This past Sunday I spent the day at the Mediterranean Fantasy Festival, or as it’s commonly known, MedFest. This is a popular, long-running belly dance festival held in West Seattle. Although there were a couple of workshops, the event is primarily popular for its all-day performances on two stages (indoors and outdoors) and the numerous vendors to meet your belly dance shopping needs. The event runs Saturday and Sunday, but since it’s almost an hour drive from my place, I decided to only go one day.
I opted for Sunday because the Nathaniel Johnstone Band was playing and my classmates from Tempest’s studio were performing to live music for the first time, so I figured I should be there to cheer them on. It was a nice day for an outdoor show, sunny and warm with a gentle breeze. I slathered on the sunscreen and spent a lot of time in the shade and managed to get some fresh air without getting a sunburn.
The band put on a good show, joined by dancers for every song — although the last two songs were people who joined in from the audience, including yours truly who found herself wishing she was dressed more appropriately for a raised stage! My classmates did a good job, especially considering the surprise pole at the front center of the stage. Oh, outdoor stages, you always have some quirks.
After the band’s set was over, it was time for SHOPPING! There were a fair amount of vendors set up outside, and a few inside. The offerings leaned a little bit more towards the sparkly side of the aisle. There was a bit of stuff for the tribal and fusion crowd, including Silk Road Tribal, but nothing of the scope of Magical Fashions’ booth full of 25 yard skirts or a Snake Church or Medina with mermaid skirts and fabulous bras, belts and headpieces. There were also a couple of henna booths, a music booth, a photographer, and Mishu Boutique, whose clearance rack I raided for a few cute shirts.
I also got some good socializing in during the event. The relaxed nature of things and the fact that I wasn’t performing or taking any workshops meant that I had a couple of hours to just hang out and talk with the people I knew and meet new people while I was shopping.
After shopping, it was time to report in for my volunteer shift! The hosts of MedFest had put out a call for volunteers earlier in the week, so I emailed Saqra and she was kind enough to put me in charge of playing the music for the indoor stage, which meant I was sitting, out of the sun, and I got to watch the dancers! As far as volunteer jobs go it was pretty cushy!
I’d like to take this moment to apologize to any dancer who performed between 2-4pm and had music problems. I know I made a couple screw-ups because I am not usually a sound tech. Those whose music I did goof on were pros about it, so thank you!
Over all I had a really fun day and I can see why people enjoy the event so much. It felt very community-minded, with dancers complimenting each other on their performances, and hanging out with the vendors.
Sadly, next year will be the 30th and final MedFest! I’m definitely planning to spend the whole weekend there, as I’m sure it will be a great send-off for a beloved event.
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