Amateur Psychos

VARIETY by Eeva-Liisa Waaraniemi

The name is a bit misleading — Amateur Psychologists Convention. I was a tad let down when I found out that the APC is actually a variety show of “folk and future music, stories, poetry, dance and film.” That sounds pretty darn good, actually, but it’s not the same as a convention of amateur psychologists. In my books, though, if you are the type attracted to odd conventions (so odd that they don’t even exist, in fact) that means you will also dig an alternative variety fest. That’s just my amateurish psychological perception. In its third year, this “convention” differs from your typical huge summer shindig: most notably, there’s no booze! Food choices include a raw vegetarian kitchen and authentic Mexican food. There’s fun stuff for kids. For anyone, chair massages. The wonderfully varied acts, each lasting about a half hour, are constant from noon until 2 a.m. “This event costs no money to attend and your mind is allowed to be free.”-their words. And, this all happens “on the full moon.” If that’s the spirit, those chair massages must be free. All recollection of the psychologists who were to be present will be blissfully lost.

Saturday from noon to 2 a.m., The Overlook, Outdoor Ampitheatre Downtown Arts District, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin (just across the river from Taylors Falls, MN); 612-385-4598; free.