OPEN / "Bring Yourself" Arts & Culture event!

[enveloped]

who: Cameron Waltz and you!
what: "Bring Yourself" Arts & Culture event!
when: Today!
where: Riverside Community Centre.
warnings: None predicted.

Open invitation on the network!


The community center is normally a modest building, albeit one with a spectacular riverfront view. Tonight, it's putting on the ritz. Multicolored lanterns hang on either side of the sidewalk leading up to the front of the building, and music of all kinds, depending on what time it is, pours out of the open doors and into the street. Local vendors have set up small carts to show off their wares and offer small trinkets and fresh food for sale, displaying their local pride.

Inside, things have been completely redecorated for the event. It's a modern open concept gallery, with blank walls for artwork and written word, empty pedestals to display objects, and plenty of tables with chairs. Some pieces are already on display, from paintings to exotic foods. Small crowds gather around people telling stories or showing off their special skills and talents.

That music plays live from the small main stage overlooking a dance floor, both of which can be cleared for demonstrations of everything from dance to martial arts. Anything physical that requires that little bit of extra room.

Musicians are free to write their names for a time-slot on the stage, and can choose to be accompanied by the onsite pianist and guitarist, bring their own instruments or backup, or perform solo.

All throughout the room are food and drink stations, where staff serves wine, beer, limited spirits, and soft drinks. The exotic foods are on display here, from which the guests can help themselves. If you can imagine it, someone has managed to cook it.
At the far end of the building is an outdoor patio overlooking the river, with seating and torches to light the area through the night. Most displays of magic take place out there, where practitioners can go all-out casting their most extravagant spells.

The crowd ebbs and flows, gathering to socialize during lulls and splitting off to see new events and installations as they come in. Other than opening and closing statements by Cameron Waltz, there's very little structure.

Casual and relaxed, the focus is on learning, generating conversation, and meeting new people. It's an organized free-for-all, a mini festival dedicated to the celebration of the cultures and backgrounds of everyone in Riverview. And in a city made up of a thousand universes worth of people, there's more than enough to see.

[Characters can bring pieces with them as they arrive, and simply set themselves up around the room. Contributions aren't limited to art, anything goes! Feel free to play random observer/staff/performer NPCs. The party goes until midnight, have fun!]

Comments

Jeff Calhoun | OTA

[bardish]

It took a little bit of convincing from Cam, but Jeff ultimately agreed to provide some music for the event. For most of the night, Jeff only plays unplugged, gentle coffeehouse style music. He's just the backup accompaniment for Athena, who's singing a set list selected for maximum, like, tasteful ambiance.

He's happy to let Athena be the star while they're sharing the stage, just as he's happy to be Cam's backup, however his boyfriend needs him tonight.

(Mostly, it's been emotional support. Somebody's got to soothe those nerves of Cam's!)

At some point, closer to the end of the night, Jeff actually has his own set, with a makeshift band consisting of some friends he's made in the city. But with vocals and lead guitar, there's no question Jeff's the star here, at least during this set.

It's not a particularly long set, and he sticks with covers of other musicians, rather than his own music (it's a long story; ask him why!)... But, while he's on stage, it really looks like this is the most alive and in his element Jeff's been since his arrival here.

(Honestly, this is the most alive and in his element Jeff's been in over twenty years. Again: long story!)

Yeah, he's an outgoing, cheerful person as a rule, but on stage, Jeff's different, more electrified. There's none of that ever-present undercurrent of nerves and anxiety running through him tonight. He's purely at ease, comfortable in his skin and confident in his talent.

He closes out with a song he dedicates to a special someone-- YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, BECAUSE HE'S LOOKING RIGHT AT YOU-- before launching into a song that conveys just how he feels about Cameron Waltz...

(And anyone who grew up in the 90s might recognize the song as soon as he starts playing that opening guitar riff.)

"I have looked all over the place, but you have got my favorite face..."

The song's about fucking. Cover your ears, children!

Anyway, say hi to Jeff when he's done!

[ And here's some extra examples of music he was playing: prison bound (probably somewhat facetiously, HE'S A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER FOR GODS SAKE), fall down, everlong, don't take me for granted, and other stuff ALONG THOSE LINES. And he probably had fun showing off guitar solos with zomby woof, highway star, and yes, even some tswift. ]

[citharede]

[ Athena cheers Jeff on like she's at a rock concert, whooping and clapping after each song and dragging others in to the celebration by virtue of her enthusiasm.

When he finishes the song to Cam and PRESUMABLY DOES WHATEVER GROSS ROMANTIC THING HE DOES AFTER THAT, Athena yells "GET A ROOM, OR AT LEAST A PRODUCER!" and promptly runs away.

She finds Jeff again after Cam's been drawn back to his host-ly duties. She can't sling an arm around Jeff's shoulders because he's too fucking tall, so she slings and arm around his waist instead. ]

Congratulations, Calhoun, you didn't suck.

[bardish]

[ Oh, Athena. You're the best troll/apprentice. He's just going to loop ONE LONG ARM AROUND HER SHOULDERS because he has that tall privilege. ]

Aww, I'm so glad I rose to your high expectations of me.

[citharede]

[ She grins. ]

Not bad as backup either. [ She scans the room for Cam, but he must be off somewhere being Public Representativey. ] He liked it, right? I mean it seemed like he liked it. In a crying kind of way.

[bardish]

Not bad. [ Sure, he'll concede that. ] But you were the one who killed it. [ Enjoy a total DAD HUG, RIGHT IN PUBLIC. ] A real star!

[ As for Cam... ]

He liked it! Which is great because I figured there was a not-insignificant chance that it'd totally embarrass him and he'd boot me to the couch tonight.

[enveloped]

He's been listening to Athena and Jeff perform on and off through the party. He loves watching the two of them onstage, and so does room. They're both talented musicians, and the music they make together is beautiful, but it's the way they play together he loves most. Mentor and pupil side by side. He can see and their relationship, and hear the connection they share. The music has been doing wonders to keep him calm, even when they nearly run out of champagne and someone needs to run to the nearest liquor store to grab more.

Busy as Cam is, when Jeff starts his set later in the night, he stops what he's doing and finds a spot on the dance-floor. As close to the stage as he can get without hurting his neck. Cam wasn't part of the punk movement in his youth, his only punk idol was Debbie Harry, but as an adult? Jeff might just convert him.

Jeff's as good as he was twenty years ago. Better, because he's a grown man now, with more soul, and the depth of his life experience behind his voice when he sings. Cam couldn't look away from Jeff back then, and he can't now. Jeff Calhoun is a rock-star making a comeback, and Cameron Waltz is his biggest fan. With each song Cam's throat and chest become increasingly tight with emotion. Because Jeff is singing, finding that part of himself again, and sharing it with him. With everyone.

When Jeff looks at him, sings for him, to him, he feels hot all over, his skin prickling beneath his suit. Face flushed. Not embarrassed. Flattered. Flustered. Overwhelmed. Because Cam's never felt this kind of wanted before, least of all in public, with people watching. Even with lyrics like "And you fuck like a volcano" it's a wholly emotional experience, and Cam can't help but get teary-eyed looking up at him. By the time the song is over, he's actually crying. Quietly, and mostly into his wineglass, but enough he'll need someone to hand him a couple tissues before he can go back to making the rounds.

Cam claps as soon as the song is over, still crying, because that's just who he is.

[bardish]

He can't tell Cam's crying, not from the stage. He can't even come back out to see Cam until he's cleared the stage and packed his gear. But he does it as quickly as possible, so he can rush back out to find Cam.

Aka the boyfriend.

AKA THE GUY HE'S TOTALLY HEAD OVER HEELS FOR.

And he finds said boyfriend/guy he's totally head over heels for still near the stage, crying into his wineglass. Jeff slings an arm around Cam's waist, brow furrowed in concern, even if he's still practically buzzing with adrenaline from performing.

He doesn't have a tissue, but Jeff does have a sleeve Cam can use. He even lifts a hand to stroke Cam's bearded cheek, both to provide comfort AND OFFER HIS SLEEVE FOR TEAR-WIPING.

"Shit-- I didn't put you on the spot, did I?"

[enveloped]

“No, no. I mean, yes, but it was fine. It was wonderful. I loved it” Cam’s still crying, his voice hitching with every breath. He melts against Jeff, wet cheek pressed to the side of his neck. He swallows down a sob, inhales through his nose, and clears his throat. Making some attempt to right himself. Not because he’s ashamed, his mind is so far from anything negative in this moment. Cam just doesn’t want Jeff to worry, or to make this moment about him, and his tears.

His hands go to Jeff’s upper arms, gripping his biceps through his shirt as he leans back to get a proper look at him. Wet eyes meeting Jeff’s eyes with a shaky smile.

“You sang, and you were amazing. I’m so…” The tears start again before Cam can finish his sentence, and he shakes his head with a half-sob half-laugh.

“I’m so proud of you.” If Jeff thought he was crying before, he’s absolutely bawling now, his face in his hands. At this rate he’s going to ruin his silk tie.

[bardish]

Oh god oh god oh god, Jeff doesn't know whether to smile or join Cam in crying or what. When Cam says he's proud of him, Jeff feels like his heart's just gonna explode into a million rays of sunshine, and he's beaming, but also trying not to beam too much, because it looks downright sadistic to stand there grinning while your boyfriend's bawling into his hands!

He never ceases to be in awe of the depth of Cam's ability to feel. Call it sentimental, oversensitive, whatever. Jeff thinks it's sweet, and it's fucking beautiful.

He slides his arm up around Cam's shoulders and holds him close, tilting his head to Cam's, their temples touching.

"You know you made this possible, right?" he says softly, just for the two of them. He turns his head to kiss Cam's temple, since it's not like he can reach his mouth with those hands covering it. He laughs, a little bit of exhilaration bursting through. "God, I felt so alive on that stage!"

Like he used to-- albeit in totally different venues, with totally different crowds. But it's not the size that matters to him. It's just that feeling of pulling eyes and ears to him, on the stage.

He's too old to ever pursue it seriously again, but just for one night, it was something special. He feels special again.

[pacifisticuffs]

The music isn't to his taste, really, but Simon has been curious about Jeff Calhoun ever since their brief conversation on the network. He's curious about his doppelgänger's taste in men.

And as much as the music isn't to his taste, there's no denying the talent behind it. Calhoun has that particular kind of gift that's a clear marriage of talent and practice, the kind of voice that has the weight of life behind it.

So he's impressed, when he catches Calhoun during someone else's set. He doesn't hide it. This isn't an enemy--it's a person of interest. Being impressed is all for the good.

"Of the two things I find surprising about you, Mr. Calhoun, your height is the more unexpected."

[bardish]

Jesus, it's startling to see Cam's face on another dude! It was weird enough on the network, but in person? Uncanny valley. That's what they call this kind of thing, right?

Jeff likes to think he does a good job not being too obviously startled by the lovechild of Cameron Waltz and James Bond. And even if it does show on his face, however briefly, it's subdued and fleeting. He can school his expression into something normal and treat Simon like any other guy, once the initial "My boyfriend! NO NOT MY BOYFRIEND AT ALL." misfires in his brain pass.

"Why-- do I have the personality of a shorter man?" No wait. "Oh! Or an even taller one!" Settle down, Jeff. "Wait, what's the other thing?"

[pacifisticuffs]

While Simon can appreciate the brevity of Jeff's startlement, his mood still sours a bit. He shouldn't be surprised--he isn't, really--but that doesn't mean he likes being 'the one who looks like Cameron Waltz.' He's not used to being overshadowed by his own face.

Still, Jeff's rambling is enough to amuse in spite of his irritation. "Your talent."

[bardish]

Okay, Simon, but in Jeff's defense, he knows what your face looks like mid-sexing, and that's super weird. Of all people, Jeff's got the most reason to think of Cameron Waltz first and Simon Templar second!

"Oh. Thanks!" A beat. "I'm sorry, but it's gonna haunt me until I know the answer to this: what's surprising about my height?"

HE MUST KNOW IF YOU EXPECTED HIM TO BE SHORT FOR SOME REASON.

Look, Jeff's got a tendency to fixate on really dumb details. And just think: this is him sober.

[indigobird]

Oh, you've still got that rebellious streak in you, Jeff. And Hawke's in full admiration of it as he belts out song after song. The music's far different than what she's used to, though her time in the Quarantine has helped her acclimate to it. If nothing else, she appreciates a song that openly praises someone for fucking like a volcano.

After he's finished and isn't being mobbed by people, Hawke approaches with some wine in hand and a smile on her face. "The bard woos the crowd... and possibly a certain representative, given how much he was blushing throughout that last piece."

[bardish]

Jeff's pretty fond of that song, too. Though now that he's finished, he's so glad he waited til it was closer to midnight to do his set. Minimized the chances of any student-aged youths hearing him sing about fucking.

He's taking a breather when Hawke approaches, but Jeff breaks into a broad smile at her arrival. Finally, after several network exchanges, they meet in person!

"I figured there was a fifty-fifty chance he'd either love it or make me sleep on the couch tonight." Thankfully, it turned out to be the former. After a beat, he adds, "You know, that's the first time I really felt like a bard in--" Over twenty years? Yikes. He'll just vague it up. "--a very long time."

[indigobird]

Hawke honestly considered giving him shit about singing something like that in public because THINK OF THE CHILDREN!! but... yeah there were pretty much none around, so it'd have been pointless.

"So you took a gamble on it and didn't tell him ahead of time. Gutsy." And it confirms what she suspected, that they're an item. An adorable item at that. She tucks the info away, though her main use will be primarily to remind her to not flirt too obnoxiously with either of them. Look, she might be a ridiculous flirt sometimes, but she tries to be respectful about it. "You looked like you were having a blast up there. Did you use any of your magic? I didn't feel anything, but it's also not the kind of magic I'm familiar with."

[bardish]

Some other time, Hawke! Jeff's bound to screw up around minors someday. In the meantime, he's beaming and practically bouncing on his heels, totally energized from his stint on the stage.

"That's me. I live on the edge." Right. There was a time he did, sure, but Jeff's more about routine and paying the bills on time these days. Let him be a cautionary tale: don't grow up, kids!

And though it's an innocent enough question, Jeff's smile fades a little and he looks a bit awkward, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah... no. My magic's best kept away from an audience."

[compartmentalise]

[Watching live performances is still a fairly new experience for him. Markus stands with the crowd and listens to every one of the songs Jeff plays. He does not recognize any of them, but he can see the energy Jeff puts into his performance.

That last song is certainly... something.

He should say something to the guy, right?]

You have an impressive skill with the guitar.

[bardish]

[ The compliment has Jeff at both grinning and fighting against that weird, societally-ingrained kneejerk impulse to downplay his own skill with an 'Aw shucks, I'm not that good.'

But, no, he's really trying to at least own this particular talent of his. All part of his recent (and ongoing) attempt at bringing it back into his life in a meaningful way, and sharing it with others. ]

Thanks, man. That's thirty years of blood, sweat, and tears! [ Pause, before he adds: ] I mean. Not literally. Just a lot of practice.

[compartmentalise]

Thirty years is a lot of dedication. You must love music a lot.

[bardish]

[ Oh he does. He so does. ]

For as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, you couldn't pay me to do homework. But I would study everything there was about music. Just-- for hours. It was fun.

[shoplifter]

[Laura has honestly been avoiding people since — you know. The mindwashing. The trigger scent. It was all still a bit too raw, and even if she wasn't as open about her feelings as maybe she could have shown, she was still feeling the toll of what she'd been forced to do. It's really only by chance she let herself wander into this place; it was active and seemed like it had a brighter spirit than the streets outside.

She was on her way to get more snacks for her backpack, so she could go out into the woods a bit longer, but she really liked artwork. She really liked music. So here she was, sunglasses on and a hoodie pulled over her head. She looked, certainly, like someone who didn't like being bothered. In fact, anyone who tried to talk to her mostly got the cold shoulder.

But she was very interested in the singing; she stood and listened to it in the corner, just in the periphery of anyone doing the performing. Nothing obvious, nothing thumb-like in its soreness. Just a twelve-year-old kid lingering like a shadow in a crowd, disinterested in anything but the band or Athena or the guitar-playing.

Anyway, she's just gonna try to slip away into the crowd after.]

[bardish]

[ Young lady, you will not slip away! Well, okay, slipping away from Jeff is probably pretty easy, since he's not always the most attentive person. But he does spot Laura while playing guitar accompaniment for Athena, and he wants a chance to talk to her. After everything that happened...

Even if he doesn't know her well, he wants to make sure she's okay. That she's not just... alone with no company but every bad thought and painful memory in her head.

He gets his chance after his own set is done, catching a glimpse of hoodie and backpack weaving between some people. Luckily, he's got long legs, so it makes catching up with children pretty easy! ]

Was the set that bad?

[ KIDDING. Just trying to ease into talking here! ]

[shoplifter]

[She whirls around and looks up at him from behind her ballin' cupcake-themed sunglasses. What, do you not wear sunglasses in-doors? Plebe. She observes his goofy little demeanor with a completely blank expression, and without remotely losing any of that seriousness she replies:]

It could use more hip-hop and techno.

[.................... I mean, that's not the worst response one could get.]

[bardish]

[ Those are some pretty sweet sunglasses, kid. Jeff approves, though he's pretty sure that's a look he couldn't pull off, himself.

In any case, he takes that constructive criticism with a thoughtful hmm, tilting his head just so in thought. ]

You think I could pull that off?

[ Look, he knows he can't. A VERY UN-HIP MIDDLE AGED WHITE GUY DOING HIP-HOP. That's the stuff corny advertising campaigns are made of. ]