Week 5: The Long Beach Band
Last Saturday afternoon, Union Station market came alive with dance and celebratory music, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and harmony. As the rain gave way to the bright rays of the sun, I knew it was going to be a special day. Our band, a diverse mix of Canadians and Caribbeans who share an immense love for dancing, was all set to weave melodies that would stay with the audience forever.
The stage was set, and the anticipation was palpable. As I picked up my trumpet and flugelhorn, Stuart Brignell took charge of the saxophone, leading us into an electric medley that ignited the crowd's excitement. We started with some absolute classics like "Tempted to Touch," "Bruk off Your Back," and "One Dance," and the energy in the air was simply electrifying.
But amid all the euphoria, an incident occurred during the first part of the show that left a lasting impression on me. A white man approached us with a song request, assuming we were like a jukebox. I kindly explained that live shows require preparation and rehearsal, but he didn't take it well. It reminded me of the importance of respecting the hard work musicians put into crafting their performances. Nonetheless, this encounter served as a valuable lesson for all of us: be respectful and mindful of the artists on stage, and if the music isn't your cup of tea, it's okay to gracefully step back without disrupting others' enjoyment.
Throughout the show, we delved into some amazing tracks, giving our unique instrumental renditions of hits like "Ginger" by WizKid and "Last Last" by Burna Boy. The crowd loved it, and their energy was infectious. Adding to the magic were our fantastic guest artists. Nathan Baya stole the show with his mesmerizing dance skills, while Martin Gomes captivated everyone with a soul-stirring reggae medley featuring Bob Marley classics "Three Little Birds" and "Waiting in Vain."
I must say, performing alongside the talented musicians in the Long Beach band was an absolute pleasure. Josiah Johnson on Drums, Zack Stuckey on Guitar, Jonathan Aristide on Bass, Stuart Brignell on Saxophone, and yours truly on trumpet and flugelhorn – we created a musical bond that felt like we had been playing together forever. And collaborating with the brilliant Zack Stuckey on Guitar was a first I hope, of many to come.
Our incredible host, David Delisca, kept the energy high and the audience engaged throughout the evening. His interaction with the crowd added an extra layer of warmth and excitement to the show.
As the curtains drew to a close, the feeling of gratitude overwhelmed me. I couldn't help but thank the audience from the bottom of my heart for their unwavering support, attentive listening, and enthusiastic participation. Music has this incredible power to connect people, and that day, I felt that power in its full glory.
Week 5 at the Rudy Ray Show holds a special place in my heart. It was a celebration of music, dance, and cultural unity, reminding us all of the beauty that lies in diversity. The rhythm and melody we created together transcended barriers and brought us all together as one harmonious entity.
So, my dear friends, whether you were there at the show or are reading about it now, remember this: music is a language that knows no boundaries. It has the power to move us, to heal us, and to unite us. So, keep dancing, keep celebrating, and keep spreading the magic of music wherever you go. Until we meet again, thank you for being a part of this unforgettable journey. Stay groovy, and keep the music alive!
