A Glorious Sattaday

What a wonderful world it is here at SNWMF. The sun is shining, it's warm but not too hot; people are finally able to show some skin today after yesterday's cool breezes kept the hoodies up.

Last night was epic! Baaba Maal's set was uplifting and inspirational, it's such a rare treat to see international superstars right here in Boonville. Those talking drums get me everytime! Synchopated 'thump de dum dump' and I'm pulled in like a moth to a flame.

Rodigan killed it in the dancehall, though his constant complaining about the cd decks got a bit old. He kept saying he was having to work too hard. But Comanche High Power had the sound going well nice all night and for the three hours I rocked it inside I didn't see any audience members complaining about sound: quite the opposite, really, as I experienced it in locations throughout the hall the sound was deep enough to vibrate up my spine and yet it wasn't painful to my ears even though I lost my plugs almost immediately. Quite cool I might add, to have the dancehall in a building that is traditionally used for showing livestock. Love the feel of an old barn combined with the sounds of classic and rare dubplates.

I had such a great time at the dancehall I found energy I didn't know I had after trepsing around all day and ended up staying up and talking to camp neighbors until 4:30 am.

It's been an incredible day so far. I took an extra cold shower, "Island Style!" the beautiful woman next to me in the bathroom reminded me. The bathrooms were imppecably clean, and though the cold shower was a bit shocking to my tired self, the lack of temperature definitely cut down on the waiting time. Well refreshed, I came into the office where the staff continues to calmly and lovingly resolve an endless stream of inquiries, requests and problems. One Acai' Smoothie later and I was ready to work. Yum, those smoothies are superlicious!

Messenjah Selah sounded really sweet at the Village stage, backed by a band that I call "tha Superstarrs" that included the venerable Toho on bass, Johnnie on drums and Ryan on keys. Didn't get guitsie's name, but he was good, real good. Jah Dan, straight outta Brooklyn, had great set as well, backed by the same band but bringing forth a whole new sound, a little bit of hip hop, a little bit of soul, and a whole lotta vibes.

Meanwhile, Ooklah the Moc had the Village stage thumping and swaying in the sunshine. It's always real sweet for me to experience Hawaiian vibes in Cali. I've been hearing lots about this band and they did not disappoint. They announced this was the kickoff show to their tour, and I definitely recommend checking them if you get the chance.

It's continually difficult to pull away from the action to translate the experience for the people, but I'm so happy for the opportunity, and I am of course having a simply wonderful time.