A carnival for a good cause

Out of the ashes of a robbery grows one of Seattle's budding artist-driven, artist-supported annual events: Carnival Reverie at Neumo's on Capitol Hill.

The carnival's inception came after Capitol Hill's cafe Coffee Messiah was robbed in 2003. Dianne DiTolvo, a Seattle transplant by way of New Jersey, came up with the original idea for the carnival because of her love of Coffee Messiah. The carnival has subsequently benefited different local Seattle organizations and businesses each year.

Last year, Hometown Gravy, a local arts and education organization, was the beneficiary of the funds raised by the carnival. This year, Hometown Gravy is hosting the event, which has special ties to the UW.

Megan Newman, Hometown Gravy vice president and former UW student, is serving as the company's representative as well as the assistant organizer for Carnival Reverie. Serving alongside her on the set construction team will be her brother Elliott Newman, who is a current UW student majoring in aquaic and fishery sciences.

This year the festival is supporting Bootyland, a Capitol Hill-based store that focuses on infants and toddlers. The decision to support Bootyland, a staple in the community for over 10 years, came easily to Newman and DiTolvo.

"The building that houses Bootyland was recently sold to developers who are hoping to push the store out," said Newman. "Bootyland is currently faced with renewing their lease in August with rent that is more than triple what they have been paying, or moving out of the community that they have loved and built and that has supported them for 10 years."

Newman expects to raise at least $3,000 for Bootyland.

" [The funds] will assist Bootyland in either paying rent at their current location or orchestrating a move to a new, less-expensive locale," she said. "Additionally, we hope to increase awareness and ultimately patronage of Bootyland for those patrons who have or know children."

The performers at this year's festival include Seattle folk-rock act the Bad Things, featuring DiTolvo, who takes on the persona of Ringmistress onstage. Other acts include Irish drinking band Meisce, The American Juggolos (a juggling team), a fire circus and midway games.

Because of restrictions placed on the size of the crowd, Newman cautions potential carnival-goers to show up early.

"Last year's carnival, also held at Neumo's, far exceeded our attendance expectations and sold out the venue," DiTolvo said. "By 10:30 p.m., people were being turned away from the door so that the building could remain at capacity."

This year's carnival will be held Sunday at Neumo's on Capitol Hill. The doors open at 6 p.m. If you plan on heading to the show be sure to heed Newman's advice and get there early.