Welcome to Marckomitoville!

Marckomitoville: Final Update

Okay friends, this is it! The weather report is luscious and we’re just a few days out. Here’s the last of all ya need to know …

• Civic responsibility is very important to me,  just as I know it is to all of you. Fun will be had — that’s the name of the game! — but our ability to do this again rests squarely with each of us and the choices we make as individuals. Social distancing and face coverings are not a choice we will be making, however. Just to be clear, masks are required when social distancing is not possible. We are very lucky to be part of a group of like-minded and socially conscious citizens that will make this not just possible, but easy. We can and will party responsibly, and we can and will set a positive example. We’ve all seen horror stories on the news. That’s not us. I’m proud to know you all and blessed to call you each a friend. I know we’ll represent our community proudly and safely.

• On the same topic, it’s a near certainty that we will get a visit or two from Marlboro’s finest. I spoke with them as part of my due diligence before booking these events, and know for a fact they have a duty to check in on parties and ascertain that social distancing and gathering guidelines are being complied with. If they get a call, they are duty-bound to respond to it. I’ve spoken with them and let them know that they are welcome at my home. We have nothing to hide. Everything about this event is legal, above board, and most importantly, socially responsible during a time of global crisis. Knowing with almost absolute certainty that the police will be here, please be smart about your activities. 

• Pop-up tents are both welcome and encouraged. Bring one if you can. Maybe a parasol is more your speed. Or an umbrella hat. Get festive. Seriously, though, a pop-up is a great way to grab some valuable shade and personal space. I can accommodate at least 20 on my back lawn, probably more, so don’t hesitate to stake your flag and take ownership of 100 square feet of my yard.. 

• I ordered wraps, sandwiches, and pizza, everything from Italian combos to veggie, eggplant, fried chicken,  grill chicken, chicken caesar, etc. There’ll be various Coke products, seltzer, and H₂O, along with lemons and limes and such and plenty of ice. I can grab some cranberry juice or tonic or whatever but really I have no clue what people like with their drinks these days. I’ll have individually wrapped snack bags (school lunch style). You’re welcome to use the grill if ya want, just keep it small and simple, please. I won’t take any offense if you want to bring a cooler with your own food, too. Whatever’s clever.

• BYO: adult beverages, swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen.

• Gates open at noon. You’re more than welcome to make this a full pool day in the burbs.

Set times: Between 3:00 – 9:30, we’ll have roughly 4 x 75-90 minute sets with 15-30 minutes between them.

Who knew being an amateur concert promoter could be so much fun – thanks for helping to make my dreams a reality! I’ve barely slept these past few days as my mind has been racing with thoughts and details to make these days special for us all. Even without sleep, I’ve been supercharged with passion and truly feel like I’m serving some higher calling by bringing us all together for music, community, and charity. Can’t freaking wait!

Marckomitoville: Ticket links, Instructions, and FAQs

Ticket links: 

First Weekend (7/25)
Summerfeet (x2)
Escaper (x2)
($35 per person suggested donation) on sale Wednesday 6/17 @ 11:00 am

Second Weekend (8/8)
Dogs In A Pile (x2)
Black Dog
($45 per person suggested donation) on sale Wednesday 6/17 @ 11:00 am

Registration Instructions

1. Register for your spot using the above links. If there are no tickets, then there are no tickets (all tickets are the same regardless of whether they are GA, GA1, or GA2).
2. Confirm your registration by submitting the suggested donation (Venmo only, please) to @Marc-Komito. I hate to be a pain in the ass about Venmo, but it’ll really help me with bookkeeping.
3. With your donation, please note your name (if it’s not obvious from your Venmo ID), whether you are paying for first weekend, second weekend, or both, and the number of people you’re paying for.
4. I’ll confirm your Venmo with a like and you’re good to go.

Note: There is more interest than there is space and tickets. That is both a blessing and a curse for obvious reasons. It means we’re really going to pull this off, but some people will get left out. 

Also, you MUST register for each weekend separately, though you may total your donations if you’ve successfully registered for both weekends.

FAQs

If I don’t get a ticket, you’ll let me in anyway, right?

Well, there’s not going to be a bouncer with a clipboard checking tickets if that’s what you mean. But space is finite, so when tickets are gone, they’re gone. I feel terribly that some friends may be left out, but it looks like that may be the case so please be on the ball with on sale times. For all of our safety (and the health of my marriage), I’m not going to be able to issue registrations beyond the allotted amount.

Wait, you’re using Eventbrite? Why?

I could be mistaken, but preliminary data suggests that demand outstrips supply. I don’t want to play G-d with entries and I can’t have unlimited people and I want to be fair. So you’ll get an opportunity to “buy a ticket” and the onus will be on you to be on the ball and do so. I really don’t know how else to do it. If something happens and you can’t come, I’ll try to get you in touch with someone who’d like your spot.

Can you go through that ticketing thing one more time?

Sure. Tickets will become available on Eventbrite at the scheduled time. Once you register for your “free” ticket, you’ll see this message, “Congratulations! You have beaten the bots. Please confirm your entry with the suggested donation as follows: 

Please Venmo $35 pp for first weekend and $45 pp for second weekend per ticket to @Marc-Komito. Be sure to note your name & event date along with the number of entries along with your donation. You can note multiple dates as well. For example, Marc Komito x 2 for 7/25 and 8/8.

I’ll like your Venmo and, voila, your registration is confirmed. If you fail to confirm your registration, I’ll contact you.

What about kids? Can I bring them?

Well, I’d never tell you not to, but it might not be that kind of day. Actually, it’s an adult party so if you can make other arrangements, that’s probably best. My kids will be here (maybe), and by here I mean hiding in the basement playing Fortnight while trying to pretend that there isn’t a concert in their backyard. Your kids are welcome, too, if that’s what needs to happen for you to be here. Reach out directly if you want to talk about anything else kid related.

What should I bring?

BYOB. BYO towel. BYO sunscreen. BYO blanket and/or lawn chair as I have some seats but definitely not as many as there will be people and it will be a long day in a very sunny yard. I’ll have water jugs, plenty of ice, and some other non-alcoholic beverages (Arnold Palmers are nice), but if you like a specific mixer please bring it with you. A small cooler may actually be a great idea. And a reusable bottle to stay hydrated because all red cups look alike.

A cooler, really? Should I put food in it, too?

Sure, you’re guaranteed to have something you like. I do intend to have snacks and food (maybe hourly deliveries of pizza from 3:00 – 9:00???), and probably not going to grill as I want to relax and party and not be a short order cook. If you’d like to bring a dish to share, or work the grill, be sure to bring your A game.

What should I wear?

As little as possible. European swimwear is highly encouraged. It’s the meat of summer in the Jerz, and chances are high that it’ll be hot and humid. Plan on needing to swim to cool off.

What’s the code? Send the fucking code!

If you’re reading this, then you already got it. Just be on the ball when the tickets go on sale and you’re good.

Do you have set times?

Goddamn right I do — this is my show, how fucking cool is that!!! The first band is scheduled to start at 3 and music will be over by 9 because, you know, well, the neighbors. I can and will give more details as we get closer. 

So when should I get there? 

Come as early as 12 pm. Enjoy the pool. Play cornhole, washers, or driveway hoops. Kick a soccer ball to my dog. Visit with friends. Eat, drink, and be merry. You are my friend and my guest and I’m so happy to have you.

Wait, your dog plays soccer?

It’s her entire reason for being.

Do I have to leave at 9?

Please don’t. Visit a little. Hang out. We’ll make s’mores. But please note that my bedtime is 11 pm. #kiddingnotkidding. Actually, noise curfew is 11:00 so let’s try be cleared out by then because my neighbors put up with us all day.

Where should I park?

Um, on the street. 

How do I get there if I don’t drive?

Carefully. I live in Marlboro, NJ. Public transportation isn’t really friendly. The nearest train station is in Matawan, NJ (15 minutes away). The nearest bus station is Gordons Corner Road in Manalapan (4 minutes away). Bus is easiest for sure. Nearest ferry is Atlantic Highlands (30ish minutes away).

Can we talk more about the dog?

Her name is Charlie and if you kick her soccer ball to her, you’ve got a friend for life. But please, please, please, do NOT feed her. For that matter, be careful about leaving food lying around because she’s a dog and her life’s mission is to find it.

Do you have a bathroom?

Uh, yeah.

Can I use it?

You fucking better use it or you just peed in my pool. Don’t do that. It adds phosphates to the water which are like food for algae. Seriously, there is a bathroom within 2 steps of a patio door. It’s in a back hallway that’s quite literally sealed off from the rest of my house. 

I’ve also decided to rent a Porta Potty. I figure the men can do their business there (though anyone is welcome and all bathrooms are single use, transgender, same sex, and no sex) and the women can use the house. 

Will people be social distancing?

Some, yes. Others, maybe not so much. Some people will wear masks. Others won’t. Don’t judge. Just do you and be respectful of the wishes of others. Take a minute to read a situation and be sure that you follow the other person’s lead. Be aware of the message other people are sending. If someone has a cooler,  blanket, and beach chair set up in an out of the way area, they probably value their personal space. I expect that boundaries will become blurry as we all get comfortable with one another and time goes on. Be safe. Be polite. Be responsible. We are all adults and we got this.

What’s the capacity?

Up to 100. My wife and I layed out beach towels along the length and width of my yard and determined using 4th grade math that we can accomodate 36 socially distant beach towels behind the pool. I can eyeball another 10 or so spaces on the side lawn for 46 such areas in total. As arithmetic would have it, we should be able to safely and reasonably accomodate 92 or more socially distant people depending on whether said people come in singles, pairs, or fours. That doesn’t include the pool deck and the pool itself, plus a raised patio area for the band. So 100 should be both safe and within prudent guidelines.

The bands will play on a raised paver patio area that will serve as the stage. There is a spacious pool deck 2 steps below for rail riders.

Can we dance?

That’s the entire fucking point. Komito-steps™ for the win! Door prize for the highest step count.

Can we hug?

Behind the bushes.

The donation seems like a lot. Will there be extra money?

The artists are all friends and gave really fair prices. So fair, in fact, that I suggest tipping them. Or buying their merch. But your monetary contribution will basically be split in thirds amongst the artists, event costs (food, liquids, Porto Potty, etc), and charity. 

So is this a fundraiser?

Well, kind of. I am a complete amateur and have never done anything like this before in my life. That being said, I am a NYC Freak and damn proud of our amazing community. As such, I have been Jedi-mind trained by the very best and I feel like I was born to do this. Seriously, I’ve felt more alive planning this over the past week than any time in the last 3 months. I love you all for being a part of it. In that spirit, connecting our love for music and each other while trying to make the world a better place is the very essence of the NYC Freaks and is exactly what the Freaks Action Network is all about. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make a substantial contribution in support of Black Lives Matter.

Anything else?

Dude, I’m not some stranger. Just ask. And make yourself at home. But stay outside. I’m learning on the fly, figuring it all out as I go. I’m bound to forget something, so please bear with me. 

Is that it?

Just one thing. The most important thing. Thank my wife. She’s a fucking saint. 

I love you, babe. Thanks for being you and always encouraging me to be me.

PS: If we pull this off, preliminary plans are already in the works for Marckomitoville: Final Weekend. #don’ttellDianaKomito