Review of 1995 Convention ------------------------- The build up ------------ I arrived on wednesday night, 2 days before the convention really started but already committee members were busy pulling their hair out. On thursday and friday most of the early arrivals were helping to get things in order and spending hours on the streets performing while giving out leaflets. I was very impressed with how helpful everyone was being. The pre-convention interviews were great, Dan promised naked women and free booze to anyone who turned up. Again I was impressed with all the stars who got up early to be interviewed, (while I slept in). Friday Night ------------ I spent the first hour or so just wandering around the main hall thinking 'wow, who are all these people, where did they come from'. Renegade (friday night) ----------------------- Barry MC'd the first renegade night, and did an excellent job at warming the crowd up. There were several noteable appearances. GAM's tribute to the convention committee was both touching and very silly. I performed my famous magic rope trick, which no one else gets, but I don't care it amazes me everytime I do it. Dan performed a hilarious piece bouncing a golf ball on a golf club. The night was very amatuerish with lots of stuff ups, but all very entertaining and must of encouraged others to try because the sunday renegade was packed and went until the wee small hours. The Guest Stars. --------------- Dan & Barry were excellent, well worth the cost of importing. They made the whole event seem special and gave very interesting workshops on performance. In the public show they were hilarious. Unfortunately they had to leave on sunday afternoon but their effect on everyone could be guaged by the frequent "Dan & Barry" impersonations that continued for the rest of the weekend. (in unison) "WE SUCK" The public show --------------- Very professional, thanks to Furgus, Jo & Brent for putting this together. The most excellent public show I've seen in N.Z. (and I really liked the public show in previous years). I was surprized to see the flying zuchini bro's performing, as two days earlier no one had known where in the country they were. Leala and Storm whipped the crowd into a frenzy with synchronized fire swinging, Mike Twist performed a very polished classic 3 ball routine. Juniors renegade competition ---------------------------- This was a new idea to encourage the juniors to strut their stuff, and frankly it was scary. There were nine entrants and even allowing for my inflated opinion of my own abilities there were at least two or three acts that were performing tricks technically superior to what I can do. They also produced some original tricks and ideas as well. Senior Renegade --------------- Excellent, lots of weird things, and it was wonderful to see so many first timers taking their first splash on a stage. NZJA meeting ------------ The NZJA meeting was an exceptionally civilized, positive and productive event. The proposals for next years site were discussed in a friendly way and the 'hippy bums' from Nelson managed to present a very convincing argument. If they can put together a convention half as good as the computer nerds from wellington have done then it will be sure to be a great success. ChrisP, Happily former President NZJA. P.S. (Hot gossip about Steve being found in bed with more than one woman was carefully edited out, oops)