|
You’re cordially invited to
the first ever
(at least that I know of)
Oklahoma City
Kayak Koncert
Where: Lake Hefner – below the patio at Pearl‘s Lakeside.
When: Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:30 PM
(meet at Hobie Point)
Why: Listen to some great music, paddle the lake, and enjoy the company of friends.
Who: Camille Harp, a local singer. Several of us had the opportunity to listen to her at a Sunday Twilight Concert and really enjoyed it. Visit http://www.camilleharp.com for music samples and additional info.
Details: Meet at Hobie Point at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, August 23rd. We’ll paddle over and anchor below the patio at Pearl‘s Lakeside. If the wind is strong, we’ll paddle east along the south shore and then head north. Bring your kayak (you must provide your own), PFD, paddle, white light, etc. Also, bring some money and we’ll see if we can get anyone from Pearl‘s to offer waterside service. Also, CD’s are available if you like what you hear. Sue Goodrich and I both purchased CDs and are glad we did.
FAQ!
FAQ Note:
Don’t take anything in this too seriously.
Come out, paddle a bit, enjoy some great music
and have fun.
I don’t have my own kayak, what do I do?
Ask a friend who won’t be going to borrow one of theirs, rent one from Sun and Ski, or buy one (you know you want to). If none of those options work, you can show up early and grab a patio table (closest to the south side) and listen to Camille while enjoying the great food at Pearl‘s Lakeside. Try and guilt a staff member to bringing food to us poor starving kayakers on the water  . And ask them if they have Key Lime Pie. If they do, I’ll come up for a slice. Oh, and bring a camera/video camera to capture the first ever (as far as I know) Oklahoma City Kayak Koncert.
Do I have to wear a PFD?
Oklahoma law requires that you wear a PFD at all times while you’re in your kayak. But I’m not the kayak police, so the choice on whether you want to risk a ticket or not is completely up to you. Also, if you decide to stand up and dance in your kayak and then fall in, you’re on your own.
Why should I bring a white light?
Oklahoma law (and common sense) requires that you have a white light when on the water after dark. A white light alerts other boaters that you are on the water and helps to keep them from running you over. If you have a light you can stay and listen to the music even longer. The sunset from the Pearl‘s patio area is one of the best in town, but you’ll need a light to paddle back afterwards.
How can I stay in one spot in order to listen to the music?
Creative paddling can leave you in a single spot for quite awhile. However, another method is to purchase a little 2.5 pound dumbbell, attach some rope and toss it over the side (hang on to one end of the rope). This kind of anchor is extremely cheap, so if it gets stuck underneath one of the rocks you haven’t lost much. Finally, if enough people show up, we can form a big group and use the bigger boats as anchor points.
Do I have to bring money?
No, but if you don’t and we can cajole a member of the Pearl‘s staff to serve us at waterside, don’t come asking to borrow any from me . Also, our local artists practice hard, often work regular full-time jobs, and still spend their evenings playing music for our enjoyment, so buy the CD if you like the music.
Can I stand up and dance in my kayak?
If you’re a really good kayaker or dancer, I hope that you try (Following the advice of my attorney, you are hereby advised that standing and dancing in a kayak is not a recommended activity . I’m sure everyone else will have a great laugh. I’m neither a great kayaker or dancer, so don’t expect to see me standing and dancing in my kayak. And remember, swimming is not allowed in Lake Hefner.
Why is the Koncert on a Wednesday?
With the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo running from Friday through Sunday that week, many kayakers may be too busy that weekend. Also, I have never heard the bands playing on the weekend, and I think Camille is really good, has an amazing voice and a contagious energy. And since I’m the one setting this up, I get to pick the day . Finally, our evenings are getting shorter. So we should be off the water by 9:00 ish, making Wednesday a great day for the first ever Kayak Koncert.
What’s the weather supposed to be like?
Currently, weather.com is showing 98 degrees and possible scattered thunderstorms. However, it is still more than a week out and this is Oklahoma. We’ll keep you posted.
What may cause the Kayak Koncert to be cancelled?
Thunder and lightning or lots of rain. Safety first, so if there are thunderstorms dangerously close the kayaking part of the Koncert will be cancelled.
Do I need to RSVP?
Letting me know that you are going isn’t absolutely necessary, but it is nice to know. That way I can put groups (patio goers or kayakers) in touch with each other if necessary. It also helps to know if we should wait a few minutes for you if you aren’t at Hobie Point by 6:30.
Will there be other Kayak Koncerts?
I hope so. That all depends on the turn-out for this one and the music schedule at Pearl‘s. We may have to wait until next year though, so we can have the long evenings again.
See you all there,
Jeff Patterson |
