by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
On the way to Winnipeg, hanging out at the airport… Stewie, Bassie, Cecil and Tedo are rocking to a classic Burning Spear tune (Civilize Reggae). This tune was totally ahead of its time. You could look at their faces, body lingo and know something's really rocking hard. It has all the ingredients needed to keep you movin'. Horn lines that are intricate, yet accessible, bass line driving, simply, but with 'nuff soul. And of course, The Burning Spear just lighting up the vocals. Everybody wants to make a copy of it. These times make waiting two hours for a flight melt away. Before you know it, you're boarding the plane.
Of course, I couldn't walk past them and not get a listen for myself… musical airline food. The best kind.
Things are held up a while, as everyone waits to see if the warnings about the rain will come true. We're on the bank of the Muddy River, which is where the festival takes its name. It doesn't look so muddy this night, but it's still standing water and that means mosquitoes. A few of us use the insect repellent that's available. For those who didn't use it, there will be a night of playing and swatting. James and Mikey each have towels draped over their shoulders for cover. If this were a rehearsal, it would be the perfect concentration drill, but this is the real thing and a few of us had bites to show for our dedication.
In spite of this natural obstacle, professionalism and personal pride win out and the audience gets a good show for their trouble. It's a good thing there weren't mics on everyone's skin
Onward, to Red Rocks…
