Saturday nights mean locked up in a room with some good music,
perched on my bed in a C-staring at a computer screen noting missed e-mails
(though never replying to them) or furtively glancing at a list of random
interests. Also, there are also those Saturday which have special biblical
meanings. But generally Saturday nights for me is summed up in one phrase “peace
and quiet.”
But on this particular Day of October 31, 2015 I was being rudely and persistently nagged by my
thoughts to “enjoy my youth and live a little,” and because of this I finally
succumbed to my suffering alter ego’s yearnings. Yup, I decided to interrupt my regular
granny quiet time to see one of the greatest shows of the year 2015 in
Trinidad- Reggae on the Bay, Hennessey Artistry. So, with that I called up my
friend of three years to make plans but she had one condition and that is punctuality.
Now with all of these
expectations, I was mentally commanding customers to “hurry up” and silently
cursing to myself when wayyyy past closing time people were still pouring in.
Anyways as soon as all of that was over, and I was free…..well just imagine a
wild haired petite womanchild running and hustling people on the road out of
her way to get home with only 28 minutes to get ready before the scheduled 9pm.
Thinking very much that I was beyond late and was going to be begging people
for extra time.
It took a little while for us to get ready and we were a
little late for some acts but the ladies arrived and we were on our way after a
smooth drive to Port of Spain-still surprised the ride was that traffic free.
Disappointedly after trying to find our entrance to the
venue I happened to just miss a band I
was sort-of -kinda –hoping to see and while in our search for a good parking I
happened to hear them perform and actually announce their last song-Rude!
Anyways, like magic-seriously sorry for the nerdy puns- my friend and I spotted
Magic! They were crossing the
street to enter into a barred-off area which possibly had their minivan. But
for some reason, the band leader heard our squeals, turned in our direction
almost acknowledgingly, and with that we took our que to politely request photos.
Now for those, who’ve never and probably have met Magic-they are the most kind
and gentle, humble bodies with the persona of celebrity. They actually patiently
took the time out to wait as two other friends tried to rush with a camera to
snap us, and in good grace the lead singer, Nasri even called his band mate, Mark to be a
part of the picture. Now, I’ve never even been in the concert yet but my night
was already made. It wasn’t even their celebrity status or music but just their
grace towards us and it’s something my friend hasn’t been able to stop talking
about because it was just that damn courteous and special.
Now with all of the magical
energy surrounding us, we entered Reggae by the Bay, waded our way up top, and
shortly entertained by some local performances to prepare for the King-Protoje. Now this guy, whose music I rarely listen to (only
radio versions) was smoothly energizing! His performance to me was well timed,
animated (talk about a dance off with a long locked friend on stage, and army
style back-up dancers) and captivating. He had a gentleman, classic type of
vibes which made us sway as he played through big hits like “Criminal” and “Who
knows.”
Classically and with good
grace we were entertained before seeing the class act for the night, the seed
of the King of Reggae: Jr. Gong Marley. His entrance came with such a hyped up
energy that came out as goose pimples. He commanded the stage with confidence
and went over popular hit songs including some from his Dad. But the one
performance which got me was-Sabali! The moment this song was introduced to me I
was asked to really listen and figure out the meaning and after it became one
of my treasured songs. So, I couldn’t help raving and waving my hands in the
air just mentally soaking it in and becoming overwhelmed as it was played out.
All in all his performance was quite good and the crowd had the pleasure of
listening to his sons who like his dad, confidently spit out tunes and owned the
stage.
So, all in all it was good
and I’m happy I took up pushed myself to enjoy and soak in one night of beautiful,
live music!
This "blog/audio outlet" will be expanding soon into something much more! Look out in December!!!
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