we’ve given up trying to change each other, but we haven’t given up on each other.
It’s a simple thing to love someone and be loved back so sustaining our marriage is somewhat brainless for us. No one has ever tried to break us up and we both have an “us versus them” mentality about society. No way in hell are we going to let society win. Besides, marriage is a place to be fully human with another person. Where else can you say that is true?
I have to finish my chores, which includes weeding the vegetable garden, watering the plants with rain water I collected from the last storm, stirring the compost, and scrubbing the floors with hot earth-friendly soapy water. And I need to work on my play. While I do that, Jesse will be invoicing and working on estimates. When we’re done with our respective tasks, we’re headed to a nearby nature preserve for a hike which is something sustainable we always enjoy doing together no matter how different we are.
Thanks for reading! -Connie
P.S. I took the featured photo about a week ago at the forest preserve we will be visiting later today. The prairie is really coming to life and will be even more beautiful and colorful now through July. Here’s how to RSVP for a free public hike at that preserve.
I’ve never “reblog” button before but thought I’d share our Rockford Fringe blog post with you because some of you have asked me where we hike. My dad once told me, “If one person asks, then twelve people care” and I’ve been operating on that scale for as long as I can remember.
We hike all over, but I’m including a short blog (above) about where we hike in the winter.
Hope this information helps and remember, our hikes are free and open to the public so join us!
Witch-adjacent woman waits for Aldi to open during an ice storm. What fun!
Hike. I love hiking in northern Illinois. It doesn’t matter if I’m alone, with the Rockford Fringe, or with my family — it’s always marvelous. But I love hiking out of town (or state) even more. I frequently daydream about where I get to hike next.
Blog. It’s good writing practice and always takes me on new paths of truth. Blogging is like hiking for the mind.
Mushrooms. Foraging for choice mushrooms brings gladness to my heart every single time. I also love cooking ’em up!
Witchcraft. I started reading about witchcraft several years ago when a friend of mine asked me rather seriously, “Are you a witch?” I was like, “Uhhh, no….” He patiently pointed out that I love nature and the outdoors and gave off a certain vibe and should look into it. I don’t usually like being mansplained, but I trusted him enough to read up on the subject and very quickly understood what he was implying. Witchcraft isn’t as scary as it sounds and it’s really just a new way of paying attention to the environment and each other.
If you’re curious about“witching,” here’s something simple you can do: Pay attention to whatever wild animals you see this week. Notice which one you see the most. That animal is trying to tell you something. Google their spiritual meaning and see if you can make sense of the message. Example: If you see several hawks this week, that can mean you are angry about something and need to work through it.
Fasting. In the spring, I fast for 19 days in solidarity with my Baha’i and Baha’i-adjacent friends. I rarely see these friends anymore so this practice helps keep me in touch with them, at least spiritually. It is fun to think of them and pray for them.
Read Romance Novels. Here’s a link to some NPR-recommended romance novels. NPR also introduced me to Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. I’ll admit I’m a little embarrassed whenever anyone catches me reading a romance novel but the truth is these books can be a lot of fun.
Aldi. I used to detest grocery shopping but a few years ago, I decided to give Aldi a try. My whole world brightened when I discovered this small, approachable store with self-checkout. Now I look forward to shopping. I only wish I thought cooking was fun.
Math. I wrote most of today’s blog when I was in the parking lot at Aldi, waiting for it to open. I don’t usually write on my phone, but I thought I’d give it a try. As such, I wasn’t paying technical attention to what I was writing, lost count and went over the “five item maximum.” I hope you don’t call the #bloganuary police on me!
Thanks for reading. I hope you had fun! -Connie
My first spore print! Another fun thing you can do for free. Place your mushroom “gills down” on a piece of paper and let it sit overnight. In the morning, the spores will have fallen onto the paper and you will be able to properly ID your mushroom AND you’ll have a lovely piece of art!
Testing the trails with my kids at Deer Run Forest Preserve in northern Illinois.
Barefoot hiking with the kids
For the past few weeks, my family and I have been testing several trails in northern Illinois to ensure that they are “barefoot friendly.” To be deemed barefoot friendly, the path must be clear and clean for at least one mile so that the barefoot hiker experiences pleasure, not pain.
Well, maybe a little pain
If you walk too fast, you’re going to get a little hurt. We learned this early in our training. While each of us acclimated very quickly to going barefoot, we started off going too fast. In our first trial week we either got cut, stung, bruised, scraped and/or poked. We’re fine with a little pain, but we have slowed down our pace, especially when others are with us.
A minor scratch from going too fast. Lesson learned.
The perks of bare feet
You can google “barefoot hiking” and find numerous articles, blogs and websites that list the health benefits. But here, I’ll share with you you what I’ve experienced.
One, I feel better. I feel…more.
Two, I’m more aware of my surroundings. Not only do I notice what’s happening on the ground, I’ve become more in tune with what’s happening with the trees and plants. A month ago, when I started going barefoot on a regular basis, I noticed that the trees, hedges, bushes and plants are in a constant state of shedding their leaves, blossoms, blooms and needles. Most of the shedding is pure comfort to walk upon. While I don’t recommend walking on blue spruce needles, it’s very pleasant to walk on white pine needles and yew needles.
Where the sidewalk…begins
It used to cause me pain to take walk on pavement. Now I see where the trees and plants lay down places for me to walk barefoot. A weed growing through the cracks makes a soft landing pad as do the little divots of dried out dirt in fragmented sidewalks. The wind has blown the early spring blossoms of my trees and flowers into a fine floral carpet in my back yard. I no longer slip on my sandals when I take out the trash or walk my dog. I rake the yard less. I stopped sweeping the sidewalk. I’ve found that Mother Nature naturally softens the earth for bare feet. And that’s just in my neighborhood.
Seasonal
I am not a fan of the humidity that comes with a Midwestern summer but I love walking barefoot through a cool forest on a hot day. It’s rejuvenating. I also love walking through hot, dry grass alongside an Illinois prairie. There is a soft crunch that comes with each step and the blades of grass send chills up my body. The textures of the trails are exhilarating.
Where I should go barefoot hiking?
Start small. Go barefoot inside and outside your home. Drive somewhere in your bare feet. Let your feet get used to being bare. When you’re ready, hit the trails. Just remember to go slow.
My favorite barefoot friendly trails (BFTs) are located at Hononegah Forest Preserve and Funderburg Forest Preserve. You can get two safe, sentient miles in at these BFTs.
PRO TIP #1: At Hononegah, start at the trail opening just off the soccer field. Go left and head toward the river. You’ll have a lovely experience.
PRO TIP #2: At Funderburg, if you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with your shoes or sandals on. Head toward the trail that takes you through the woods and to the creek. Once you pass the gravel, you can remove your footwear. We usually just leave our shoes on the side of the trail, but you can carry them with you, if you like.
There are many more paths that are perfect for bare feet which leads me to…
PRO TIP #3: Come with me!
If you’re not ready to venture out on your own, I’m leading several “shoe optional” hikes for the Rockford Fringe this summer. These free guided hikes are one or two miles long and after our walks, we’re having a light picnic and an art pop-up. That means we spend a half hour or more writing, reading, sketching, composing or creating some new kind of art. We call them “twarts” because they’re outdoor adventures with a twist of art.
Did I lose you?
If so, which part?
Does saying or even just reading “twart” make you uncomfortable? It’s a silly made-up word that embodies the Rockford Fringe. It can’t hurt you!
Are you turned off to the idea of exposing your bare tootsies in public? The hikes are shoe optional, so wear your footwear if you like.
Are you turned off to the idea of creating art in the open air? If so, then just observe or leave early.
Are you turned off to the idea of a picnic? Then don’t eat.
Real talk
I love barefoot hiking. I love writing, music, theatre, art, poetry and spoken word. I love picnics. I love being outside. I love meeting people. And I love sharing safe, fun, free events with the public. Why? Because the Rockford Fringe shows me what’s real. It shows me who’s real. It shows me, time and time again, people who think for themselves.
I am excited to see who shows up and gives their feet a chance to connect with the earth. And I’m even more excited to see what is created! We’ve already witnessed one new original song, a new short story, the beginning of a new screenplay, a couple new poems and some sketching and drawing.
We’re looking for a few brave souls and soles to join us at our twarts. Are you one of them? Then click the Events tab and sign up.
Thanks for reading! Hope to see you at a twart! -Connie
My foot at Hononegah Forest Preserve.
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This morning, I was reading a chapter about the benefits of walking barefoot. I’ve been thinking about guiding a two or three-mile barefoot hike at a local forest preserve and was searching for insight and came across the following quote:
Our feet have almost twice as many nerve endings as a penis, making them one of the most intensely tactile and sensuous parts of the body.
After I read that, I put my book down, stared at bare feet and wondered, “Is that supposed to inspire me?”
Because it didn’t.
However, it did remind me of an article I read in the local paper several years ago. It was about a young man who was part of an organization that walks barefoot every day. Even though there was absolutely no mention of the nerve endings of a penis, I was still inspired.
It was winter but I was eager to give barefoot walking a try. I wasn’t particularly good at it, not at first. Walking on frozen sidewalks and earth feels like you’re getting burned and scraped at the same time, but I kept trying and now it’s something I do every day. I don’t do it for long periods of time. I’ll do little things. I’ll take the trash out or go to the basement or drive or walk Barbara. Right now I am writing barefoot.
Though I’ve been a practicing barefoot-walker for more than a decade, my mind still plays tricks on me. It tries to talk me out of it.
“You’ll get stung!” “You’ll cut yourself!” “You’ll get pulled over!” “You’ll step on broken glass!” “You’ll fall!” “You’ll step on a slug!” “You’ll step in…something wet.”
My mind tries to scare me away from connecting with the earth (or my home or my car). My mind tells me to stop being direct.
I hate when my mind tells me to stop being direct and I hate when my body sends me signals that interfere with my intuition. But I love finding ways to rebel against fear.
I hope you’ll consider joining me on a barefoot hike. I’m still working out the details of when and where, but wanted to write about it today in hopes that it would sort of whet your appetite to go on a barefoot hike with me.
Today’s prompt is, “What is the earliest memory you have?”
I have many. Here’s a list:
Seeing my dad pull up in his cream-colored station wagon when he got home from the newspaper.
Stubbing my toe and marveling at how the wound was a perfect brick red-colored circle.
Picking up pinching beetles for fun and marveling at their sheen.
My mom exercising throughout the house as she did chores. This is perhaps my earliest memory because she was back at work by the time I was in kindergarten. And not long after that, she ran for alderman. Didn’t win, but I am still so proud.
Having rotating art on the living room walls. Back then you could “borrow” a painting from the library.
My sister Rani performing as a grammarian dog in a play at Walker Elementary School. She and my mom sewed it and I also remember the roar of the huge sewing machine.
My mom saying “God bless America” when she was frustrated (still hilarious).
Singing “I’m a Rhinestone Cowgirl” into a handheld tape recorder while Glen Campbell’s song played either from the radio, a record player or 8 track. I think Rani was sending her friend Laura (who lived in Texas) a recorded letter. This predates mixed tapes and voice mail. Back then I think my sister would record a message onto a tape and then mail it to her friend.
My sister Rani blow-drying my hair followed by my grandma saying I looked like Farrah Fawcett but pronouncing it Faroo Fuh-rah. It’s worth noting that my very Italian grandma also liked the song Funiculi Funicula.
My brother David giving me that final push when I learned how to ride a bike. It’s worth noting that this was on Camp Avenue which means he had to keep me steady all the way around the block.
My sister Rani getting makeup secretly delivered to her in the mail. I believe she even sent cash (coins even!) to purchase it!
Ozark airplanes at the local airport that delivered our Morrison, Colorado loved ones to us (and sometimes us to them).
My sister Phyllis’s spellbinding performance in Clod Clown by Phyllis Ross. I can still hear her singing the title song:
Everyone calls me the Clod Clown
and I can't blame them cuz
every time I sit down, I fall down
every time I stand up, I fall down
and then when I walk up and down the stairs
I trip and fall and break my neck
My sister went on to write another groundbreaking song entitled, “Guess What America Is Eating Tonight?” If you’re wondering what the answer is, here’s a hint: She wrote and performed this song while popping popcorn.
Guess what America is eating tonight
Something light that you make at night
And when you eat it your pants won't get tight
All of these memories (and so many more) have obviously heavily influenced who I am today. I’ll write more about the “art” aspect of my childhood on the Rockford Fringe page later tonight. I had to write this quickly today. Thank you for reading!
Funiculi funicula,
Connie
One of the greatest songs ever–after “Clod Clown” and “Guess What America Is Eating Tonight?”, of course.
Thank you for coming to the Rockford Fringe Festival! We have a fantastic lineup of unique, deep talent for you including theatre, music, comedy, drama, dance, stretch, radio plays, creative dramatics, parkour and poetry.
We hope you stay all day, but of course you are welcome to come and go as you please.
Our performers have been working incredibly hard. Please be respectful during their performances and give them your full attention. If you need to leave, please wait for the breaks before and after each act.
The Fringe is free but bring your own chair and snacks; and please remember if you pack it in you must pack it out. This includes your recyclables and litter. We want to leave Walker Park looking better than the way we found it.
With those housekeeping items in mind, please get comfortable and enjoy the Rockford Fringe Festival! -Connie Kuntz
Schedule
PODCAST
The Rockford Fringe Festival Podcast, hosted by Connie Kuntz, is another way to get to know the artists. It’s free and available on Apple, Spotify, Anchor and Google.
Nick Barelli is an actor/director from Rockford. He studied at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) under the tutelage of Yasen Peyankov, Zeljko Djukic, and Derrick Saunders. He gives his thanks to the Rockford Fringe Festival and to Carl Maronich for the awesome opportunity to be a part of these plays.
Rock Island native, Aubrey Barnes, also known as “Aubs.,” is a poet, spoken word artist, author, battle rap enthusiast, Emcee, teacher of the arts and podcast host of Black Thoughts Podcast. Aubs. has performed and taught workshops all over; from Chicago, Atlanta and outside the country such as Haiti. His third book It is Good, It is Written was published April of this year.
Kate Blair is delighted to be part of this year’s Fringe Festival. She has enjoyed learning Nikki’s choreography & collaborating with both Nikki and Emily in preparation. She currently works as Outreach Coordinator & Instructor at Rockford Dance Company. She is certified in Movement Fundamentals®, a holistic movement/dance training.
Rebecca Ann Carver (host) is a Chicago-born actress, model and comedian. She’s been seen (and worked on) shows for MTV, Netflix and Amazon. She’s modeled for large companies like Staples and Shure to small local and women-run businesses. She performs regularly throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Rebeccaanncarver.com
Emmy Daniels (she/her) is a rising senior Music Theater major from Naperville, IL. Past productions include June by the Sea, Spring Awakening (Ilse), Jesus Christ Superstar (Disciple/Judas u/s). Being queer herself, she is excited to tell a queer story that is both lighthearted and unabashedly honest. No more hiding!
Alyse Dionne is a Chicago-based actor with Promote Talent Agency playing Josephine “JoJo” D’Angelo. A member of the ComedySportz Rec League, Alyse played Helena in a virtual adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the radio play Emperor of the Moon on Spotify. Insta: A.M.Dijon
Robbie Ellis is a comedy songmaker who’s birthed one album with a second on the way. He performs at Chicago shows like The Paper Machete and Tuesdays@9; he’s been an improv music director at The Second City and The Annoyance; he’s a composer; and he presents classical music radio on WFMT Chicago. Robbieellis.net
Tera Flores writes, “I am honored to be making my directorial debut in Lady Balls. It has been a blast and I am truly honored to be working with such a collaborative group.”
Allison Fradkin has a ball creating satirically scintillating stories that (sur)pass the Bechdel Test and enlist their characters in a caricature of the idiocies and intricacies of insidious isms. An enthusiast of inclusivity and accessibility, she serves as Literary Manager of Violet Surprise Theatre, curating new works by queer playwrights; and as Dramatist for Special Gifts Theatre, adapting scripts for actors of all abilities. Allison’s auxiliary activities include vintage shopping, volunteering, and tending to her thespian tendencies.
Gerri Hood writes, “I am 50-ish. I am the mother of 6 children and 15 grandchildren with 2 more on the way. I’ve been writing most of my life but didn’t read my work publicly until February of 2020 when I read a poem for the City of Rockford’s Black History Month celebration.”
Emily Klonicki works, plays and creates in Rockford, IL. She is the executive director of Alignment Rockford. She loves to dance and create other kinds of art in her free time. She has two children who are also young artists.
Angelo Kuntz is going into 7th grade at West Middle School in the Creative And Performing Arts Program. He enjoys reading, volunteering at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, running and playing chess. Angelo danced at Hubbard Street Youth Dance Program and later at Ruth Page Center for the Arts and is excited to lead Creative Dramatics with Fern.
Connie Kuntzloves producing safe, inclusive and unique art-based public events. Some favorites: Now What Pop-Ups; Winter Solstice Poetry Caroling; The “On Your Mark” 5K; and the “March for the Arts” Parade. A former WNIJ environment reporter and host of State of the Artist, now Connie’s a playwright, Rockford Fringe podcast host, the music and comedy director for Naked Angels Tuesdays@9 Chicago, and a sometimes-instructor or moderator at Chicago Dramatists. She says, “Thank you to everyone who took at chance on the Rockford Fringe Festival.”
Essamuel Kuntz will be a sophomore at Guilford this fall where he is part of Scholastic Bowl and runs track. Sam enjoys volunteering at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, reading, making music and editing / creating videos.
Fern Kuntz will be a freshman at Guilford in the fall. She enjoys volunteering at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, and playing cello and chess. Ferm danced for several years at Hubbard Street Youth Dance Program and later at Ruth Page Center for the Arts.
Jesse Kuntz is a freelance technical director and production manager for live events. When Connie learned about the City of Rockford’s “Forward For Fun” initiative, she thought about producing a writing event but Jesse said, “You need to go bigger and it needs to be theatre.” They walked over to Walker Park and immediately envisioned the Fringe. The Rockford Fringe is an awesome collaboration but it is Jesse Kuntz who made it possible for us to see, hear and experience this safe, beautiful day of original performances.
Jocelyn Kuntz will be a senior at Guilford in the fall and is currently part of the International Dance Experience at Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Prior to Ruth Page, she trained at Hubbard Street Youth Dance Program for several years. Jocelyn is the past youth poet laureate for the City of Rockford and enjoys boxing and Muay Thai.
Jim Lichtscheidl is a creator, director, choreographer and performer from Minneapolis. He enjoys writing, tennis and playing competitive Scrabble. Other shows Jim has created include Huh?, The Hoopla Train, Knock!, and archie and mehitabel: life in lowercase.
Mannarzm says his mission is to inspire and impact people. He is also a media producer (music for spoken word artists, scoring for film or television), video production and post production. Mannarzm is the founder of the open mic Metaversez.tv.
A playwright with a background in radio, and plenty of experience shopping in small town grocery stores, Carl Maronich combined these interests to create Sack Merriweather – Bag Boy, Do-Gooder and All-Around Nice Guy. The radio play originally aired on WKAN in Kankakee in 2015. Audio Biography is a radio feature that never quite made it onto the air, but has been called brilliant…or probably would have been if anyone actually heard it. Carl’s writing career started in journalism, including a dozen-year stint with the Dixon Telegraph, a few miles south on the beautiful Rock River.
Sharon Nesbit-Davis is the author of the memoir Intended: A Marriage in Black & White and the past executive director for Rockford Area Arts Council.
Rich Rankinis a Chicago-based musician, producer, audio engineer and photographer. He has produced, recorded and performed on numerous albums, performs live, and also scores and produces ad music, audio branding and sound design. His photo work captures inspired people; musicians, dancers and artists of all kinds.
Rockford Writers’ Guildis an international writing organization that nurtures and publishes writers of all levels. The Guild has been around since 1947 and puts out two editions of The Rockford Review every year. They also publish the monthly newsletter Write Away, host monthly meetings, regularly promote their writers and maintain a lively social media presence. Rockford Writers’ Guild is the official sponsor of the Rockford Fringe.
Nicole Rundall-Royal writes, “As a dancer, I believe in the power of the arts to evoke emotion and passion. As a social worker and therapist, I find inspiration in the music of artists who use their craft to bring social justice to the forefront. The life of Nina Simone and the music that she has created through her love, anguish, and courage inspired me to choreograph a piece to the song “22nd Century.” There are many layers and elements in this lengthy piece of music and it lends itself to different stories being told through movement. I am so very thankful for the two creative souls who have supported, collaborated and danced alongside of me on this piece. We are very excited to be a part of Fringe Fest.”
Karen Saari is an award-winning playwright who enjoys getting a chance to perform once in a while. Residing in Madison, WI, she recently played Mrs. Chumley in a Madison College production of Harvey. Other favorite Madison acting credits include roles in Bonnie and Clyde and The Sound of Music (Music Theatre of Madison), The Odd Couple (Alley Stage), Cat’s Paw (Strollers Theatre) and You’ve Ruined a Perfectly Good Mystery (Mercury Players). By day she works in PR and teaches Speech at Madison College. She sends love to Dave, Max and Ginn. Don’t mind this shameless plug for the world premiere of her musical (book and co-lyrics) Ten Days in a Madhouse, Aug. 19-27 at Wisconsin Union Theatre! (Learn more at mtmadison.com)
Kim Schultz is a writer, actor, improvisor, storyteller and activist. She has worked at many national theatres as an actor and writer. In 2009, she was commissioned to travel to the Middle East to meet with Iraqi refugees. Out of that came the solo show No Place Called Home and the memoir, Three Days in Damascus. (Palewell Press, 2016). Up next: a new play she wrote called The Root Beer Lady. It is the story of a maverick woman who lived alone in the Boundary Waters for 50 years being performed at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN, January, 2023.
SigFreed (Parkour) is a group of parkour athletes, explorers and artists traveling and creating content while documenting their adventures. They are based out of Beloit, Wisconsin. Members: Nathan Sill, Max Saladar, Devon McIntyre and Evan Rusmisal.
Christopher D. Sims is a Rockford born and raised writer of poetry, performance spoken word poet, and a hip-hop MC and recording artist. Heavily engaged in and committed to the 1980s rap genre and the 1970s Black Arts Movement, his poems and rhymes either educate, inform, or uplift. As a poet, he covers social justice issues to continue the conversation and push this country towards justice and equity. A multi-threat artist, Christopher D. Sims is all about entertainment and education.
Schann Stewart currently performs in nursing homes but is striving to take her show into other venues. Originally from Nebraska, she now lives in Freeport, Illinois where she is pursuing her dream of being a voice actor. She hopes to be in animation someday.
Kankakee, IL is where Bill Yohnka hosts the morning show on X-Country 106.5 FM, is the voice of the Kankakee Farmers Market and works in community engagement for Kankakee School District 111.
Forward for Fun.
The Rockford Fringe Festival was made possible by the City of Rockford’s Forward for Fun initiative.
We’ve been cranking out the content on the Rockford Fringe Festival Podcast! You can listen and subscribe via Apple, Google, Spotify and Anchor or just listen from my blog. Here are the latest episodes.
Episode 4: My 10-minute interview with rap artist Aubs.
Aubs.
Episode 5: My 5-minute interview with poet Gerri Hood.
Gerri Hood.
Episode 6: My four-and-a-half-minute interview with parkour performers Nathan Sill and Max Saladar of SigFreed.
Hear the Parkour Episode.
Episode 7: My 13-minute interview with playwright Carl Maronich.
Episode 8: My 8-minute interview with comedy songmaker Robbie Ellis.
Robbie Ellis.
Episode 9: My 6-minute interview with comedy jazz artist Schann Stewart.
Schann Stewart.
Episode 10: My 8-minute interview with Minneapolis artist Jim Lichtscheidl.
Jim Lichtscheidl.
Episode 11: My 9-minute interview with college student Ethan Watts.
Episode 12: My 6-minute interview with Chicago actor Alyse Dionne.
Alyse Dionne
Episode 13: My 7-minute interview with Rockford dancer Kate Blair.
Kate Blair.
Thanks for listening and see you at the #RockfordFringe on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Rockford’s Walker Park. Bring a chair or blanket for sitting. Pack a picnic. It’s a rain or shine event, so consider wearing a hat, sunscreen and packing an umbrella. It’s also an environmentally friendly event so if you pack it in, pack it out. We don’t want to leave even a hint of litter at the park, plus the park only has one garbage can so in order to keep the park clean, we ask you to pack neatly and if you have any garbage, dispose of it at home. Thanks for keeping the earth clean and healthy! -Connie
Hear the 7-minute interview right here or on Apple, Spotify, Anchor and Google Podcasts.Rockford Fringe Festival Host Rebecca Ann Carver.
Get to know a little bit about the Rockford Fringe Festival host here. Then come to the #RockfordFringe on Saturday, July 9 from Noon-6:00 p.m. at Walker Park in Rockford, Illinois. It’s a free celebration of theatre and the performing arts and it will take place rain or shine! Thanks for listening! -Connie
Constance Kuntz 