Potluck Manifesto

This is the letter I sent out to all my hosts. I googled 'potluck manifesto' and a link to this site came up. I thought it fitting and ironic that I, with my name being Israel, found this blog with an obvious traditional Jewish twist. Anyway, enjoy.
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Hey guys,

As you probably know, I'm driving to California on a "Potluck Tour Across America" (which really isn't across America). I'm going to a wedding on August 11 and figured I would make it fun along the way. You're getting this e-mail because you're somehow involved in this tour. This brings me to my first point:

You
I am glad that you are in making this tour possible because honestly, community is the blood of this whole operation. That's you! So thanks so much. The point of the tour is to promote community and to bridge gaps between people. Nothing fancy. Nothing to make money. Every show will be different and strange and unique in its own rite. This is as much your tour as it is my tour. We will drink, eat, and tell stories and be happy together. We can talk about life and stars and baby caterpillars and everything else under the sun. I'm looking forward to it!

Promote
99.9% of this tour will be by word-of-mouth. Since those words can't be from my mouth, I'll need you to take care of that. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell your neighbors, tell whoever. Invite as many as you think you feel comfortable with. I should say, though, that each show will vary from house to house, so the success and happiness and fun of each show won't necessarily depend on how many people show up, but on that spirit of community being present. So mostly your job as host is not to promote the show so much as that spirit. Also, you'll to help keep all of us within the confines of city ordinances (i.e. parking, noise violations, people limit, etc.).

Flyer
I've attached a flyer to this e-mail, meaning you can print it off, draw on it, color it, add to it, or whatever, and then stick it up all over town. Just let people know! Another thing, the flyers come ready for you to fill in with directions, time, date, and a phone number (that last one's up to you). If the flyers are posted, and since they're in black ink, you might write the information with a bright ink pen to catch attention.

Accommodations
I'd really prefer to stay at the house I'm playing at. The reason being that I couldn't possibly afford a hotel room. I will be ridiculously poor this entire tour and would like to save money wherever possible. If it really isn't possible to stay there the night, then that's fine.

Potluck
I grew up around potlucks so I am the most excited about this aspect of the tour. Common problems at potlucks: food allergies, misplaced tupperware, vegan preference, etc. So basically, let everyone know that if they bring food, to be label the food and their tupperware and to bring a little more than enough for themselves so that it can go around a little. Some people can bring paper plates, other people can bring cups, others drinks. That way, one person is screwed by paying out of their butts. Basically, I just want us all to sit down and eat together. I believe eating together is one of the most intimate things people can do together. This can happen before the show or after. We can can just talk, share artwork, play games or tell stories. This part of the evening is everything you make it to be. We can even play dodgeball if you want! Just as long as we do it together.

The Show
This is a little hard to answer. Basically, it'll be me and a guitar and whatever I happen to bring along. That could be slide projector, a tin can, an overhead, a cassette player, or some experimental feedback samples, or clips from horror movies, or just sounds in general. I'm not totally sure yet. It might get a little loud but nothing over the top and I can keep things quiet if needed or make them extra loud; it's up to you. I'll be bringing all the equipment I need so you don't have to worry about it. It'll probably just be enough to work in a living room or some other room. I'll also be selling some merch and accepting tips to fund the tour and make sure I get to California in time for the wedding.

Money
I'm going to try to reimburse you for hosting and flyers and other expenses. I don't know if I'll be able to reimburse you completely (I really have no idea what funds will be). I will certainly try. And I won't accept no for an answer!

There you have it. The Potluck Manifesto. I really don't want this to be a nuisance on any one person, so if there's anything I can do, please let me know. I think this be a really good thing but it's up to all of us to make it. Again, thank you so much for being a part of this.

Peace and blessings!

-Wagner Israel Cilio III